What is the world's biggest island?

Australia is a Continent. In this case the quiz is right.

My understanding is that Australia was not allowed to claim status as both an island and a continent and were given the choice. The crucial definition is that an island is a land mass completely surrounded by water and is smaller than a continent. Therefore. Australia could be .either...but not both. They elected continent. I am reasonably certain that this is accurate but if it is not in some respect, please correct me.

Richard D. Boyle, I’m afraid Australians did not vote on this. The distinction was made by geographers due to several reasons - one of which you mention (it cannot be both). Unfortunately, there isn’t a strict scientific definition of a continent. But there are a few criteria that are commonly used to distinguish one continent from another. First, there is a geological distinction. While Australia and most of Asia are situated on separate tectonic plates, Greenland shares a tectonic plate with North America. Second, there is a biological distinction. While a large percentage of Australia’s plant and animal species can be found nowhere else in the world, fewer of Greenland’s species are unique. Third, there is an anthropological distinction. Aboriginal people are limited to Australia, while indigenous Greenlanders belong to a group of peoples (the Inuit) found throughout the Arctic, including parts of Canada, the United States, and Russia. While each of those criteria may not be sufficient on its own—for instance, Europe and Asia also share a tectonic plate but are usually considered separate continents for cultural reasons—together they form a general understanding of what qualifies as a continent.

It appears it makes a difference where you’re from as to what answer you believe is true. In Australia we are taught that Australia is the largest island and the smallest continent. Other places (mainly the US) take the view that an island can’t also be considered as a continent.

I suspected they would exclude Australia because it is defined as a continent. But I'm reading the definition of an Island, and it says, "a piece of land surrounded by water." So... by that definition, it would be Australia.

Leapy Lee, Americans try to do that all the time. Whatever Uncle Donald says, goes! You'd better believe it, or he'll impose bigger tariffs on you! 😂😂

Steve Golub, It's still an island, though. Even so, if you look at a map of the world, I think you'd find that Australia would actually fit inside Greenland.

Martin Retzolk, I did not realize that points are deducted for incorrect answers. I have only seen my rank change after a correct, or incorrect, answer, but that depends on everyone else who is also playing. Was it your coin count, or your star count?

MRogers, Then, Asia, Europe, and Africa are connected?

All of the continents are really islands if you look at them and twist your vision a bit.

Debra Coleman, That's what I thought too.

Jacqueline Tattam, Great clarification! Thanks Jacqueline.

Phill Latham, Americans decided that they would make their own rules and we aren’t allowed to be classes as both an island and a continent

Debra it is, but it seems our American friends have decreed that we are not allowed to be both!

Irish Kiwi, Aren't ALL continents islands as well? They're ALL surrounded by water!

Jacqueline Tattam, Thanks for your extensive clarification. Well done!

Rafi Manory, In that case, aren't all the continents islands? SMH

A continental island bogus answer loaded question.