Test Number _______
DISTRICT #228
SOCIAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT
CRITERION REFERENCE TEST
GEOGRAPHY– 1ST SEMESTER
(Please do not write on this test)
Written:
December 1998
Revised: December, 1999
March, 2000
March, 2003
March, 2008
November, 2012
1.
In the text, “geography” is defined as the study of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
2.
places on earth
location of countries
location of Earth and other planets
Earth, its people and their relationships
A new high school is two blocks away from the bus stop and one
mile from downtown. This is an example of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
3.
(17.A.1B)
(17.A.3a)
absolute location
relative location
movement
topography
The Five Themes of Geography are useful because they:
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.D.3b)
relate to history of man
help people organize ideas about the world and its people
solve social problems
improve essay writing
Athens, Greece
Temperature
Precipitation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
49.5°
2.2”
50.5°
1.6”
53°
1.4”
60°
.8”
May
69°
.8”
Jun
77°
.6”
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
82.5°
.2”
82.5°
.4”
75.5°
.6”
67.5°
1.7”
59.5°
2.8”
52.5°
2.8”
Cairo, Egypt
Temperature
Precipitation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
55.5°
.2”
58°
.2”
63°
.2”
69.5°
.1”
May
Jun
Jul
76°
.1”
81.5°
<.05”
83.5°
0”
May
Jun
58.5°
2.5”
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
83°
0”
78.5°
<.05”
74°
<.05”
67.5°
.1”
59°
.2”
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
62.5°
1.2”
62.5°
1.7”
58.5°
3.6”
50.5°
5.8”
43.5°
8.3”
38°
8.8”
Vancouver, Canada
Temperature
Precipitation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
38.5°
8.6”
40.5°
5.8”
42.5°
5”
47.5°
3.3”
53.5°
2.8”
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4.
Which city has the warmest temperatures in the month of August?
(17.A.3b)
A. Athens, Greece
B. Cairo, Egypt
C. Vancouver, Canada
5.
In which month does Athens, Greece receive the least amount of precipitation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
July
December
March
May
6. What is the difference in average temperature between Vancouver and
Cairo in the month of October?
A.
B.
C.
D.
7.
(17.A.3b)
38.5
31.0
23.5
15.3
The studies of weather and the forces and processes that it causes is:
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.4b)
Meteorology
Oceanography
Geology
Astronomy
8. What does the relative location of a place tell you?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A.1b)
the longitude and latitude of a place
which symbol shows a place on a map
where a place is compared to another place
the map projection being used to show a place
9. Maps cannot represent the exact size or shape of Earth's features because of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
tilt.
scale.
rotation.
distortion.
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(17.A.1b)
10. The movement of large numbers of people to cities is known as:
A.
B.
C.
D.
(18.C.5)
emission.
distortion.
immigration.
urbanization.
11. Los Angeles, California’s absolute location is 34 N, 118 W. Which letter
is at this location?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(18.C.5)
letter “A”
letter “F”
letter “E”
letter “D”
12. The place labeled letter “G” on the map above is in what hemispheres?
(17.A.3b)
A.
B.
C.
D.
Southern and Eastern
Northern and Western
Northern and Eastern
Southern and Western
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13. Melbourne, Australia is identified on the map as the letter “I”. Which
of the following coordinates come closest to its exact location?
A.
B.
C.
D.
38 S, 145 E
30 N, 135 E
35 S, 75 W
12 S, 77 W
14. Which of these is the best definition of an El Nino?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A.2a)
a natural disaster
a tropical cyclone
a warm ocean current
a strong prevailing wind
15. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards are all examples of :
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A.2a)
heat transfer.
climate zones.
tropical storms.
extreme weather.
16. Which aspect of a hurricane creates the most damage once the storm reaches land?
A.
B.
C.
D.
17.
(17.A.3b)
(17.C.4a)
high winds
storm surge
heavy rainfall
lightning strikes
The yearly orbit of Earth around the sun is called its:
(17.B.1a)
A.
B.
C.
D.
18.
rotation
ellipse
revolution
tilt
What erosional agent was most influential in forming the Great Lakes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
running water
wind
gravity
glaciers
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(17.A.2a)
19.
Plains and plateaus are both examples of:
A.
B.
C.
D.
20.
(17.A.2a)
folding
landforms
sand dunes
plate boundaries
The factor that most strongly influences a region’s climate is:
(17.B.3a
A.
B.
C.
D.
21.
The most important elements of climate are:
A.
B.
C.
D.
22.
latitude
condensation
vegetation
population
(17.B)
wind, air pressure, temperature and precipitation
gases in the atmosphere and tectonic activity
the orographic effect and rain-fall
weather patterns, climate and plant life
The overall pattern of landforms in North America is:
(17.A.3a))
A. central plains between high mountains to the west and low mountains
to the east.
B. high mountains to the west and vast rolling plains to the east.
C. high mountains to the east, low mountains to the west, and plains in the
north and south.
D. plateaus between high eastern mountains and western coastal plains.
23.
Canada’s climates are generally colder than those of the United
States because:
A.
B.
C.
D.
24.
(17.A)
there are no coastal ranges in Canada.
Canada is located farther north of the Equator than is the United States.
Canada does not lie near any warm bodies of water.
the Canadian Shield blocks ocean winds from blowing onto the land.
The tropical climate is characterized by:
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A)
long, sunny, dry summers and mild winters
alternating seasons of heavy rainfall and dryness
short, cool summers and long winters
warm temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round
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25.
Canada’s population center and economic core are:
A.
B.
C.
D.
26.
Vancouver
Quebec City
Edmonton
Toronto
What major economic activity takes place in region F?
A. Fishing
B. Farming
27.
(18.A.4)
C. Mining
D. Oil industry
Fishing would be an economic activity in region:
A. J
28.
(18.A.4a)
B. H
C. L
(18.A.5)
D. I
The Great Plains would be located nearest what letter?
A. L
B. I
C. H
(17.A.2b)
D. J
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CITY
SUBURB OF…
1980 POP.
1990 POP.
% INCREASE
28,309
118,779
320%
288,091
89%
Moreno Valley, CA
Riverside
Mesa, AZ
Phoenix
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Los Angeles
55,250
101,409
84%
Plano, TX
Dallas
72,331
128,713
78%
Irvine, CA
Los Angeles
62,134
110,330
78%
Escondido, CA
San Diego
64,355
108,635
69%
Oceanside, CA
Los Angeles
76,698
128,398
68%
Santa Clarita, CA
Los Angeles
66,730
110,642
66%
152,404
29. Which of these cities had the largest population in 1990?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A)
Mesa
Oceanside
Santa Clarita
Moreno Valley
30. What California city’s population grew by the largest percent between
1980 and 1990?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Santa Clarita
Rancho Cucamonga
Moreno Valley
Escondido
31. Which resource is most abundant in Texas, Alaska, and Alberta?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.A)
(17.C)
coal
hydroelectric power
petroleum
precious metals
32. Name the canal that was built to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and passes through a
Latin American country by the same name:
(17.A.3b)
A. Columbia
B. Panama
C. Mexico
D. Venezuela
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33. Name the river that runs through Brazil and is the longest river in the western hemisphere:
(17.A.3b)
A. Aconcagua
B. Parana
C. Nile
D. Amazon
34. Most of the people in Latin America earn a living as:
(18.C)
A. skilled laborers in factories
B. farmers
C. workers in the tourist industry
D. members of the armed forces
35. Mexico City is marked by:
A. large gaps between rich and poor
B. great equality of income
C. declining population growth
D. a large middle class
(18.A)
36. Which of the following is a direct result of NAFTA?
A. increase in unemployment in Mexico
B. increase in manufacturing jobs in Mexico
C. decrease in pollution problems in Mexico
D. decrease in trade between the United States and Mexico
(17.B.3a)
37. Earthquakes are caused by:
A. the folding of mountains.
B. increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
C. movement of tectonic plates
D. severe erosional forces.
(17.A.2a)
38. Ocean water contains a high percentage of:
A. nitrogen.
B. bauxite.
C. salt.
D. iron.
(17.C.1b)
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Population Data for Four Central American Countries
Literacy Rate
Infant Mortality Rate
(per 1,000 births)
Life Expectancy - Males
Life Expectancy - Females
Workers in Agriculture
Costa Rica
93%
Panama
88%
Honduras
73%
Guatemala
55%
10%
76%
80%
27%
16%
73%
78%
27%
43%
66%
71%
62%
52%
62%
68%
60%
39. A person living in Illinois would experience what climate type?
A. Humid subtropical
B. Humid Continental
C. Mediterranean
D. Polar
40. What information is shown in the table?
A.
B.
C.
D.
(17.B)
(17.B)
The population of the world
The population of the United States
The population data for certain Central American countries.
The manufacturing data for certain Central American countries
41. What is the infant mortality rate in Honduras?
(17.B)
A.
66%
B.
62%
C.
76%
D.
43%
42. What relationship between literacy rate and infant mortality does this table suggest?
(18.C.5)
A.
The lower the literacy rate the lower the infant mortality rate.
B.
The literacy rate and infant mortality rate are the same in all of the countries.
C.
The higher the literacy rate, the higher the infant mortality rate.
D.
The lower the infant mortality rate, the higher the literacy rate.
43. What relationship between the life expectancy and the amount of workers in agriculture does
the table suggest?
(18.C.5)
A.
The higher the life expectancy the lower the workers in agriculture.
B.
The lower the life expectancy the lower the workers in agriculture.
C.
The higher the life expectancy the higher the workers in agriculture.
D.
The life expectancy and the workers in agriculture remain the same throughout the table.
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Map A- Match the following with the correct location of Map A.
44. Ontario is:
A)
2
(17.A.3b)
B)
1
C)
7
D)
3
45. Alaska is:
A)
2
B)
15
C)
21
D)
1
46. Mexico is:
A)
20
B)
19
C)
14
D)
18
47. Washington D.C. is:
A)
19
B)
20
C)
11
D)
5
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.3b)
48. The Rocky Mountains are:
A)
4
B)
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.3b)
12
C)
6
D)
9
49. The Mississippi River is:
A)
14
B)
(17.A.3b)
16
C)
4
D)
15
50. The Gulf of Mexico is:
A)
17
B)
13
C)
8
D)
3
(17.A.3b)
51. The Great Lakes are:
A)
15
B)
(17.A.3b)
9
C)
11
D)
5
52. Appalachians are:
A)
12
B)
9
C)
15
D)
6
53. St. Lawrence River is:
A)
14
B)
4
C)
16
D)
21
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.3b)
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Map B – Match the following with the correct location number on Map B.
54. Venezuela is:
A)
24
55. Cuba is:
A)
22
(17.A.3b)
B)
23
C)
28
D)
27
(17.A.3b)
B)
24
C)
23
D)
26
56. The Andes Mountains are:
A)
23
B)
24
C)
22
D)
26
57. Panama is:
A)
24
C)
23
D)
28
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.3b)
B)
22
58. The Amazon River is:
A)
23
B)
28
C)
25
D)
24
59. Argentina is:
A)
27
28
C)
25
D)
26
60. Costa Rica is:
A.)
29
(17.A.3b)
(17.A.3b)
B)
(17.A.3b)
B)
24
C)
26
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Where Are All the Buffalo?
American Indians of the past hunted buffalo. They did not use guns. They used bow and arrow.
They rode full speed on ponies. They went bareback. They covered the rough prairie.
sometimes horses stumbled. This could mean disaster. The thousand pounding hooves never stopped.
How big is a buffalo bull? Some weigh 3,000 pounds. The average is about 2,000
pounds. The bull is about six feet at the shoulders. It is 10 to 12 feet long. That’s from
the tip of its nose to the end of its tail. From horn tip to horn tip is about three feet.
The buffalo was life to the Indian. It was meat for the summer’s pot. Strips dried in
the sun were winter food. Hides made strong tepees. They gave shelter from rains and
snows. They made a warm home.
Just think. As recently as 1850, there were 20 million buffalo. They covered the
Western plains. By 1889, there were 500. The needless killing! Not by Indians.
But by “sportsmen” safely shooting from railroad cars. The buffalo that remained
were gathered up. They’re in preserves now. There are about 10,000 in the United States.
They are mainly around Yellowstone. There are 15,000 in Canada. Near Great Slave
Lake is home for most.
Buffalo like company. They live and thrive in herds. They are full grown in eight years.
Some live 30 to 40 years. They feed mostly on grass. So the prairie is just right for them.
Tame them? Ranchers tried. All failed. Buffalo have quick tempers.
Once thing is true. They were the “cattle” of the American Indian.
61. The main subject of this passage is
A. hunting
B. how American Indians of the past lived
C. Where buffalo live today
D. the buffalo
62. The buffalo was life to the Indians because it
A. provided food, clothing and shelter
B. was part of their favorite shelter
C. made them strong hunters
D. lived as long as they did
63. The writer implies that
A. Indians wasted many parts of the buffalo
B. buffalo became endangered because of white civilians
C. hunting is easier when bow and arrow are used.
D. although buffalo are big they are very calm
64. The writer puts quotation marks around the work “sportsmen” to
A. show that these men were important
B. state a fact
C. suggest that buffalo hunting was a sporting activity
D. suggest the writer’s opinion about what these men were doing
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65. Thrive most closely means
A. fight
B. do well
C. do poorly
D. grow
Getting a Handle on Time
When it’s 10:15 in New York, it’s 9:15 in Chicago, 8:15 in Salt Lake City, and 7:15 in San Franciscoisn’t it? This consistent and orderly time system, based on a grid of time zones, seems so natural that
people rarely give it a moment’s thought. So you may find it surprising to learn that prior to the late 1800s
each community established its own time-by looking at the sun. When the sun shone directly over-head
in Washington, D.C., for example it was 12:00 noon there; up the road in Philadelphia, however, it was 12:07;
and in Boston it was 12:24. To measure time with absolute accuracy, it is necessary to move the clock
about one minute for every twelve miles of distance; so according to “sun time” your pocket watch would be
slightly incorrect if you ventured only a few miles down the road.
It was not until the advent of widespread railroad travel that a need arose for regularized time. At one point
Over 300 local times were honored within the country, making it literally impossible for trains to arrive
consistently on time everywhere. As a result, in 1883 the continental United States was divided into four time
zones, centered on approximately the 75th, 90th, 105th and 120th meridians of longitude. The standardization
resulting from this system proved so helpful that in 1884 the International Meridian Conference applied the same
procedure to establish time zones around the world. Thus, if it is 11:07 p.m. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a little
simple research will quickly determine that in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it is 9:08 a.m.-and not 9:15.
66. The best alternate title for this passage would be
A. why time zones were established
B. It’s 9:07 in Kuala Lumpur
C. Why trains rarely run on time
D. understanding longitude
67. Before the 1880’s each town
A. had its own train station
B. had the same time as towns 20 or more miles away
C. believed that a system of regulating time was needed
D. established its own time by the sun
68. The distance between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia must be
A. more than 75 miles
B. more than 150 miles
C. more than 200 miles
D. more than 300 miles
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69. This passage is organized as
A. a personal narrative
B. a problem and a solution
C. a spatial description
D. a persuasive essay
70. In this passage advent means
A. disagreement
B. confusion
C. arrival
D. disappearance
Blowing their Tops
The eruption of Washington State’s Mount St. Helen’ in 1980 caught Americans’ attention because it occurred in
their own country. But the Mount St. Helens cataclysm was only one in a long line of spectacular volcanic
eruptions that have occurred over the past hundred years, many resulting in far more damage and loss of life.
In 1902 Mount Pelee in Martinique exploded, shooting out a huge cloud of burning gas and ashes that killed
the 30,000 citizens of St. Pierre. An 1883 eruption that blew the top off the island of Krakatoa, near Sumatra,
created a tidal wave that killed 36,000 people and spewed enough debris into the atmosphere to create a
worldwide haze. When Mount Bezumyannaya erupted in Siberia in 1956, it spit out 2.4 billion tons of rockenough debris to bury the city of Paris. Although its ashes were carried over 250 miles, no one was killed
because the volcano was in a remote area. But the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia in 1985 caused
mudslides that resulted in the deaths of over 23,000 people.
In February of 1943, near the Mexican village of Paricutin, a man watched a volcano emerge in his cornfield.
Dionisio Pulido was working in his field when a small crack in the ground began to expand and the earth started
to shake. The stunned farmer watched until the danger forced him to leave. Out of the rift poured a cloud of
smoke and sparks so large that at night it created a fireworks display visible for over 50 miles. By late March, the
cloud had grown to a 20,000-foot column of smoke that was raining ashes on Mexico City, 200 miles away.
Before the newborn volcano finally subsided, in 1952, it had created a mountain 1,200 feet high where Pulido’s
cornfield had been.
71.The passage is primarily about
A. great disasters
B. volcanic eruptions
C. Mount St. Helens
D. a volcano in Mexico
72.According to the passage, Mount Bezumyannaya in Siberia
A. emerged in a cornfield
B. caused a tidal wave
C. killed 36,000 people
D. killed no one
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73.We can conclude from the passage that volcanoes
A. do not occur anymore
B. occur in many different parts of the world
C. are really not terribly dangerous
D. usually erupt in the winter
74. The story of the volcano in the cornfield is presented to demonstrate the fact that volcanoes
A. kill a lot of people
B. erupt in Mexico
C. spring up from level ground
D. have often been unpredictable
75. In this passage remote is closest in meaning to
A. isolated
B. lonely
C. rural
D. barren
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