Geography Fall Pretest
Student Growth Assessment 1 of 4
Written: 2012-2013
Implemented: 2013-2014
DISTRICT #228 SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT
Authors: Eric Gomez, Chris Hennessy, Pete Luby
B
5. If you were traveling from the Atlantic Ocean
along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Superior, you
would end up near which letter?
(A) F
(B) I
(C) J
(D) K
1. What major economic activity takes place in
region F?
(A) Fishing
(B) Farming
(C) Mining
(D) Oil industry
2. Fishing would be an economic activity in region:
(A) J
(B) H
(C) L
(D) I
6. Rain forests are called the “lungs of the Earth”
because of their role in the:
(A) Food web
(B) Coriolis effect
(C) El Nino current
(D) carbon-oxygen cycle
7. Maps cannot represent the exact size or shape of
Earth’s features because of
(A) Tilt
(B) Scale
(C) Rotation
(D) Distortion
3. The natural resource that would be found by
letter G is?
8. What causes the changing of seasons throughout
the year?
(A) Water
(B) Oil
(C) Gold
(D) Lead
(A) The rotation of Earth around its axis
(B) the tilt of Earth’s axis toward the sun
(C) The distance between the sun and Earth
(D) The division of Earth into hemispheres
4. The Great Plains would be located nearest what
letter?
9. What does a map’s scale compare?
(A) L
(B) I
(C) H
(D) J
(A) Direction on a map with direction on Earth
(B) Distance on a map with distance on Earth
(C) Location on a map with location on a globe
(D) Distortion on a map with distortion on a globe
10. What does the relative location of a place tell
you?
15. A geographer would most likely use GPS for
which of the following tasks?
(A) the longitude and latitude of a place
(B) which symbol shows a place on a map
(C) where a place is compared to another place
(D) the map projection being used to show a place
(A) to study the ocean floor
(B) to chart the growth of a city
(C) to provide detailed information about a location
(D) to determine whether or not a community
needs to build a new school
11. Which two continents are located entirely in the
Western Hemisphere?
(A) Europe and Africa
(B) Asia and Antarctica
(C) North America and Australia
(D) North America and South America
12. What do geographers use to indicate the
absolute location of any place on Earth?
(A) a global grid
(B) a map legend
(C) a map scale
(D) a compass rose
16. All of the following workers are engaged in
tertiary economic activities except
(A) a doctor.
(B) a waitress.
(C) a carpenter.
(D) a police officer.
17. Which of the following is an example of a
biome?
(A) Congo River
(B) winter solstice
(C) coniferous forest
(D) Mediterranean climate
13. A geographer would most likely use sonar to do
which of the following tasks?
(A) map the population density of an area
(B) prepare a detailed road map
(C) map a section of the ocean floor
(D) identify changes in land use over time
14. Which of the following is not used by
geographers to determine absolute location?
(A) the Equator
(B) distance from the ocean
(C) latitude
(D) the Prime Meridian
18. Both warm air and warm water flow generally
(A) from the Equator to the poles.
(B) from the poles toward the Equator.
(C) straight because of the Coriolis effect.
(D) from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
19. An ecumene is a region that is well suited to
permanent settlement. Which of these best defines
Canada’s ecumene?
(A)the plains region
(B the border region
(C) the tundra region
(D) the subarctic region
23. Today the majority of the American population
lives in
(A)a suburb.
(B) a small city.
(C) or near a major city.
(D) a small town or rural area.
20. The castle-like buildings found in the Pacific
Region show the influence of which of Canada’s
founding peoples?
24. In the early to mid-1800s, the most efficient
means of transporting raw material and finished
good around the country was the
(A) Asian immigrants
(B) British settlers
(C) French colonists
(D) Native Americans
(A) steamboat.
(B) covered wagon.
(C) sailing ship.
(D) railroad.
21. Quebec and Ontario developed as Canada’s
economic heart because of the provinces’ locations
25. Which of the following factors did not influence
the economic development of the United States?
(A) on the major waterway linking the Canadian
interior and the Atlantic Ocean.
(B) along Canada’s major railroad lines.
(C) bordering the Hudson Bay.
(D) in the southeastern corner of Canada near the
United States.
(A) an abundance of land
(B) transportation technology
(C) strict immigration laws
(D) an economic system based on capitalism
22. All of the following factors have contributed to
making national unity difficult to achieve except
26. The Midwest is called “the nation’s
breadbasket” because
(A) many Canadians’ strong ties to regional and
ethnic groups.
(B) rivalry between Canadians of English and French
heritage.
(C) great differences among the provinces and
territories.
(D) immigration of central and eastern Europeans to
Canada.
(A) millions of loaves of bread are produced there
every day.
(B) it is the crossroads of the United States.
(C) it is the region that produces most of the
nation’s grain, dairy products, and hogs.
(D) most of the nation’s fruit and vegetables are
grown there.
27. The growth of industry in the South was not
affected by
31. What is the scientific study of climate and
weather called?
(A) the discovery of oil in Texas.
(B) its access to ocean ports along with Gulf of
Mexico.
(C) the rich natural resources in Appalachia.
(D) the abundance of fast-moving streams in the
Carolinas.
(A) geology
(B) meteorology
(C) human geography
(D) physical geography
28. The Northeast became a leader in commerce
because of its
32. Which of the following is the largest country in
Latin America?
(A) abundant mineral resources.
(B) many rivers.
(C) rolling farmlands and lush forests.
(D) agricultural diversity.
(A) Argentina
(B) Brazil
(C) Mexico
(D) Venezuela
29. In contrast to San Diego and Reno, the city of
Seattle has
(A) far fewer trees.
(B) a wetter climate.
(C) a warmer climate despite its more northern
location.
(D) a milder climate because of its coastal location.
30. What causes the Coriolis effect?
(A) the rotation of Earth
(B) warm ocean temperatures
(C) the tilt of Earth on its axis
(D) extreme weather conditions
33. Which of the following countries is named after
the person who helped to win its independence?
(A) Guyana
(B) Bolivia
(C) Belize
(D) Brazil
34. All of the following countries are island except
(A) Cuba.
(B) Haiti.
(C) Panama.
(D) Jamaica.
35. The landscapes of all of the following countries
are dominated by the Andes except
40. Key to the Spanish conquest of Mexico in the
1500s was that the Spanish
(A)Ecuador.
(B) Chili.
(C) Venezuela.
(D) Bolivia
36. Which two countries have a predominantly
tropical wet climate?
(A) formed alliances with the enemies of the
Aztecs.
(B) shared a common religion with the majority of
the native population.
(C) began by cultivating the trust of the Aztecs and
then destroyed their empire.
(D) understood the importance of forming
economic ties with the Aztecs.
(A) Colombia and Suriname
(B) Nicaragua and Venezuela
(C) Argentina and Belize
(D) El Salvador and Mexico
41. Major sources of income for the Mexican
economy include all of the following except
37. Mexico’s heartland region is dominated by
(A) lowlands.
(B) coastal plains.
(C) high and rugged mountains.
(D) an elevated plateau.
38. All of the following countries border the Atlantic
Ocean except
(A)Bolivia.
(B) Brazil.
(C) French Guiana.
(D) Uruguay.
39. Which of the following is an accurate
statement about Mexico City?
(A) Its high elevation contributes to a mild climate
year-round.
(B) It receives an average of less than four inches of
rain a year because the Sierra Madres block rainfall
coming from the ocean.
(C) Its coastal location attracts many tourists who
enjoy its beaches.
(D) Although it is the capital city of Mexico, its
population is less than that of the border city of
Tijuana.
(A) agriculture.
(B) tourism.
(C) the technology industry.
(D) petroleum extraction.
42. Temperatures in the Caribbean are moderate
because of the islands’
(A) nearness to water.
(B) high mountains.
(C) location in the tropics.
(D) elevation.
43. After clearing the rainforest for farming, many
settlers have discovered that rain forest soil
(A) becomes quickly exhausted by constant rains
and planting.
(B) is the most fertile soil in Brazil
(C) needs little irrigation to produce large crop
yields every year.
(D) turns to red, barren clay only after many year of
planting.
The Longest Trail
Listen carefully. Don’t answer too quickly. At least, don’t say “yes” too soon. A friend might ask, “Want
to take a hike?” You should say, “Where?” If he replies, “The entire Appalachian Trial,” take warning.
Here’s why.
The trail is the longest marked footpath in the world. It starts at Springer Mountain, Georgia. It
winds along the crest of the mountains. It goes through 14 states. It ends at Mt. Katahdin, Maine. As
the crow flies, this is about 2,200 miles. But when walked, the trail is 2,600 miles. If done nonstop, it
takes about six months.
Most hikers begin from Springer Mountain. They start around April 1. This is why. The snow has
probably melted in the south. But there may still be snow in the north. By the time they reach Maine,
the snow will be long gone. What’s the chance of making it nonstop? Here are the data. About 1,500
attempt it each year. About 300 make it. It is a great challenge.
Careful planning is necessary. There are problems to solve. The biggest is weight on one’s back. Too
many hikers start out with too much. Wise ones don’t carry food. They send packages to post offices
along the way. There are no camp fires allowed. Some shelters are near the path. But the trail is
crowded. It is hard to find space. A perfect tent is necessary. And it rains a lot. Great rain gear is
needed. It should be light.
Benton MacKaye founded the trail. The first part was cut in 1922. It is cared for by volunteers in each
state. Do you plan to go? Read lots of books by people who’ve done it.
44. The focus of this passage is
(A) hiking trails.
(B) the longest trails in the world.
(C) dangers of hiking in the Appalachian Mountains
(D) hiking the Appalachian Trail.
45. To hike the Appalachian Trail one must
47. The phrase “As the crow flies” is used to refer to
the trails
(A) distance
(B) height
(C) view
(D) difficulty
(A) bring many books.
(B) plan ahead.
(C) wear heavy clothing.
(D) have a strong mule.
48. The word data means
46. The author of this passage
(A) has hiked the entire trail many times.
(B) has volunteered to maintain the trail.
(C) admires those who enjoy hiking.
(D) thinks hiking the trail is difficult but rewarding.
(A) untrue stories.
(B) volunteers.
(C) pieces of information
(D) distances
The Day of the Dead
Perhaps you’ve heard of the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead. And perhaps, because it
occurs around the same time, you thought this holiday was pretty much the same as Halloween. But if
you thought this, you would be wrong.
The Day of the Dead is a time to remember departed relatives and friends, but not in a sad or morbid
way. Families get together to share happy memories of the past, to feast on special foods, and to put
flowers and other gifts on the graves of loved ones. Many people believe that on the Day of the Dead
the spirits of the dead will return to join the living. This holiday is popular not only in Mexico. It is also
celebrated in many regions of the United States and Central America. Festivities vary from location to
location.
The origins of the Day of the Dead can be traced to the Aztec Indians. These early inhabitants of
Mexico set aside an entire month to celebrate the dead. When the Spanish invaded, they changed the
date of the holiday to coincide with the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day, November 1st and 2nd.
One reason people sometimes confuse the Day of the Dead with Halloween is because skeletons are
so much a part of the celebrations. Once popular skeletal figure is Katarina, who wears a dress and
plumed hat. Skulls and skeletons also decorate many baked goods and sugar candies prepared for the
day.
49. This passage is mostly about
(A)things that are done to celebrate the Day of the
Dead.
(B) differences between Halloween and the Day of
the Dead.
(C) how the Day of the Dead became a holiday.
(D) people’s fear of dying.
51. From this passage one can conclude that the
Day of the Dead is
(A) a sad holiday
(B) a joyful holiday.
(C) celebrated only by religious people.
(D) celebrated mostly by children
50. The Day of the Dead is celebrated
52. The word “But” at the end of the first paragraph
signals
(A) only in Mexico.
(B) throughout Europe.
(C) only in Central America.
(D) in Mexico, Central America, and the United
States.
(A) a similarity.
(B) a contrast.
(C) an argument.
(D) a description.
53. The word coincide is used to mean
(A )overrun.
(B) replace.
(C) happen at the same time.
(D) happen later.
The World’s Longest Rivers
At some 2,300 miles in length, the Mississippi is the longest river in the United States; at some 1,000
miles, the Mackenzie is the longest river in Canada. But these waterways seem minuscule in comparison
to the world’s two lengthiest rivers, the Nile and the Amazon.
The Nile, which begins in central Africa and flows over 4,100 miles north into the Mediterranean,
hosted one of the world’s great ancient civilizations along its shores. Placid for most of the year, the
Nile used to flood annually, thereby creating, irrigating, and carrying new topsoil to the nearby farmland
on which ancient Egypt depended for sustenance. A transportation and food source as well, the river
carried various vessels up and down its length, from modest fishing and cargo boats to the magnificent
barges of the ruling pharaohs. A journey through the unobstructed part of this waterway today would
pass by the splendid Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of many of these ancient monarchs have
stood for over 3,000 years.
Great civilizations and intensive settlement are hardly associated with the Amazon, yet this 4,0000mile-long South American river carries about 20 percent of the world’s fresh water-more than the
Mississippi, Nile, and Yangtze combined.
Other statistics are equally astounding. Of its 15,000 tributaries, 17 are over 1,000 miles long, and
the river itself is so wide at some points that from its center neither shore can be seen. Each second,
the Amazon pours some 55 million gallons of water into the Atlantic; there, at its mouth, stands one
island larger than Switzerland. Most important of all, the Amazon irrigates the largest tropical rain
forest on earth.
54. This passage mostly deals with
57. The writer talks about the two rivers by
(A) interesting facts about the Amazon and the Nile.
(B) a history of life along the Amazon and the Nile.
(C) rivers as important natural resources.
(D) the longest rivers in several large countries.
(A) explaining the history of each.
(B) telling what makes each unique.
(C) discussing their importance as trade routes.
(D) describing the specific land that each passes
through.
55. The Amazon is not known for
(A) its many tributaries.
(B) its amazing width.
(C) the amount of water it carries.
(D) the large cities along its banks.
56. The writer suggests that a tour along the Nile
today would reveal
(A) modern irrigation methods.
(B) monuments from ancient times.
(C) the poverty of present-day Egyptians.
(D) many houseboats along its shores.
58. Minuscule means
(A) very large
(B) very small
(C) medicine
(D) destroy
Map A – Match the following with the correct location of Map A.
59. Ontario is:
64. The Mississippi River is:
(A) 2
(B) 1
(C) 7
(D) 3
(A) 14
(B) 16
(C) 4
(D) 15
60. Alaska is:
65. The Gulf of Mexico is:
(A) 2
(B) 15
(C) 21
(D) 1
(A) 17
(B) 13
(C) 8
(D) 3
61. Mexico is:
66. The Great Lakes are:
(A) 20
(B) 19
(C) 14
(D) 18
(A) 15
(B) 9
(C) 11
(D) 5
62. Washington D.C. is:
67. Appalachians are:
(A) 19
(B) 20
(C) 11
(D) 5
(A) 12
(B) 9
(C) 15
(D) 6
63. The Rocky Mountains are:
68. St. Lawrence River is:
(A) 4
(B) 12
(C) 6
(D) 9
(A) 14
(B) 4
(C) 16
(D) 21
MAP B
Map B – Match the following with the correct location number on Map B
69. Venezuela is:
73. The Amazon River is:
(A)24
(B) 23
(C) 28
(D) 27
(A) 23
(B) 28
(C) 25
(D) 24
70. Cuba is:
74. Argentina is:
(A) 22
(B) 24
(C) 23
(D) 26
(A) 27
(B) 28
(C) 25
(D) 26
71. The Andes Mountains are:
75. Costa Rica is:
(A) 23
(B) 24
(C) 22
(D) 26
(A) 29
(B) 24
(C) 26
(D) 27
72. Panama is:
(A) 24
(B) 22
(C) 23
(D) 28