Social Studies Assessments
Seventh Grade
G1.1.1 Explain and use a variety of maps, globes, and web based geography technology to
study the world, including global, interregional, regional, and local scales.
1.
What type of projection map is depicted?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Robinson Projection
Goodes’ Homosoline Projection
Mercator Projection
Polar Projection
Answer: C
2. Recommend the best use for this map.
A. To locate major world cities
B. To determine location of countries and
continents
C. To compare land size of countries
D. To prove that Greenland is larger than
Africa
Answer: B
3. Assess the biggest issue with the Mercator projection map.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Land near the poles is exaggerated.
Cities appear larger.
Greenland is depicted accurately.
It shows the size and shapes of continents more accurately.
Answer: A
4. What is the difference between a physical map and a political map?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Physical maps show continents and political maps show geographic features.
Physical maps show population and political maps show elevation.
Physical maps show boundaries and political maps show landforms.
Physical maps show landforms and political maps show boundaries.
Answer: D
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
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G1.1.2 Draw an accurate sketch map from memory of the Eastern Hemisphere showing the
major regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Australia/Oceania, Antarctica).
1. Draw and label a map of the continents in the Eastern Hemisphere.
G1.2.1 Locate the major landforms, rivers and climate regions of the Eastern Hemisphere.
1. Which continent lies completely in both the Northern and Eastern Hemisphere?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Antarctica
South America
Europe
Australia
Answer: C
2. Based on the map, on which continent is Mt. Everest located?
A.
B.
C.
D.
North America
Europe
Asia
Africa
Answer: C
3. Mesopotamia, one of the world’s first civilizations, was located between what two rivers?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tigris and Euphrates
Nile and Tigris
Euphrates and Indus
Ganges and Chang
Answer: A
4. What desert region is located in Northern Africa?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Kalahari Desert
Sahara Desert
Gobi Desert
Taklimakan Desert
Answer: B
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G1.2.2 Explain why maps of the same place may vary as a result of the cultural or
historical background of the cartographer.
1. The use of the geographic terms Near East and Far East reflects
A.
B.
C.
D.
the distance of nations from Mecca.
a European view of the world.
a Japanese perspective of Asia.
the location of Southwest Asia in relation to North Africa.
Answer: B
2. A mapmaker, Gerardus Mercator, created a flat map to help
A.
B.
C.
D.
sailors navigate and plan journeys around the globe.
show small areas.
show correct sizes of landmasses more accurately.
eliminate any distortions.
Answer: A
3. Which of the following maps is used for most world maps because it shows most distances,
sizes, and shapes quite accurately?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mercator Projection
Equal-Area Projection
Robinson Projection
Polar Projection
Answer: C
G1.2.3 Use observations from air photos, photographs (print and CD), films (VCR and
DVD) as the basis for answering geographic questions about the human and physical
characteristics of places and regions.
1. What major landmark is pictured in the photo?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Great Wall
Taj Mahal
Forbidden City
Kremlin
Answer: A
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2. Using an atlas, determine which country where all of these geographic statements apply?
 The east is bordered by the Yellow Sea.
 The population is concentrated along the coast and in the river valleys.
 Mountains, plateaus, and deserts dominate the western region.
A.
B.
C.
D.
England
Nicaragua
China
Philippines
Answer: C
3. These architectural achievements best indicate that
A.
B.
C.
D.
advanced technology existed in early civilizations.
religion was of little importance.
entertainment was important to these ancient societies.
trade routes existed between China and the Americas.
Answer: A
4. The map is a satellite photo of the Himalayan Mountains that cut across Asia between India
and Tibet. They are the result of two tectonic plates colliding. One of these tectonic plates
was the Indo-Australian plate, which continues to be driven horizontally below the Tibetan
plateau. This forces the plateau to move upwards. This is an example of how physical
processes…
A.
B.
C.
D.
can keep the landscape unchanged for years.
can keep the landscape safer for people.
can change the landscape in just one year.
can change the landscape slowly over time.
Answer: D
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G1.2.4 Draw the general population distribution of the Eastern Hemisphere on a map,
analyze the patterns, and propose two generalizations about the location and density of the
population.
1. Draw the population distribution of Istanbul.
2. Looking at the map, which part of Sweden has physical geography that is the MOST capable
of holding a dense population?
A.
B.
C.
D.
South
West
North
East
Answer: A
3. In 2050, which concern will the Chinese government have to address as a result of the shift in
the makeup of its population?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Military defense spending
Needs of an aging population
Production of consumer goods
Education of young people
Answer: B
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4. Which is NOT a true statement based on of the map?
A. Many slaves were traded to North and
South America.
B. Most of the slaves that were traded
came from eastern Africa.
C. Slaves were brought from western
Africa to Europe.
D. The island country of Madagascar
provided a source of slaves for Asia.
Answer: B
G1.2.5 Use information from modern technology such as Geographic Positioning System
(GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), and satellite remote sensing to locate
information and process maps and data to analyze spatial patterns of the Eastern
Hemisphere to answer geographic questions.
Non-testable
G1.2.6 Apply the skills of geographic inquiry (asking geographic questions, acquiring
geographic information, organizing geographic information, analyzing geographic
information, and answering geographic questions) to analyze a problem or issue of
importance to a region of the Eastern Hemisphere.
1. What part of the map provides the best information about the map’s subject?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Compass Rose
Key
Scale Bar
Title
Answer: D
2. Which of the following is the most accurate way to present information about the shapes and
sizes of landmasses and bodies of water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A Mercator projection map
An equal-area map
A Robinson projection map
A globe
Answer: D
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3. Which geographic factor has contributed most to the economic growth of Japan, Egypt, and
Great Britain?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Variety of natural resources
Reliable amount of rainfall
Abundance of arable land
Access to important waterways
Answer: D
4. The map shows that the
A. economies of all the regions of
China are developing at the
same rate.
B. distribution of income in
China is unequal.
C. economies of the interior
provinces of China are
developing faster than those of
the coastal provinces.
D. economic development in
China is dependent upon the
cash crops of Xinjiang and
Tibet.
Answer: B
G1.3.1 Use the fundamental themes of geography (location, place, human environment
interaction, movement, region) to describe regions or places on earth.
1. This area is located in the United States, west of the Mississippi River. It is mainly hot and
dry, with little rainfall, so people have built many dams there. Its landforms include rivers,
canyons, and deserts.
Which of the five themes of geography are used to describe this area?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Location, movement, regions
Movement, place, regions, human-environment interaction
Regions, location, movement
Location, place, human-environment interaction
Answer: B
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2. What is the difference between absolute location and relative location?
A. Absolute location locates places using latitude and longitude, while relative location
locates places in relation to other physical features of Earth.
B. Absolute location is always correct and relative location is not.
C. Absolute location locates places in relation of other physical features of Earth, while
relative location locates places using latitude and longitude.
D. There is not a difference between absolute location and relative location.
Answer: A
3. Geographers explain cultural changes that occur in Eastern Africa between the Tutsi and the
Hutu tribes by using the theme of ____________________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
human-environment interaction
movement
place
region
Answer: B
4. Which geographic theme is the focus of this map?
A. Regions: How They Form
and Change
B. Movement: Humans
Interacting on Earth
C. Location: Position on the
Earth’s Surface
D. Place: Physical and
Human Characteristics
Answer: B
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G1.3.2 Explain the locations and distributions of physical and human characteristics of
Earth by using knowledge of spatial patterns.
1. Why is the highlighted region in North Africa so densely populated?
A. The Nile River is located there.
B. The Amazon River is located
there.
C. The Danube River is located
there.
D. The Indus Valley is located
there.
Answer: A
2. An example of a culture adapting to its environment would be
A.
B.
C.
D.
western Europeans clearing forests to use land for farming.
people in the Philippines carving terraces into hillsides.
the Inuit getting food by hunting wild animals and fishing.
all of the above.
Answer: C
3. Which statement best explains why most of the population of the People’s Republic of China
live in the eastern third of the nation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Best agricultural land is in the East.
Largest forests are in the East.
Best fishing areas are off the eastern coast.
Largest oil deposits are in the East.
Answer: A
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G1.3.3 Explain the different ways in which places are connected and how those connections
demonstrate interdependence and accessibility.
1. What are two major trade alliances?
A.
B.
C.
D.
United States and Saudi Arabia
Switzerland and the United States
Germany and the United States
Germany and Switzerland
Answer: A
2. Which of the following is a major benefit for an Eastern Hemisphere country participating in
international trade?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It weakens the enemy countries’ economies.
It makes more goods available at lower prices.
It helps guarantee people will have jobs.
It helps the country become self-sufficient.
Answer: B
3. In France, a person drinks coffee imported from Brazil, works at a computer made in Japan,
and uses gasoline from Saudi Arabia in a German automobile. This situation illustrates the
concept of
A.
B.
C.
D.
empathy.
scarcity.
interdependence.
world citizenship.
Answer: C
4. Japan sells cars to the United States, the United States exports high technology to Saudi
Arabia, and Saudi Arabia exports oil to Japan. Which is a valid conclusion that can be drawn
from this statement?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Saudi Arabia controls most of the world’s natural resources.
The United States is the world’s leading exporter.
Most nations of the world specialize in one export.
The nations of the world are economically interdependent.
Answer: D
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G2.1.1 Describe the landform features and the climate of the region (within the Western or
Eastern Hemispheres) under study.
1. Which of the following best identifies the climate of Italy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Semiarid
Tundra
Subtropical dry summer
Humid oceanic
Answer: C
2. Much of China’s landscape is made up of mountains, highlands, and ________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
rivers
lakes
canyons
plateaus
Answer: D
3. The climates of East Asia are strongly affected by ___________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
monsoons
typhoons
earthquakes
blizzards
Answer: A
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4. A large part of eastern China has a(n)
A.
B.
C.
D.
tropical wet climate.
arid climate.
humid continental climate.
humid subtropical climate.
Answer: D
5. The topography and climate of Russia have caused Russia to
A.
B.
C.
D.
depend on rice as its main source of food.
seek access to warm-water ports.
adopt policies of neutrality and isolation.
acquire mineral-rich colonies on other continents.
Answer: B
G2.1.2 Use information from GIS, remote sensing and the World Wide Web to compare
and contrast the surface features and vegetation of the continents of the Eastern
Hemisphere.
1. The most common vegetation in Africa is the
A.
B.
C.
D.
tropical rain forest.
savanna.
desert.
oasis.
Answer: B
2. What explains the fact that there is no vegetation at the top of Mount Everest, even though it
is near the Tropic of Cancer?
A. It is so wet that all the vegetation is lost in mudslides.
B. The mountain is so high that it extends outside Earth’s atmosphere and there is no
carbon dioxide to support plant life.
C. The sun is too strong at that altitude to support plant life.
D. The air is too cold to support plant life.
Answer: D
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3. What kind of climate do you think is necessary for high rice yields?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Arid grasslands with consistently low temperatures
Temperate conditions with distinct seasons
Desert conditions with high temperatures
High temperatures and high rainfall
Answer: D
4. In polar regions, thick ice on land prevents vegetation from growing. This region is called
the
A.
B.
C.
D.
ice cap.
ice pack.
tundra.
North Pole.
Answer: A
G2.2.1 Describe the human characteristics of the region under study (including languages,
religion, economic system, governmental system, cultural traditions).
1. Which language is most widely spoken on Africa’s east coast?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Arabic
French
Bantu
Swahili
Answer: D
2. Which religion has suffered the heaviest amount of persecution in Europe, due partly to the
fact that its members have lived in small communities in different parts of the continent?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Judaism
Christianity
Buddhism
Islam
Answer: A
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3. Which of these statements best describes the culture that exists in Indonesia?
A. Due to its geographical isolation, Indonesia had little contact with other cultures.
B. Indonesian culture has been most influenced by African cultures.
C. It has been influenced by many different cultures because of its location on major
trade routes.
D. Everyone in Indonesia belongs to the same ethnic group and they all share the same
beliefs.
Answer: C
4. There are over 20 million Kurds who live in Iraq, Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Armenia. Most
Kurds are Sunni Muslims, and many speak the Kurdish language. Which of the following
statements is true of the Kurds?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Kurds have peaceful relations with neighboring ethnic groups.
The Kurds live in a technologically advanced society.
The Kurds control the governments of several Middle Eastern countries.
The Kurds are an ethnic group who do not have a country of their own.
Answer: D
G2.2.2 Explain that communities are affected positively or negatively by changes in
technology (e.g., increased manufacturing resulting in rural to urban migration in China,
increased farming of fish, hydroelectric power generation at Three Gorges, pollution
resulting from increased manufacturing and automobiles).
1. What purpose(s) does the Three Gorges Dam serve for China?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It produces electricity.
It controls flooding.
It creates a lake for recreational purposes.
Both A and B
Answer: D
2. In an effort to reduce energy consumption and pollution, the European Union is considering
banning which of these items?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Lawnmowers
Automobiles
Incandescent light bulbs
Televisions
Answer: C
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3. Which is NOT true about the Industrial Revolution?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Machines in factories could produce goods much faster than by hand.
People moved from cities to farms.
Many inventions were created that made life much easier.
Factory workers’ safety was at risk and they were paid very little.
Answer: B
4. Satellites, computers, and the Internet have changed
A.
B.
C.
D.
the practices of Native Americans.
the way militaries fight wars.
the morals of environmentalists.
the structure of U.S. democracy.
Answer: B
G2.2.3 Analyze how culture and experience influence people’s perception of places and
regions (e.g., that beaches are places where tourists travel, cities have historic buildings,
northern places are cold, equatorial places are very warm).
1. The Taj Mahal is an example of what type of architecture?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Greek
Roman
Chinese
Islamic
Answer: D
2. Weather is mainly measured by
A.
B.
C.
D.
climate and location.
winds and ocean currents.
temperature and precipitation.
storms.
Answer: C
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3. This tourist attraction was built in 1889 to celebrate the French Revolution. It was the tallest
structure in the world until 1930. It draws many tourists to France each year. What is it?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Statue of Liberty
Eiffel Tower
Empire State Building
Sears Tower
Answer: B
4. What makes locations near the equator popular tourist attractions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Tropical climates
Exotic cultures
Beautiful beaches
All of the above
Answer: D
G3.1.1 Construct and analyze climate graphs for locations at different latitudes and
elevations in the region to answer geographic questions and make predictions based on
patterns (e.g., compare and contrast Norway and France; Nairobi and Kilimanjaro;
Mumbai and New Delhi).
1. Mount Kilimanjaro is a short distance away from Nairobi, Kenya, but the two areas have a
very different climate. Mount Kilimanjaro is very cold, while Nairobi has a moderate
climate. What BEST accounts for this difference?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Pollution
Elevation
Ocean currents
Latitude
Answer: B
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2. Using an ecosystem and climate map of Europe, draw conclusions based upon their
similarities. Which of the following would be an appropriate conclusion?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Climate has no influence on ecosystems.
Climate has significant influence over an ecosystem.
None of the above.
All of the above.
Answer: B
3. Based on the information provided in this map, which statement is accurate?
A. The world’s largest icecap is
located in northern Europe.
B. Most mountainous climates
are located on the eastern
borders of the continents.
C. The largest desert area
stretches from western Africa
through much of southwestern
Asia.
D. South America is connected to
Antarctica by a narrow land
bridge.
Answer: C
4. How does the North Atlantic Drift ocean current affect Europe’s climate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It brings warm air and rain to Europe and contributes to its mild climate.
It contributes to the arid climate that is found in much of Europe.
It causes many destructive hurricanes in Europe.
It makes much of Europe uninhabitable because of extreme temperatures.
Answer: A
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G3.2.1 Explain how and why ecosystems differ as a consequence of differences in latitude,
elevation, and human activities (e.g., effects of latitude on types of vegetation in Africa,
proximity to bodies of water in Europe, and effects of annual river flooding in Southeast
Asia and China).
1. Why do some areas of Europe receive more rain than others?
A. Rain shadows bring more rain to certain regions.
B. Ocean winds decrease the amount of rain that falls in the coastal areas.
C. As the winds hit the mountains, they drop their moisture, so areas west of the
mountains receive more rain.
D. As the winds hit the mountains, they drop their moisture, so areas east of the
mountains receive more rain.
Answer: C
G3.2.2 Identify ecosystems of a continent and explain why some provide greater
opportunities (fertile soil, precipitation) for humans to use than do other ecosystems and
how that changes with technology (e.g., China’s humid east and arid west and the effects of
irrigation technology).
1. Why are different ecosystems important?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It allows for a diverse world.
It allows for a variety of resources.
It allows for a variety of species.
All of the above.
Answer: D
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G4.1.1 Identify and explain examples of cultural diffusion within the Eastern Hemisphere
(e.g., the spread of sports, music, architecture, television, Internet, Bantu languages in
Africa, Islam in Western Europe).
1. One factor that accounted for Chinese influence on traditional Japanese culture was the
A.
B.
C.
D.
continuous warfare between the countries.
geographic location of the countries.
refusal of western nations to trade with Japan.
annexation of Japan into the Chinese Empire.
Answer: B
2. The introduction of Buddhism into Japan and Christianity into Africa are examples of
A.
B.
C.
D.
isolation.
modernization.
cultural diffusion.
ethnic conflict.
Answer: C
G4.1.2 Compare roles of women in traditional African societies in the past with roles of
women as modern micro-entrepreneurs in current economies.
1. Ledama Olekina started an organization called the Maasai Education Discovery. It provides
educational opportunities for Maasai women. Using satellite technology, Olekina was able to
set up a computer center in the rural Maasai community of Narok, Kenya. Now residents can
use the Internet and a variety of digital media including video and audio data.
How might this technology best improve life for the Maasai?
A.
B.
C.
D.
This technology provides tools for education and better jobs.
This technology provides tools for use in the fields and plantations.
This technology gives the Maasai entertainment when they’re bored.
This technology gives the Maasai something to sell at the market.
Answer: A
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G4.2.1 List and describe the advantages and disadvantages of different technologies used to
move people, products, and ideas throughout the world (e.g., opportunities for
employment, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities using the Internet; the effects
of technology on reducing the time necessary for communications and travel; the uses and
effects of wireless technology in developing countries; and the spread of group and
individual’s ideas as voice and image messages on electronic networks such as the Internet).
1. In Syria, an Arab country in Southwest Asia, an increasing number of businesses are starting
to use computers, the Internet, and email so they may be more competitive in the global
market. How might these technologies help Syrian businesses?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Businesses could stop relying on government support.
Employees will be replaced with efficient machines.
Better communication and increased productivity.
Reduction of equipment and maintenance costs.
Answer: C
2. The invention of the Internet has greatly impacted societies around the world. How has the
Internet affected the Earth’s physical environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Internet can help monitor the weather.
It organized Earth-friendly business practices.
Using the Internet cuts down parking problems.
It has helped to decrease pollution in the air.
Answer: D
3. New technology and advancements in communication allow people to specialize in certain
areas. Which is an example of the communication revolution’s effect on society?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People can get high paying jobs and work at home.
There is a new global market for Internet goods.
Internet chat rooms have connected the world.
Online sales have increased the number of jobs.
Answer: A
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4. How does access to media technology impact public life for people in the Middle Eastern
countries?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It helps the government stay in control of media technologies.
It creates social problems and unrest among the public.
It keeps Middle Eastern traditions at the center of discussion.
It opens democratic processes and public control of media.
Answer: D
G4.3.1 Identify places in the Eastern Hemisphere that have been modified to be suitable for
settlement by describing the modifications that were necessary (e.g., Nile River irrigation,
reclamation of land along the North Sea, planting trees in areas that have become
desertified in Africa).
1. Sumerians used levees, canals, and dams to
A.
B.
C.
D.
keep water away from neighboring towns.
control the amount of water in the valley.
make ponds where they could wash clothes.
create waterfalls so they had water power.
Answer: B
2. Ancient Sumerians invented irrigation systems and plows. What did these two inventions
help provide?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A system of government
A partner with whom to trade
A steady supply of food
An honor for the gods
Answer: C
3. Weather and climate affect the way people live. In Malaysia, people are trying to create
whole villages full of solar-powered houses. What natural resource will these houses use?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Water energy
Wind energy
Natural gas
Sun energy
Answer: D
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4. The people of Kabul, Afghanistan have endured many years of conflict and drought. These
conditions have ruined the city’s vegetation and left people to bake in the hot sun due to the
lack of shade. What would planting trees do for the people in this area?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Most of the trees will die because the sun is too hot.
The environment will turn into a tropical rainforest.
The trees will be chopped down for building supplies.
The trees will provide oxygen, shade, and protection.
Answer: D
G4.3.2 Describe patterns of settlement by using historical and modern maps (e.g., the
location of the world’s mega cities, other cities located near coasts and navigable rivers,
regions under environmental stress such as the Sahel).
1. How is desertification in the Sahel threatening the Tuareg way of life?
A. Droughts are causing shortages in food and water causing the Tuareg to settle on
farms or move to cities.
B. The Tuareg now have an abundance of food and water.
C. The Tuareg can remain in the Sahel region year round rather than continuing their
nomadic way of life.
D. The Tuareg are not affected at all by desertification.
Answer: A
2. According to the map, to which country did some Eastern European Jews migrate?
A.
B.
C.
D.
China
United States
Russia
Norway
Answer: B
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3. Egypt is considered the “Jewel of the Nile”. Which of the following statements would
support this statement?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People settled in this area to extract large deposits of minerals from the Nile.
People settled in Egypt due to the rich farm land the water of the Nile provided.
People use the Nile to bottle spring water.
None of the above.
Answer: B
4. According to the “push-pull” theory, people move because
A.
B.
C.
D.
they are pushed out by their governments.
they are prisoners forced to serve their sentences in Australia.
they are enslaved and taken against their will to North and South America.
they are lured by the hope for a better life.
Answer: D
5. How did the location of cities in the West African empires of Ghana and Mali influence their
growth?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Their location in river valleys allowed for extensive farming.
Their coastal location made the cities major ports for maritime trade.
Their location on major trade routes allowed them to prosper economically.
Their mountainous location made the cities easily defensible.
Answer: C
G4.4.1 Identify and explain factors that contribute to conflict and cooperation between and
among cultural groups (e.g., natural resources, power, culture, wealth).
1. What was one of the challenges faced by Nigeria after it gained independence from Great
Britain in 1960?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Nigeria was isolated from other parts of the world.
There was conflict between the different ethnic groups.
Nigeria’s population declined rapidly.
There were no natural resources in the country.
Answer: B
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2. In 1948, Czechoslovakia came under Soviet control. In 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its
political independence through a peaceful “Velvet Revolution.” In 1993, the country
peacefully split in two, called the “Velvet Divorce.” This created separate Czech and Slovak
Republics.
The word “velvet” refers to
A.
B.
C.
D.
the rough and difficult political changes at the time.
the connections between eastern Europe and eastern Asia.
the smooth and peaceful political changes at the time.
the type of cloth that Czechs and Slovaks liked at the time.
Answer: C
3. What does Section A of the following peace treaty mean?
A) They recognize and will respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political
independence.
B) They recognize and will respect each other’s right to live in peace within their secure and
recognized boundaries.
C) They will refrain from the threat or use of force, directly or indirectly, against each other
and will settle all disputes between them by peaceful means.
Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty, 1979
Article III, Sections A-C
A.
B.
C.
D.
The countries agree to help each other if one goes to war.
The countries recognize each other’s right to exist as a nation.
The countries declare what actions would cause another war to start.
The countries establish a fair trade agreement with each other.
Answer: B
4. What was the main difference between East and West Germany?
A.
B.
C.
D.
East Germany was mostly Christian; West Germany was mostly Muslim.
East Germany was a free state; West Germany was occupied by Europe.
East Germany was Communist; West Germany was Capitalist.
East Germany was democratic; West Germany was a dictatorship.
Answer: C
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G4.4.2 Describe examples of cooperation and conflict within the European Union (e.g.,
European Parliament, Euro as currency in some countries but not others, open migration
within the European Union, free trade, and cultural impacts such as a multi-lingual
population).
1. What does this cartoon suggest about the introduction of the EURO in Europe?
A. Additional countries were
created.
B. Isolation among nations
increased.
C. Communist economic policies
were adopted.
D. Economic barriers between
nations decreased.
Answer: D
2. One trade barrier between the United Kingdom and other countries within the European
Union (EU) is that the United Kingdom
A.
B.
C.
D.
has large import tariffs.
trades with the United States.
will not trade with the EU.
does not use the euro.
Answer: D
G5.1.1 Describe the environmental effects of human action on the atmosphere (air),
biosphere (people, animals, and plants), lithosphere (soil), and hydrosphere (water) (e.g.,
desertification in the Sahel Region of North Africa, deforestation in the Congo Basin, air
pollution in urban center, and chemical spills in European Rivers).
1. What are some ways to meet our need for food and resources without harming the
environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Plant tree farms
Fishers limit catch of endangered fish
Farmers use un-harmful or natural chemicals
All of the above
Answer: D
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2. How does deforestation threaten the environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It destroys animal habitats.
It creates a loss of biodiversity.
It creates pollution.
All of the above
Answer: D
3. Which of the following threatens the fertile land of the Sahel?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Too much rain
Deforestation
Desertification
Irrigation with ocean water
Answer: C
4. Humans change their environment on a daily basis. For example, local contractors are
building a shopping mall near your home. They are taking away topsoil and replacing it with
concrete parking lots and holding ponds for water runoff. What may result because of these
actions?
A. There will be a decrease of flooding in your neighborhood, due to the large holding
pond.
B. Along with animal relocation, there may be an increase in temperature and flooding
within your neighborhood.
C. There will be an increase of animal population.
D. Temperature and rainfall will decrease.
Answer: B
G5.1.2 Describe how variations in technology affect human modifications of the landscape
(e.g., clearing of agricultural land in Southeast Asia, fish factories in North Atlantic and
Western Pacific Ocean, and damming rivers to meet needs for electricity).
1. People in Cambodia live, work, and play on the river. Dams being built further up the river in
China threaten their livelihood. How would a dam impact their environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A dam would only change the environment in China.
A dam would raise the water downstream and flood homes.
A dam would make the water cleaner and more drinkable.
A dam would lower the water and change fishing habits.
Answer: D
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2. Which is an example of how humans have modified their environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Building a dam to prevent flooding
Shifting agriculture (slash and burn)
Harvesting wood for building homes
All of the above
Answer: D
3. Which problem in the savanna regions of Africa is caused by population pressures and
overuse of the land?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Rain forest destruction
Desertification
Air pollution
Flooding
Answer: B
4. In which way can oil production have a negative impact on a country’s economy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It could damage a country’s other resources.
It could limit a country’s ability to trade.
It could hold back industrialization in a country.
It could create a shortage of jobs for citizens.
Answer: A
G5.1.3 Identify the ways in which human-induced changes in the physical environment in
one place can cause changes in other places (e.g., cutting forests in one region may result in
river basin flooding elsewhere as has happened historically in China; building dams floods
land upstream and permits irrigation downstream as in Southern Africa, the Aswan Dam
flooded the upper Nile Valley and permitted irrigation downstream).
1. How has the Aswan Dam affected the lives of people along the Nile River Valley?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It provides electricity.
It controls flooding.
It supplies water for crops and drinking year-round.
All of the above
Answer: D
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2. Which conclusion can be drawn from these statements?
 Egypt builds the Aswan Dam to control flooding and produce hydroelectric power.
 China builds the Three Gorges Dam to control flooding and improve trade.
 Brazil builds the Tucuruí Dam in the tropical rain forest to produce hydroelectric
power.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Societies often modify their environment to meet their needs.
Monsoons are needed for the development of societies.
Topography creates challenges that societies are unable to overcome.
Land features influence the development of diverse belief systems.
Answer: A
3. Why would the chiefs in the Macuata province, located in the north central region of Fiji’s
Vanua Island, make protected areas where no fishing or harvesting of other marine resources
is permitted?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To create more lands that can be used for tourism and other industry.
To bother and control fisherman and other sea farmers in the area.
To keep those five areas for themselves and their families.
To protect and manage natural resources for future generations.
Answer: D
G5.2.1 Describe the effects that a change in the physical environment could have on human
activities and the choices people would have to make in adjusting to the change (e.g.,
drought in Africa, pollution from volcanic eruptions in Indonesia, earthquakes in Turkey,
and flooding in Bangladesh).
1. What was one of the effects of the nuclear meltdown that occurred at Chernobyl, Ukraine in
1986?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The population of Chernobyl increased.
Many people developed cancer or died because of exposure to radiation.
Safety regulations at nuclear power plants were revised.
Many European countries built more nuclear power plants.
Answer: B
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2. On December 26, 2004, a tsunami occurred in the Indian Ocean and killed over 200,000
people. Which of the following countries suffered the highest number of casualties?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Indonesia, India, and Sri Lanka
Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji
Japan, North Korea, and South Korea
Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam
Answer: A
G6.1.1 Contemporary Investigations – Conduct research on contemporary global topics
and issues, compose persuasive essays, and develop a plan for action. (H1.4.3, G1.2.6, See
P3 and P4)
Non-testable
G6.1.2 Investigations Designed for Ancient World History Eras – Conduct research on
global topics and issues, compose persuasive essays, and develop a plan for action.
Non-testable
C1.1.1 Explain how the purposes served by government affect relationships between the
individual, government, and society as a whole and the differences that occur in
monarchies, theocracies, dictatorships, and representative governments.
1. How are laws developed in a monarchy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Assembly voted on them.
The king made them.
The aristocrats made them.
There were no laws in a monarchy.
Answer: B
2. What might happen to a country, politically and economically, if its government has absolute
power?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People will leave the country, because they can’t start their own business.
There will be no political parties to compete for power.
People will not have a voice in government.
All of the above
Answer: D
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3. Which of the following would be an example of a dictatorship?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The people choose who represents them in government.
A person is born into a position of leadership.
The government is controlled by the church.
One person has all the power in government.
Answer: D
C3.6.1 Define the characteristics of a nation-state (a specific territory, clearly defined
boundaries, citizens, and jurisdiction over people who reside there, laws, and government)
and how Eastern Hemisphere nations interact.
1. Which of these is the best example of a nation-state?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Middle East
Japan
The European Union
Africa
Answer: B
2. Which of the following would be the best example of a nation-state?
A.
B.
C.
D.
China
Asia
Michigan
European Union
Answer: A
3. A successful nation-state has the following: security, political freedom, economic growth,
national unity, and good quality of life. Which of the following would NOT be an example of
why the Soviet Union failed as a nation-state?
A. The Soviet Union had a series of dictators that led the country.
B. Gross Domestic Product did not rise in the Soviet Union.
C. People living in the Soviet Union had access to clean water, safe food and access to
good medical care.
D. Soviet secret police spied on citizens.
Answer: C
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C4.3.1 Explain how governments address national issues and form policies, and how the
policies may not be consistent with those of other countries (e.g., population pressures in
China compared to Sweden; international immigration quotas, international aid, energy
needs for natural gas and oil and military aid).
1. China’s government has created a one-child policy per family. Many other countries, such as
Norway do not have such laws. What would be the best reason for this?
A.
B.
C.
D.
China is more democratic than Norway.
Norway has more land area than China.
China has more people per square mile than Norway.
Norway has a higher concentration of immigrants entering the country.
Answer: C
2. When Europeans colonized Africa, many of the European nations fought for control over
various sections of Africa. The Europeans resolved their differences by
A.
B.
C.
D.
creating the United Nations.
dividing up Africa between them at the Berlin Conference.
developing the European Union.
going to war.
Answer: B
3. To provide more electricity for China’s growing population, the government
A.
B.
C.
D.
created the one-child policy.
built the Aswan Dam.
built the Three Gorges Dam.
imported more coal from the United States.
Answer: C
4. Which of the following is an example of policy of European factories and power plants that
was put in place to reduce acid rain?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Switching to coal as a fuel
Building taller smokestacks
Stopping work on windy days
Installing smokestack scrubbers
Answer: D
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C4.3.2 Explain the challenges to governments and the cooperation needed to address
international issues (e.g., migration and human rights).
1. A country with an aging population is most likely to face rapidly rising cost for which of the
following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Refugees
Pensions
Pollution
Unemployment
Answer: B
2. Which is NOT an example of a challenge faced by many African nations after they gained
independence?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Many African leaders lacked experience in government.
There was a lot of ethnic rivalry within many African nations.
Many African nations lacked the resources to build a stable infrastructure.
Most African nations were able to compete in the global market.
Answer: D
3. Many nations send ambassadors to live in other countries. What would be the purpose of
this?
A. They reside there to communicate with the other country and represent his/her own
government.
B. To be arrested in times of war.
C. To promote the government and policies of own nation.
D. To promote religion.
Answer: A
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C4.3.3 Explain why governments belong to different types of international and regional
organizations (e.g., United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), European Union (EU), and
African Union (AU), G-8 countries (leading economic/political)).
1. A major purpose of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the Organization of American
States (OAS), and the European Union (EU) is to
A.
B.
C.
D.
encourage political and economic cooperation between member nations.
end colonialism in member nations.
control overpopulation in member nations.
provide military assistance to member nations.
Answer: A
2. In recent years, a major success of the European Union (EU) has been the
A.
B.
C.
D.
creation of a single military force.
rejection of national sovereignty.
adoption of a single language.
elimination of trade barriers.
Answer: D
3. Which of the following best describes how the World Trade Organization (WTO) works?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The WTO works directly between governments and companies.
The WTO promotes war in poor nations.
The WTO spreads Christianity to other nations.
The WTO works mainly with small businesses.
Answer: A
4. How does the European Union promote economic cooperation between European nations?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It has reduced trade barriers between European nations.
It banned imports from foreign countries.
It raised workers’ salaries.
It has ended business competition between European nations.
Answer: A
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E1.1.1 Explain the role of incentives in different economic systems (acquiring money,
profit, goods, wanting to avoid loss, position in society, job placement).
1. In a democratic society, which of the following statements best describes how people earn a
living?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The government pays for everything, and people do not have to work.
People must choose the same career path as their parents.
People are free to choose whatever type of job they want to do.
The government decides which type of job people will do.
Answer: C
2. The Japanese government and people are trying to reduce their levels of waste and pollution.
What is one of the ways in which the Japanese government could provide a positive incentive
for businesses to reduce the amount of pollution they produce?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Give tax cuts to businesses that reduce their pollution.
Take over businesses and make them government run.
Pass laws to shut down businesses that pollute.
Issuing large fines to businesses that pollute.
Answer: A
3. Most companies try to use incentives to increase their production. One type of incentive used
in countries like India and China that manufacture a lot of products is paying a worker for
every piece or unit they produce in order to increase the company’s output. What might be a
negative side effect from a plan like this?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The workers try to work much harder.
Workers will be less satisfied with their wages.
The quality of the product drops.
The company will make less profit.
Answer: C
4. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Russian economy moved from being a command
economy to more of a market economy. The Russian government no longer guaranteed
workers a job, which introduced many new incentives in the workplace. A negative incentive
for workers in the Russian market economy could be
A.
B.
C.
D.
fear of losing their job.
desire to make more money.
trying to impress one’s friends.
wanting to get a promotion.
Answer: A
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E1.1.2 Describe the circular flow model (that businesses get money from households in
exchange for goods and services and return that money to households by paying for the
factors of production that households have to sell) and apply it to a public service (e.g.,
education, health care, military protection).
1. In most countries, households pay taxes for schools. According to the circular flow model,
how is that money returned to the households?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Schools buy supplies for children to keep.
The government gives it back in monthly payments.
Schools spend it on educating their children.
The government decreases taxes on other services.
Answer: C
2. In the circular flow model, where does the government get its income to provide public
services to its citizens?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Income from businesses
Output from businesses
Exports to foreign countries
Taxation from households
Answer: D
3. Most governments provide the people with many different forms of public goods. Which of
the following is an example of how government could spend money on a public good that
directly benefits private businesses?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A city increases its police force.
The state increases welfare spending.
The military purchases jet fighters.
Schools hire additional teachers.
Answer: C
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E2.3.1 Explain how national governments make decisions that impact both that country
and other countries that use its resources (e.g., sanctions and tariffs enacted by a national
government to prevent imports, most favored trade agreements, the impact China is having
on the global economy and the U.S. economy in particular).
1. Which of the following would be a reason why countries use tariffs?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To upset the countries they are trading with.
To decrease the number of imports.
To make a greater profit.
To increase the number of imports.
Answer: B
2. Between 1991 and 1997, India lowered tariffs on imported goods from 83 percent to 30
percent. How does lowering tariffs affect trade with India?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Because it is cheaper, trade is less stable.
Because it is cheaper, trade increases.
Because it is cheaper, trade decreases.
Because it is more expensive, trade decreases.
Answer: B
3. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) limits its members’ oil
production based on its “proven reserves.” The higher their reserves, the more OPEC allows
them to produce. Over the past fifteen years, Saudi Arabia’s claimed reserves have been flat,
with the exception of an increase of about 100 billion barrels between 1987 and 1988.
According to the passage above, OPEC limits the amount of oil Saudi Arabia can produce.
Because this limit on production also limits how much oil Saudi Arabia can export, OPEC’s
production rule is
A.
B.
C.
D.
a currency exchange.
an entrepreneur.
human capital.
a trade barrier.
Answer: D
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
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4. Prior to building a manufacturing plant in any given country, why is it important to gather
reliable information from its government and resources?
A. Finding truthful information doesn’t mean anything.
B. Without truthful information regarding resources and government, a manufacturing
plan may fail.
C. It’s important to find information on the government, but not the countries resources.
D. All of the above.
Answer: B
E3.1.1 Explain the importance of trade (imports and exports) on national economies in the
Eastern Hemisphere (e.g., natural gas in North Africa, petroleum Africa, mineral resources
in Asia).
1. Each of the 10 island groups of Oceania exports natural resources to Australia. Each of the
islands specializes in different products for export. Specializing in products helps efficiency.
For example, Fiji specializes in sugar exports, while French Polynesia specializes in vanilla.
This way they each produce something well and do not compete.
What is the most likely reason each island group specializes in different products?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Cultural differences and resources available
Weather patterns and trade routes among islands
International relationships and cultural competition
Environmental differences and economic efficiency
Answer: D
2. Japan’s agricultural imports (almost $40 billion in recent years) make it the world’s thirdlargest importer, after the United States and the European Union (EU). Japan imports about
60 percent of its food each year. Japan is the third-largest market for U.S. agriculture,
accounting for about $8 billion in U.S. exports annually. The United States is the leading
agricultural supplier to Japan.
Based on the passage above, which of the following statements about Japan is true?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Japan relies on importing for most of its food.
Japan is not very dependent on international trade.
Japan exports a large amount of agricultural products.
Japan produces most of the food it consumes.
Answer: A
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3. Merchants from the ancient West African kingdom of Ghana prospered by controlling the
trade of which goods?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Gold and salt
Dates and wine
Grain and camels
Timber and olive oil
Answer: A
4. Since the creation of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), member
nations have joined together to
A.
B.
C.
D.
determine the supply of oil on the world market.
establish a policy of independence in trade.
maintain a low price of oil per barrel.
isolate themselves from the rest of the world.
Answer: A
5. Look at the table below.
Selected Items Traded Between
Saudi Arabia and the United States in a Recent Year
Top Three Exports from Saudi Arabia to the United States
Crude oil
Petroleum products
Chemicals
Top Three Exports from the United States to Saudi Arabia
Passenger cars
Industrial engines
Oil drilling equipment
What does the table indicate about the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United
States?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Saudi Arabia and the United States are military allies.
Saudi Arabia and the United States are interdependent.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have similar standards of living.
Saudi Arabia and the United States have similar economic systems.
Answer: B
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E3.1.2 Diagram or map the movement of a consumer product from where it is
manufactured to where it is sold to demonstrate the flow of materials, labor, and capital
(e.g., global supply chain for computers, athletic shoes, and clothing).
1. Which line in the circular flow diagram above represents the government’s spending?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Answer: C
2. Marie lives in the U.S. Her T-shirt was made in Singapore. Her shoes were made in China.
Her watch was made in Italy. She is wearing
A.
B.
C.
D.
exported items.
bartered items.
economic items.
imported items.
Answer: D
3. The Czech Republic is Eastern Europe’s largest exporter of electricity. Any interruption or
damage to the supply lines would not only impact the Czech Republic but also the economy
and quality of life for 5 other European countries who import their electricity. The Czech
Republic is also dependent on other European countries for machinery, raw materials, and
fuels that it imports every year.
Which economic term best describes the relationship between the Czech Republic and other
European countries?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Entrepreneurial
Specialized
Interdependent
Competition
Answer: C
E3.1.3 Determine the impact of trade on a region of the Eastern Hemisphere by graphing
and analyzing the gross Domestic Product of the region for the past decade and comparing
the data with trend data on the total value of imports and exports over the same period.
Non-testable
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E3.1.4 Explain how communications innovations have affected economic interactions and
where and how people work (e.g., internet home offices, international work teams,
international companies).
1. How has new communication technology, such as Internet home offices and international
work teams, changed economic dealings in the Eastern Hemisphere?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The global market has shifted, making it personal.
Interaction can be quick and impersonal.
There is no need for business travel anymore.
Global business deals can be made over the Internet.
Answer: D
2. New technology and advancements in communications allow people to specialize in certain
areas. Which is an example of the communication revolution’s effect on society?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Online sales have increased the number of jobs.
People can get high paying jobs and work at home.
There is a new global market for Internet goods.
Internet chat rooms have connected the world.
Answer: B
3. In Syria, an Arab country in Southwest Asia, an increasing number of businesses are starting
to use computers, the Internet, and email so they may be more competitive in the global
market. How might these technologies help Syrian businesses?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Reduction of equipment and maintenance costs.
Businesses could stop relying on government support.
Employees will be replaced with efficient machines.
Better communication and increased productivity.
Answer: D
4. The invention of the Internet has greatly impacted societies around the world. How has the
Internet affected the Earth’s physical environment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Internet can help monitor the weather.
It has helped to decrease pollution in the air.
Using the Internet cuts down parking problems.
It organized Earth-friendly business practices.
Answer: B
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5. Since the end of World War II, the nations of Western Europe have improved their economic
position by
A.
B.
C.
D.
increasing communication and cooperation in the region.
colonizing themselves from the rest of the world.
colonizing African and Asian nations.
rejecting membership in the United Nations.
Answer: A
E3.3.1 Explain and compare how economic systems (traditional, command, and market)
answer four basic questions: What should be produced? How will it be produced? How will
it be distributed? Who will receive the benefits of production? (e.g., market economies in
Africa, Europe; command economy in North Korea; and the transition to market
economies in Vietnam and China).
1. The mixed economy of Australia is becoming more of a market economy as fewer economic
decisions are made by
A.
B.
C.
D.
the government.
private industry.
the military.
the working class.
Answer: A
2. What type of economy existed under China’s communist government during much of the late
20th century?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Traditional economy
Command economy
Market economy
Black market economy
Answer: B
3. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the economy that exists in
Hong Kong?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It is a command economy controlled by the Chinese government.
It is a mixed market economy with government involvement in many industries.
It is a traditional economy in which bartering is the main way people conduct trade.
It is mostly a free market economy with few government regulations.
Answer: D
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4. The Casablanca Technopark is Morocco’s first industrial park. It is owned partly by the
Moroccan government and by a group of private banks. The Casablanca Technopark works
to promote information technology businesses and helps new companies grow. This is an
example of how Morocco has what type of economy?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mixed market economy
Traditional economy
Command economy
Free market economy
Answer: A
P3.1.1 Clearly state an issue as a question or public policy, trace the origins of an issue,
analyze and synthesize various perspectives, and generate and evaluate alternative
resolutions. Deeply examine policy issues in group discussions and debates to make
reasoned and informed decisions. Write persuasive/ argumentative essays expressing and
justifying decisions on public policy issues. Plan and conduct activities intended to advance
views on matters of public policy, report the results, and evaluate effectiveness.
 Identify public policy issues related to global topics and issues studied.
 Clearly state the issue as a question of public policy orally or in written form.
 Use inquiry methods to acquire content knowledge and appropriate data about the
issue.
 Identify the causes and consequences and analyze the impact, both positive and
negative.
 Share and discuss findings of research and issue analysis in group discussions and
debates.
 Compose a persuasive essay justifying the position with a reasoned argument.
 Develop an action plan to address or inform others about the issue at the local to
global scales.
Non-testable
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
42
P4.2.1 Demonstrate knowledge of how, when, and where individuals would plan and
conduct activities intended to advance views in matters of public policy, report the results,
and evaluate effectiveness.
1. A family clinic needs to expand to accommodate rising numbers of low-income families. The
clinic director is looking for the best way to raise money. Which of these methods would
help the most?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Joining the school board
Organizing a political party
Writing to the city council
Finding a corporate sponsor
Answer: D
2. The Downtown Neighborhood Association convinced their city council to change the zoning
in an industrial neighborhood. They think that many of the abandoned buildings could be
developed into apartments with small businesses on the ground floor. They argued that this
would benefit the whole community by creating more housing and bringing new businesses
to the area. After the commercial district was built, the city council wanted to evaluate the
benefits. Which change would the city council most likely evaluate first?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Pollution levels
Economic growth
Noise complaints
Traffic patterns
Answer: B
3. A local environmental group wants to convince voters that clean drinking water is a problem
in their area. Which of these is the best method to communicate the issue to the community?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Get elected as a city council member.
Go door to door to convince voters.
Write to state congressional leaders.
Donate money to a political party.
Answer: B
P4.2.2 Engage in activities intended to contribute to solving a national or international
problem studied.
Non-testable
P4.2.3 Participate in projects to help or inform others (e.g., service learning projects).
Non-testable
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
43
H1.1.1 Explain why and how historians use eras and periods as constructs to organize and
explain human activities over time.
1. If a historian says the “Civil War Era”, he or she is referring to what time period?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The years during the Civil War
The years before the Civil War
The years after the Civil War
The causes of the Civil War
Answer: A
2. William Shakespeare wrote plays during the Elizabethan Period. This is another way of
saying he wrote plays
A.
B.
C.
D.
before Queen Elizabeth I was born.
after the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
when Queen Elizabeth I got married.
during the rule of Queen Elizabeth I.
Answer: D
3. How many decades are in a 200-year time span?
A.
B.
C.
D.
200 decades
20 decades
10 decades
2 decades
Answer: B
H1.1.2 Compare and contrast several different calendar systems used in the past and
present and their cultural significance (e.g., Sun Dial, Gregorian calendar – B.C./A.D.;
contemporary secular – B.C.E./C.E.; Chinese, Hebrew, and Islamic/Hijri calendars).
1. The Gregorian and Islamic calendar both consist of how many months?
A.
B.
C.
D.
8
10
12
14
Answer: C
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
44
2. The Chinese calendar divides the day into how many units?
A.
B.
C.
D.
10
12
14
16
Answer: B
3. An impact of the contemporary secular calendar is that it
A.
B.
C.
D.
helps to unite the world into the same calendar system.
decreases the impact of religious institutions.
erases religious holidays.
predicts the future.
Answer: A
4. The seventh day of the Islamic calendar is also known as the
A.
B.
C.
D.
Savior
Hijra
Dar Es Salaam
Sabbath
Answer: D
H1.2.1 Explain how historians use a variety of sources to explore the past (e.g., artifacts,
primary and secondary sources including narratives, technology, historical maps,
visual/mathematical quantitative data, radiocarbon dating, DNA analysis).
1. “Researchers tried singing inside one painted cave in France. They discovered that the sound
was loudest in the areas that were painted.”
What is the most accurate conclusion you can draw based on this evidence?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People probably gathered to talk while they painted in these areas of the cave.
These areas of the cave were where bison lived.
People probably lived in these areas of the cave.
These areas of the cave were often deep in the ground.
Answer: A
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
45
2. If you found footprints of young people near sculptures, what is the best conclusion you
could reach?
A.
B.
C.
D.
People died at young ages at that time.
Children were not allowed in the caves.
People used caves for protection from attack.
Children took part in ceremonies.
Answer: D
3. Which of the following is a primary source from ancient Mesopotamia?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A novel about Hammurabi
A Sumerian cuneiform tablet
A textbook on Assyrian culture
An encyclopedia article about Ur
Answer: B
H1.2.2 Read and comprehend a historical passage to identify basic factual knowledge and
the literal meaning by indicating who was involved, what happened, where it happened,
what events led to the development, and what consequences or outcomes followed.
1. “Although we conquered Greece, she conquered us,” wrote Horace, a Roman poet, in 35
B.C. This quote means that
A.
B.
C.
D.
the Greek culture greatly influenced the Roman Culture.
Greece regrouped and conquered the Roman Empire.
the Greeks made slaves out of the Roman invaders.
the Greeks became political leaders in the Roman Empire.
Answer: A
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
46
2. The excerpt below concerns the role of women in ancient Greek society.
Your duty will be to remain indoors and send out those servants whose work is outside, and
superintend those who are to work indoors, and to receive the incomings, and distribute so
much of them as must be spent, and watch over so much as is to be kept in store, and take
care that the sum laid by for a year be not spent in a month.
Xenophon, Oeconomicus
(5th century BC/BCE)
Translated by E.C. Marchant (1923)
Which of the following was a major responsibility of women in 5th century BC/BCE
Athens?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The education of young men
The development of business
The formation of public policy
The management of the household
Answer: D
3. What ancient Mesopotamian most likely spoke the following?
“I live in a very large house near the center of the city. I enjoy gold utensils and expensive
drink at my parties”
A.
B.
C.
D.
Slave
Priest
Blacksmith
Government official
Answer: D
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H1.2.3 Identify the point of view (perspective of the author) and context when reading and
discussing primary and secondary sources.
1. Who was the intended audience for this reading?
Your duty will be to remain indoors and send out those servants whose work is outside, and
superintend those who are to work indoors, and to receive the incomings, and distribute so
much of them as must be spent, and watch over so much as is to be kept in store, and take
care that the sum laid by for a year be not spent in a month.
Xenophon, Oeconomicus
(5th century BC/BCE)
Translated by E.C. Marchant (1923)
A. Noblemen
B. Merchants
C. Roman females
D. Slaves
Answer: C
H1.2.4 Compare and evaluate competing historical perspectives about the past based on
proof.
1. Which of the following is a primary source from ancient Mesopotamia?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A novel about Hammurabi
A Sumerian cuneiform tablet
A textbook on Assyrian culture
An encyclopedia article about Ur
Answer: B
2. What is the most likely reason Americans made this statue of George Washington in the
Roman style?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To give Washington nobility
To give Washington godlike status
To identify Washington as an emperor
To identify Washington as a general
Answer: A
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48
H1.2.5 Describe how historians use methods of inquiry to identify cause effect relationships
in history noting that many have multiple causes.
1. Researches have found that Upright Man was tall and thin, had strong bones, stood up
straight, and walked and ran. Based on these traits, what would you expect researchers to
discover about Upright Man?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Their remains are on more than one continent.
They hunted and ate cooked meat.
They lived in large communities.
Their remains were covered in clothes.
Answer: A
2. Which of these was not a cause of the formation of civilizations?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Development of farming
Development of written language
Government
Invention of gunpowder
Answer: D
H1.2.6 Identify the role of the individual in history and the significance of one person’s
ideas.
1. Hammurabi’s Code of ancient Mesopotamian society was important because it
A.
B.
C.
D.
listed the laws and the corresponding punishments.
explained how government officials were chosen.
established a single currency for use across the empire.
described how to perform formal religious ceremonies.
Answer: A
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49
H1.4.1 Describe and use cultural institutions to study an era and a region (political,
economic, religion/belief, science/technology, written language, education, family).
1. Which of the following best replaces the X in the diagram?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Educated the peasants
Fought to abolish slavery
Was considered to be a god
Presided over a democratic assembly
Answer: C
2. The person near the top of the stele is most likely whom?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Soldier from the winning army
Soldier from the losing army
Leader of the winning army
Leader of the losing army
Answer: C
H1.4.2 Describe and use themes of history to study patterns of change and continuity.
1. In 1274 and 1281, the Mongol Empire attempted to attack the island of Japan. Which
description of this event is written from the point of view of the Mongols?
A. The Mongols landed on Japan with ease, but they decided that coming storms would
make the attack not worth the trouble.
B. Mongol warriors threatened to attack Japan, but the gods favored the island by
sending a divine wind to scatter the invaders.
C. Two Mongol attacks on Japan failed when storms and typhoons nearly destroyed the
Mongol fleets on both occasions.
D. Mighty Japanese warriors defended their coast from Mongol attackers, using strength
to send the savages back to the mainland.
Answer: A
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50
2. Why is it important to compare different viewpoints and frames of reference when studying
history?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Frames of reference coming from different groups tend to be the same.
Nothing in history is a fact, so every opinion should be represented.
Different perspectives give a better understanding of the big picture.
One of the perspectives is usually more correct than any of the others.
Answer: C
H1.4.3 Use historical perspectives to analyze global issues faced by humans long ago and
today.
1. Why did Stone Age people practice slash-and-burn agriculture?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To fulfill spiritual beliefs
To make irrigation easier
To drive away wild animals
To clear land for farming
Answer: D
2. Imagine you are researching the subject of feudalism in Europe. You have primary sources
from two perspectives:
1. a king who ruled a feudal country
2. a noble who swore loyalty as the king’s vassal
Which of the following sources would most likely give you a different perspective of feudal
society?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A serf who worked the noble’s land.
An emperor who ruled over many people.
A baron who pledged loyalty to the king.
A lord who owned land.
Answer: A
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51
W1.1.1 Explain how and when human communities populated major regions of the Eastern
Hemisphere (Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia) and adapted to a variety of environments.
1. Which development most enabled early peoples to form permanent settlements?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Advances in agricultural production
The creation of democratic government
The spread of monotheism
Advances in written language
Answer: A
2. Pigs and camels were first domesticated in the Middle East. These animals then spread to
Africa and Asia due to a mass-migration out of the Middle East. What happened that caused
this migration?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Earthquakes and natural disasters made it too dangerous to live there.
Disease spread through the herds nearly wiping them out.
The population got too large, and the land couldn’t support them.
The climate dried and made farming and grazing very hard.
Answer: D
3. A nomad is someone who travels around instead of settling in one place. Which of the
following sentences best describes why early humans were nomadic?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They moved around to stay away from their enemies.
They followed the movement of the animals they hunted.
They didn’t have the wealth necessary to build a city.
It was too dangerous to stay in one place too long.
Answer: B
W1.1.2 Explain what archaeologists have learned about Paleolithic and Neolithic patterns
of living in Africa, Western Europe, and Asia.
1. Which type of hominid first used fire?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Homo habilis
Australopithecus aferensis
Homo erectus
Homo sapiens sapiens
Answer: C
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52
2. Use the list below to answer this question. In what order did these hominids appear?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Australopithecus aferensis
early modern humans
Handy Man
Neanderthals
Upright Man
d, a, e, c, b
c, a, d, e, b
a, c, e, d, b
a, d, c, e, b
Answer: C
3. Why did people live in larger communities during the Neolithic Age than in earlier times?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They needed more people for hunting and gathering.
They could grow enough food to support more people.
They created better ways of getting along with people.
They could trade their crops with other groups.
Answer: B
4. What is true about life in Paleolithic times?
A.
B.
C.
D.
In Paleolithic times, people spent most of their time finding enough food to live.
In Paleolithic times, people lived in large communities and moved frequently.
In Paleolithic times, people developed special skills such as weaving and farming.
In Paleolithic times, people lived in permanent structures made of mud bricks.
Answer: A
W1.2.1 Explain the importance of the natural environment in the development of
agricultural settlements in different locations (e.g., available water for irrigation, adequate
precipitation, and suitable growth season).
1. What change, caused by farming in northern Mesopotamia, led people to move south?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The population increased, and there wasn’t enough food.
The people fought, and they needed to find new places to live.
The climate changed, and it got too dry to keep living there.
The soil got overused, and plants could no longer grow there.
Answer: A
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53
2. The Indus River Valley is important for its
A.
B.
C.
D.
farmland.
iron deposits.
gold deposits.
cities.
Answer: A
3. Society as a whole was advanced by agriculture. Land that is farmed can support more than
50 times the number of people that same land can support through subsistence (bare
necessities) living. Because of agriculture,
A.
B.
C.
D.
great forests in North Africa were destroyed.
standing armies developed among the stronger societies.
hunter-gatherers were able to buy food from neighbors.
the building of cities was delayed by 1000 years.
Answer: B
W1.2.2 Explain the impact of the Agricultural Revolution (stable food supply, surplus,
population growth, trade, division of labor, development of settlements).
1. What was the greatest benefit when people began farming?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They had more time to relax.
They had better-tasting food.
They had a stable food supply.
They had enough water for crops.
Answer: C
2. What was not a result of people developing specialized skills?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Improving the quality of what they made.
Making things beautiful rather than just useful.
Moving more often in search of food.
Trading with other people for different things.
Answer: C
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54
3. Why didn’t Sumerians continue living in small villages, as their ancestors had?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They needed more land so they could gather enough food.
They needed more trees so they could build enough homes.
They had to work together to maintain the irrigation system.
They had to live together to protect themselves from outsiders.
Answer: C
4. What happened when people from many villages used Sumerian irrigation systems?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Cities had to have moats for storing water outside their walls.
Cities had to limit the number of people who could have farms.
People in the villages had to develop a language they could all speak.
People in the villages had to work together to take care of the system.
Answer: D
W1.2.3 Compare and contrast the environmental, economic, and social institutions of two
early civilizations from different world regions (e.g., Yangtze, Indus River Valley,
Tigris/Euphrates, and Nile).
1. One of the earliest forms of writing is cuneiform. What group of people are responsible for
the development of cuneiform?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Persians
Egyptians
Romans
Sumerians
Answer: D
2. The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, and China had the following in
common
A.
B.
C.
D.
they all shared a common religion.
they all started along a river.
they all shared a common language.
they all developed the same writing system.
Answer: B
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W2.1.1 Describe the importance of the development of human language, oral and written,
and its relationship to the development of culture
 verbal vocalizations
 standardization of physical (rock, bird) and abstract (love, fear) words
 pictographs to abstract writing (governmental administration, laws, codes, history and
artistic expressions)
1. Archaeologists have discovered pieces of animal bones and turtle shells from the Chinese
Shang Dynasty. These are called “oracle bones” because they have writing on them that the
Shang used to make oracles (religious predictions). What is one reason these artifacts are
important to us today?
A.
B.
C.
D.
They give the earliest examples of Chinese writing.
They give the earliest examples of Chinese agriculture.
They show that the early Chinese worshipped turtles.
They show that the early Chinese government was a theocracy.
Answer: A
2. What evidence shows that Sumerians were not prehistoric?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ziggurats
Statues
Irrigation ditches
Written Laws
Answer: D
3. Cuneiform and hieroglyphics were important achievements in the development of
A.
B.
C.
D.
written language.
religious beliefs.
agricultural production.
representative government.
Answer: A
4. An ancient alphabet developed in _______________ was used and changed in
________________ and ended up being used in _______________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Greece/Rome/Etruria
Etruria/Greece/Rome
Greece/Etruria/Rome
Etruria/Rome/Greece
Answer: C
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
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W2.1.2 Use historical and modern maps and other sources to locate, describe, and analyze
major river systems and discuss the ways these physical settings supported permanent
settlements, and development of early civilizations (Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Yangtze
River, Nile River, Indus River).
1. Which of these ancient civilizations is represented by the map?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Ancient China
Ancient Egypt
Indus River Valley
Mesopotamia
Answer: C
2. At different times in history, Mongols attacked ancient China from the north. Which letter
on the map above is nearest the ancient Chinese civilization?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Z
W
X
Y
Answer: A
3. Which letter on the map is nearest the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia?
A.
B.
C.
D.
W
Y
Z
X
Answer: D
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57
4. India’s ancient civilizations are located nearest which letter on the map above?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Y
X
W
Z
Answer: A
W2.1.3 Examine early civilizations to describe their common features (ways of governing,
stable food supply, economic and social structures, use of resources and technology,
division of labor and forms of communication).
1.
Which of the following was an achievement of the Harappan Civilization, the earliest
known group in the Indus Valley?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Windmills
Refrigeration
Indoor drainage
The elevator
Answer: B
2. The image is part of the Egyptian Book of the Dead. The text exists because of which two
inventions?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Metallurgy and cuneiform
Hieroglyphs and papyrus
Irrigation and floodplains
Astronomy and the solar calendar
Answer: B
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58
3. The Sumerians of Mesopotamia were the earliest known civilization. They have been given
credit for inventing the cart, the wagon, the chariot, and a new type of pottery. All these
inventions are related to which general invention?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The plow
Bronze working
Irrigation
The wheel
Answer: D
4. The following is a section of the Code of Hammurabi, from the Mesopotamian civilization of
Babylon:
196. If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out.
197. If he break another man’s bone, his bone shall be broken.
198. If he put out the eye of a freed man, or break the bone of a freed man, he shall pay one
gold mina.
199. If he put out the eye of a man’s slave, or break the bone of a man’s slave, he shall pay
one-half its value.
What does the section show about Hammurabi’s Code?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Some people were treated equally, but not everyone was.
Its laws are still used today in most countries of the world.
Every person was treated equally, but the laws were vague.
Its laws do not resemble the laws of any other civilization.
Answer: A
W2.1.4 Define the concept of cultural diffusion and how it resulted in the spread of ideas
and technology from one region to another (e.g., plants, crops, plow, wheel, bronze
metallurgy).
1. Which of the following is an example of how Rome was affected by contact with other
people?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Romans blended the gods of other cultures with their own.
Romans designed buildings exactly like Greek buildings.
Romans refused to accept gladiator battles as a sport
Romans built aqueducts exactly like Etruscan aqueducts.
Answer: A
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59
2. Alexander built cities with the following features: an agora, a temple, a theater, and a
university. Why did he design cities this way?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Because he enjoyed watching people buy and sell their goods.
Because he wanted the cities to be like Greek cities.
Because he believed people needed a public place to pray.
Because he thought it would encourage people to attend plays.
Answer: B
3. Which of the following describes cultural diffusion?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The spread of animals
The spread of art, customs, and religion
The spread of weather
The spread of disease
Answer: B
4. Which of the following would NOT have contributed to cultural diffusion?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The expansion of the Roman Empire
Alexander the Greats’ conquest of the near east
The annual flood of the Nile
Travel along the Silk Road
Answer: C
W2.1.5 Describe pastoralism and explain how the climate and geography of Central Asia
were linked to the rise of pastoral societies on the steppes.
1. Pastoral societies, societies that tend large herds of animals to make a living, began in places
like Central Asia because
A.
B.
C.
D.
the dry climate made it hard to grow crops.
they could escape quickly if an enemy came.
their religious beliefs required animal worship.
animals would overpopulate without herding.
Answer: A
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60
2. Which geographical feature led to pastoral societies on the steppes?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Mountains
Valleys
Grassland
Shoreline
Answer: C
3. If you were a pastoral herder, what would most likely happen as you traveled?
A.
B.
C.
D.
You found out how other groups lived.
You made a lot of money and moved to a new place.
You invented an alphabet and started writing.
You became a better hunter.
Answer: A
W3.1.1 Describe the characteristics that classical civilizations share (institutions, cultural
styles, systems of thought that influenced neighboring peoples and have endured for several
centuries).
1. The excerpt below concerns the role of women in ancient Greek society.
Your duty will be to remain indoors and send out those servants whose work is outside, and
superintend those who are to work indoors, and to receive the incomings, and distribute so
much of them as must be spent, and watch over so much as is to be kept in store, and take
care that the sum laid by for a year be not spent in a month.
Xenophon, Oeconomicus
(5th century BC/BCE)
Translated by E. C. Marchant (1923
Which of the following was a major responsibility of women in 5th century BC/BCE
Athens?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The education of young men
The development of business
The formation of public policy
The management of the household
Answer: D
Seventh Grade Social Studies Assessments – May 2009
61
2. The legacy of ancient Greek myths and epics, such as the Iliad, continues to provide people
with
A.
B.
C.
D.
accurate descriptions of historical events.
heroic figures and great adventures.
real life stories about everyday people.
objective studies of ancient civilizations.
Answer: C
3. The Hellenistic period covers the years between 323 BC, the death of Alexander the Great,
and 31 BC, the suicide of Cleopatra. These years are referred to as Hellenistic because during
this time,
A.
B.
C.
D.
Greek culture was spread throughout the non-Greek world.
Rome had conquered the Persian Empire and India.
the Trojan War was fought for the return of Helen of Troy.
it was a time of widespread peace throughout the Greek empire.
Answer: A
W3.1.2 Using historic and modern maps, locate three major empires of this era, describe
their geographic characteristics including physical features and climates, and propose a
generalization about the relationship between geographic characteristics and the
development of early empires.
1. According to the map, what natural feature was the Egyptian
civilization centered around?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Red Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Ethiopian Highlands
Nile River
Answer: D
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2. According to the two maps, what river is NOT a major population center in China?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Yellow River
Yangtze River
Brahmaputra River
Pearl River
Answer: C
3. What generalization can be made from the maps?
A. Rivers did not play an important role in the location of civilizations.
B. Rivers were only important in the development of civilizations because they could be
used for travel.
C. Rivers or other large sources of fresh water were essential to the development of early
civilizations.
D. There are no major rivers in China.
Answer: C
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63
4. The areas of highest population density live in what climate group?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Arid
Humid subtropical
Tropical wet & dry
Tropical wet
Answer: B
W3.1.3 Compare and contrast the defining characteristics of a city-state, civilization, and
empire.
1. Identify a characteristic of a city-state.
A.
B.
C.
D.
A city that operates like a small, independent country
A city that is part of a larger culture
A city that is part of a large territory
A city that pays tribute to another city
Answer: A
2. Which statement describes how the Babylonian empire evolved from Mesopotamian citystates?
A.
B.
C.
D.
City-states formed treaties with other city-states.
Royal families inter-married.
City-states conquered other city-states.
City-states threatened to control a major river.
Answer: C
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3. Why were Sumerian settlements considered city-states?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Each settlement served the Sumerian empire.
Each settlement had its own ruler and farmland.
Each settlement had its own irrigation system.
Each settlement recorded the empire’s history.
Answer: B
W3.1.4 Assess the importance of Greek ideas about democracy and citizenship in the
development of Western political thought and institutions.
1. One important idea contributed by the ancient Greeks was a form of government called a(n)
A.
B.
C.
D.
aristocracy.
dictatorship.
absolute monarchy.
democracy.
Answer: D
2. Which of the following best describes democracy in Athens?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Citizens elected representatives to make decisions.
Only free men could speak in the Assembly.
Widows replaced their dead husbands in the Assembly.
Citizens supported oligarchs, who made decisions.
Answer: B
3. Ancient Greek ideas about
A.
B.
C.
D.
have had the largest impact on Western culture.
warfare and conquest
democracy and citizenship
science and mathematics
monotheism and religion
Answer: B
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4. The ancient Greeks developed democracy. Which of the following are aspects of American
politics today and is a direct result of the Greeks?
A.
B.
C.
D.
A council of elders
Juries of citizens
A national religion
A symbolic royalty
Answer: B
W3.1.5 Describe major achievements from Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean, African, and
Southwest and Central Asian civilizations in the areas of art, architecture and culture;
science, technology and mathematics; political life and ideas; philosophy and ethical
beliefs; and military strategy.
1. What was the most important architectural achievement of Senusret’s reign?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The reunification of Egypt
The increase of trade
The creation of beautiful jewelry
The building of the White Chapel
Answer: D
2. It was built as a tomb from more than 2 million stone blocks. What was it?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The Great Pyramid at Giza
The Sphinx
The White Chapel
The Temple at Abu Simbel
Answer: A
3. Which of the following best replaces the X in the diagram?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Educated the peasants
Fought to abolish slavery
Was considered to be a god
Presided over a democratic assembly
Answer: C
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4. Mesopotamians built ziggurats to be used as
A.
B.
C.
D.
schools.
theaters.
burial chambers.
religious temples.
Answer: D
W3.1.6 Use historic and modern maps to locate and describe trade networks among
empires in the classical era.
1. Which continent is not linked by the Silk Road?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Africa
Asia
Australia
Europe
Answer: C
2. Which civilizations were not linked by the Silk Road?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Roman & Han
Mayan & Indus
Egyptian & Kush
Songhai & Asanti
Answer: A
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3. According to the map, which modern day country lies in the area once serviced by the Silk
Road?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Iran
Russia
Ukraine
United States
Answer: A
W3.1.7 Use a case study to describe how trade integrated cultures and influenced the
economy within empires (e.g., Assyrian and Persian trade networks or networks of Egypt
and Nubia/Kush; or Phoenician and Greek networks).
1. The ancient Persians made many improvements to their empire, such as building canals
linking bodies of water, as well as building roads and ports. Which of these was the most
likely result of the building projects?
A. Flooding created a lot of damage
throughout the region.
B. Trade began expanding throughout the
Near East region.
C. Fighting began over control of these
improvements.
D. People used these as transportation to
migrate out of the area.
Answer: B
2. According to the map, why were the civilizations of Mesopotamia able to thrive in the
Arabian Desert?
A. They had access to the Atlantic Ocean.
B. They were located on an island in the
Mediterranean Sea.
C. They were near the biblical city of
Babylon.
D. They were near the Tigris and Euphrates
Rivers.
Answer: D
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3. Which of these aspects of culture did the Greeks adopt from their trading partner, the
Phoenicians?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Cooking techniques
An alphabet
The Islamic religion
Theater
Answer: B
W3.1.8 Describe the role of state authority, military power, taxation systems, and
institutions of coerced labor, including slavery, in building and maintaining empires (e.g.,
Han Empire, Mauryan Empire, Egypt, Greek city-states and the Roman Empire).
1. Why did Emperor Qin standardize laws, money, and the writing system?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To maintain his power
To unify the country
To establish Confucianism
To punish his enemies
Answer: B
2. The government of the Roman Republic was characterized by all of the following features
except
A.
B.
C.
D.
the rule of law.
separation of powers.
the idea of civic duty.
voting rights for women.
Answer: D
3. How did the rise to power and reign of Alexander most affect Greece?
A.
B.
C.
D.
He established a peaceful relationship with the Persian Empire.
He strengthened greatly the concept of democratic rule.
He made Macedonia into the intellectual center of the Hellenistic world.
He ended the power of the city-states and established a unified nation.
Answer: D
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4. During the first period of Roman expansion, the Romans
A.
B.
C.
D.
took over the Italian peninsula.
conquered all of Europe.
expanded into North Africa.
became a dictatorship.
Answer: A
W3.1.9 Describe the significance of legal codes, belief systems, written languages and
communications in the development of large regional empires.
1. Which philosophy seems to have influenced the Qin Shihuangdi the most?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Confucianism
Daoism
Federalism
Legalism
Answer: D
2. If you wanted to create an empire, you might take lessons from Qin Shihuangdi. What is one
lesson he might give you about how you could unify different states into one country?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Create a new religion and make everyone follow it.
Create a new written language and make everyone use it.
Make everyone study the same subjects at school.
Make everyone grow and eat the same kind of food.
Answer: B
3. Which of the following led armies of the Roman Republic into battle during times of war?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Consuls
Gladiators
Helots
Hoplites
Answer: A
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4. The city-states of ancient Greece spread Greek culture to areas around the Mediterranean Sea
by
A.
B.
C.
D.
conquering Rome.
establishing colonies.
uniting with Carthage.
building roads for armies.
Answer: B
W3.1.10 Create a time line that illustrates the rise and fall of classical empires during the
classical period.
Non-testable
W3.2.1 Identify and describe the beliefs of the five major world religions.
1. What should a historian keep in mind when using the Torah as an artifact?
A.
B.
C.
D.
It was written to explain some of the early history of the Jewish people.
It was written by people who conquered the ancient Hebrews.
It was written as a historical record of the ancient Hebrews.
It was written for the people who lived in Jerusalem.
Answer: A
2. Which of the following best explains why Christianity spread rapidly throughout Europe?
A. Constantine converted to Christianity and forced the Roman Empire to become
Christians.
B. Jesus baptized all citizens of Europe.
C. Their God threatened a flood if all citizens did not convert.
D. There was a war between Christians and Pagans and the Christians won.
Answer: A
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3. Which of the following conclusions is supported by the map?
A. No single religion is more dominant than the others
throughout most of India.
B. The most industrialized parts of India are in the
interior and on the south coast.
C. Minority religions in India are more influential on the
north and east borders.
D. The population of India is more religious than the
people of Pakistan or Nepal.
Answer: C
W3.2.2 Locate the geographical center of major religions and map the spread through the
3rd century C.E./A.D.
1. The Diaspora, the dispersing of the Jewish people, refers to their
A.
B.
C.
D.
exile from their homeland.
collection of their sacred writings.
effort to convert nonbelievers.
opposition to the Crusades.
Answer: A
2. Christianity is a belief system that began in the Middle East. It eventually spread and took its
strongest hold in
A.
B.
C.
D.
the Ming Chinese Empire.
places that had Hinduism.
the late Roman Empire.
places that had Buddhism.
Answer: C
3. Islam is the world’s second largest religion and the fastest growing. Who is the main prophet
of Islam?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Krishna
Muhammad
Muslim
Jesus
Answer: B
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W3.2.3 Identify and describe the ways that religions unified people’s perceptions of the
world and contributed to cultural integration of large regions of Afro-Eurasia.
1. Some of the religious beliefs of an ancient people are listed in the box. This list best reflects
the religious beliefs of which of the following ancient peoples?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Egyptians
Greeks
Hebrews
Phoenicians




belief in one God
belief in the Ten Commandments
belief in individual worth
belief in personal responsibility for
behavior
Answer: C
2. Christianity is a belief system that began in the Middle East. It eventually spread and took its
strongest hold in
A.
B.
C.
D.
places that had Buddhism.
places that had Hinduism.
the late Roman Empire.
the Ming Chinese Empire.
Answer: C
3. Buddhism is a belief system that began in northern India. To which part of the world did it
spread and take its strongest hold?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Western Africa
Western Europe
Eastern Asia
Northern Europe
Answer: C
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