Social Studies
3-5
Geography
Sample Test Questions
Students use knowledge of geographic locations, patterns and processes to
show the interrelationship between the physical environment and human
activity, and to explain the interactions that occur in an increasingly
interdependent world.
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Geography
Benchmark A
Use map elements or coordinates to locate physical and human
features of North America.
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple choice
Bloom: Comprehension
1
2
3
4
Park
A
School
Bakery
Bank
Post
Office
B
C
Market
D
Question:
On the grid above, locate the Bank.
A. A-4
B. C-3
C. C-1
D. B-1
Rubric:
C. C-1
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple choice
Bloom: Knowledge
Question:
On the map above label the three largest countries of North America and put an “X” on
Ohio.
Rubric:
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A. Canada
B. United States
C. Mexico
Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: knowledge
Question:
Which letter best represents the location our Nation’s capital?
Rubric:
B
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Application
Question:
If you were in Kentucky, which direction would you travel to get to Ohio?
A. North
B. South
C. East
D. West
Rubric:
A. North
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Application
Question:
Which degree of latitude runs through Ohio?
A. 40 degrees North
B. 30 degrees North
C. 30 degrees South
D. 40 degrees South
Rubric:
A
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: short answer
Bloom: knowledge
Question:
Name the imaginary line (0o) that separates the Northern and Southern hemispheres.
____________________________
What do you call the imaginary line that separates the Eastern and Western hemispheres?
_____________________________
Rubric:
Equator
Prime Meridian
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Application
Question:
The map shows some of the cities where Habitat for Humanity traveling work teams will
build homes. Habitat for Humanity is a charitable organization that builds homes for
families in need
About how many miles is team A’s trip from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Louisville,
Kentucky?
E. 1,000 miles
F. 1.200 miles
G. 1,500 miles
H. 2,000 miles
Rubric:
G. 1,500 miles
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography A
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Knowledge
Question:
The continent marked with a star is
A. Europe
B. Asia
C. Australia
D. Africa
Rubric
D
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Geography
Benchmark B
Identify the physical and human characteristics of places and
regions in North America.
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography B
Question type: Short Answer
Bloom: Comprehension
Question: List two reasons most cities developed along rivers, lakes, or oceans
Rubric: Students could mention one of the following; ease of trade, source of water,
fertile soil, travel/transportation
2 points if students mention two or more of the above reasons
1 point if students mention one or more of the above reasons
0 points if students do not understand the concept
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography B
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Comprehension
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Question:
The number 3 on the map locates which river?
A. Columbia
B. Mississippi
C. Rio Grande
D. Hudson
Rubric:
B
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography B
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Comprehension
Question:
The Great Plains region of the United States is an example of a
A. forest
B. grassland
C. swamp
D. desert
Rubric:
B
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Geography
Benchmark C
Identify and explain ways people have affected the physical
environment of North America and analyze the positive and
negative consequences.
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography C
Question type: Extended response
Bloom: synthesis
Question:
Irrigation is a necessary practice for many farmers in North America. List the positive
and negative affects of irrigation on the land.
IRRIGATION ON FARMS
POSITIVE AFFECTS
NEGAGIVE AFFECTS
1.
1.
2.
2.
Rubric:
Answers could include several of these solutions:
Positive– grow crops where they could not before
Do not have to depend on the weather (control over growing conditions)
Negative – expense
Taking water from other areas that need water
4 points if students mention four or more of the above reasons
3 points if students mention three or more of the above reasons
2 points if students mention two or more of the above reasons
1 point if students mention one or more of the above reasons
0 points if students do not understand the concept
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography C
Question type: Multiple Choice
Bloom: Application
Question:
What geographical feature hindered the early Westward Expansion in the United States?
A. Mississippi River
B. Great Plains
C. Great Lakes
D. Appalachian Mountains
Rubric:
A. Appalachian Mountains
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Geography
Benchmark D
Analyze ways that transportation and communication relate to
patterns of settlement and economic activity.
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Grade band: 3-5
Subject: Social Studies
Benchmark: Geography D
Question type: Short Answer
Bloom:
Question:
Give two advantages of using the Erie Canal instead of dirt roads to transport freight
during the Canal Era.
Rubric:
2-point responses: The canal only takes 9 days, and the dirt road takes 15-45 days.
The canal costs $6/ton, and the dirt road costs $100/ton.
It is cheaper. It is a shorter or easier route.
It is faster.
Takes less time.
Costs less money.
Canal boats (or just “boats”) can carry more.
The Erie Canal is less expensive to use.
1-point responses: Just "9 days" or "$6/ton" (without any reference to "time" or "costs" of
using the dirt road).
You don't need as much food (without clearly stating why this is an advantage).
You don’t need as many animals.
0-point responses include: 1) answers that, while perhaps true, are not related to specific
advantages of using the canal For example: The canal can be used for swimming. The
canal can be used for going places. You don’t get as dirty using the canal. You don’t use
gas so there is less pollution. Horses need to stop and rest. 2) answers that indicate an
advantage of the dirt road over the canal For example: You have to use 8 horses instead
of 2 mules. It costs $100/ton instead of $6/ton.
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