VIRGINIA STANDARDS OF LEARNING
Spring 2012 Released Test
WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Form H0112, CORE 1
Property of the Virginia Department of Education
Copyright ©2012 by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Education, P.O. Box 2120, Richmond, Virginia
23218-2120. All rights reserved. Except as permitted by law, this material may not be reproduced or used in any form or
by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information storage or retrieval
system, without written permission from the copyright owner. Commonwealth of Virginia public school educators may
reproduce any portion of these released tests for non-commercial educational purposes without requesting permission.
All others should direct their written requests to the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Student Assessment
and School Improvement, at the above address or by e-mail to Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov.
World Geography
Directions
Read each question and choose the best answer. Then fill in the circle on your answer
document for the answer you have chosen.
SAMPLE
Temperature and precipitation are characteristics of —
A
B
C
D
longitude
climate
vegetation
latitude
3
1
Which activity depends primarily on polar map projections?
A
B
C
D
2
Satellite imaging
Airline navigation
Data collection
Land surveying
Monsoons are most commonly found in F
G
H
J
northeastern Europe
western Africa
southern Asia
southwestern Australia
4
3
United States
4
1
2
3
Map Legend
Population, percent change
50.0 to 191.0
25.0 to 49.9
13.2 to 24.9
0.0 to 13.1
According to this map, which numbered state has the highest population
growth rate?
A
B
C
D
1
2
3
4
5
4
Which city is located closest to the prime meridian?
F
G
H
J
5
Montreal, Canada
London, England
Moscow, Russia
Stockholm, Sweden
Which map would be the most useful in determining the precipitation levels
in Turkey?
Elevation (feet)
Political
A
C
Border
Population (persons per square mile)
Sea level–1,000
2,001–5,000
1,001–2,000
Over 5,0000
Vegetation
B
D
6
Mixed forest
Steppe
Mediterranean
Desert
6
What are the climate characteristics of low-latitude nations?
F
G
H
J
Warm summers and cold winters
Warm summers and warm winters
Cool summers and cold winters
Cool summers and warm winters
7
In which climate would this type of vegetation be found?
A
B
C
D
Tropical
Mediterranean
Tundra
Arid
7
8
The World
120ºW 60ºW
0º
60ºE
120ºE
60ºN
60ºN
30ºN
30ºN
0º
0º
30ºS
30ºS
60ºS
60ºS
120ºW 60ºW
0º
60ºE
30°N, 120°E is located within the continent of F
G
H
J
9
Asia
Europe
Australia
North America
Which source would provide the most accurate information about a
group’s culture?
A
B
C
D
Satellite images
Field work
World globe
Elevation maps
8
120ºE
10
South America
Which South American country does NOT border the Pacific Ocean?
F
G
H
J
Peru
Chile
Ecuador
Brazil
9
11
Distortion is a problem when mapping Earth because A
B
C
D
Earth’s curved surface is transferred to a flat surface
current map-producing technology is limited
Earth’s populations are constantly changing
climate conditions are difficult to measure
12
Korean Peninsula
38º
This peninsula has been divided as the result of F
G
H
J
religious differences
a political dispute
a language barrier
physical characteristics
10
13
Which term do geographers use to classify an area with unifying
physical characteristics?
A
B
C
D
Location
Orientation
Region
Perception
11
14
The structure in this photograph is most closely associated with the culture of
which region?
F
G
H
J
Siberia
Southwest Asia
Europe
North America
12
15
Major Religious Monuments
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Dome of the Rock
Western Wall
Which city contains these three religious monuments?
A
B
C
D
16
Istanbul
Rome
Mecca
Jerusalem
During the time of Christopher Columbus, which continent would have been
most accurately mapped?
F
G
H
J
Europe
Asia
South America
North America
13
17
Major Centers of Culture and Trade
A
Europe
• London
• Paris
B
North America
• New York
• Los Angeles
Which of these is a correct addition to the table?
A
B
C
D
18
Buenos Aires in Column A
Sydney in Column A
Madrid in Column B
Toronto in Column B
In the 1990s, ethnic diversity as a divisive force best described conditions in
which country?
F
G
H
J
Brazil
Japan
Switzerland
Yugoslavia
14
19
Which religion is most widely practiced within the regions of North Africa and
Southwest Asia?
A
B
C
D
20
Islam
Hinduism
Buddhism
Christianity
Pakistan was created to address the conflict between which two
religious groups?
F
G
H
J
Buddhists and Muslims
Christians and Hindus
Buddhists and Christians
Muslims and Hindus
15
21
River transportation impeded by waterfalls and rapids
Many landlocked countries
Large number of mineral and diamond mines
Which region is described by this list?
A
B
C
D
Central America
Sub-Saharan Africa
Middle East
Scandinavian Peninsula
16
22
The site shown in this photograph is part of the cultural landscape of F
G
H
J
23
Southeast Asia
North Africa
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Kurdistan is an example of which type of cultural region?
A
B
C
D
Economic
Political
Language
Ethnic
17
24
Frost-Free Winters
Humid Summers
Agriculture
Fishing
Which landform in the United States is most closely identified with the
characteristics in this box?
F
G
H
J
25
Great Plains
Canadian Shield
Gulf Coast
Rocky Mountains
Which religious group is associated with worshiping in mosques?
A
B
C
D
Christians
Muslims
Buddhists
Hindus
18
26
Which factor explains why a number of animal species are unique
to Australia?
F
G
H
J
Diverse vegetation
Rough terrain
Humid climate
Geographic isolation
19
27
Afghanistan
China
Kashmir
Pakistan
India
The darker-shaded region is a A
B
C
D
colonial province
neutral country
disputed territory
demilitarized zone
20
China
28
Which list contains only examples of cultural regions?
F
G
H
J
Latin America, Sahara, European Union (EU)
Amazon rainforest, Sunbelt, Middle East
Great Plains, Low Countries, Scandinavia
Chinatowns, Wheat Belt, Francophone world
29
Southeast Asia
The main agricultural product in this geographic region is A
B
C
D
wheat
corn
rice
beans
21
30
Which factor is most directly related to the level of economic development of
a country?
F
G
H
J
Urbanization
Climate
Language
Religion
31
Particles
transported
by water to
a landmass
Particles
accumulate
on a landmass
Which process is described by this diagram?
A
B
C
D
Desertification
Deposition
Erosion
Pollution
22
Growth of
landmass
32
Which landforms are most likely affected by the creation of polders?
F
G
H
J
Deserts
Plateaus
Highlands
Lowlands
23
33
Vehicles in Service in the United States, 1970 - 2000
160
120
Millions of
Vehicles
80
40
0
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
Year
Passenger cars
Light trucks
This graph supports the conclusion that the United States is reliant on the
growth of —
A
B
C
D
city centers
airline travel
commuter railways
road construction
24
1995
2000
34
Industrialization and economic development affect human settlement
patterns by F
G
H
J
prohibiting people from inhabiting harsh climate regions
enabling people to live farther from natural resources
permitting mass migration to rural areas
causing the rapid decline of urban populations
35
Quality of Life
Infant
Population
Mortality
Mid-2007
(per 1000)
(millions)
Botswana
56
Angola
141
Country
Literacy
Rate for
Males Ages
15 - 24
(%)
Births
Attended
by Skilled
Professionals
(%)
Women
Above 50
Yrs Old
(%)
1.8
86
94
12
16.3
83
45
9
Based on this data, what is one reason the infant mortality rate is higher in
Angola than in Botswana?
A
B
C
D
The population is greater in Botswana.
The literacy rate in Angola for males 15 to 24 is higher.
Fewer births are attended by skilled professionals in Angola.
Many of the women in Botswana are 50 and older.
25
36
Major Religions in Southeast Asia
Map Legend
Nepal
Bhutan
Shinto-Buddhism
China
Theravadin Buddhism
Tribal religions
India
Myanmar
(Burma)
Bangladesh
Islam
Laos
Thailand
Vietnam
Cambodia
Indian
Ocean
Malaysia
Borneo
Sumatra
Indonesia
According to this map, in which of these countries are three different
religions practiced?
F
G
H
J
Laos
Cambodia
Thailand
Malaysia
26
Philippines
37
Foreign Aid Donations by Country, 2004
20
US Dollars
(billions)
15
10
5
0
United
States
Japan
France
United
Kingdom
Germany
Netherlands
Country
These nations are able to make these donations because they are A
B
C
D
military powers
the wealthiest in the world
the largest in the world
developing economies
27
Sweden
Italy
Norway
Denmark
38
Africa
Which geographic factor has most contributed to the environmental strain on
the darker-shaded area on this map?
F
Change of political borders
G
H
J
Desertification
Urbanization
Irrigation of public lands
28
39
Which natural hazard is most likely to cause crop failures in the Great Plains
region of the United States?
A
B
C
D
40
Drought
Earthquake
Seasonal flooding
Volcanic eruption
The Commonwealth of Nations primarily consists of former F
G
H
J
Spanish protectorates
French mandates
British colonies
Soviet republics
29
41
State of Washington
Ferry County
Conservation
District
Upper
Columbia
River
Basin
What is the main function of the darker-shaded region on this map?
A
Resource protection
B
C
D
Business development
Waste disposal
Tourist attraction
42
Mecca
Varanasi
What do these cities have in common?
F
G
H
J
Harbor sites
Mountainous peaks
Pilgrimage destinations
Government centers
30
43
What was the primary reason for establishing the Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC)?
A
B
C
D
Regulating global market prices of oil
Increasing underwater exploration of oil
Limiting revenue growth from oil sales
Expanding oil production quotas
44
?
Characteristics of
• Hubs for transportation and communication
• Centers for news and entertainment
• Corporate headquarters
Which phrase best completes the title of this list?
F
G
Urban Areas
Free Trade Regions
H
J
Integrated Neighborhoods
Regional Conservation Offices
31
45
Which statement refers to the geographic situation of Timbuktu, Mali?
A
B
C
D
46
Which economic behavior is best demonstrated by ghost towns?
F
G
H
J
47
Manufacturing center on the Silk Road
Commercial center along Trans-Sahara trade routes
Administrative center of straits and land bridge to Europe
Transportation center between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers
When resources are exhausted, people move elsewhere.
As towns grow, there is less need for government services.
Increased agricultural productivity leads to fewer farm towns.
Increased urban sprawl leads to less land available for farming.
Chinatown, in Los Angeles, California, is an example of a regional spatial
division based primarily on A
B
C
D
religious beliefs
economic interests
cultural similarities
political advantages
32
48
Which factor is least important in selecting the location for a factory?
F
G
H
J
Access to schools
Distribution of populations
Zoning laws
Transportation networks
49
Shares of Economic Activity
by Major Industry for Country X
Agriculture
Mining
Manufacturing
Service
Which list correctly ranks this country’s levels of economic activity from
largest to smallest?
A
B
C
D
Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
Secondary, Tertiary, Primary
Secondary, Primary, Tertiary
Tertiary, Primary, Secondary
33
50
Which change occurred as a result of industrialization?
F
G
H
J
Factory systems replaced cottage industries.
Subsistence farming replaced commercial agriculture.
Military production replaced consumer industries.
Surface transportation replaced air transportation.
51
With oil and gasoline prices still at their highest levels in 15
years and demand for fossil-fuel energy surging in emerging
countries like India and China, Purdue researchers are looking
at how a fuel based on hydrogen can help cure this nation’s
energy woes [problems].
- Purdue University, March 2006
What conclusion can be drawn from this excerpt?
A
B
C
D
Economic alliances are formed for resource conservation.
There is competition for resources among countries.
The price of gasoline is declining in developing countries.
Modern industry uses minimal amounts of petroleum.
34
52
Natural Resources
Coal
Iron Ore
Petroleum
Timber
Which factor most discourages the use of these types of resources?
F
G
H
J
53
Financial profits
Employment levels
Environmental issues
Technological developments
Which type of economic activity requires extensive areas of land?
A
B
C
D
Industrial manufacturing
Commercial agriculture
Petroleum extraction
Retail business
35
54
The expanded use of computers in the workplace has led to the increased —
F
G
H
J
demand for unskilled laborers
speed in the exchange of information
distance employees must commute
expense of international communications
55
High fertility
rates
Low life
expectancy
Characteristics
of
Developing
Nations
?
Which phrase best completes this diagram?
A
B
C
D
Low average age
High average income
High literacy rates
Low disease rates
36
56
Economic Specialties of Selected Countries
Country
Economic
Specialty
Jamaica
Tourism
Belgium
Chad
Metal
Products
Agriculture
Which country specializes in a primary economic activity?
F
G
H
Jamaica
Belgium
Chad
J
Liechtenstein
37
Liechtenstein
Financial
Services
57
World Cocoa Production
50%
45%
40%
35%
Percent of Cocoa
Produced
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
Côte
d’Ivoire
Ghana
Indonesia
Nigeria
Brazil
Cameroon
Ecuador
Dominican
Republic
Country
According to this graph, which region is the largest producer of cocoa?
A
B
South America
Central America
C
D
West Africa
Southeast Asia
38
Papua
New
Guinea
Malaysia
Colombia
Mexico
58
The European Union has most benefited its member nations by F
G
H
J
59
reducing barriers to trade and travel
sharing the expense of a common defense
promoting the use of a common language
providing funds and materials for education
Which type of country is most dependent on a ground transportation network
for international trade?
A
B
C
D
Landlocked
Coastal
Island
Tropical
39
60
Country 1
Country 2
Country 3
Country 4
Cheap labor
costs
Natural
resources
Investment
capital
High
tax rate
In which country would a clothing company most likely locate its
jeans factory?
F
G
H
J
1
2
3
4
40
Answer Key-3179-H0112
Test Sequence
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Correct Answer
B
H
B
G
D
G
D
F
B
J
A
G
C
H
D
F
D
J
A
J
B
J
D
H
B
J
C
J
C
F
B
J
D
G
C
G
B
G
A
H
A
H
A
F
B
F
C
F
C
F
B
H
B
G
A
H
C
F
A
F
Reporting
Category
001
001
001
001
001
001
001
001
001
001
001
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
002
003
003
003
003
003
003
003
003
003
003
004
004
004
004
004
004
004
004
004
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
005
Reporting Category Description
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Physical Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Regional Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Human Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Political and Urban Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Economic Geography
Spring 2012 Released
World Geography Standards of Learning Test
Total Raw Score to Scaled Score Conversion Table for
Multiple Choice Form H0112, Core 1
Total Raw Score
If you get this many items
correct:
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
Total Scaled Score
Then your converted scaled score
is:
0
195
227
246
260
271
281
289
296
303
309
314
320
325
329
334
338
342
346
350
354
357
361
365
368
372
375
378
382
385
388
392
395
398
402
405
409
412
416
419
423
426
430
434
438
442
447
451
456
461
467
473
479
486
494
504
515
529
548
580
600
A total raw score (left
column) is converted to a
total scaled score (right
column). The total scaled
score may range from 0 to
600.
A scaled score of 400 or
more means the student
passed the SOL test, while
a scaled score of 399 or
less means the student did
not pass the test. A scaled
score of 500 or more
indicates the student
passed the SOL test at an
advanced level.
545548
12345ABCDE
Printed in the USA
ISD3880
