Unit Checkpoint: US Geography
Instructions
This checkpoint tests everything you learned about US geography. Answer all questions to check your mastery.
Questions
1. How many states are in the United States?
A) 48
B) 50
C) 51
D) 52
Answer
B) 50 - The US has 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii.
2. What is the longest river in the United States?
A) Colorado River
B) Ohio River
C) Mississippi River
D) Columbia River
Answer
C) Mississippi River - It flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
3. Which mountain range is in the eastern United States?
A) Rocky Mountains
B) Sierra Nevada
C) Appalachian Mountains
D) Cascade Range
Answer
C) Appalachian Mountains - They run along the East Coast.
4. Which ocean is on the West Coast of the US?
A) Atlantic Ocean
B) Pacific Ocean
C) Indian Ocean
D) Arctic Ocean
Answer
B) Pacific Ocean - The Pacific borders California, Oregon, and Washington.
5. What does a compass rose on a map show?
A) Distance
B) Directions (N, S, E, W)
C) Country names
D) Population
Answer
B) Directions - The compass rose shows cardinal directions.
6. The Great Lakes are located in which part of the US?
A) Southwest
B) Southeast
C) Northeast/Midwest
D) West Coast
Answer
C) Northeast/Midwest - They border states like Michigan, Ohio, and New York.
7. Which state is the largest by land area?
A) Texas
B) California
C) Montana
D) Alaska
Answer
D) Alaska - Alaska is by far the largest state.
8. What type of landform is Florida?
A) Island
B) Mountain
C) Peninsula
D) Desert
Answer
C) Peninsula - Florida is surrounded by water on three sides.
9. Why did many US cities grow near rivers?
A) Rivers are pretty
B) Rivers provided water, transportation, and trade
C) Rivers were required by law
D) No particular reason
Answer
B) - Rivers provided essential resources for growing cities.
10. The capital of the United States is:
A) New York City
B) Philadelphia
C) Washington, D.C.
D) Boston
Answer
C) Washington, D.C. - It's not part of any state.
How Did You Do?
- 9-10 correct: Excellent! You've mastered US Geography!
- 7-8 correct: Good job! Review the questions you missed.
- 5-6 correct: Keep practicing! Review the lessons.
- Below 5: Go back and review all the lessons before moving on.
Next Steps
- Review any concepts you found challenging
- Continue learning state capitals
- Continue to the Government Basics unit