Grade: Grade 9 Subject: Social Studies Unit: World Geography Lesson: 3 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Guided Practice

Learn

This lesson provides guided practice applying concepts from Physical Geography and Human Geography. You will work through structured exercises that reinforce map reading, climate analysis, and population distribution skills.

In this guided practice lesson, you will apply geographic concepts to real-world scenarios with step-by-step support.

Examples

Work through these examples to see the concepts in action.

Example problems and worked solutions will appear here.

✏️ Practice

Test your understanding with these practice questions.

Practice Questions

0/3 correct
Question 1

What is a primary source?

A A textbook
B A firsthand account from the time
C A summary by a historian
D An encyclopedia entry
Explanation: A primary source is an original document or firsthand account from the time period being studied.
Question 2

What are the three branches of the U.S. government?

A Army, Navy, Air Force
B Federal, State, Local
C Legislative, Executive, Judicial
D Democratic, Republican, Independent
Explanation: The three branches are Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws).
Question 3

What is a democracy?

A Rule by one person
B Rule by the military
C Rule by the people
D Rule by the wealthy
Explanation: In a democracy, citizens have the power to choose their leaders and participate in government.

Check Your Understanding

Test yourself with these review questions.

1. Which of the following best describes the relationship between latitude and climate?

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Answer: Areas closer to the equator (lower latitudes) generally experience warmer temperatures year-round, while areas near the poles (higher latitudes) experience colder temperatures. This is because sunlight hits the equator more directly.

2. What are the five themes of geography?

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Answer: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Region. These themes help geographers organize and analyze information about places on Earth.

3. How do ocean currents affect coastal climates?

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Answer: Warm ocean currents bring warmer temperatures and increased moisture to coastal areas, while cold currents bring cooler temperatures and often drier conditions. This is why coastal cities often have milder climates than inland areas.

4. What is the difference between weather and climate?

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Answer: Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions (daily or weekly), while climate describes long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, and other weather variables over 30 or more years.

5. Why do most major cities develop near water sources?

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Answer: Water sources provide drinking water, transportation routes for trade, irrigation for agriculture, and industrial uses. Historically, rivers and coastlines were essential for economic development and human settlement.

6. What is a rain shadow effect?

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Answer: A rain shadow occurs when moist air rises over a mountain range, cools, and releases precipitation on the windward side. The leeward side receives much less rainfall because the air has lost most of its moisture, creating drier conditions.

7. How does population density differ from population distribution?

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Answer: Population density measures the number of people per unit of area (e.g., people per square mile), while population distribution describes the pattern of where people live across a geographic area (clustered, dispersed, or linear).

8. What are push and pull factors in migration?

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Answer: Push factors are conditions that drive people away from a location (war, poverty, natural disasters), while pull factors attract people to a new location (job opportunities, safety, better climate, family connections).

9. How do plate tectonics shape Earth's physical geography?

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Answer: Plate tectonics create mountains (through collision), volcanoes (at subduction zones and hotspots), earthquakes (along fault lines), and ocean basins (through seafloor spreading). These processes continuously reshape Earth's surface over millions of years.

10. What is the significance of the Prime Meridian and the International Date Line?

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Answer: The Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) passes through Greenwich, England, and serves as the starting point for measuring longitude east and west. The International Date Line (approximately 180 degrees) is where each new calendar day begins; crossing it changes the date by one day.

Next Steps

  • Review any concepts that felt challenging
  • Move on to the next lesson when ready
  • Return to practice problems periodically for review