Reading Maps Quiz

Grade 2 · Social Studies · Quiz

Test your knowledge of map reading skills for 2nd grade.

Questions

What is another name for a map key?
1. Compass
2. Legend
3. Scale
4. Symbol
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Answer: Legend
A legend is another word for map key — both terms describe the guide that explains map symbols.
North is always at the top of every map.
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Answer: False
Most modern maps put north at the top, but it is a convention, not a rule — some maps are oriented differently.
Which map would you use to find your way around your neighborhood?
1. A world map
2. A state map
3. A neighborhood map
4. An ocean map
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Answer: A neighborhood map
A neighborhood map shows local streets and landmarks, making it the right tool for finding your way around your area.
The symbol on a map that shows north, south, east, and west is called a compass ___.
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Answer: rose
The compass rose is named after the flower because its points spread out in multiple directions like rose petals.
A map scale that says '1 inch = 5 miles' means a road that is 2 inches long on the map is how many miles in real life?
1. 2 miles
2. 5 miles
3. 7 miles
4. 10 miles
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Answer: 10 miles
If 1 inch equals 5 miles, then 2 inches equals 10 miles. You multiply the map distance by the scale factor.
A map symbol is a small picture that stands for something real in the world.
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Answer: True
Map symbols are small icons or shapes that represent real features like buildings, mountains, or parks.
What would you most likely find labeled in blue on a map?
1. A mountain
2. A river
3. A forest
4. A road
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Answer: A river
Blue represents water on maps — rivers, lakes, and oceans are typically shown in blue.
A map that shows all the countries and oceans in the world is called a ___ map.
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Answer: world
A world map shows all seven continents and five oceans, giving a view of the entire planet.
The map key only uses pictures, never colors, to explain the map.
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Answer: False
Map keys use both colors and pictures (symbols) together to explain everything shown on the map.
Which of these is NOT a cardinal direction shown on a compass rose?
1. North
2. South
3. Northeast
4. West
Show answer
Answer: Northeast
Northeast is an intermediate direction, not a cardinal direction. The four cardinal directions are north, south, east, and west.

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