Geography
Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1
Name: Date:
Total: / 50
Instructions
1. There will be two parts to this paper:
• Section A (20) based on Latitude and Longitude and Scale.
• Section B (30) based on Atlases, Global Statistics and Current Events
2. Please read the questions carefully AND Check your answers carefully.
3. HAVE FUN!
Section A – Latitude and Longitude and Scale
Question 1 10 Marks
Match column B with Column A and write only the letter under the number, eg.1.1 F (10)
COLUMN A COLUMN B
1.1 Equator A The distance north or south of the equator, measured in
degrees.
1.2 Scale B A map that shows a large area with less detail, typically
used for viewing countries or continents.
1.3 Latitude C The distance east or west of the Prime Meridian,
measured in degrees.
1.4 Line Scale D A map that shows a small area with greater detail,
typically used for viewing cities or neighbourhoods.
1.5 Prime Meridian E A half of the Earth, typically divided into the Northern
and Southern by the equator, and the Eastern and
Western by the Prime Meridian and 180° longitude.
1.6 Small-Scale Map F An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the
Northern and Southern Hemispheres, located at 0°
latitude.
1.7 Longitude G A visual representation on a map that indicates distance
using a marked line, allowing users to measure straight-
line distances between locations.
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1
1.8 Large-Scale Map H A verbal statement on a map that explains the
relationship between distance on the map and distance
in reality.
1.9 Hemisphere I A system of measurement used on maps to represent the
distance between locations.
1.10 Word Scale J An imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Eastern
and Western Hemispheres, located at 0° longitude,
running from the North Pole to the South Pole.
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10
Question 2 10 Marks
Label the four features on the map below and give a short explanation of why every map
should include that feature:
Map of South Africa
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
0 200 400 600 Km
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1
2.1.
2.2
2.3.
2.4.
2.5 Explain what might be shown on a political map, and provide an example
of who might use a political map. (2)
Section B – Atlases, Global Statistics and Current Events
Question 1 20 Marks
Read the case study and answer the questions that follow.
Brandon and his family are visiting relatives in South Africa. They want to explore interesting
places across the country and learn about South Africa’s landscapes and other famous natural
features worldwide. Brandon uses an atlas to locate South Africa’s major cities, longest river,
and the provinces they’ll travel through. His family also wants to know how South Africa
compares to other countries in population and size, so they look up global statistics.
1.1. List two types of information that Brandon’s family can find out about South Africa in
the atlas. (2)
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1
1.2. Name two types of information in the content page of an atlas that would help Brandon
learn about South Africa’s neighbouring countries. (2)
1.3. What is the longest river in South Africa? How does it compare to the world’s
longest river? (2)
1.4. Using an atlas, what two details about your own province could you find on the map?
(2)
1.5. Global statistics show that South Africa is one of the world’s largest producers of which
natural resource? Why might this information be useful? (2)
1.6. If there was a major current event in Cape Town, South Africa, how would you use an
atlas to locate Cape Town and learn more about it? (2)
1.7. Explain why comparing South Africa’s population to other countries’ populations can help
us understand the country better. (2)
1.8. What are two ways an atlas could help Brandon’s family plan their travel route across
South Africa? (2)
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1
1.9. Why might it be helpful for Brandon to know the population of cities in South Africa? (2)
1.10. How can Brandon use an atlas to find out which ocean borders South Africa? (2)
Explain and provide the answer.
Question 2 10 Marks
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Provide a reason for your answer.
2.1. An atlas is only used to find information about countries and continents. (2)
2.2. Maps in atlases all have the same scale. (2)
2.3. All maps use symbols to represent features on the map. (2)
2.4. The equator is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. (2)
2.5. All atlases include a glossary to explain geographical terms. (2)
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Geography
Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1 Answers
Section A – Latitude and Longitude and Scale
Question 1 10 Marks
Match column B with Column A and write only the letter under the number, eg.1.1 F (10)
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10
F I A G J B C D E H
Question 2 10 Marks
Label the four features on the map below and give a short explanation of why every map
should include that feature:
2.1. A title: to tell you what the purpose of the map is. (2)
2.2 A compass rose: to show the direction of the map. (2)
2.3. A scale: to show the distance between places on a map (2)
2.4. A key or legend: to show what symbols on the map represent. (2)
2.5 Explain what might be shown on a political map, and provide an example
of who might use a political map. (2)
A political map shows countries, country borders, cities and capital cities, seas and
oceans. Examples of who might use a political map include: governments, tourists,
students.
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1 Answers
Section B – Atlases, Global Statistics and Current Events
Question 1 20 Marks
Read the case study and answer the questions that follow.
1.1. List two types of information that Brandon’s family can find out about South Africa in
the atlas. (2)
Information on the location of major cities, the province borders, physical features
like rivers or mountains, population data, and economic activity.
1.2. Name two types of information in the content page of an atlas that would help Brandon
learn about South Africa’s neighbouring countries. (2)
Information on political maps of Africa, country borders, or distance maps showing
neighbouring countries.
1.3. What is the longest river in South Africa? How does it compare to the world’s
longest river? (2)
The Orange River is the longest in South Africa, but it is much shorter than the Nile,
which is the world’s longest river.
1.4. Using an atlas, what two details about your own province could you find on the map?
(2)
Capital city location, major roads, rivers, population, or economic activities.
1.5. Global statistics show that South Africa is one of the world’s largest producers of which
natural resource? Why might this information be useful? (2)
Answers may vary: gold or platinum. This information can be useful to understand
South Africa’s economy and its role in global markets.
1.6. If there was a major current event in Cape Town, South Africa, how would you use an
atlas to locate Cape Town and learn more about it? (2)
Use the atlas’s index to find Cape Town, check maps of South Africa or Africa to
locate it, and review information about the region, such as population and landscape.
1.7. Explain why comparing South Africa’s population to other countries’ populations can help
us understand the country better. (2)
Comparing populations helps us understand South Africa’s size and influence globally
and within Africa, showing how it ranks in terms of people and development needs.
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Geography Grade 6 Assessment – Term 1 Answers
1.8. What are two ways an atlas could help Brandon’s family plan their travel route across
South Africa? (2)
The atlas can help them find major roads and highways, identify distances between
cities, locate points of interest, and understand the terrain they’ll travel through.
1.9. Why might it be helpful for Brandon to know the population of cities in South Africa? (2)
Knowing the population can help him understand which cities are larger and more
developed, where services and amenities might be more available, or where there might
be more people to meet.
1.10. How can Brandon use an atlas to find out which ocean borders South Africa? (2)
Explain and provide the answer.
By looking at the maps of Africa or South Africa in the atlas, he can see that the
Atlantic Ocean borders South Africa to the west and the Indian Ocean to the east.
Question 2 10 Marks
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false. Provide a reason for your answer.
2.1. An atlas is only used to find information about countries and continents. (2)
False: An atlas includes various types of information, such as climate, population, and
resources, not just countries and continents.
2.2. Maps in atlases all have the same scale. (2)
False: Maps in an atlas can have different scales, depending on the level of detail needed
for each map (e.g., a world map vs. a city map).
2.3. All maps use symbols to represent features on the map. (2)
True: Symbols are commonly used on maps to represent features like cities, rivers, and
roads, making maps easier to understand.
2.4. The equator is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. (2)
False: The equator is an imaginary line that runs horizontally around the Earth,
dividing it into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
2.5. All atlases include a glossary to explain geographical terms. (2)
False: Not all atlases have a glossary; some may include explanations within the map
legends or assume familiarity with geographical terms.
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