Continents & Oceans — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer for each question.
1. How many oceans are there on Earth?
A) 3
B) 4
C) 5
D) 6
There are five oceans on Earth: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern. Together they form one continuous body of salt water that covers most of Earth's surface.
2. Which continent is the smallest?
A) Europe
B) Antarctica
C) Australia
D) South America
Australia is the smallest continent. It is the only continent that is also a single country, and it is located in the Southern Hemisphere between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
3. About how much of Earth's surface is covered by water?
A) About half
B) More than 70 percent
C) About 25 percent
D) Less than 10 percent
More than 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered by water. This means land makes up only about 30 percent of Earth's total surface area.
4. Which continent is covered in ice and has no permanent residents?
A) Arctic
B) Australia
C) Antarctica
D) Africa
Antarctica is covered in ice and has no permanent residents. Scientists visit for research, but the extreme cold — sometimes dropping below -100°F — makes it impossible for people to live there year-round.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word on the line.
1. The Atlantic Ocean lies between North America and Europe.
The Atlantic Ocean lies between North America and Europe. It is the second largest ocean and is the one explorers like Christopher Columbus crossed when sailing from Europe to the Americas.
2. The Eastern Hemisphere includes the continents of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe.
The Eastern Hemisphere includes the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, and Australia. These continents are located to the east of the prime meridian on a world map.
3. The Western Hemisphere includes North America and South America.
The Western Hemisphere includes North America and South America. These continents are located to the west of the prime meridian and are sometimes called the New World.
4. The Indian Ocean is found between Africa and Australia.
The Indian Ocean is found between Africa and Australia. It is the third largest ocean and is named after the country of India, which borders it to the north.
5. The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica near the South Pole.
The Southern Ocean surrounds Antarctica near the South Pole. It is the newest officially named ocean and is known for its extremely cold waters and powerful currents.