This challenging worksheet pushes second graders to reason about map legends like real geographers. Four multiple-choice questions ask what a green tree symbol most likely stands for, why mapmakers use symbols instead of drawing every building, how to read two maps that use different symbols, and what brown shading next to green shading might mean.
The fill-in-the-blank section deepens the thinking with prompts about envelope symbols meaning a post office, cross or plus symbols showing a hospital, and the habit of checking the legend first. Students leave able to decode unfamiliar maps with confidence and care.
Style:
Maps and Map Keys
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A map legend shows a green tree symbol. What does that symbol most likely stand for?
A) A hospital
B) A park or forest
C) A parking lot
D) A swimming pool
2. Why do mapmakers use symbols instead of drawing real pictures of every building?
A) Because they do not know how to draw
B) Because symbols save space and keep the map clear
C) Because maps are only for adults
D) Because buildings are too small to see
3. Two maps show the same town but use different symbols. How can you still read both maps?
A) Guess what each symbol means
B) Only look at one map
C) Check each map's legend to learn its symbols
D) Ask a friend to draw a new map
4. A map shows brown shading in one area and green shading next to it. What might the brown area be?
A) A lake
B) A mountain or desert
C) A school playground
D) A cloudy sky
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. A map legend and a map key are the same thing.
2. A small envelope symbol on a map could stand for a post office.
3. Maps use colors, shapes, and lines to share information.
4. A cross or plus symbol on a map often shows a hospital.
5. Before reading any map, you should first look at the legend.
Maps and Map Keys
★ Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A map legend shows a green tree symbol. What does that symbol most likely stand for?
A) A hospital
B) A park or forest
C) A parking lot
D) A swimming pool
2. Why do mapmakers use symbols instead of drawing real pictures of every building?
A) Because they do not know how to draw
B) Because symbols save space and keep the map clear
C) Because maps are only for adults
D) Because buildings are too small to see
3. Two maps show the same town but use different symbols. How can you still read both maps?
A) Guess what each symbol means
B) Only look at one map
C) Check each map's legend to learn its symbols
D) Ask a friend to draw a new map
4. A map shows brown shading in one area and green shading next to it. What might the brown area be?
A) A lake
B) A mountain or desert
C) A school playground
D) A cloudy sky
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1) A map legend and a map key are the same thing.
2) A small envelope symbol on a map could stand for a post office.
3) Maps use colors, shapes, and lines to share information.
4) A cross or plus symbol on a map often shows a hospital.
5) Before reading any map, you should first look at the legend.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
12-18 minutes
Auto-graded
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