US Regions and States — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
Michigan is located in the Southeast region near the Gulf of Mexico.
Corrected: Michigan is located in the Midwest region near the Great Lakes.
Michigan borders four of the five Great Lakes and sits in the Midwest, not the Southeast. The Gulf of Mexico is thousands of miles south along the coast of states like Florida and Louisiana.
2. Fix the sentence:
The West region is known for its flat prairies and cornfields.
Corrected: The Midwest region is known for its flat prairies and cornfields.
The Midwest has wide, flat prairies perfect for growing corn and wheat, which is why it is called America's breadbasket. The West region is known for mountains and coastline instead.
3. Fix the sentence:
The capital of Colorado is Boulder.
Corrected: The capital of Colorado is Denver.
Denver is the capital of Colorado, not Boulder. Boulder is a well-known college city, but the state government is located in Denver.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. Fishing and shipbuilding are important industries in the Northeast region.
The Northeast region borders the Atlantic Ocean, so coastal states like Massachusetts and Maine have long relied on fishing and shipbuilding.
2. The technology industry is centered in Silicon Valley in the state of California.
Silicon Valley is located in northern California, near San Jose. It is home to many of the world's biggest technology companies.
3. Coal mining is an important industry in the state of West Virginia.
West Virginia sits in the Appalachian Mountains, which contain large deposits of coal. Coal mining has been a major industry there for over a hundred years.
4. Cattle ranching is a major industry in the Southwest region.
The Southwest has wide-open land and a dry climate that are well suited for raising cattle. States like Texas and Oklahoma have huge cattle ranches.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name one natural resource found in the West region and explain why it is important.
Sample answer: Lumber is an important natural resource in the West region. The tall forests in states like Oregon and Washington provide wood for building homes and making paper.
A good answer includes: Lumber is an important natural resource in the West region. The tall forests in states like Oregon and Washington provide wood for building homes and making paper.
2. How does the climate of the Southeast region help its farming industry?
Sample answer: The Southeast has a warm, humid climate with a long growing season. This allows farmers to grow crops like oranges, peanuts, and tobacco.
A good answer includes: The Southeast has a warm, humid climate with a long growing season. This allows farmers to grow crops like oranges, peanuts, and tobacco.