Map Symbols, Legend & Keys — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the correct answer for each question.
1. What is the PURPOSE of a map legend?
A) To show where north is
B) To explain what map symbols mean
C) To show the map scale
D) To label every city
The correct answer is 'To explain what map symbols mean' because it matches what we know about reading maps.
2. What does a COMPASS ROSE show?
A) The size of the map
B) The legend
C) Directions on a map
D) The scale of the map
The correct answer is 'Directions on a map' because it matches what we know about reading maps.
3. What does BLUE usually represent on a map?
A) Forests
B) Roads
C) Water
D) Cities
The correct answer is 'Water' because it matches what we know about reading maps.
4. What is a MAP SCALE used for?
A) To show what symbols mean
B) To find north
C) To measure real distances using the map
D) To label countries
The correct answer is 'To measure real distances using the map' because it matches what we know about reading maps.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word on the line.
1. The four cardinal directions are north, south, east, and west.
The four main directions are north, south, east, and west. They help us know which way to go.
2. A map legend uses symbols and labels to explain what each symbol means.
The correct answer is 'symbols' because it fits the meaning of the sentence about maps.
3. If north is at the top of a map, south is at the bottom.
The correct answer is 'bottom' because it fits the meaning of the sentence about maps.
4. A political map shows the borders between countries and states.
The correct answer is 'borders' because it fits the meaning of the sentence about maps.
5. Using a map scale, you can calculate the real distance between two places.
The correct answer is 'distance' because it fits the meaning of the sentence about maps.