Physical Geography
This cold climate is found in northern Canada and Alaska and is known for very low temperatures and permafrost.
Tundra / Subarctic
This mountain chain runs north–south through the western part of North America and has many jagged, high peaks.
The Rocky Mountains (Rockies)
About half of Canada and one-third of the U.S. is covered by this type of land that provides wood and habitats. (One-word answer.)
Forests (or woodlands)
This northeastern U.S. city is a major port and grew as a center of trade and culture (four-letter city name in the list).
Boston (also acceptable: New York or Montréal depending on clue emphasis; the four-letter hint aimed at "Boston")
Canada is divided into provinces and three of these larger areas in the north (three-letter word).
Territories
This climate type found in the southern United States is hot and has humid summers, often supporting forests and farming.
Humid subtropical
These much older mountains in the eastern U.S. are lower today because of long-term erosion. (Name them.)
Appalachian Mountains
This liquid fossil fuel is an important resource in Texas (U.S.) and Alberta (Canada). (One-word answer.)
Oil
Which U.S. city grew rapidly because it was located on Lake Michigan and became a transportation hub?
Chicago
The U.S. Census Bureau divides the U.S. into how many major regions? (Name the number.)
Four
Name the climate that is dry, hot during the day, and common in spots like parts of the southwestern U.S.
Desert
This area of grassland stretches across central U.S. and south-central Canada and is known for few trees.
Great Plains
Name two metals mentioned that are mined in both countries (pick any two).
Examples: gold and copper; (also silver)
This Pacific Coast U.S. city grew fast during a gold rush in the 1800s and is now a major city.
San Francisco
What is the name of the cultural/linguistic divide in Canada between English and French speakers referenced in the text?
Two Solitudes
What map feature shows how temperature and precipitation change across the U.S. and Canada, helping explain many regional differences?
Climate map (or climate distribution map)
Name the huge geologic area made of ancient rock that covers much of Canada and is rich in minerals.
Canadian Shield
Explain how freshwater lakes like the Great Lakes are important for both countries (give one specific reason).
Freshwater for drinking, transportation, irrigation, industry, and ecosystems (any one)
Explain one geographic reason many Canadians live within 100 km of the U.S.–Canada border.
Because northern areas are colder, less suitable for farming and development, so people settled near the milder border region (short explanation)
Give one example of how geography influenced culture in the U.S. or Canada (one clear example).
Example: Natural harbors on the eastern coast encouraged port cities and trade; or mountains affected where people settle — either is acceptable.
Explain one reason why climates in the U.S. and Canada vary so widely (give one geographic factor).
Possible answers: latitude differences, elevation, proximity to oceans, mountain barriers, continental position
This river, one of the longest in the world, flows through the central U.S. and is important for trade and farms.
The Mississippi River
Describe why the Canadian Shield is important for natural resources (one clear sentence).
It contains large mineral deposits (ancient metamorphosed rock) used for mining metals and minerals
Identify one reason coastal cities like Los Angeles and Vancouver became major urban areas (give one geographic factor).
Coastal access for trade/ports, milder climate, or access to ocean resources
Describe in one sentence how the St. Lawrence River connects the Great Lakes region to the rest of the world.
The St. Lawrence River connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing ships to travel between the interior of North America and the rest of the world.