Tests and Study Questions

Test Philosophy | Chapter Review Questions

You will take two examinations in this class. The tests count for 60% of your grade. I know that students like to take more tests, but please realize that Activities in Human Geography count for 40% of your grade, nearly as much as a test. Tests also take time away from lecture and other more positive learning experiences.

If you are a student who considers him or herself a poor test taker, spend time and effort on the workbook activities so you can ensure at least a portion of your grade will be good. Be sure to read the section on study tips and to use the chapter review questions to check your comprehension of the textbook readings.

Test Philosophy

Here is a little bit about my test philosophy.

I am most interested in what students can do with the knowledge and skills they have gained in my classes. Consequently, not many of my test questions emphasize low-level, rote-memorization types of responses. Instead, many questions ask students to apply what they have learned in class. Many students find this frustrating, but I am providing some sample questions here so you can gain a sense of what I expect.

Here is an example of an application-type question:

1. The diffusion of internet providers across the United States is best characterized as

  • A. contagious diffusion.
  • B. stimulus diffusion
  • C. hierarchical diffusion
  • D. relocation diffusion

The correct answer is C, hierarchical diffusion. If you know about different types of diffusion, and about the spread of internet providers, you can answer the question correctly. It may not be something we discuss directly in class, but that you should be able to think about and answer by putting pieces of information, concepts, and generalizations together.

I also am fond of using expressions such as "Which of these is NOT..." and of giving students choices that combine possible answers. Here are two examples:

2. The idea of change drives much geographic research. Pick the statement which is NOT true. Geographers study changes .....

  • A. in monetary values
  • B. in locations
  • C. in regions
  • D. across time, space, or both
  • E. in the characteristics of places.

The correct answer is A. Geographers are not particularly interested in changes in the monetary values.

3. Chinese mentifacts reflect many Confucian concepts. Which *best* describes the Chinese world view?

  • A. The Chinese world view values new and innovative means of technology, believes in strong individual power, and loyalty to self.
  • B. The Chinese world view respects tradition, reverence of the past, caution, and moderation.
  • C. The Chinese world view values order, continuity and social cohesion above a pursuit of personal gain.
  • D. Statements A and B.
  • E. Statements B and C.

The correct answer is E. Both Choice B and Choice C are part of the Chinese world view. Choice A is definitely not.

Chapter Review Questions

A list of multiple choice questions in the form of a .pdf file can be accessed from the links below. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free product, on your computer to download, read, and print the files. These are not the only kinds of questions you will find on the tests. The purpose of these questions is to help you review whether you have read the book carefully enough. Think of them as diagnostic, not predictive.

Chapter 1 Questions | Answers

Chapter 2 Questions | Answers

More Chapter 2 Questions & Answers

Chapter 4 Questions & Answers

Chapter 5 Questions | Answers

Chapter 6 Questions | Answers

Chapter 9 Questions | Answers

Chapter 12 Questions | Answers

Chapter 7 Questions | Answers

Chapter 8 Questions | Answers

Chapter 3 Questions | Answers

Chapter 10 Questions | Answers

Chapter 11 Questions | Answers

Chapter 12 Questions & Answers


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