1. The US and Canada Common Assessment Study Guide
A Tool to help you study for the big test.

2. What mountain range is a part of both Canada and the U.S.?
After the Mapping Lab Challenges, you should easily figure out the answer to this question: it is the Rocky Mountains stretching from the northern parts of Canada to the southern parts of the United States!

3. Using several examples, why do people live near water?
There are several reasons to live near water:
Need water for drinking
Need water for irrigating crops and farming
Need water for fishing and other forms of food (seafood)
Need water for recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and water skiing
Need water for transportation such as barges, boating, and ferry boats

4. French settlers in Canada made civilizations along what river?
The key to this question is to NOT think about the first French settlements. Instead, think about major rivers in Southeast Canada—there is only one and that is the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence River is your answer!

5. What group of lakes make up the largest body of fresh water?
Again, think about your Mapping Lab Challenges—the answer is simple: the Great Lakes make up the largest body of fresh water!

6. Not on the Study Guide!!!
How is the West Coast of the United States different than the West Coast of Canada?
There are a number of densely populated U.S cities along the West Coast of the U.S. such as San Diego, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle while the West Coast of Canada has one densely populated city: Vancouver. There are more densely populated cities in the U.S. than there are in Canada.

7. Comparing the US and Canadian Governments…
United States
Characteristic
Canada
Federalist Democratic Republic
Type of
Government 3
(Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
Number of
Branches
Senate and the
House of Representatives
Names of both parts
Of the Legislative
House of Commons
President
Title of
Chief Executive
Prime Minister

8. Comparing the US and Canadian Economies…
United States
Characteristic
Canada
Commercial Agriculture (Farming) and Livestock Ranching
Land Use
Oil
Resource
Oil; Food; Manufactured Goods
Export
Oil; Food

9. What is the United States’ main natural resource that provides energy?
This quote comes straight from the textbook: “The United States runs on energy, and oil provides about a third of that energy.” (page 122)
The answer then is simple: OIL!
Of course, the U.S. still needs to import, or get from other countries, about two-thirds of the oil we use. That is a BIG dependence on other countries!

10. Explain how agriculture stays alive and grows in the Great Plains.
The two main reasons that the Great Plains excel with agriculture include:
The Great Plains has soil which is rich with nutrients.
The Great Plains experiences a temperate climate (moderate year round temperatures) and a plentiful amount of rain each year.

11. What is the SECOND most common language?
English is by far the most common language spoken in BOTH the United States and Canada. But what language is the second most common?
In the United States, major parts of the country once belonged to Mexico, or Spain before that, so the second most common language in the United States is SPANISH.
In Canada, French fur traders settled major parts of the country including one entire province that still speaks French as their official language. The second most common language in Canada is FRENCH.

12. Just a reminder before the last question!
The actual Common Assessment may, well will, include more questions that what your study guide covers.
Remember that the additional questions are “skills-based” questions.
Some of those additional questions will ask you to use a chart to find answers to test questions.
Some questions may ask you to read and use a map to get answers to test questions.
A few questions may ask you to read a passage and make sense out of the reading to get the correct answers.
Do not be surprised by questions that may not match up to something on the study guide. Take your time, use the chart, map, or reading, and DO YOUR BEST!
Remember: ANSWER EVERYTHING to the best of your ability! You will do great!

13. For example, a skills based type of question…
Not on the Study Guide!!!
For example, a skills based type of question…
Using an economic map, which country produces more coal?
How do you find an answer? Start with the economic map…
What is the symbol used to show coal on the map?
Count up which country has more coal symbols!

14. Compare the US and Canada
The Last Question!!!
United States
Characteristic
Canada
Public and Private Schools; K-12 plus College
School
Pizza, Hamburgers, and all sorts of traditional American food
Food
Tim Horton’s Donuts; traditional American foods
Independence Day (July 4th)
Holiday
Canada Day
(July 1st)
Mexico
Largest country of Immigrants arrive to the country
China