Maps and Compass
8 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 8 free Kids Geography practice questions on Maps and Compass, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Maps and Compass: example questions & answers
8 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
On most maps, which direction is at the top?
- ASouth
- BNorth✓
- CWest
- DEast
Answer: Mapmakers almost always put north at the top, so the top of a map points north.
How many main points are there on a compass?
- A6
- B2
- C8
- D4✓
Answer: The four main compass points are North, East, South and West.
Which direction is opposite to North on a compass?
- ASouth✓
- BWest
- CNorth-East
- DEast
Answer: North and South point in exactly opposite directions.
In which direction does the Sun rise each morning?
- ANorth
- BWest
- CEast✓
- DSouth
Answer: The Sun always rises in the east and sets in the west.
What do we call the drawing on a map that shows what the symbols mean?
- AA key✓
- BA photo
- CA title
- DA ruler
Answer: A map key (or legend) explains what each little symbol on the map stands for.
What is a bird's-eye view?
- ALooking through a window
- BLooking up at the sky
- CLooking straight down from above✓
- DLooking sideways at a hill
Answer: Maps show a bird's-eye view, as if you were a bird looking straight down on the ground.
What is the correct order of compass points going clockwise from North?
- ANorth, South, East, West
- BNorth, East, South, West✓
- CNorth, East, West, South
- DNorth, West, South, East
Answer: Going clockwise from north you pass East, then South, then West.
What part of a compass always points towards the north?
- AThe handle
- BThe string
- CThe button
- DThe needle✓
Answer: A compass has a magnetic needle that always swings round to point north.