7th Social Studies Pre/Post Test

Why did the United States play a MAJOR role in rebuilding Japan after World War II?

• to form an alliance with Japan that would work against communist China
• to turn an enemy into an ally and to create a more democratic Japan
• to prevent Vietnam from becoming the dominant country in the post-war region
• to place American-owned businesses throughout Japan and control its economy

Which number on the map represents the country of South Africa?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Based on the map, the areas of Sub-Saharan Africa that are MOST vulnerable to desertification are

• near the coasts.
• along the Mediterranean Sea.
• in the center.
• close to deserts.
• in the southern tip.

Which of these is the BEST explanation for the sparse population in China's western regions?

• The region is subjected to typhoons.
• The region is dominated by desert and high elevations.
• The region remains destroyed from World War II combat.
• The region has been ruled by warlords.

Which river is labeled on this map?

• Nile River
• Victoria River
• Niger River
• Zambezi River

In the Hindu religion the Ganges River is considered holy, and ritual bathing in its waters is practiced by an estimated 60,000 people per day. What is the MOST LIKELY effect of this practice?

• Such use of the river has raised major health risks for the population of the area.
• Tourism in the area has increased, and many new settlements are being established along the river.
• People have mostly stopped visiting these areas as they pose grave environmental and health risks to participants and the general population.
• The government of India has worked to dam the river flow so people can practice ritual bathing without contaminating the water.
• The government has passed laws to restrict access to the water to discourage pollution and contamination.The government has passed laws to restrict access to the water to discourage pollution and contamination.

When William got a summer job delivering newspapers, he decided to budget his income. This week, William made $50 at work. According to William's budget, how much money from this week's pay should he put into his new computer fund?

• $15
• $5
• $20
• $10

Mohandas Gandhi sought to promote nationalism in India based on

• Islamic principles.
• political independence from Britain.
• nonalignment during the Cold War.
• Hindu principles.

In the country of Lesotho a king is the head of state but a prime minister holds governmental power. This is an example of what form of government?

• confederation
• totalitarian
• presidential
• parliamentary

Why is the Yellow River (Huang He River) sometimes referred to as "China's sorrow" in Chinese history?

• The river's water is polluted due to ancient Chinese cultural practices and therefore could not be used for farming or as clean drinking water.
• The sporadic flooding of the river has killed millions of people over the course of Chinese history dating back to 1500 B.C.E.
• The Yellow River served as the physical and political border between China and the Mongols up until 1200 C.E.
• It is the final resting place of the last emperor of the Shang dynasty.