Geography Vocabulary Quiz
12 multiple-choice questions on core geography terms: peninsula, latitude, climate, erosion and continents. B1–B2 level.
This quiz focuses on how the target vocabulary for Geography is actually used in context at B1–B2 level, rather than testing bare definitions. Correct answers you will need to identify include terms such as peninsula, latitude, longitude, erosion and plateau, each embedded in a full example sentence so you have to judge meaning from context, not just recognise an isolated word.
Working through all 12 questions and checking the explanations in the FAQ below is a quick way to spot any terms you are still unsure of. Revisiting the quiz again after a day or two, rather than only once, is one of the most reliable ways to move new vocabulary from passive recognition into words you can use confidently yourself in speaking and writing.
Geography Vocabulary — FAQ
What is the difference between latitude and longitude?
Latitude lines run east to west and measure how far north or south a place is from the equator. Longitude lines run from pole to pole and measure how far east or west a place is from the Prime Meridian. Together they give the exact coordinates of any point on Earth.
What is a peninsula?
A peninsula is a piece of land that is almost completely surrounded by water but remains connected to a larger landmass by a strip of land. Examples include Florida and the Iberian Peninsula. It differs from an island, which is entirely surrounded by water.
What is erosion?
Erosion is the gradual wearing away and movement of rock and soil by natural forces such as water, wind, ice and gravity. Over long periods, erosion shapes landscapes, carving valleys, canyons and coastlines.
What is climate?
Climate is the average pattern of weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a particular region over a long period of time, usually decades. It is different from weather, which describes short-term conditions on a particular day.
What is the difference between a peninsula and an isthmus?
A peninsula is land surrounded by water on most sides but attached to a larger area of land. An isthmus is a narrow strip of land that connects two larger land areas and has water on both sides, such as the Isthmus of Panama.
What is a plateau?
A plateau is a large area of relatively flat land that is raised significantly above the surrounding terrain, with at least one steep side. Plateaus are sometimes called tablelands and can form through volcanic activity or the uplift of the Earth's crust.
What is a strait?
A strait is a narrow channel of water that connects two larger bodies of water, such as two seas or a sea and an ocean. Famous straits include the Strait of Gibraltar and the Strait of Dover. Straits are often important shipping routes.
What is the difference between the source and the mouth of a river?
The source is the place where a river begins, often in hills or mountains. The mouth is the place where the river ends and flows into a larger body of water such as a sea, lake or another river. Water flows from the source downstream to the mouth.
What is altitude?
Altitude is the height of a place or object above sea level. It affects temperature, air pressure and the types of plants and animals that can live in an area. Generally, the higher the altitude, the colder and thinner the air becomes.
What is a delta?
A delta is a low, often triangular area of land formed where a river deposits sediment as it enters a sea or lake and slows down. Deltas, such as the Nile Delta, are usually very fertile and important for farming.