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Cardinal and Intermediate Directions is a free printable Grade 3 to Grade 5 social studies worksheet on using cardinal and intermediate directions on a US map, aligned to C3 Framework indicator D2.Geo.2.3-5. It prints 8 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

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All 25 sets ask different questions.

Cardinal and Intermediate Directions

D2.Geo.2.3-5

NameDate

Picture a map of the United States and the world. Circle the best answer.

1.Arizona is in which part of the 48 connected states?
  • A.The southwest
  • B.The northeast
  • C.The northwest
2.In which direction is Alaska from the other 48 connected states?
  • A.Northwest
  • B.Southwest
  • C.Southeast
3.Florida is in which corner of the 48 connected states?
  • A.The southeast
  • B.The northeast
  • C.The northwest
4.Washington State is in which corner of the 48 connected states?
  • A.The northeast
  • B.The northwest
  • C.The southeast
5.Maine is in which corner of the 48 connected states?
  • A.The southwest
  • B.The northeast
  • C.The northwest
6.Which direction is halfway between north and east?
  • A.Northwest
  • B.Northeast
  • C.Southwest
7.In which direction is Hawaii from California?
  • A.Northeast
  • B.Northwest
  • C.Southwest
8.Which country is directly north of the 48 connected states?
  • A.Canada
  • B.Mexico
  • C.Brazil

LessonPrint · D2.Geo.2.3-5 · Set 1 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Cardinal and Intermediate Directions

Set 1. Prints on its own sheet.

  1. 1.The southwest
  2. 2.Northwest
  3. 3.The southeast
  4. 4.The northwest
  5. 5.The northeast
  6. 6.Northeast
  7. 7.Southwest
  8. 8.Canada

Questions about Cardinal and Intermediate Directions

What does the Cardinal and Intermediate Directions worksheet cover?

It practices using cardinal and intermediate directions on a US map — 8 questions for Grade 3 to Grade 5, all on C3 Framework D2.Geo.2.3-5: Use maps and satellite images to explain how where a place is shapes what it is like. The instruction to students is “Picture a map of the United States and the world. Circle the best answer”, and the answer key follows on the next sheet.

Which C3 Framework indicator does Cardinal and Intermediate Directions practice?

D2.Geo.2.3-5, under Geography for Grade 3 to Grade 5. The published indicator reads: “Use maps, satellite images, photographs, and other representations to explain relationships between the locations of places and regions and their environmental characteristics.” The worksheet assesses that indicator rather than a paraphrase of it.

What age or grade is this worksheet for?

Cardinal and Intermediate Directions is written for Grade 3 to Grade 5, typically ages 40-41. It is one of the sheets on D2.Geo.2.3-5, so it suits any student working at that standard — including older students revisiting it and younger ones working ahead.

Does Cardinal and Intermediate Directions come with an answer key?

Yes. All 8 answers are generated from the same problems as the questions, so the key cannot drift out of step with the sheet. It starts on a fresh sheet of paper, after the questions, so it is not handed out with the class by accident.

How many different versions of Cardinal and Intermediate Directions can I print?

25 — one per student, and all 25 ask different questions. Set 1 downloads the whole class as a single PDF. Every version is fixed to its own address, so a sheet printed today holds the same problems when you reopen it next week.

Is Cardinal and Intermediate Directions free to print and photocopy?

Yes. Cardinal and Intermediate Directions, its answer key and its 25 versions are free to print and photocopy for your own class, with no account, no email capture and no subscription at the download step. Please do not resell them or republish them as your own.

More practice for D2.Geo.2.3-5

Use maps and satellite images to explain how where a place is shapes what it is like.

All Grade 3 to Grade 5 worksheets

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to D2.Geo.2.3-5 of the C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.