English Exercises: geographical features - Free Printable

Let’s go through each question one by one, using the text in the worksheet to find the answers.

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1) Where was Cook educated?

The text says:
> “He was educated at a local school and later became an apprentice on a coal ship.”

It doesn’t name the exact school or town for his education — but it does say he was born in Marton (in Yorkshire), so we can assume he was educated locally there. But since the text doesn’t specify a place name for his school, the best answer based on what’s written is:

→ At a local school (we don’t know the exact name or town from this text).

But wait — let’s check again. The first paragraph says:
> “James Cook was born in Marton... He was educated at a local school...”

So yes — “local school” is all we have. That’s the answer.

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2) What was his occupation?

Text says:
> “...later became an apprentice on a coal ship. In 1755 he joined the Royal Navy...”

So his early job was as a sailor/apprentice on a coal ship, then he became a naval officer.

Best answer:
→ Sailor / Apprentice on a coal ship, then Royal Navy officer

But if they want one main occupation — probably Royal Navy officer, since that’s what he’s famous for.

Looking at the context of the whole passage — it talks about his voyages for the navy — so:

→ Royal Navy officer

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3) Who was the explorer who sailed to New Zealand?

First sentence:
> “In 1769 James Cook arrived in New Zealand aboard the HMS Endeavour.”

So clearly — James Cook

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4) Why did he come to New Zealand?

Text says:
> “Cook had been sent to observe the transit of Venus from Tahiti. After completing this task, he sailed to New Zealand to map its coastline.”

So two reasons:
- First, to observe the transit of Venus (but that was in Tahiti)
- Then, after that, he came to New Zealand to map its coastline

Answer:
→ To map the coastline of New Zealand

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5) What was the purpose of the voyage?

Same as above — the overall purpose of *this* voyage (the one where he went to NZ) was:

→ To observe the transit of Venus (in Tahiti) and then map unknown lands like New Zealand

But since the question is likely referring to why he came to NZ specifically — it’s mapping.

Wait — let’s read carefully:
“Cook had been sent to observe the transit of Venus from Tahiti. After completing this task, he sailed to New Zealand to map its coastline.”

So the original purpose of the whole trip was to observe Venus — but once that was done, the next goal was mapping.

Since the question is “What was the purpose of the voyage?” — and the voyage included both — we should include both.

But looking at how the questions are structured, Q4 asks why he came to NZ — so Q5 might be asking about the bigger picture.

Actually, re-reading:
“The voyage began in Plymouth, England, in July 1768. Cook’s mission was to observe the transit of Venus... After that, he was to explore the South Pacific and look for Terra Australis Incognita.”

Ah! So the full purpose was:
1. Observe transit of Venus
2. Explore South Pacific
3. Look for the mythical southern continent (“Terra Australis Incognita”)

So best answer:
→ To observe the transit of Venus and explore the South Pacific, including searching for the unknown southern land

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6) What did Europeans do in New Zealand?

Text says:
> “When Cook arrived, Māori people were already living in New Zealand... Europeans brought new diseases, weapons, and ideas. They also started trading with Māori and eventually settled in New Zealand.”

So Europeans:
- Brought diseases, weapons, ideas
- Traded with Māori
- Eventually settled there

Answer:
→ They traded with Māori, brought new things (diseases, weapons, ideas), and eventually settled in New Zealand

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7) What is New Zealand’s nearest neighbour for colonisation?

Text says:
> “New Zealand’s nearest neighbour is Australia. Many British convicts were sent to Australia instead of New Zealand because Australia was closer and easier to reach.”

So even though Australia wasn’t colonized *from* New Zealand, it’s geographically closest — and many convicts went there instead.

Answer:
→ Australia

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8) What kind of culture developed between the colonisers?

Text says:
> “Over time, a mixed culture developed between the British settlers and the Māori people. This included shared food, language, customs, and traditions.”

So:
→ A mixed culture — combining British and Māori foods, languages, customs, and traditions

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9) When was the first time a map showed New Zealand?

Text says:
> “Before Cook’s visit, no European maps showed New Zealand accurately. His detailed charts were the first to show the islands correctly.”

And earlier:
> “Cook mapped the entire coastline of New Zealand during his first voyage (1769–1770).”

So the first accurate map showing New Zealand was made by Cook during his first voyage — which ended in 1770.

But when was the map *published* or *shown*? The text doesn’t give an exact year — but since he finished mapping in 1770, and returned to England in 1771, the map would have been shown around then.

However, the text says:
> “His detailed charts were the first to show the islands correctly.”

And since the voyage was 1769–1770, the map was created during that time.

But the question is: “When was the first time a map showed New Zealand?”

Technically, some earlier explorers (like Abel Tasman in 1642) saw parts of NZ and put them on maps — but inaccurately.

The text says: “Before Cook’s visit, no European maps showed New Zealand accurately.”

So if we’re going by *accurate* maps — then Cook’s map in 1770.

But the question doesn’t say “accurate” — it just says “showed”.

Hmm. Let’s stick to what the text emphasizes: Cook’s map was the first correct one.

Also, the text says:
> “Cook mapped the entire coastline... His detailed charts were the first to show the islands correctly.”

So perhaps the intended answer is:
→ During Cook’s first voyage (1769–1770)

Or maybe:
→ 1770 (when he finished mapping)

But since the text doesn’t give a specific year for the map being published, safest is to say:

→ After Cook’s first voyage, around 1770

Wait — actually, the text says:
> “Cook mapped the entire coastline of New Zealand during his first voyage (1769–1770).”

So the map was made during those years.

I think the expected answer is:
→ 1770

But let’s see if there’s a better clue.

No — I’ll go with:
→ During Cook’s first voyage (1769–1770)

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10) Where is the best place to visit New Zealand? Why?

This is opinion-based — but the text gives hints.

Text says:
> “Today, New Zealand is known for its beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and unique wildlife. It is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.”

Also mentions:
> “The North Island has volcanoes and hot springs. The South Island has mountains and glaciers.”

So you could pick either — but maybe suggest somewhere with both nature and culture.

Example answer:
→ The South Island — because it has amazing mountains, glaciers, and lakes, perfect for adventure and scenery.

Or:
→ Rotorua on the North Island — because you can experience Māori culture and see geothermal activity like hot springs and geysers.

Since the text mentions both islands’ features, either is fine.

I’ll choose:
→ South Island — because it has stunning natural beauty like mountains and glaciers, great for hiking and sightseeing.

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Now, let’s write the final answers clearly.

Final Answer:
1) At a local school
2) Royal Navy officer
3) James Cook
4) To map the coastline of New Zealand
5) To observe the transit of Venus and explore the South Pacific, including searching for the unknown southern land
6) They traded with Māori, brought new diseases, weapons, and ideas, and eventually settled in New Zealand
7) Australia
8) A mixed culture combining British and Māori foods, languages, customs, and traditions
9) During Cook’s first voyage (1769–1770)
10) South Island — because it has beautiful mountains, glaciers, and lakes, making it great for nature lovers and adventurers