Why does a bar scale still work after photocopying?

It scales with the map, so the drawn length changes in step with the paper.

Does a steep gradient make a walk harder?

A steeper gradient costs more effort on the same ground, so allow more time.

Primary General Studies, Maps and Directions, Paper 2: grid references, gradients and route time

2026-10-31

Tutor Prep Guide · Primary General Studies

Ten items on turning a text scale into a fraction, measuring with a bar scale, blue water symbols, grid references, right-angle routes, gradient from height gain, map centimetres to kilometres, walking time, and the misuse of small-scale maps.

Focus　One centimetre for 500 metres is 1:50,000; a bar scale survives photocopying; blue winding lines are rivers and streams; grid references pinpoint a place; perpendicular legs use Pythagoras; gradient is height gain over horizontal distance; multiply map length by the scale for metres, then divide by 1,000 for kilometres; distance over speed gives time; only large scales show fine detail.

01　Paper details (check answers afterwards)

Item	Detail
Questions	10
Suggested time	25
Difficulty mix	Foundation 4 · Intermediate 3 · Challenge 2 · Error redo 1
Chapter	Chapter: Primary General Studies: Maps and Directions
Level	P4 to P6

02　Questions (10 items)

FoundationA map notes that 1 centimetre on paper stands for 500 metres on the ground. What is that as a representative fraction?
FoundationOn that 1:50,000 street map two buildings are 8 cm apart. What is the real distance in kilometres?
FoundationWhat is the advantage of a graphic bar scale at the edge of a map, marked 0, 500 and 1,000 metres?
FoundationOn a country map, what do the blue winding lines usually show?
IntermediateWhat is the main use of grid references on a map, such as GR 123 456?
IntermediateFrom school you walk 900 m north, then 1,200 m east to the library. What is the straight-line distance between them?
IntermediateA hilltop is 320 m high and the foot is 80 m, 1,200 m away horizontally. What is the height gain divided by the horizontal distance?
ChallengeOn a 1:20,000 map you measure 12 cm. What is the real distance in kilometres?
ChallengeWalking speed is about 4 km/h. A route measures 6 cm on a 1:50,000 map. How many minutes does it take?
Error redoA classmate says a 1:200,000 map is best for planning a hiking route because it shows the most area. Is that correct?

03　Answers and one-line notes

#	Answer	One-line note
1	500 m = 50,000 cm, so 1:50,000.	Convert the text scale into one unit, then write it as one to a number.
2	8 × 500 = 4,000 m = 4 km.	One centimetre stands for 500 m, so eight centimetres are four thousand metres.
3	You can measure along it directly, and it still works after the map is enlarged or reduced on a copier.	A bar scale shrinks or grows with the map, so it stays accurate after copying.
4	Rivers, streams and other water bodies.	Maps use blue for water, and a winding line marks a watercourse.
5	To pinpoint a location so that reports and rescue teams can find it.	A grid reference is more precise than a vague description, which matters in an emergency.
6	√(900² + 1,200²) = 1500 m.	The two legs are perpendicular, so use Pythagoras for the hypotenuse.
7	(320 − 80) ÷ 1,200 = 240 ÷ 1,200 = 0.2, which is one in five.	Gradient is the rise per unit of horizontal distance, so a bigger number means a steeper slope.
8	12 × 200 = 2,400 m = 2.4 km.	Multiply the centimetres by the scale for metres, then divide by 1,000 for kilometres.
9	6 × 500 = 3,000 m = 3 km; 3 ÷ 4 × 60 = 45 minutes.	Find the real distance in kilometres first, then use the speed to get the time.
10	No. A small-scale map hides detail, so paths and terrain are unclear; hikers need 1:20,000 or larger.	Small scales suit wide areas and large scales suit detail, so each has its own use.

04　What to do after marking

After marking, redo only the wrong items and write down which step went wrong (formula, unit, or misread number).
Repeat the same item two days later; move to the next paper only when both attempts are correct.
Parents only need the answer and note columns; there is no need to explain every item.

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