How to Pass the US States on a Map Test Without Losing Your Mind (And Possibly Your Life)

Find the us states quiz. united states map quiz worksheet, 2 pages

Ever tried to cram every state into your head and ended up thinking Delaware was in the middle of Texas? Fear not! This hilariously practical guide will have you mapping the USA faster than a squirrel can find a nut, all while laughing at your own geography blunders. Grab a pen, a piece of paper, and a sense of humor – we’re about to make geography great again.

1. Treat the Map Like a Pizza

Imagine each state is a slice of pizza. If you can’t remember where New York sits, just picture it as the slice with the largest pepperoni (NY). And if you still can't place it, remember that NY is the “N” (North) and “Y” (You’re) – you’re on the North side of the map, right? It’s cheesy, but it works.

2. The “S” Shape Rule

Florida, Maine, and Hawaii are all “S” shaped states (well, sort of). Think of them as the three most enthusiastic students who always shape-shift. Whenever you see an “S” on the map, you’re almost guaranteed to have at least one of these states. Don’t forget – the “S” that looks like a fish is actually Florida, because fish live in the Gulf of Mexico!

3. The “B” for Big Bunch of B's

States with the letter “B” tend to be the most boisterous. Texas, Indiana, and Missouri might surprise you, but there’s also a B in the big “B” (Big) of the map. If you hear someone shout “B!” during a geography test, just remember that it could be any state that starts with B, so you’re already halfway to victory.

4. The “C” Curve Conundrum

California is the only state that’s officially a “C” shape, but you might also spot “C” in Connecticut, Colorado, and the curious case of “C” in the shape of a cow. If the map feels like a cow’s backside, it’s probably California. Don’t worry if you see a “C” in the middle of the ocean; it’s probably just the Pacific’s “C” for “Calm.”

5. The “T” Tower Trick

Texas is a towering “T” that stands out like a skyscraper. Think of it as the “T” that keeps everyone awake – a 2,300,000 square mile giant that demands a big hat. When you see the “T,” you can immediately say, “Ah, there it is, the state that’s bigger than a small country!”

6. The “O” Octagon of the Midwest

Ohio and Oklahoma share an “O” that’s the heart of the Midwest. Picture a giant octagon (though these states are not actually octagons) that keeps the “O” family together. If you see a big round “O,” you’re probably staring at Ohio, but don’t be surprised if a friendly neighbor named Oklahoma pops out of the same circle.

7. The “M” Mountain Mystery

Montana, Maryland, and Minnesota all start with “M,” and they love to hide in the mountains of confusion. The key is the mountain: if you see a mountain, think of “M” and the “M” that is the tallest (Montana). The “M” that’s the most mellow is Maryland – the state that’s often mistaken for a fancy cheese.

8. The “P” for the Pioneers

Places like Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, and the big “P” of the Pacific are all about pioneers. The “P” that starts the map is Pennsylvania; the “P” that follows is the “P” for “Pioneer!” and the one that is on the far edge is the “P” that’s the Pacific. Just remember the pioneer is always a little ahead.

9. The “S” of the Southern States

South Carolina, South Dakota, and the mysterious “S” that stands for “Super South” are the ultimate Southern squad. If the map looks like a hot dog, you’ve probably found the South. When in doubt, add a little barbecue sauce (the word “BBQ”) and the Southern states will appear in all their spicy glory.