South Island

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/south-island

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Where is South Island?South Island of New Zealand, Oceania
2. How big is South Island?150,437 km² (58,084 sq mi)
3. How many people live in South Island?1,256,700 (as of June 2025)
4. What is the capital of South Island?No official capital; Christchurch is the largest city
5. What language do people speak in South Island?English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language
6. What money is used in South Island?New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Pounamu: A type of greenstone highly valued by Māori for its beauty and cultural significance, often used for tools and ornaments.
Oceanic Climate: A climate typical of islands and coastal regions, characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall throughout the year.
Parliamentary Democracy: A system of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from and is held accountable to the legislature (parliament).