Practical skills (part 2)
Marjorie Henry, Contributor

Giving directions by using compass points was the focus of the last lesson. I ended it with by giving you a simple exercise to do, that of indicating the missing points on a diagram. I hope you were able to complete the diagram correctly. Check your answers.

Here is another exercise just to reinforce compass points. Fill in the blank spaces. Try to do them without looking at the drawing of the compass. When you are through, check your answers from the drawing.

1. SE is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

2. SW is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

3. NNW is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

4. SSW is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

5. SSE is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

6. WNW is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

7. WSW is halfway between _______ and _______ and opposite _______.

The question to test compass direction can be stated in different ways, for example: -

'State the compass direction of _(one point ) from __ (another point).'

"In what direction does the river/road run?'

Here is a hypothetical situation to explain the procedure in estimating the distance from one point to another.

"State the compass direction from Point A to Point B." It could also be stated - "What is the direction of Point B from Point A?"

Step 1

At the point named after the word 'from', draw a N -S line and then a W - E line. In this situation, it would be drawn at Point A.

Step 2

Extend a line from the point where the two lines intersect to Point B.

Step 3

Estimate the direction.

The direction of Point B from Point A is NE.

For further practice, refer to the following sketch and state the compass directions as indicated.

Source

Skills in Geography in Secondary School by V. A. Rahil

State the compass direction of -

(i) The school from the village.

(ii) The playground from the school.

(iii) The village from the playground.

(iv) In what direction is the road from the village?

Use sharp-pointed, soft pencils to construct the lines at the different points on the maps. This helps you to do the work accurately. The lines should be feint so that you can easily erase them afterwards.

The answers for both exercises will be given in the next lesson.

Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com