Maps nearly always have compass points shown. You need to know the 8 points of the compass as these are often used in the recording to describe the position.
The 4 Cardinal Directions are
-
North
-
South
-
East
-
West
The four intermediate Directions are
- Northeast
- Northwest
- Southeast
- Southwest
Here’s an illustration so that you can understand it quickly.
Here’s an illustration so that you can understand it quickly.
There are several ways you might hear them used.
- to the north / to the south …
- in the northeast / in the southwest …
- north side / east side / west side / south side
- heading east
- slightly west of
- just southeast of
Other vocabularies:
- near
- first/second turning
- on the left
- straight ahead
Source: Cambridge English past paper
- The houses is immediately to the north and south of the Post Office are very near the river.
- The bridge is just beyond the last row of houses heading north.
- After crossing the bridge, take the second turning on the left and you’ll see the retirement home straight ahead.
- The retirement home is just southeast of the primary school.
- The post office is to the northwest of the retirement home.
- The village of Stokeford is slightly east of the River Stoke.
- There is a housing estate to the west side of the retirement home.
Check out Other Sets of Vocabulary for IELTS Listening Module
(Maps & Plans)