Directions
If a stranger asks "Where is the post office?", we can't just point. We must say: "Go straight, then turn right, then go north." For directions, we use north, south, east, west.
What is this?
There are four main directions:
- North (N) , where the Sun never quite reaches at noon (in India).
- South (S) , opposite of north.
- East (E) , where the Sun rises.
- West (W) , where the Sun sets.
Stand facing north. East is to your right, west to your left, south is behind you.
In between the four main directions, there are four more:
- North-east (NE) , between N and E.
- South-east (SE) , between S and E.
- South-west (SW) , between S and W.
- North-west (NW) , between N and W.
Together they make eight directions, like the spokes of a wheel.
On a map, north is usually at the top. A small arrow with "N" tells us which way is north on the map. Once we know north, we know all four directions.
When giving directions, we combine direction + distance: "Walk 50 m north, then 30 m east." That tells someone exactly where to go.
Worked examples
Example 1. The Sun rises in the east. If I face the rising Sun, what is behind me?
- Behind = west.
Example 2. I face north and turn right. Which direction am I facing now?
- Right of north = east.
Example 3. A village is NE of a town. Walking from the village towards the town, I am going in which direction?
- Opposite of NE = SW.
Try it
- The Sun sets in which direction?
- If I face south, what is to my left?
- Name the direction between N and W.
- From a place facing east, I turn 180°. Now facing?
- A school is north of a market. From the school, the market is in which direction?
Hands-on
Find north. Stand outside in the morning and face the rising Sun (east). North is to your left, south to your right. Note the position of your front door , which direction does it face?
Treasure map. Hide a small "treasure" (a sweet, a coin) in your house. Write a 3-step direction map for a friend or sibling using N, S, E, W. Can they find it?