Understand the idea.
Say what you are comparing
Location words need a starting place to compare with. “Between the park and clinic” gives two clear clues. On this map, directly above stays in the same column; directly beside stays in the same row. Read the labels instead of judging only the pictures.
Use the direction note
Use the map’s north-up note: north is up, south is down, east is right and west is left. These map directions stay fixed when a traveller turns. With two clues, find a place using one clue, then check that it fits the other too.
See the method in action.
Find a place between two others
Which place is between the park and the clinic?
Worked solution
- 1
Locate the two reference places.
Park and Clinic are at opposite ends of the middle row.
- 2
Look between them in that same row.
The place in the middle lies beside both reference places.
- 3
Read the middle label.
The fountain is between the park and the clinic.
The fountain.
Use two clues
Which place is immediately south of the shop and immediately west of the clinic?
Worked solution
- 1
Move immediately south of Shop.
South is down on this map; the next place below Shop is Fountain.
- 2
Check the clue about Clinic.
West is left; Fountain is also the next place left of Clinic.
- 3
Select the place that fits both clues.
The fountain is immediately south of the shop and immediately west of the clinic.
The fountain.
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
Which place is directly east of the fountain?
Show answer & reasoning
The clinic.
East means right on this north-up map. The next place directly right of Fountain is Clinic.
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions
Read the questions online
- Which place is the next place directly below the library?
- Which place is between the pool and the bus stop?
- Which place is directly north of the park?
- Which place is directly west of the shop?
- Describe where the bakery is compared with the fountain.
- A friend says “Meet me near the shop.” Why is “Meet me at the fountain south of the shop” clearer?
Read the worked solutions
- Which place is the next place directly below the library?
Follow the right-hand column down one place.
The clinic. - Which place is between the pool and the bus stop?
The bakery is in the middle of the bottom row.
The bakery. - Which place is directly north of the park?
North is up; School is above Park in the left column.
The school. - Which place is directly west of the shop?
West is left; School is beside Shop.
The school. - Describe where the bakery is compared with the fountain.
Both lie in the middle column, and Bakery is one place below.
The bakery is directly south of the fountain. - A friend says “Meet me near the shop.” Why is “Meet me at the fountain south of the shop” clearer?
The first message could mean several nearby places. The second identifies the fountain.
It names one exact place and gives its position.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum Mathematics
Familiar maps; locating features; following and describing routes.
Official curriculum source ↗