You either have it or you don’t — a sense of direction, that is. But why is it that some people could find their way across the Sahara without a map, while others can lose themselves in the
next street?
Scientists say we’re all born with a sense of direction, but it is not properly understood how it works. One theory is that people with a good sense of direction have simply worked harder at developing it. Research being carried out at Liverpool University supports this idea and suggests that if we don’t use it, we lose it.
“Children as young as seven have the ability to find their way around,” says Jim Martland, Research Director of the project. “However, if they are not allowed out alone or are taken everywhere by car, they never develop the skills.”
Jim Martland also emphasizes (强调) that young people shou1d be taught certain skills to improve their sense of direction. He makes the following suggestions:
l If you are using a map, turn it so it relates to the way you are facing.
l If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near something like a big stone or
tree. Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike. When you return, go back along the same route.
l Simplify the way of finding your direction by using lines such as streets in a town,
streams, or walls in the countryside to guide you. Count your steps so that you know how far you have gone and note any landmarks such as tower blocks or hills which can help to find out where you are.
Now you need never get lost again!
1. Scientists believe that _____.
A. some babies are born with a sense of direction
B. people learn a sense of direction as they grow older
C. people never lose their sense of direction
D. everybody owns a sense of direction from birth
2. What is true of seven-year-old children according to the passage?
A. They never have a sense of direction without maps.
B. They should never be allowed out alone if they do not have a sense of direction.
C. They have a sense of direction and can find their way around.
D. They can develop a good sense of direction if they are driven around in a car.
3. If you leave your bike in a strange place, you should _____.
A. tie it to a tree so as to prevent it from being stolen
B. draw a map of the route to help remember where it is
C. avoid taking the same route when you come back to it
D. remember something easily recognizable (noticeable) on the route
4. According to the passage, the best way to find your way around is to _____.
A. ask policemen for directions
B. use walls, stream, and streets to guide yourself
C. remember your route by looking out for steps and stairs
D. count the number of landmarks that you see