| Statement | Matching Person | |-----------|----------------| | 37 – Admits to having a poor sense of direction despite training | Marcus | | 38 – Uses a combination of tech and natural signs | Elena | | 39 – Once got lost because of overgrown footpaths | Sophie | | 40 – Believes natural navigation reduces stress | David |
Make sure you know these words – they often appear in FCE answer keys:
| Statement | Correct Section (A–D) | |-----------|------------------------| | Mentions seasonal changes in sun’s path | A | | Warns against relying on a single natural clue | C | | Describes how animals indicate direction | B | | Explains the limitations of star navigation | D | | Gives an example of wind as a directional aid | B | | Compares natural navigation to modern GPS | A | | States that practice improves accuracy | C | | Refers to historical indigenous practices | D | | Suggests using multiple clues for confirmation | C | | Concludes that natural navigation is reliable but slow | D | natural navigation fce test 1 answer
The common myth is “moss always grows on the north side.” The passage says: “While this can be true in shaded woods, it fails in open fields or near large bodies of water.” Hence, B (“It is not always a reliable guide”) is correct.
For thousands of years, humans navigated without the aid of GPS devices, maps, or compasses. They relied on 'natural navigation'—the art of finding your way using signs provided by the natural world. Tristan Gooley, an author and explorer, is one of the world's leading experts on this lost art. He argues that by observing the sun, stars, wind, and wildlife, we can find our direction almost anywhere on Earth. Make sure you know these words – they
One of the simplest methods involves looking at trees. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is always to the south at its highest point. This means the south side of a tree receives the most sunlight. Consequently, branches on the south side tend to grow more vigorously and extend further horizontally. Conversely, the north side, being shadier, often has moss or lichen growing on the bark due to the dampness. However, Gooley warns against relying on just one sign; a tree in a crowded forest behaves differently from a lone tree in a field.
The sky also offers clues. At night, constellations like the Plough (or Big Dipper) can point the way to the North Star. During the day, the sun’s trajectory provides a rough east-west guide. But Gooley suggests looking for more subtle indicators, such as spider webs. Spiders usually build their webs in sheltered spots to avoid the wind. By noticing where webs are absent, you can often determine the prevailing wind direction. an author and explorer
For Gooley, natural navigation is about more than just survival. It is a way of connecting with the landscape. "When you look at a map, you are looking at a picture someone else drew," he says. "When you navigate naturally, you are reading the story the world is telling you."
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