How to Read a Map
- English level
- Level 1
- Topic
- Travel
- Estimated reading time
- 1 min

You are lost on a new street.
A map can help you find your way.
Maps show roads, rivers, and cities.

They use colors and symbols.
Blue means water on most maps.
Green often means trees or parks.
Look for the legend on your map.

The legend tells you what each symbol means.
Use the scale to measure distance.
The compass rose shows North, South, East, and West.
Now look at your location on the map.

Then find where you want to go.
Maps are simple and fun to use.
Try reading one on your next trip!
Key Vocabulary
Compass (n) An instrument containing a magnetized pointer which shows the direction of magnetic north and bearings from it.UK: ˈkʌmpəsUS: ˈkʌmpəsLearn more
Distance (n) The length of the space between two points.UK: ˈdɪstənsUS: ˈdɪstənsLearn more
Legend (n) A traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but not authenticated.UK: ˈledʒəndUS: ˈledʒəndLearn more
Map (n) A diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features, cities, roads, etc.UK: mæpUS: mæpLearn more
Symbol (n) A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstractUK: ˈsɪmblUS: ˈsɪmblLearn more

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