Giving and following multi-step directions using compass points and turns.
Where your child meets this in real life: Giving directions to locations, treasure hunts, orienteering
This topic isn't tested on its own, but it sits inside questions on tested topics. Each SEAG paper has 28 maths questions. Questions 29 to 50 are multiple choice with five possible answers, and questions 51 to 56 need a short written answer. With 56 questions in 60 minutes across English and maths, that is about a minute per question.
SEAGReady breaks give and follow directions into 3 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Follow one cardinal or intermediate compass direction on a north-up grid map and identify the destination
Follow a sequence of compass directions one instruction at a time and track the final position
Compose and check clear compass directions from a stated start to a destination on a grid map
Try three free questions from our give and follow directions course. They start easy and get harder, so you can see where your child's confidence runs out. If they manage the last one without a hint, this topic is probably secure. If not, the steps above show where to start.
Alfie is at the bus stop looking at a map. The sweet shop is marked directly south of the bus stop. If Alfie walks south from the bus stop, where will he arrive?
On a grid map, Harrison starts at the library (at position A). He follows these directions: Go south 2 squares, then go east 4 squares, then go north 1 square. He arrives at the sports centre. How many squares did Harrison move in total?
Grace is at position (1, 1) and wants to reach position (4, 6). She must give directions that avoid the pond at position (2, 4). Which set of directions works?
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Alice is at the school gate looking at a map. The library is marked directly north of the school.
If Alice walks north from the school, where will she arrive?
School + North = ?
Alice starts at the school gate
Step 1 of 2
Alice is at the school gate looking at a map. The library is marked directly north of the school.
If Alice walks north from the school, where will she arrive?
Alice will arrive at the library.
The key insight: On a standard north-up map, go north by moving towards the top of the map.
Common mix-up: Thinking north depends on which way you are facing. Use the map's north arrow or north-up convention rather than the direction your body happens to face.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in give and follow directions, including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with give and follow directions? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
Sitting the SEAG test this November? Read our last-month revision plan, Paper 1 vs Paper 2 and test day guide.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.
Free to start · no card needed