Asking for directions, IELTS and Chinese style

IELTS Listening Section 1 may carry a question on labeling maps. This means you have to know how to read maps and to know words related to directions such as north, south, east, west, across the street, around the corner, at the end of the road, at the next turning, behind, between, ahead, etc, etc.

Map reading is less complicated western style than Chinese style.
If you don't know how to get somewhere and have to rely on a mainland Chinese for directions, you'll be in for a headache if you don't have the faintest idea of whether you're facing north or south or east or west.

The Chinese seem to give these kind directions - Turn north or turn south. But how would you know where north or south is, if you don't have a compass with you or the sun above you for guidance?

Thankfully, IELTS would be much easier if you are familiar with words related to directions.