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 _______ themselves in the next street?

Scientists say we’re all born with a sense of direction, but it is not _______ understood how it works. One theory is that people with a good sense of direction have simply worked harder at _______ it. Research being _______ 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 Marttand, 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 that young people should be taught certain _______ to improve their sense of direction. He makes the following suggestions:

If you are using a map, _______ it so it relates to the way you are facing.

If you leave your bike in a strange place, put it near something like a big stone or a tree. Note landmarks on the route as you go away from your bike. When you return, go back along the same route.

Simplify the way of finding your direction by using lines such as streets in a town, streams, or walls in the countryside to _______ you. _______ 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!

In some _______ , artists carve（雕刻）beautiful things out of soft stones, because they can be shaped easily. In ancient times, people carved _______ persons or animals out of soft stones, which could be carried along with. While in some European countries, statues（雕塑）are carved _______ hard stones and they do not change easily. In summer, the hot sun_______ on these statues and in winter the snow falls on them, but they _______ remain beautiful.

Stone is strong and long-lasting. So, it is _______ enough for buildings. A house built of stone does not catch fire as easily as _______ made of wood. Some stones are coloured, so they make the _______ look wonderful. People can also get a fire with stones. Besides, some kinds of stones can be used to ________ jewellery（珠宝）. We’ve found stones are really amazing.

Do you walk to school every day? That will work, but no, if you like to sleep in the morning, you may be late for your class. If you like bad smells and crowding, the bus might be your choice. But why not a bicycle? A bicycle will get you there _______ than your feet and will save your money. This is _______ you see more bicycles than any other kind of transportation in China, about 500 million of them. That’s close to one for every two people in the whole country. But if you survey your class at school, you probably will find a higher rate.

Bicycles became more and more welcomed, because they are fun for people and at the same time, they help develop a strong body. No vehicle(车辆) is better than a bicycle for _______ an autumn weekend outside the city with parents, relatives or friends. You can travel on small, quiet paths. You can also park your bicycle _______ the path wherever(无论哪里) you want to stop to admire the beauty.

Cycling every day helps people build healthier hearts and stronger muscles(肌肉). Some scientists say a _______ ride every day can help you lose weight and keep fit, and help you breathe the fresh air. Nowadays, bicycles are also popular with city planners, they see bicycles as a good way to _______ heavy traffic. Unlike vehicles or buses, bicycles produce no exhaust(废气) and don’t burn energy. Many countries are encouraging more daily use of bicycles.