What is the main idea of the passage?

A compass aligns with Earth’s magnetic field but must be read with attention to location and nearby interference. (The passage explains alignment, magnetic variation, interference, and practical use.)

Why should a compass be kept away from metal?

Metal can pull the needle away from Earth’s field direction. (The final paragraph says nearby metal can disturb the usual direction.)

What does “aligns” mean?

turns into the same direction (The needle turns until it lines up with the field, which means it aligns.)

What can a traveler compare with a map?

the direction from a compass (The final sentence says the compass provides a direction for comparison with a map.)

Why a Compass Turns: Level 1 Reading Comprehension Questions

A compass needle is a small magnet that can turn freely. Earth also has a magnetic field. The needle moves until it lines up with that field.

One marked end points roughly toward magnetic north. Magnetic north is not exactly the same as the geographic North Pole. The difference changes with location. It also changes slowly over time because Earth's magnetic field shifts.

Nearby metal or electric current can pull a compass away from its usual direction. That is why a careful user holds it level and keeps it away from phones, magnets, and large metal objects. A compass does not know a destination. It provides one direction that a traveler can compare with a map.

Comprehension questions