Comprehension Through Context Clues
Read the passage carefully. Use context clues from the surrounding sentences to work out which word belongs in each blank space. Write your answers on the lines provided.
The ancient art of navigation relied heavily on the stars and natural landmarks. Before modern technology, sailors had to (1) _________________ on their knowledge of the night sky to find their way across vast oceans. They would carefully observe the position of constellations and use tools like the astrolabe to (2) _________________ their latitude.
During the day, navigators faced different (3) _________________. Without stars visible, they turned to the sun's position and the movement of clouds. The colour of the water could also (4) _________________ important information about depth and proximity to land. Experienced sailors could even read the (5) _________________ of waves to predict upcoming weather conditions.
One of the most (6) _________________ navigation tools was the magnetic compass. This device, invented in ancient China, revolutionised sea travel by providing a reliable sense of (7) _________________. However, sailors quickly learned that compasses weren't always perfect—they could be affected by metal objects on the ship or by the Earth's magnetic (8) _________________ in certain regions.
The Polynesian people developed their own remarkable navigation (9) _________________. They memorised complex patterns of stars, ocean swells, and bird migration routes. This knowledge was passed down through generations, allowing them to successfully (10) _________________ across the Pacific Ocean long before European explorers arrived.