All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Course Practice

Which direction does the arrow point on a magnetic compass?

1. East

2. South

3. West

4. North

The correct answer is: North

A magnetic compass is designed to indicate the direction of magnetic north. The arrow on a compass is a magnetized needle that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field. When using the compass, the pointed end of the arrow will always point toward magnetic north. This is critical for navigation, as it helps users orient themselves and find their way in the wilderness or unfamiliar areas. Understanding how to read a compass, especially the direction the arrow points, is essential for any outdoor activity, including riding an ATV. The other options—east, south, and west—do not represent the direction indicated by the compass needle, which consistently directs toward the geographic north.