How does GPS know where you are?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. How often do you use GPS or a map app?
2. Have you ever got lost? What happened?
3. How did people find their way before phones?
4. Do you worry about apps that track your location?
5. What technology do you use without understanding how it works?
6. Can you read a paper map?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about how you find your way.

Choose the word that fits.

1. A GPS circles the Earth twice a day.
2. Each satellite a signal with the exact time.
3. Your phone is a that picks up the signals.
4. The device uses signals to your position.
5. Atomic clocks are extremely .
6. The position is given as of latitude and longitude.
7. The app shows the way to the station.
8. Some apps your movements all day.

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. a satellite is an object that
   goes around the Earthis sold in shopsis built on a river
2. a signal is a
   kind of roadtype of mapmessage sent by waves
3. accurate =
   exactly correctvery oldvery large
4. to transmit = to
   receive a signalsend a signalstop a signal
5. a constellation is a
   group of satellitestype of phonesingle clock
6. navigation is finding
   a worda jobthe way

Use these phrases to explain how something works.

• First,...Спочатку,...First, the signal is sent from the satellite.
• Then...Потім...Then it is received by the phone.
• Once...Щойно...Once the signals are received, the position is calculated.
• After that,...Після цього,...After that, the map is updated.
• Finally,...Нарешті,...Finally, the route is shown on the screen.
• It is based on...Це базується на...The system is based on accurate clocks.
• This is why...Ось чому...This is why four satellites are needed.
• It works like this:Це працює так:It works like this: satellites send signals.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. GPS was developed in Europe.
   TrueFalse
2. Each satellite carries an atomic clock.
   TrueFalse
3. A position can be found with signals from at least four satellites.
   TrueFalse
4. The effects of relativity are ignored.
   TrueFalse
5. Galileo is a European system.
   TrueFalse

1. Do you think we depend too much on navigation apps?
2. What could go wrong if GPS stopped working?
3. Is it right for apps to track our location?
4. Which technology do you use that you would like to understand better?

Common mistakes: is / are + past participle for processes, and once + present. ✗ The signal transmits by the satellite → The signal is transmitted. ✗ Once the signals will be received → Once the signals are received.

1. A signal
   transmitsis transmitted
   by each satellite.
2. The position
   is calculatedcalculates
   by the receiver.
3. FinallyFirst
   , the signal is sent from the satellite.
4. ThenOnce
   the signals are received, the position is calculated.
5. The clocks
   are correctedcorrect
   for relativity.
6. The map
   is updatedupdates
   every few seconds.
7. Satellites
   are launchedlaunch
   into orbit by rockets.
8. The signals
   don't affectaren't affected
   by clouds.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. The signal transmits by the satellite. →
2. The position calculated by the phone. →
3. First the signals are received, after the position is found. →
4. Once the signals will be received, the position is calculated. →
5. Satellites launched by rockets every year. →
6. The map is updating every second automatically. →

Answer in detail. Use the passive and sequencing words: first, then, once, finally.

1. How do you use GPS in everyday life?
2. Describe how your phone finds your location.
3. Do you worry about being tracked?
4. When did navigation make a journey easier for you?
5. How did people find their way before GPS?
6. What other technology do you use without knowing how it works?

Three people depend on GPS. Compare how they use it. Who depends on it most? Who is the most careful? What would you do without GPS?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: how you use navigation in everyday life.
3. Part 2: explain how GPS works in your own words (the passive and first, then, finally).
4. Part 3: how technology has changed the way we travel.

1. How often do you use a map app?
2. Do you remember routes, or do you always use GPS?
3. Have you ever got lost?
4. What do you do when your phone battery dies?
5. Do you share your location with friends?
6. What is the best app on your phone?
7. Do you like surprises when you travel?
8. How do you find a restaurant in a new city?

1. Who in your family always gets lost?
2. Who has the best sense of direction?
3. Who taught you to read a map?
4. Who do you share your location with?
5. Who prefers paper maps?
6. Who works with technology in your family?

1. Are we losing the ability to find our way?
2. Should apps be allowed to track people?
3. Will self-driving cars replace drivers?
4. Should satellites be controlled by one country?
5. Is it safe to depend on one system?