Text 1: Finding my way through Brackenford, by Imogen Vale

An original contemporary travel blog.

I arrived in Brackenford with one small rucksack, a paper map and the confidence of someone who had not yet noticed that the map was upside down. The town had been built around a hill, so every street seemed to lead either uphill or back to the market square.

At first I followed the little brown signs to the museum. They sent me along narrow lanes, past a bakery and into a quiet courtyard, where I discovered that the museum entrance was on another street. Rather than guess again, I asked a woman sweeping outside a library. She pointed out the clock tower and told me to keep it on my left until I reached the river.

That worked for a while. When the tower disappeared behind the rooftops, I checked the street names against my map. A shopkeeper then showed me a shorter route through a covered passage. By lunchtime I had reached the museum, although I had taken nearly an hour to travel a distance that should have taken twenty minutes. My advice is simple: use signs, ask people and check where you are as you go.

Text 2: The traveller in a strange town, by Mr Edwin Larkspur

An original guidebook written in a nineteenth-century voice; a period simulation, not an archival document.

This extract comes from a book of advice for travellers visiting unfamiliar towns, published in 1882.

The stranger should not set forth without first learning the name of his destination and the principal street by which it may be approached. A small plan of the town is useful, but it should be consulted before the walk begins rather than unfolded at every corner, where it may attract unwelcome attention.

The church tower, town hall or other conspicuous building will serve as a reliable landmark. The traveller should keep such an object in view where possible, and should note the names of the streets passed. When uncertain, he may inquire politely of a constable, shopkeeper or other respectable inhabitant; there is no shame in seeking directions.

It is unwise to trust every painted sign, for signs may have been moved or may point only to a private entrance. The prudent traveller will compare the directions received with his plan and will allow extra time for a wrong turning. By these simple precautions, much wandering may be avoided.

Drawing on both texts, explain briefly the advice given about finding a way through an unfamiliar town. You may wish to include points on which the writers agree and points on which their advice differs.

You should make it clear which text you are referring to.