Explanation:

- The Earth's axis is an imaginary line that runs through the North and South Poles.

- The axis always points in essentially the same direction.

- Specifically, it points towards the North Star, also known as Polaris.

- Let’s review the options:

- Option 1: North – This is correct. The axis points towards the north (Polaris).

- Option 2: West – Incorrect. The axis doesn’t point towards the west.

- Option 3: North-east – Incorrect. The axis does not point in a north-east direction.

- Option 4: South-east – Also incorrect. The axis doesn't align this way.