Lesson No 20E-Asking for and giving directions

Asking for and Giving Directions

Asking for directions:

• “Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the [place]?”
• “Is there a [place] near here?”
• “How do I get to the [place]?”
• “Could you point me in the direction of the [place]?”

Giving directions:

• “Go straight ahead and turn left at the next corner.”
• “It’s about [distance] from here.”
• “You can’t miss it. It’s the [landmark] building.”
• “Take the [bus/train/metro] to [stop].”

Example conversation:

Person A: “Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the train station?”

Person B: “Sure. Go straight ahead for two blocks, then turn left. The train station is on your right.”

Person A: “Thank you.”

Sample Conversations About Asking and Giving Directions

Asking for Directions

• Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the train station?
• Could you please give me directions to the nearest supermarket?
• How do I get to the airport from here?
• Is there a shortcut to the park?
• Can you point me in the direction of the museum?

Giving Directions

• Go straight ahead and turn left at the next corner.
• Walk down this street until you reach the main road.
• It’s about 5 minutes walk from here.
• You can’t miss it, it’s the big red building.
• Take the bus number 20 and get off at the third stop.

Example conversation:

You: Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the train station?

Stranger: Sure, go straight ahead and turn left at the next corner. Keep walking for about 5 minutes and you’ll see it on your right.

Vocabulary for Directions

Cardinal Directions

• North: Up on a map
• South: Down on a map
• East: Right on a map
• West: Left on a map

Relative Directions

• Straight ahead: Go directly forward.
• Turn left: Turn to the left.
• Turn right: Turn to the right.
• Go straight: Continue in the same direction.
• Bear left/right: Turn slightly to the left/right.
• U-turn: Turn around to face the opposite direction.

Landmarks

• Intersection: The place where two roads cross.
• Corner: The place where two streets meet.
• Block: A city block.
• Landmark: A famous or recognizable building or place.

Distance

• Near: Close by.
• Far: A long distance away.
• Around the corner: Nearby.
• A few blocks away: A short distance away.