Giving Directions in the City
1. Warm-up Discussion
Talk with a partner or write down your answers to these questions.
- Have you ever gotten lost in a city? What happened?
- What do you usually do when you need directions in a new place? Do you ask people or use your phone?
- What are some important things to remember when giving directions to someone?
2. Listening Comprehension
Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the missing words. Then, read the blog post below.
Excuse me. Can you help me? I need to go to the park. Is it from here?
Walk for two . Then, at the . The park will be , the big library. It's about a ten-minute walk.
Thank you for your help!
Blog Post: Don't Get Lost! Tips for Asking for Directions
Hello, travelers! Have you ever found yourself in a new city, feeling a bit lost? It happens to everyone! Asking for directions is a great way to practice your English and explore a new place.
Here are some quick tips:
- Be polite: Always start with "Excuse me, can you help me?" or "Hello, I'm a bit lost."
- Say your destination: Clearly state where you want to go, for example, "How do I get to the museum?" or "Is the train station far from here?"
- Listen for keywords: Pay attention to words like "turn left," "go straight," "cross the street," "at the corner," or "next to." These are important!
- Look for landmarks: People often give directions using big buildings or famous places as landmarks. For example, "It's opposite the big church" or "You'll see a tall building, turn right there."
- Say thank you: Always finish with "Thank you for your help!" or "Thanks a lot!"
Don't be afraid to ask! Most people are happy to help tourists. Happy travels!
3. Key Vocabulary
Match the words with their definitions. Drag the word chips to the correct definition drop zones.
4. Grammar: Imperatives and Prepositions
Let's look at the grammar we use to give and understand directions.
Imperatives
We use the imperative (the base form of the verb) to give directions. It's a direct and clear way to give instructions.
- Go straight ahead.
- Turn right at the corner.
- Cross the street at the traffic lights.
Prepositions of Place and Movement
We use prepositions to talk about where things are and how to move from one place to another.
Prepositions of Place (Location)
- on: The library is on your left.
- at: The cafe is at the corner of Main Street.
- next to: The bank is next to the supermarket.
- opposite: The park is opposite the train station.
- between: The pharmacy is between the bookshop and the cinema.
Prepositions of Movement (Direction)
- along: Walk along this road for five minutes.
- past: Go past the big church.
- across: Walk across the bridge.
- through: You need to go through the park.
Practice
Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.
1. "Excuse me, how do I get to the post office?" "Go ______ this street and turn left."
2. The supermarket is ______ the bank and the library.
3. ______ the road at the crosswalk where it is safe.
4. Walk ______ the museum; you will see it on your left. The hotel is the next building after it.
5. The restaurant is ______ the corner of Oak Avenue.
6. When you see the traffic lights, ______ right.
7. The cinema is ______ the park. You just need to cross the street to get there.
5. Vocabulary in Context: Following Directions
Read the directions from the train station to the hotel. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank.
"Hello! To get to the hotel from the train station, it's very easy. When you exit the station, go for about two blocks. You will a small bookshop and a cafe. When you get to the traffic lights, onto Park Avenue. Walk for one more block. You will need to a small street. The hotel is . It's a big, blue building, the city museum."
4. Vocabulary in Context
Complete the sentences using the words from the word bank. Drag the words to the correct blanks.
1. To get to the museum, walk for two blocks.
2. The library is just one from my office.
3. Wait for the green light at the before you the street.
4. When you see the big tree, .
5. The cafe is the bookshop.
6. Is the beach the hotel?
7. The clock tower is a famous in our town.
8. I always if I don't have a map.
9. Just the supermarket, and the cinema is on your right.
5. Speaking Practice: Role-play
Work with a partner. Take turns playing Student A and Student B for each scenario. Try to use the vocabulary and expressions from the lesson.
Scenario 1: The Post Office
Student A: You are a tourist. You need to go to the post office to send a postcard. You are at the main city square. Ask a local for directions.
Student B: You are a local. The post office is two blocks straight ahead from the city square. Then, you need to turn right at the traffic lights. The post office is next to a big bank.
Useful phrases:
- Student A: "Excuse me, can you help me?", "How do I get to...?", "Is it far from here?", "Thank you for your help!"
- Student B: "Go straight ahead...", "Turn left/right...", "Cross the street...", "It's next to...", "You'll see a landmark...", "It's about a ten-minute walk."
Scenario 2: The Art Gallery
Student A: You are a tourist. You want to visit the new art gallery. You are currently at the train station. Ask a local for directions.
Student B: You are a local. From the train station, you need to walk straight ahead for three blocks. You will go past a large park on your left. Then, turn left at the second street. The art gallery is on your right, opposite a small cafe. It's not far from here.
Useful phrases:
- Student A: "Excuse me, I'm a bit lost.", "Could you tell me how to get to...?", "Is it a long walk?", "Thanks a lot!"
- Student B: "Walk straight ahead...", "It's about three blocks...", "You'll go past...", "Turn left/right...", "It's opposite...", "You can't miss it."