English Learning: Simple Directions (Left, Right, Straight)
Dialogue
Alice: Hey Bob, do you remember where that new coffee shop is?
Bob: Oh, Alice! Yes, I do! It’s super close.
Alice: Great! My phone battery is dead. Can you tell me?
Bob: Okay, so you go straight from here.
Alice: Straight? Like… don’t turn?
Bob: Exactly! Then, you’ll see a big, blue building.
Alice: A blue building… Got it.
Bob: At the blue building, turn left.
Alice: Left. My left or your left if you were facing the building?
Bob: Uh… your left! Always your left. Then walk a little more.
Alice: Okay, walking. Is it far?
Bob: No, no. After that left, you’ll see a small park. The coffee shop is right across from the park. Maybe turn right after the park?
Alice: Wait, right after the park? So, left at the blue building, then right after the park?
Bob: Yes! Or… wait. Is it right or left after the park? My sense of direction is terrible after coffee.
Alice: Bob! You just had coffee! Maybe I should just follow my nose for coffee beans.
Bob: Haha, probably a better plan, Alice! But seriously, it’s straight, then left, then… maybe right? Or just look for the giant coffee cup sign!
Alice: I’ll look for the giant coffee cup. Thanks for the… adventure, Bob!
Current Situation
Knowing how to give and follow simple directions is incredibly useful in daily life. Whether you’re navigating a new city, trying to find a friend’s house, or simply locating the nearest supermarket, understanding words like “left,” “right,” and “straight” is fundamental. It helps you ask for help, understand instructions, and feel more confident in unfamiliar places. This basic vocabulary is a must-have for any English learner!
Key Phrases
- Go straight: Keep moving forward without turning. Example: Go straight for two blocks, then you’ll see a big tree.
- Turn left: Change direction to your left side. Example: At the traffic light, turn left.
- Turn right: Change direction to your right side. Example: After you turn right, the library will be on your left.
- Across from: On the opposite side of something. Example: The bus stop is across from the post office.
- Where is…?: Used to ask for the location of something. Example: Excuse me, where is the nearest train station?
Grammar Points
For beginners, understanding how to give and ask for directions involves a few simple grammar points:
- Giving Directions (Imperative Form): We often use verbs in their base form (imperative) to give direct commands or instructions. This is perfect for directions!
- Go straight.
- Turn left at the corner.
- Walk a little further.
- Prepositions of Place (Simple): These words tell us about position.
- Straight: Means forward, without turning.
- Left/Right: Indicates a direction to your left or right side.
- Across from: Means on the opposite side of something, often with a street or space in between.
- Asking for Location (Where is…?): This is a very common and essential question structure.
- Where is the coffee shop?
- Where is the museum?
- Where is the bathroom?
Practice Exercises
- Fill in the Blanks: Choose the best direction word (straight, left, right) for each sentence.
a. Go _______ for three blocks.
b. At the big fountain, turn _______.
c. The bakery is on your _______, just past the small park.
d. You need to turn _______ at the end of this street to find the supermarket.
- Match the Action: Match the description to the correct direction.
a. To continue moving forward without changing direction.
b. To change your path towards the side where your heart is located (for most people).
c. To change your path towards the opposite side of where your heart is located.
- Turn left
- Go straight
- Turn right
- Give a Simple Direction: Imagine someone asks you for directions. How would you answer?
Question: “Excuse me, where is the public park?”
Your Answer: ___________________________________________________________________
Answers
-
a. straight
b. left (or right, depending on the context)
c. right (or left, depending on the context)
d. right (or left, depending on the context)
-
a. B. Go straight
b. A. Turn left
c. C. Turn right
-
Your Answer (Example): “Go straight for one block, then turn right. The park will be across from the school.” (Many correct answers are possible!)
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