Dialogue

Current Situation

In our modern world, we often rely on GPS and map apps to get around. However, sometimes our phones run out of battery, the signal is bad, or the app gives outdated information (like Alice’s banana statue problem!). That’s why knowing how to ask for and understand directions from people is a very important skill, especially when you are in a new city or country. It helps you find your way, and it’s also a great way to interact with local people and practice your English!

Key Phrases

• Excuse me, can you help me?
  (This is a polite way to start a conversation when you need assistance.)
  Example: “Excuse me, can you help me? I’m looking for the train station.”
• How do I get to [place]?
  (This is a common way to ask for directions to a specific location.)
  Example: “How do I get to the museum?”
• Where is [place]?
  (A simpler and direct way to ask for a location.)
  Example: “Where is the nearest bank?”
• Go straight ahead. / Walk straight.
  (Means to continue moving forward without turning.)
  Example: “Go straight ahead for two blocks.”
• Turn left / Turn right.
  (Means to change direction to the left or right.)
  Example: “Turn left at the traffic light.”
• It’s on your left / It’s on your right.
  (Used to describe the side where something is located.)
  Example: “The store is on your right, next to the cinema.”
• It’s next to [landmark/place].
  (Used to describe something’s location relative to another known place.)
  Example: “The cafe is next to the bookstore.”
• Thank you so much! / Thanks a lot!
  (Polite ways to express gratitude.)
  Example: “Thank you so much for your help!”

Grammar Points

1. Imperative Verbs for Directions

We often use verbs in their base form (without ‘to’ or ‘ing’) to give commands or instructions. These are called imperative verbs.

• Go straight.
• Turn left.
• Walk for five minutes.
• Cross the street.

2. Prepositions of Place

Prepositions tell us where something is in relation to something else. They are very important for directions!

• ahead: Go straight ahead. (forward)
• on: It’s on your left. (position on a side)
• next to: The cafe is next to the park. (beside)
• after: Turn right after the toy store. (following something)
• for: Walk straight ahead for two blocks. (duration or distance)

3. Asking Questions: “How do I get to…?” and “Where is…?”

These are the two main ways to ask for directions.

• How do I get to the museum? (This asks for the path or route.)
• Where is the bus stop? (This asks for the exact location.)

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct word.

1. Go ____ ahead for three blocks. (straight / left)
2. Turn ____ at the big blue building. (right / next to)
3. The supermarket is ____ the bank. (straight / next to)
4. You will see the post office on your ____. (right / after)

Exercise 2: Match the question with the best answer.

Write the letter of the correct answer next to the question.

1. ___ Excuse me, can you help me?
2. ___ How do I get to the library?
3. ___ Where is the nearest coffee shop?
4. ___ Thank you so much!

Answers:
A. You’re welcome!
B. Go straight, then turn left at the corner.
C. It’s on your right, next to the cinema.
D. Yes, how can I help you?

Exercise 3: Give directions!

Imagine you are telling someone how to get to the “Green Park” from where you are standing. Fill in the blanks with appropriate direction words.

To get to Green Park:

Walk ____ ahead for about five minutes. You will pass a big school on your ____. Then, ____ left at the traffic lights. The park will be ____ there, ____ the big fountain.