Asking And Giving Directions

A. How to Ask for Directions

• Where is ..., please?
• How do I get to ...?
• Can you help me, please? I want to get to ....
• Can you tell me where ... is?
• I’m looking for ....

B. How to Give Directions

• Go straight ahead. Take the lift / stairs.
• Turn left / right at the traffic lights.
• Walk straight.
• It’s on your left / right.
• It’s on the second floor.
• It’s upstairs / downstairs.
• Take the first right.
• Take the first exit.
• Take the ... bus and get off at ....
• It's next to ....
• It's opposite ....

C. Useful Expressions with Illustrations

D. Example Dialogues

Dialogue 1

Andy stops a passer-by to ask the way to the city museum.

Andy: "Excuse me, could you tell me where the museum is?"

Passer-by:: "The museum? It’s just over there, next to the park."

Andy: "Ah yes, thanks very much."

Passer-by:: "You're welcome."

Dialogue 2

Ann needs to go to an ATM and asks a passer-by.

Ann: "Excuse me. Could you tell me the way to the nearest ATM?"

Passer-by: "Well, go straight and turn left at the first junction."

Ann: "Alright. Go straight and turn left at the junction"

Passer-by: "Yes. Then go along the street and you will find a big supermarket. There are ATM booths in front of it."

Ann: "What’s the supermarket called?"

Passer-by: "Matahari. Shall I write it down for you?"

Ann: "No, I think I’ve got it. Thanks a lot."

Passer-by: "No problem."

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Dialogue 3

Lidya wants to go to the art gallery but she doesn't know how to get there.

Lidya: "Excuse me. How could I get to the art gallery?"

Front office clerk: "You mean, the art gallery on Bright Avenue, Madam?"

Lidya: "Yes, it's on Bright Avenue."

Front office clerk: "Alright. Get the 11 bus from the corner here, and get off at the Central park. Then turn left into Bright Avenue. The gallery is around 200 meters from the corner. It's on your right."

Lidya: "Could you write it down for me? I might get lost again otherwise."

Front office clerk: "Certainly, Madam. ... [writes it down for Lidya] ... there you are."

Lidya: "Thank you for your help."

Front office clerk: "My pleasure. Have a nice day, Madam."

Lidya: "I will, thanks. Bye!"

Front office clerk: "You're most welcome, Madam."

E. Exercises

12

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