GIVING DIRECTIONS

 

     

GIVING DIRECTIONS

Introduce - Directions Phrases

Introduce the following phrases:

- Turn right/left (at the 1st/2nd/3rd corner).

- Go straight.

- You’ll see it on the right/left.

- It’s across from (the school, the park, the post office)

- It’s next to (the police station, the playground, the library) 

Explain the meaning of each phrase and lead some pronunciation practice exercises.Asking and giving directions conversation You know how to ASK for directions, but what happens when an English speaker

asks YOU for directions. This is not a time for small talk. Give only basic directions with short phrases. Do the best you can.

Questions you may hear

How do I get to Main Street?

Where is the closest BTS station?

Can you tell me where the shopping centre is?

I’m looking for Silom Street.

Are you from around here?

If you know the way…

Use basic English to offer directions. Short phrases are best. Speak slowly and use very careful pronunciation. Spell out a word if necessary.

The easiest way is to…

The quickest way is to…

The best way is to…

go + direction (right, left, down, up, through)

take + road name

turn + right/left

stay on + road name for + distance or time

Examples:

The easiest way is to go right on Commercial Avenue.

The quickest way is to take Road Number 1.

The best way is to turn right on Main Street.

Stay on Route 1 for about ten minutes.

Use transitions

Separate each leg of the route with a transition.

after that

then

next

when you get to…go…

finally

Offer “Ballpark Figures” (rough estimates of time or length of travel)

Some people feel better knowing how long it will take to get from A to B.

It’s just around the corner (not far).

It’s not far.

It’s a bit of a way. (it takes a while)

It’s about a five minute walk.

It’s about a twenty minute bus ride.

Use landmarks

Tell the person what to watch for.

You will see a large clock on the right.

You will pass a gas station.

It’s across from the blue church.

More useful language

It’s on + street name

It’s across from

It’s opposite

It’s near

It’s around the corner from

Offer warnings

Stay in the right lane.

It’s a very busy road.

It’s a big hill. (if they are walking or on a bike)

There might be construction.

If you pass the … you went too far.

There’s no parking.

Repeat yourself

If YOU repeat the directions again, the other person will feel more confident. Repeat important details including street names and turns. You can also ask the other person to repeat the directions back to

you.

If you are in the car with the driver…

Give a lot of warning.

Turn right at the next street

Get in the left lane.

Go one more block. Then turn right.

At the next traffic lights turn…

It’s going to be on your right.

Clarify

Make sure that the other person understood

“Did you get all that?”

If you don’t know the way…

Don’t guess! Don’t just shake your head of these phrases:

I’m sorry, I’m not from here.

I’m afraid I can’t help you.

Sorry I don’t know my way around here.

Offer another solution

You could ask the bus driver.

Ask the front desk clerk.

Follow me. I’ll show you the way.

Do you want me to draw you a map?

William: Excuse me, am sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me how I can get to the train station?

Kate: Yes no problem, it’s that way. Keeping walking straight ahead then after you pass the library you have to turn left. then take your first right and it’s across from the bus station. You cannot miss it!

William: Thank you so much! I have only been in Manchester for 2 days, so I don’t know how to get anywhere yet. 

Kate: Oh, I know that feeling. Me and my husband moved here a 6 months ago, and I still don’t know how to find certain places! Manchester is so big.

William: So just to double check Keep walking straight ahead till I pass the library, then I have to turn left and take the first right. Then it's across the bus station. Is that correct?

Kate: Yes, that is correct.

William: Well thanks for helping me. I must go and catch my train, hopefully I haven’t miss it!

Kate: OK, bye.