Asking a Pedestrian for Landmark Directions
A lost person approaches a pedestrian on the street and asks for directions to a well-known landmark or building.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lost
Feeling confused about your location, like not knowing where you are in a city. Use it when you're unsure of directions: 'I'm lost.'
straightforward
Something simple and easy to follow, without complications. In directions, it means the route is direct: 'The way is straightforward.'
blocks
In cities, a 'block' is the short distance between two streets. Americans use it to measure walking distance: 'Walk three blocks.'
huge
Very big in size. Useful for describing landmarks: 'It's a huge building, so you'll see it easily.'
pace
The speed at which you walk or move. In directions, it helps estimate time: 'It depends on your pace.'
certainly
A polite way to say 'yes' or 'of course' when offering help. It sounds friendly and willing: 'Certainly, I can help.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Could you tell me how to get to the Metropolitan Museum of Art?
This is a polite way to start asking for directions. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'I'm a bit lost' explains the problem softly, and 'Could you tell me how to get to...' uses a question structure for requests. Useful when you're new to a place.
Certainly! The Met is a bit of a walk from here, but it's pretty straightforward.
'Certainly' politely agrees to help. 'A bit of a walk' means it's somewhat far but okay. 'Straightforward' means easy. This sentence shows how to respond helpfully and give a quick overview. Use it to start giving directions.
Do you prefer walking or taking public transport?
This is a question to check the person's preference using 'do you prefer... or...'. It's useful in directions to offer options like walking vs. bus. The grammar is a choice question with 'or'.
From here, walk straight down this street, Fifth Avenue, for about 10 blocks.
This gives clear step-by-step directions. 'Walk straight down' means go directly ahead. 'For about 10 blocks' uses approximate distance. Useful pattern: start with action, add details. Practice for giving routes.
You can't miss it, it's a huge building on the right side, right next to Central Park.
'You can't miss it' reassures it's easy to find. Describes location with prepositions like 'on the right side' and 'next to'. Great for landmarks; helps build confidence in the listener.
About how long do you think that walk will take?
This asks for time estimate using 'about how long... will take'. 'Do you think' softens the question. Useful follow-up after directions to plan your time.
You're very welcome! Enjoy your visit to the Met!
A polite response to thanks. 'You're very welcome' is more emphatic than 'welcome'. 'Enjoy your...' wishes well. Use at the end of helping to be friendly and positive.