Giving Directions to a Tourist
A local is approached by a tourist who asks for directions to a popular attraction or a specific type of establishment (e.g., a good restaurant, a museum).
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
lost
Feeling confused about your location or direction; often used when you can't find your way in a new place.
excuse me
A polite phrase to get someone's attention before asking a question, like starting a conversation with a stranger.
certainly
Means 'yes, of course' or 'no problem'; used to politely agree to help or answer.
prefer
To like one option more than another; helpful for expressing choices, like in travel plans.
straight
Going directly ahead without turning; a common direction word in navigation.
blocks
In cities, a short distance between two streets; used to measure walking routes, like 'two blocks away'.
intersection
A place where two or more roads cross; important for giving directions at busy city spots.
turn left
To change direction by going to the left; a basic command in giving or following directions.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Could you tell me how to get to the Art Museum from here?
This is a polite way to ask for directions; 'I'm a bit lost' shows you're confused, and 'how to get to' is a common phrase for routes. Use it when approaching strangers for help.
Certainly! The Art Museum is actually not too far from here.
A friendly response to offer help; 'certainly' means 'yes', and 'not too far' reassures the person. Useful for locals giving directions to make the other feel comfortable.
I'd prefer to walk, if it's not too long.
Expresses a preference with 'I'd prefer to' (I would prefer to), and a condition with 'if'; great for discussing travel options like walking vs. transport.
Go straight down this street for about two blocks.
A clear direction command; 'go straight' means no turns, and 'for about two blocks' gives distance. Use this pattern to describe simple paths in cities.
You'll pass a large park on your left.
Uses future 'you'll pass' to describe what happens next; 'on your left' specifies side. Helpful for landmarks to help someone recognize the route.
Turn left there onto Main Street.
Direct instruction with 'turn left' and 'onto' for entering a street; 'there' points to the spot. Essential for step-by-step directions at turns.
The Art Museum will be on your right side.
Describes the destination location with 'will be' for future arrival; 'on your right side' clarifies position. Use to end directions by identifying the place.
Thank you so much for your help!
A polite way to show gratitude; 'so much' emphasizes thanks. Always use after receiving help to be courteous in English conversations.