Asking in a Shopping Mall/Large Venue
Someone is in a large public space like a shopping mall, airport, or museum and needs directions to the restroom. They approach an information desk attendant or security guard.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
restrooms
A polite word for bathrooms or toilets in public places, commonly used in American English instead of 'bathroom' or 'toilet'.
lost
Feeling confused about your location or direction; here, it means not knowing where to go in a building.
certainly
A polite way to say 'yes' or 'of course' when agreeing to help someone.
straight
Going directly forward without turning; used in directions like 'go straight ahead'.
aisle
A walkway or passage between rows, like in a store or mall, where you walk to get from one place to another.
food court
An area in a mall or venue with multiple food stalls or restaurants where people eat.
my pleasure
A polite response to 'thank you', meaning 'I'm happy to help' or 'you're welcome'.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Could you tell me where the restrooms are?
This is a polite way to start asking for directions. 'Excuse me' gets attention, 'I'm a bit lost' explains the situation softly, and 'Could you tell me...' is a polite request using 'could' for possibility. Useful for approaching strangers in public.
Certainly! The closest restrooms are on this floor.
A helpful response starting with 'Certainly!' to agree eagerly. 'Closest' means nearest, and 'on this floor' specifies location. This pattern is useful for giving simple directions in buildings.
Go straight down this main aisle, and you'll see them on your left, just past the food court.
This gives clear directions using action words like 'go straight' and prepositions like 'on your left' and 'past'. 'You'll see' predicts what happens next. Great for describing paths in large spaces; practice with landmarks like 'food court'.
Straight down, past the food court, on my left. Got it. Thank you so much!
Repeating directions shows understanding ('Got it' means 'I understand'). 'Thank you so much' expresses strong gratitude. Useful to confirm info and end politely; repetition helps memory in conversations.
You're welcome! Is there anything else I can help you with today?
Standard polite reply to thanks ('You're welcome'), followed by an offer for more help using 'Is there anything else...' This shows good customer service; use it when assisting others to keep the conversation open.
My pleasure. Have a great day!
A friendly way to end the interaction. 'My pleasure' means 'happy to help', and 'Have a great day' is a common positive goodbye. Useful in service situations to leave a good impression.