Explaining Route by Landmarks
A passenger or driver explains a route or a stop's location by referencing nearby landmarks, rather than just street names.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite phrase used to get someone's attention when you need to ask a question, like starting a conversation on a bus.
get off
To leave a vehicle like a bus or train at a stop; it's a common phrasal verb for public transportation.
stop
A place where a bus pauses to let passengers get on or off; in this context, it refers to a bus stop.
right after
Immediately following something, used to describe the next location or action in a sequence.
fountain
A structure with water shooting up, often in parks or public areas; here, it's used as a landmark to help describe directions.
visible
Able to be seen; in travel, it means you can spot something from where you are, like from a bus stop.
staircase
A set of stairs inside or outside a building; 'grand staircase' means an impressive, large one, helping identify the library.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I'm trying to get to the City Library. Does this bus go there?
This is a polite way to ask for directions on public transport. 'I'm trying to get to' expresses your destination goal, and the question uses 'does' for yes/no answers about routes. Useful for starting inquiries.
Yes, it does. You need to get off at the stop right after the big park.
A helpful response confirming a route. 'It does' is a short affirmative answer to a yes/no question. 'You need to get off' gives clear instructions using a modal verb 'need to' for necessity. Great for giving directions by landmarks.
After Central Park, you'll see a large fountain on your left.
This describes a sequence of landmarks using 'after' for order and 'you'll see' for future prediction. 'On your left' specifies direction. It's practical for explaining routes without street names, common in real-life navigation.
Okay, so Central Park, then the fountain, and then my stop. Got it.
This shows summarizing directions with 'so' for clarification and 'then' for sequence. 'Got it' is informal slang meaning 'I understand.' Useful for confirming understanding in conversations to avoid mistakes.
Once you get off, walk a bit back towards the fountain, and you'll see a large building with a grand staircase.
Gives step-by-step instructions after alighting. 'Once you get off' means immediately after, 'walk a bit back' suggests a short distance, and 'towards' indicates direction. The relative clause 'with a grand staircase' describes the building. Ideal for detailed guidance.
That's very helpful! Thank you so much!
Expresses gratitude politely. 'That's very helpful' acknowledges useful information, and 'thank you so much' is an emphatic way to say thanks. Always use this to end helpful interactions positively.