ENGLISH FOR ME PROGRAM

English Expressions- Giving Directions

Expression: Could you tell me how to get to ( …the library)? Response: Go to the next light and turn right. Go two blocks, it’s on the left.

Expression: How do I find ( … city hall)? Response: Just go straight, it’s on this street, on the right, about a mile and a half.

Expression: Which way do I go to get to ( … the post office)? Response: Drive to Jackson Street and turn right. The post office is in the middle of the block, across from the park.

Expression: Pardon me, I’m lost, how do I get to the ( … museum)? Response: Go to the second light and turn left. Then go the third stop sign. The museum is on that corner.

Places in a City

airport - the place you go when you want to travel by plane to another city.

bakery - you can buy fresh bread and cakes here.

bank - you deposit or withdraw/take out your money here. You can cash a cheque.

bookstore - a place where you can buy books and magazines.

bus station - the place you go when you want to travel by bus to another city.

butcher's - they sell fresh meat.

café - you can buy a cup of coffee and cakes or sandwiches.

church - a religious place of worship

court - the place where they have trials and law cases. A judge works here

craft market - a place that sells typical products (normally hand-made) of a region/country.

department store - a large store that sells clothes, household appliances etc. in sections.

cinema/movies - you can see the latest movies here. Many people eat popcorn while they're here.

fire station - the building where firemen keep their equipment including the fire-engine

gas / petrol station - the place you go to put petrol (gas) in your car.

gym - you can do exercises, weight training and keep fit here.

hairdresser's - you go here when you want to cut your hair.

hospital - you go here when you need an operation or someone is going to have a baby.

hotel - where you sleep when you visit another city.

gallery - you can see paintings and other works of art.

jail / prison - criminals are sent here by a judge for a number of days or years.

laundromat / launderette - a place where you can wash your clothes in coin-operated machines.

library - a place where you can read and borrow books.

museum - you can see many old objects (and sometimes paintings)

pharmacy/drugstore - you can buy medicine and (legal) drugs.

police station - you are taken here when you break the law and are arrested

pub - a place where you can buy a beer or other types alcoholic drinks

park - An area of public land in a city that contains an area of grass where you can rest, play or walk your dog.

Sometimes children can play on swings, a slide or a climbing frame here.

restaurant - you go here when you don't want to cook at home. They prepare meals for you.

school - a place where children learn. You normally start school at the age of 5.

square - an open area within a city in the shape of a square. It is usually the heart of the city.

supermarket - a large store that sells food, drinks and household items

video store - you rent a movie or a DVD for a couple of days from this place.

zoo - a place where you can see many types of animals in cages.

Asking for and Giving Directions

How do I get to …?

What's the best way to …?

Where is …?

Go straight on (until you come to …).

Turn back./Go back.

Turn left/right (into …-street).

Go along …

Cross …

Take the first/second road on the left/right

It's on the left/right.

straight on

opposite 

near 

next to

between 

at the end (of)

on/at the corner

behind 

in front of

(just) around the corner

traffic lights

crossroads, junction 

signpost 

The Dialogue of Asking and Giving Directions

Here are some examples of today dialogue about asking and giving directions. The dialogue here are simple dialogue which can be studied by beginner in mastering English.  Conversation 1
X : Good Morning, may I help you?
Y : Good Morning, do you know where The Personal Manager’s office is?
X : Sure, it’s on the second floor, at the end of the hall. You can use the elevator.
Y : Thank you.
X : You’re welcome

Conversation 2
Mother : Tina, would you like to accompany me to go to the Flower Shop, because we need new flower for the living room.
Tina : Yes, of course. I think it’s a good idea! ( in the flower shop they meet a tourist who is asking about the coffee shop )
The Tourist : Excuse me, I’m looking for Coffee Shop, could you tell me where it is ?
Tina : Yes, I know that place. It’s near from here. You can go straight, then you turn left. The Coffee Shop is on the right side.
The Stranger : OK, I think it’s easy to find. By the way……thank you.
Tina : You’re welcome

Conversation 3
Tony : Excuse me, could you tell me where is the Book Shop?
Robin : Yes, I know that place. It is in front of Jensen's shoe store.
Tony : I’m sorry, I don’t know where it is?
Robin : You can go straight, then turn left.
Tony : OK, thank you.

Conversation 4
Siti : Good evening, Which way is it to the Watch Shop?
I : Good evening. If you want to go to the Watch Shop, from here you can turn left. It is between Coffee Shop and Department Store.
Siti : And what about Crystal Jewelry. How can I get there?
I : From here, you can go straight and it is on the right side.
Siti : Thank you and bye….

Conversation 5
A : Hello friend, can you help me? I don’t know where is your house, could you tell me the easy way to go to your house?
B : Oh, really! Of course, I will. You can go to my house by pedicab, and then you can get off from it, walk through the fifth blocks, you can turn right and see the green color of my house.
A : OK, that’s all! Wait for me, I will come to your house by evening.
B : I’ll be waiting.

Conversation 8
X : Friend, could you show me the way to the gas station because my gas is empty.
Y : Certainly, it’s easy way. You only have to go along the Sudirman street, find the U turn, the gas station is on the right.
X : Oh, I think is far away from here. Thank you.
Y : You’re welcome.

Conversation 6
A : Hey, I want to ask you. I don’t know the way to the boutique, can you help me?
B : Of course, I can. All you have to do is go straight to the Avenue, pass the second block then you will find a blue house, that is exactly the boutique.
A : Oh, the blue one. I think I know it. Thank you.
B : You’re welcome.

Conversation 7

X : Hello, friend. Can you help me? I want to go to Salon, I want to cut my hair but I don’t know where is the best Salon in this town.
Y : All right, I’ll give you some directions. From Delima street, you can go along the way then on the left corner of the Bank you can find the yellow house near the Coffee shop. The best Salon is in yellow color.
X : OK, thank you so much for your help.
Y : You’re welcome.

Conversation 8
Your friend, Tony, loose the directions to go to the Bookstore.
Tony : I think that I’m not familiar with this place. Maybe I want to ask someone to direct me.
Excuse me; can you direct me to go to Bookstore?
Boy : Okay, I’ll give you the direction. You can go across the hall then turn left; the Bookstore is in the opposite of the Drugstore.
Tony : Thank you.
Boy : You’re welcome.

Conversation 9
Your pen friend, Rhea, loose her wallet. She wants to go to the Police Station.
Rhea : Good afternoon, young boy! I need your help.
Young boy : Yes, of course, what kind of that?
Rhea : Could you tell me where the Police Station is, because I've lost my wallet.
Young boy : Okay, from here you can go straight and then you will find the U turn next to the Bank.
Rhea : Thank you for your information.
Young boy : You’re welcome.