Giving Directions to the Office
Useful Expressions
- Go straight ahead.
- Take a left/right/U-turn.
- Can you see a supermarket up ahead/on your right/on your left/behind you?
- Walk straight till you see...
- You will notice/see...
- Look for the...
- Go past the...
- Go straight until you reach...
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Nina is asking the secretary of a law firm how to get to their office. | |
 Nina | Hello, this is Nina Richards. I called yesterday to make an appointment for today. |
 Secretary | Hello Ms. Richards, good to hear from you. How may I help? |
 Nina | I am trying to get to your office, but I think I got a little lost. I know your office is downtown, and I’m standing in front of the shopping center, but I'm not sure where to go from here. Could you give me some directions? |
 Secretary | Certainly, I’d be glad to. First, look for a big billboard with a cellphone ad. Can you see it? |
 Nina | Yes, I see it. |
 Secretary | Great. You should go in that direction. Go past the mall and take a left at the corner with the newsstand. Does that make sense? |
 Nina | Yes, so far so good. |
 Secretary | Then just walk straight and take the third right and you’re there. |
 Nina | Ok, I got it. Sorry for the trouble. |
 Secretary | No problem at all. I will be here waiting for you at the front desk. |
 Nina | Thanks a lot! See you soon. |
Check your understanding:
1.
Why did Nina call the law firm?
2.
In what area is the law firm located?
3.
What was the first point of reference that the secretary gave?
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
Somebody calls to ask for directions to get to your office. Help that person get there. Your teacher will act as the caller. You may use the following expressions:
- Can you see... ?
- Go past the...
- Walk straight ahead for about 500 m.
- You may notice a convenience store on your right.
- Take a left/right turn.
Discussion
1.
Have you ever got lost? How did you find your way?
2.
Are you good at following maps?
3.
Do you use online maps when travelling? Why? Why not?
4.
What would you do if a foreigner got lost and could not understand your directions?
