How to ask for directions in English

If you have ever tried to find a place in an English-speaking city, then this is the blog for you! Try the exercises (A-E) and see if you then feel more confident about asking for directions in English 🙂

A) Listen to the 3 conversations 

Answer this question for each conversation – Where does the person want to go and does the other person help them?

The tapescript is at the bottom of this blog post but don’t look at it yet!

B) Focussed listening practice

Listen again and answer the questions:

• How far is the railway station?
• When should she turn left?
• Will it be difficult to find?
• What type of museum is 10 minutes walk away?
• What landmark is it behind?
• Is the museum expensive?
• Does the last speaker need to change direction?
• How far away is the football stadium from the bridge?
• Should she go over or under the bridge?

C) Check your answers

Check your answers with the tapescript at the bottom of this blog. You can also listen again while reading the tapescript – that’s a great technique for your English skills.

D) Useful vocabulary for asking for and giving directions in English

Now look at the phrases underlined in the tapescript. These are great English expressions to use when you are asking for or giving directions. Copy this vocabulary into your notebook.

E) Practise your speaking

Find a friend or family member to practise the conversations with. One person is stranger A and one person is stranger B – Keep practising until you can do the conversations without looking. Once it is perfect, think about your body language too and try again!

Tapescript

Excuse me. Is there a railway station near here?
Yes, it’s about 20 minutes walk. Just go straight down this street. Turn left when you see the church. Keep going straight and then you’ll see the station on your right.
Ok, so straight, left at the church and then I’ll see it on my right.
Yep, you can’t miss it!

Excuse me. Are there any museums near here?
Yes, there’s a natural history museum about 10 minutes walk away. Keep following this road until you see a lake on your left.
A lake?
Yes, it’s just a small lake with a few swans. And the museum is just behind the lake. It’s a nice one and it’s free.
Oh brilliant. Thank you.

Excuse me. I’m looking for the football stadium? Am I going in the right direction?
Ah, no. You need to turn around and go back the way you came. When you get to the end of the street, turn left. Then there’s a little bridge, go over that. And it’s another 5 minutes walk from there. You’ll  find it, it’s not far.
Sorry, did you say over or under the bridge?
Over the bridge and then straight on.
Ok, thank you very much!

Question for you…

How did you find this lesson? Were you able to understand the speakers in the recording? Let me know in the comments below 😊

By the way, once you have mastered giving directions in English, you might like to try recommending places!