Teacher Notes

Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a preview of Grammar 4-1.

The following vocabulary words are used in this activity:

Part One

Read and listen to the following conversations. Then, practice them with a partner. How do the people ask for and give directions?

Conversation #1

friends talking

A: Charles, is there a tennis court around here?

B: Yes, there's a tennis court at McGuiness Park.

A: McGuiness Park? Could you tell me how to get there?

B: Sure! It's pretty close. Just walk down the street for three to four blocks. Then, turn left at the corner. Walk two more blocks. You will see it on your right.

A: Great! Thank you!

B: Glad I could help.


Conversation #2

couple on the street

A: Excuse me. Are you from here?

B: Yes, I am. What are you looking for?

A: Well, we're looking for a restaurant to have dinner at. Is there a good restaurant nearby?

B: Actually, there's a really great place down the street called "Luigi's". Do you like Italian food?

A: Yes, that sounds good.

B: Great. It's not too far from here. Just go two blocks. It'll be on the right side.

A: Two blocks? Okay. Thank you very much!

B: No problem.


Part Two

How to Ask for Directions

When you are trying to find your way in a new place, or when you are lost, there are several ways to ask for directions.

Here are some different ways:

Excuse me,
Hello,
Hi,
I'm looking for ...
could you tell me how to ...?
can you help me find ...?
is there a ... around here?
is there a ... nearby?

How to Give Directions

When you are helping someone find their way, there are many expressions you may need. 

Here are some different ways to give directions:

Go

Walk

Drive

straight

down the street

for two/three/four blocks.

for 200 metres.

for 5 minutes.

Go

Walk

Drive

Continue

 

around the corner.

through the intersection.

across the street.

past the park/library/etc..

 

Turn

Take a

left

right

at the intersection.

at the corner.

at the end of the street.

Cross

the street.

the square.

the park.

It's

It will be

You will see it

on the/your right.

on the/your left.


Example #1 Example #2 Example #3

Excuse me. Can you help me find the library?

Sure. Just go straight down this street for two blocks. You will see it on your right.

Okay, thanks.

No problem.

Hi, I'm looking for a cafe.

There's a cafe on Main Street. Just walk across the park, and take a left on Main. There's a cafe on the corner. 

Great. Thanks.

You're welcome.

Hello. Could you tell me how to get to the train station please?

Uh, yeah. Go around the corner, and walk straight to Grainville Street. Cross the street, and the station is on the right.

Thank you so much.

Not a problem.


Part Three

Intro Student One Student Two

Students work with a partner. Together, students practice giving and following directions according to maps.

Part One

Give directions to your partner according to the maps you see:

map of London
1. You are both in Soho Square in London.
map of Toronto
2. You are both at Dundas Subway Station in Toronto.
map of San Francisco
3. You are both at the Filmore in San Francisco.

Part Two

Ask your partner for directions to the places from the locations below:

map of Melbourne
1. You are both at St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne. Ask your partner for directions to 243 Collins Street.
map of New York
2. You are both at Grand Central Station in New York. Ask your partner for directions to the New York Public Library.
map of Glasgow
3. You are both at Princes Square in Glasgow. Ask your partner for directions to 12 Renfield Street.

Part One

Ask your partner for directions to the places from the locations below:

map of London
1. You are both in Soho Square in London. Ask your partner for directions to 41 Dean Street
map of Toronto
2. You are both at Dundas Subway Station in Toronto. Ask your partner for directions to Moss Park.
map of San Francisco
3. You are both at the Filmore in San Francisco. Ask your partner for directions to 1620 Post Street.

Part Two

Give directions to your partner according to the maps you see:

map of Melbourne
1. You are both at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
map of New York
2. You are both at Grand Central Station in New York.
map of Glasgow
3. You are both at Princes Square in Glasgow.

Part Four

Look at the way we use Is there...?/There is... in the examples from the conversations:

  • Charles, is there a tennis court around here?
    • Yes, there's a tennis court at McGuiness Park.
  • Is there a good restaurant nearby?
    • Actually, there's a really great place down the street called "Luigi's".

With your partner, practice asking and answering with Is there...? / There is... about the following locations:

  • good restaurant
  • park
  • grocery store
  • library
  • convenience store
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