Lesson 13::Finding the way

Note

1. Asking for Directions to the Nearest Subway Station

• Inquiring Politely:

  • “Excuse me. Could you tell me where the nearest subway station is?”
  • Alternative phrases: “Could you please guide me on how to get to the nearest subway?” or “Can you show me how I can get to the subway station?”

• Responding When Unsure:

  • “I’ve no idea. I’m a newcomer too.”

2. Estimating Distance and Time

• Asking About Distance:

  • “How far is it to that place?”
  • Querying time duration: “How long does it take to walk/drive there?”

• Providing Information on Proximity:

  • “It’s only a five-minute walk.”
  • “It’s only a couple of blocks away.”

3. Directions Along the Street

• Guiding Along the Street:
  • “Go straight ahead along this street.”
  • “Turn left at the first (traffic) light.”
  • “Turn right at the second crossing.”

4. Looking for Landmarks or Signs

• Inquiring About Landmarks:
  • “Are there any signs or landmarks in front of the hospital?”
  • Reassuring phrase: “You can’t miss it.”

Dialogue 1: Finding a Post Office

• A: “Can you help me out? I’m trying to find a post office.”

• B: “Go three blocks and make a right. It’s right there.”

• A: “Should I take the bus?”

• B: “No. It’ll only take about five minutes to walk.”

• A: “Thank you very much.”

• B: “Anytime.”

• Alternatives:

  • Asking for help: “Could you give me a hand?” / “Could you do me a favor?”
  • Expressing the goal: “I’m looking for…”
  • Additional directions: “Go straight for two blocks.” / “It’s three blocks ahead.”
  • Offering assistance: “I’m right behind you.”

Dialogue 2: Directions to the Airport

• A: “Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?”

• B: “You can take Bus 5. The driver will tell you where to get off.”

• A: “Yes, but I’m driving my own car.”

• B: “Oh, then drive along this street, turn right at the third crossroad. Keep straight on until you see a road sign saying ‘airport,’ and then follow the landmark. It will direct you to the airport.”

• A: “Drive along this street, turn right, keep straight, and then I’ll see the road sign?”

• B: “That’s right.”

• Additional phrases:

  • “Please tell me when it’s my stop.”
  • Offering a ride: “Let me drive you home/there.”
  • Encouraging phrase: “This is the only way that will lead you towards success.”

Expansion for Oral English Practice

• Rephrasing for Clarity: Practice rephrasing directions or inquiries. This helps in understanding and being understood if the first attempt is unclear.
• Role-Playing Scenarios: Simulate different direction-asking situations with a partner, switching roles between asking and giving directions.
• Listening and Replicating: Listen to recorded dialogues or watch videos involving asking for directions and try to replicate the sentences.

Raw material

1. 附近的地铁站怎么走

• 1. Excuse me. Could you tell me where the nearest subway station is?
• how to get to
• how I can get to
• 2. I’ve no idea. I’m the newcomer too.

2. 到那儿有多远？

• How far is it?
• How long does it take me to walk/drive there
• It’s only a five-minute walk
• It’s only a couple of blocks away

3. 沿这条街直走

• Go straight ahead/along this street
• Turn left at the first (traffic)light
• Turn right at the second crossing

4. 有什么标志吗

• are there any signs/landmarks in front of the hospital
• you can’t miss it

Dialog 1

A: Can you help me out? I’m trying to find a post office
B: Go three blocks and make a right. It’s right there.
A: Should I take the bus?
B: No. It’ll only take about five minutes to walk.
A: Thank you very much.
B: Anytime

• Could you give me a hand? / Could you do me a favor?
• I’m looking for…
• Go straight for two blocks / It’s three blocks ahead
• I’m right behind you.

Dialog 2

A: Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?
B: You can take Bus 5. The diver will tell you where to get off.
A: Yes, but I’m driving my own car.
B: Oh, then you drive along this street, turn right at the third crossroad. Keep straight on until you see a road sign saying(syas that) “airport”, and then you follow the landmark. It will direct you to the airport.
A: drive along this street, turn right, keep straight, and then i’ll see the road sign?
B: That’s right.

• Please tell me when it is my stop
• Let me drive you home/there
• This is the only way that will lead you towards success