April - Directions

This month, we'll be dedicating time to being able to give and follow directions.


For example:



Do you know what these words mean?

• STAND UP. 
• RAISE YOUR HANDS. 
• STRETCH. 
• BEND OVER. 
• TOUCH YOUR KNEES. 
• STRAIGHTEN UP. 
• TOUCH THE FLOOR. 
• TURN AROUND. 
• BEND BACKWARDS. 
• TURN AROUND.
• JOG. 
• SLOW DOWN. 
• FAST AGAIN. 
• STOP. 
• PUT YOUR ARMS IN FRONT OF YOU. 
• BEND YOUR KNEES FIVE TIMES AND COUNT ALOUD. 
• EXTEND YOUR ARMS SIDEWARD. 
• FORWARD. 
• BACKWARD. 
• UPWARD. 
• DROP THEM. 
• SIT DOWN.

From lessons

Asking for Directions - from 'Business English'

Excuse me . . . (This is always the most polite way to begin your request for directions)

• Would/Could you tell me how to get to . . . Anderson Construction?
• How do I find . . . suite 305?
• What is the best way to get to . . . business office?
• Would/Could you direct me to . . . Ms. Sumidata's office?
• Which way do I go to get to . . . the Nobunaga Building?

Giving Directions

• Go straight,  Make a U turn,  Turn left,  Turn right
• Continue on (keep going),  Follow this hall . . . road . . . path
• Take the elevator,  It's about 150 meters
• It's next to . . . across from . . . opposite . . . beside . . . between (two things)
• Cross the . . . street . . . road . . . park . . . lobby . . . intersection . . .
• Go past the . . .
• It's on . . . the left . . . the right . . . the third floor . . . the corner

Prepositions to use with Directions

• Go straight, Go to right left
• Cross On your right,  On your left,  beside
• Next to, Behind,  Across from,  In front of
• On the corner of

(Remember  to say "Thank you" after someone has given you assistance.)

When Giving Directions in English

Giving directions usually consists of to sets of instructions.

In the first set: Say "Go to" and tell the listener what street, building, office number, etc - or - how far they need to go.

In the second set: Say "Then" and tell the listener what to do when they get there. (turn left, turn right, it's on the left, etc.)

Giving even very complicated directions is just a repetition of these two steps.



Practice with this activity from 'Business English'


Have a look at this excellent link for exercises to help with directions