Lesson 10: Finding Your Way

Lesson 10: Finding Your Way: Asking and Giving Directions in English

Welcome, explorers! 🗺️

Today, we’re going to practice getting around town and helping others find their way. We’ll learn essential phrases for asking and giving directions in English, so you can confidently navigate new places and lend a helping hand to those who are lost.

Navigating the Language of Directions

Before we hit the streets, let’s master some key vocabulary and phrases:

Vocabulary:

• Directions: left, right, straight ahead, turn, corner, block, intersection, landmark, crosswalk, bridge
• Places: street, road, avenue, market, temple, museum, school, hospital, bank, restaurant, hotel
• Transportation: walk, bus, train, taxi, tuk-tuk, motorcycle
• Useful Phrases:
  • Asking for Directions:
    • “Excuse me, could you please tell me how to get to…?”
    • “I’m looking for the…”
    • “Which way is the…?”
    • “How far is it to…?”
  • Giving Directions:
    • “Go straight ahead for two blocks.”
    • “Turn left at the corner.”
    • “Take the second right.”
    • “You’ll see it on your right/left.”
    • “It’s about 5 minutes’ walk from here.”
    • “You can take bus number…”

Practice Time!

1. Phrase Match-Up: Match the phrases in the vocabulary section with their meanings (your teacher will provide a list).
2. Role-Play:
   • Partner up with a classmate.
   • Scenario 1: You are a tourist who is lost and needs directions to a famous landmark in your town (e.g., Angkor Wat, Royal Palace).
   • Scenario 2: You are a local who is helping a tourist find their way to a specific place (e.g., a restaurant, a hotel).
   • Switch roles and practice asking for and giving directions in different scenarios.
3. Map It Out:
   • Choose a destination in your town or city.
   • Create a simple map that shows the route to the destination.
   • Give your partner clear and concise directions, using the vocabulary and phrases you’ve learned.
   • Your partner will follow your directions on the map to see if they can reach the destination.

Real-World Challenge:

Next time you’re out and about, practice asking for directions in English. If you see someone who looks lost, offer to help them find their way!

Did You Know? In Cambodia, many streets don’t have names. People often use landmarks (e.g., temples, markets) and directions relative to the sun (e.g., “go towards the sunrise”) to describe locations.

Your Turn!

Now you’re equipped to navigate any city with confidence! Keep practicing asking for and giving directions in English. It’s a valuable skill that will help you in your travels and everyday life.