In the city workshop N° 2

Asking and Giving Directions in English

Practice Dialogue: Taking the Subway

John: Linda, do you know how to get to Samson's and Co.? I've never
been there before.
Linda: Are you driving or taking the subway?

John: The subway.

Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at
Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street.

John: Just a moment, let me write this down.

Linda: Take the blue line from 14th Ave. and change to the gray line at
Andrew Square. Get off at 83rd street. Got it?

John: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Andrew Square, how do I proceed?
Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the
second left and continue going straight. It's across the street from Jack's
Bar.

John: Can you repeat that?

Linda: Once you are on 83rd street, go straight, past the bank. Take the
second left and continue going straight. It's across the street from Jack's
Bar.

John: Thanks, Linda. How long does it take to get there?

Linda: It takes about a half-hour. When is your meeting?

John: It's at 10 a.m. I'll leave at 9:30.

Linda: That's a busy time. You should leave at 9.

John: OK. Thanks, Linda.

Linda: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Taking Directions Over the Telephone

Doug: Hello, this is Doug.
Susan: Hi Doug. This is Susan.

Doug: Hi Susan. How are you?

Susan: I'm fine. I have a question. Do you have a moment?
Doug: Certainly, how can I help you?
Susan: I'm driving to the conference center later today. Could you give
me directions?

Doug: Sure. Are you leaving home?

Susan: Yes.

Doug: OK, take a left onto Bethany street and drive to the freeway
entrance. Take the freeway toward Portland.
Susan: How far is it to the conference center from my home?

Doug: It's about 20 miles. Continue on the freeway to exit 23. Take the
exit and turn right onto Broadway at the stoplight.
Susan: Let me repeat that. Take the freeway to exit 23 and turn right
onto Broadway.

Doug: That's right. Continue on Broadway for about two miles and then
turn left onto 16th Ave.
Susan: OK.

Doug: On 16th Ave., take the second right into the conference center.
Susan: Oh that's easy.

Doug: Yes, it's very easy to get to.

Susan: How long does it take to get there?

Doug: If there's no traffic, about 25 minutes. In heavy traffic, it takes

about 45 minutes.
Susan: I'm leaving at 10 in the morning, so the traffic shouldn't be so
bad.

Doug: Yes, that's right. Can I help you with anything else?
Susan: No that's it. Thanks for your help.

Doug: OK. Enjoy the conference.

Susan: Thanks, Doug. Bye.

Practice Dialogue: Directions to the Museum

(On the street corner)

Tourist: Excuse me, can you help me? I'm lost!

Person: Certainly, where would you like to go?

Tourist: I'd like to go to the museum, but I can't find it. Is it far?
Person: No, not really. It's about a five-minute walk.
Tourist: Maybe I should call a taxi.
Person: No, It's very easy. Really. (pointing) I can give you directions.

Tourist: Thank you. That's very kind of you.

Person: Not at all. Now, go along this street to the traffic lights. Do you
see them?

Tourist: Yes, I can see them.

Person: Right, at the traffic lights, turn left into Queen Mary Ave.

Tourist: Queen Mary Ave.

Person: Right. Go straight. Take the second left and enter Museum
Drive.

Tourist: OK. Queen Mary Ave., straight on and then the third left,
Museum Drive.
Person: No, it's the second left.

Tourist: Ah, right. The second street on my left.

Person: Right. Just follow Museum Drive and the museum is at the end
of the road.

Tourist: Great. Thanks again for your help.

Person: Not at all.

Practice Dialogue: Directions to a Supermarket

Tom: Could you go to the supermarket and buy some food? There's
nothing to eat in the house!
Helen: Sure, but I don't know the way. We've just moved in.

Tom: I'll give you directions. Not to worry.

Helen: Thanks.

Tom: At the end of the street, take a right. Then drive two miles to White
Ave. After that, it's another mile to...
Helen: Let me write this down. I won't remember it!

Tom: OK. First, take a right at the end of the street.

Helen: Got it.

Tom: Next, drive two miles to White Ave.

Helen: Two miles to White Ave. After that?

Tom: Take a left onto 14th Street.

Helen: Left onto 14th Street.
Tom: The supermarket is on the left, next to the bank.
Helen: How far is it after I turn on to 14th Street?

Tom: It's not far, maybe about 200 yards.

Helen: OK. Great. Is there anything special you want?

Tom: No, just the usual. Well, if you could get some beer that would be
great!
Helen: OK, just this once!