Can-Do Task: Ask for and Give Directions

Your Task

Ask for and give directions. Draw a simple town map (or use a real one) with at least six places and a starting point. Write a dialogue of 8–10 lines: one person asks the way politely, the other gives directions, and the first person checks or asks them to repeat. Then act it out, alone or with a partner.

Before You Start

  1. Draw the map: streets, six places, and an X for “you are here”.
  2. Choose the place you want to go to, and trace the route with your finger.
  3. Write the question: Excuse me, how do I get to…?
  4. Write the directions in 3–4 steps with imperatives and first / then.
  5. Add a “repeat” line, a “check” line and a thank-you.

Useful Language

  • Asking: Excuse me, where’s the…? · How do I get to the…? · Is there a… near here? · Is it far?
  • Directions: Go straight on · Turn left/right · Take the first/second left · Go past · Cross the road
  • Where it is: It’s on the left/right · on the corner · next to · opposite · between
  • Help: Sorry, could you repeat that? · So, first left, then…?

Model Answer

Read this example first. Then write your own; don’t copy it.

A: Excuse me, how do I get to the pharmacy?
B: Go straight on, then turn right at the traffic lights. Go past the bank. The pharmacy is on the corner, next to the supermarket.
A: Sorry, could you repeat that, please?
B: Sure. Straight on, right at the lights, past the bank. It’s on the corner.
A: So, right at the lights and past the bank. Is it far?
B: No, it’s about five minutes’ walk.
A: Thank you very much!
B: You’re welcome.

Check Your Work

Tick each box before you finish:

  • ☐ I started with Excuse me.
  • ☐ I used at least four direction imperatives.
  • ☐ I said where the place is at the end (on the corner, next to…).
  • ☐ I asked someone to repeat, or checked the directions.
  • ☐ My directions really work on my map!
  • ☐ I acted out the dialogue out loud.

Go Further

Write directions from your home to your favourite place in town. Then give them to a friend and see if they can follow them on a map.

Connect

Review this module’s grammar with our Grammar Quiz (choose A1).

Try our Grammar Quiz →

CEFR A1 — Spoken Interaction: I can ask for and give simple directions, and ask people to repeat. Writing: I can write simple instructions.

Azizul Hakim
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