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General English · Speaking · A1

Asking for and giving simple directions

Ask where a place is and follow a short route.

Lesson 9 · About 15 minutes

Learn: your objectives

  • Open a direction question politely.
  • Give two clear route steps.

Warm-up

Think about these questions. Say a short answer aloud.

  • Is there a shop near your home?
  • What places are near your school or work?

Useful language

Finding a place

Excuse me, where's …?

Politely get attention and ask.

Excuse me, where's the pharmacy?

Go straight, then turn …

Give a simple sequence.

Go straight, then turn left.

It's next to …

Use a visible landmark.

It's next to the library.

Notice: model speaking

Read aloud. Notice how the speakers use the phrases and respond to each other.

Visitor: Excuse me, where's the bank?

Local: Go straight and turn right at the café.

Visitor: Right at the café?

Local: Yes. The bank is next to the supermarket.

Visitor: Thank you.

Speaking strategy

Give one or two steps and a landmark. When listening, repeat the important turn: ‘Left at the school?’ This checks understanding without repeating every word.

Pronunciation & fluency focus

Pause between route steps: ‘Go straight / then turn right.’ Stress LEFT or RIGHT clearly. Do not rush the key instruction.

Teaching guidance, not an analysis of your voice.

Use: controlled practice

Choose a useful response for each situation. Check when all questions are answered. These are phrase exercises, not a speaking assessment.

1. Politely ask a stranger for the library.
2. Which phrase gives a route action?
3. You heard ‘turn right at the café’. Check the turn.
4. The pharmacy is beside the bank. Choose the matching instruction.
5. Which direction is easiest to follow?

Build your answer

Write a few keywords. Then look away and speak. Notes stay on this page only.

Speak: your challenge

Imagine a café, park and bank on one street. Give directions to the bank aloud. Then play the visitor and check one instruction. Speak for 40 seconds.

Draw a simple imaginary map if it helps. This is not real navigation advice.

Speak aloud. This page does not record, listen to or assess your speech. There is no automatic speaking score.

Self-check

Open to everyone. Answers, notes and checklists are not saved to an account. These original lessons use level labels to organize learning; completion is not official CEFR certification or proof of a level.