I know there’s Google Maps, but sometimes, it won’t just work. Maybe your phone is out of battery. What will you do in such difficult situations? That’s why asking for directions in English is one of the important aspects of language abilities that ESL students must learn as they navigate in a foreign country.
But what activity can help you achieve better outcomes?
If you’ve been teaching speaking skills for a while, you know that ESL teachers face at least a few, if not many, challenges while preparing their speaking lessons. One of the primary challenges is selecting the right activity for your ESL speaking class. In order to boost my students’ conversational skills, I often use sample conversations as a role-play activity in my classes.
And guess what? My students truly enjoy them!
Sometimes, students struggle to find the right expressions when asking for directions in different situations.
How can you help your students, as a teacher, with this challenge when asking for directions?
If asking for directions is one of the topics for your ESL class, you should give ample opportunity to your students to practice real-life conversations through role-plays.
This post has 15 conversations for students to practice, helping them improve their skills and confidence in asking for directions. The conversations are curated for three levels: lower intermediate, higher intermediate, and advanced. Give these sample conversations to them as guided practice or drills so that they become confident in asking for directions in real-life situations.
Table of Contents
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Park (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends walking in a neighborhood.
Maria: Excuse me, where’s the park, please?
Pedro: Oh, it’s just two blocks straight ahead.
Maria: Thank you. Is it big?
Pedro: Yes, it’s spacious, with lots of trees.
Maria: Sounds nice. Can we picnic there?
Pedro: Of course, there are benches and grassy areas.
Maria: Perfect! I love picnics.
Pedro: You’ll enjoy it. Have fun!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Bus Stop (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A tourist asking for directions from a local.
Emma: Hello, excuse me. Where’s the bus stop, please?
Daniel: It’s just around the corner, on the left.
Emma: Thank you. Which bus goes to downtown?
Daniel: Bus number 12 goes directly there.
Emma: Great, how often do they come?
Daniel: About every 15 minutes during the day.
Emma: Perfect, I appreciate your help.
Daniel: No problem, have a nice trip!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Restroom (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A person in a shopping mall asking for directions.
Sophia: Hey, excuse me. Where’s the restroom, please?
Michael: Oh, it’s just down that hall to your right.
Sophia: Thanks a lot. Is it clean?
Michael: Yeah, they clean it regularly.
Sophia: Good to know. I really need it.
Michael: No worries, glad to help.
Sophia: Thanks again, have a good day!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest ATM (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A visitor in a hotel lobby seeking directions.
David: Hello, excuse me. Where’s the ATM, please?
Sophie: It’s on the ground floor, near the lobby.
David: Thank you. Is there a fee to use it?
Sophie: No, it’s free for our guests.
David: Perfect, I appreciate the information.
Sophie: You’re welcome, enjoy your stay.
David: Thanks, have a good day.
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Supermarket (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting outside their homes.
Luis: Hi, excuse me. Where’s the supermarket, please?
Elena: Oh, it’s just down the street, on the left.
Luis: Thanks a bunch. Is it open now?
Elena: Yes, it’s open until 10 pm.
Luis: Awesome, need to grab some groceries.
Elena: Enjoy your shopping.
Luis: Thanks, have a nice day!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Pharmacy (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting outside a residential area.
Emily: Hi Jack, do you know where the nearest pharmacy is?
Jack: Yes, it’s about three blocks away, near the hospital.
Emily: Thanks. Is it open 24 hours?
Jack: No, it closes at 10 pm, but it opens early.
Emily: Good to know. I need to pick up some medicine.
Jack: There’s also a small one nearby if it’s urgent.
Emily: I’ll check it out. Appreciate your help.
Jack: No problem, glad I could assist.
Emily: Have a great day!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Tourist Information Center (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A traveler asking for directions at a hotel reception.
Sophia: Hi, could you tell me where the tourist information center is?
Receptionist: Certainly, it’s just two blocks south from here.
Sophia: Thank you. What are their opening hours?
Receptionist: They’re open from 9 am to 6 pm every day.
Sophia: Great, do they provide maps and guides?
Receptionist: Yes, they offer a variety of resources for tourists.
Sophia: Perfect, I’ll head there this morning.
Receptionist: Enjoy your exploration of the city!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Gas Station (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A driver seeking directions from a local resident.
Tom: Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest gas station is?
Emma: Sure, there’s one just off the highway exit.
Tom: Thanks. Do you know if it’s self-service?
Emma: Yes, it is. They’re open 24/7.
Tom: That’s convenient. Is it easy to find?
Emma: Very easy, just follow the signs.
Tom: Thanks a lot. I appreciate your help.
Emma: No problem, drive safely!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Post Office (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A visitor asking for directions in a busy city center.
David: Hello, could you please direct me to the nearest post office?
Passerby: Certainly, it’s on the corner of Elm and Main Street.
David: Thank you. Are they open on Saturdays?
Passerby: Yes, but only until noon.
David: I’ll hurry then. Do they offer packaging services?
Passerby: Yes, they have everything you need for mailing parcels.
David: Excellent, I have some packages to send.
Passerby: You’re welcome. Have a successful errand!
Asking for Directions to the Nearest Library (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A student seeking directions from a fellow passerby.
Sophie: Hi, do you know where the nearest library is?
Adam: Yeah, it’s about a block down this street.
Sophie: Thanks. Do they have a good selection of books?
Adam: Yeah, it’s pretty extensive, both fiction and non-fiction.
Sophie: Awesome. Is it open on weekends?
Adam: Yeah, but with shorter hours.
Sophie: Okay, I’ll check it out. Appreciate your help.
Adam: No worries, happy reading!
Asking for Directions to a Historical Landmark (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A tourist asking a local historian for directions to a famous monument.
Thomas: Excuse me, could you direct me to the historical landmark, please?
Professor Smith: Certainly, it’s a significant monument just a few blocks from here.
Thomas: Thank you. Could you provide some background on its historical significance?
Professor Smith: Of course. It commemorates a pivotal event in our city’s history.
Thomas: Fascinating. Are there any guided tours available?
Professor Smith: Yes, there are scheduled tours every hour, led by knowledgeable guides.
Thomas: Excellent. Do you recommend any specific areas to explore around it?
Professor Smith: Indeed, there are nearby museums and cultural sites worth visiting as well.
Thomas: Perfect. I appreciate your insights. I look forward to exploring.
Professor Smith: My pleasure. Enjoy your visit and immerse yourself in our city’s rich history.
Asking for Directions to a Local Art Gallery (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two art enthusiasts discussing directions to a newly opened gallery.
Sophia: Hi Mark, do you know how to get to the new art gallery?
Mark: Hey Sophia, yeah, it’s in the heart of the downtown area.
Sophia: Thanks. Is there an entrance fee, or is it free?
Mark: It’s free admission for the opening week.
Sophia: Awesome. Are there any notable exhibitions currently?
Mark: They’re showcasing contemporary artists from around the world.
Sophia: Sounds intriguing. Any nearby cafes or restaurants you’d recommend?
Mark: Plenty. Let me jot down a few favorites for you.
Sophia: Thanks a bunch, Mark. I appreciate your help.
Mark: No problem. Enjoy the art and the local cuisine!
Asking for Directions to a Renowned Restaurant (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A food critic asking a local food enthusiast for directions to a highly acclaimed restaurant.
Julia: Hello, could you please direct me to the renowned restaurant downtown?
Gordon: Ah, you’re in for a treat. It’s nestled in the heart of the historic district.
Julia: Thank you. Do they specialize in any particular cuisine?
Gordon: Yes, it’s renowned for its fusion of traditional and modern gastronomy.
Julia: Intriguing. Are reservations necessary, considering its popularity?
Gordon: Highly recommended, especially during peak dining hours.
Julia: Noted. Any signature dishes you’d suggest trying?
Gordon: Their seafood platter and signature cocktails are a must-try.
Julia: Excellent. I’ll make sure to indulge in those. Thank you for your guidance.
Gordon: My pleasure. Bon appétit, and savor every moment of your culinary journey.
Asking for Directions to a Hidden Gem Bookstore (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two book enthusiasts discussing directions to a lesser-known bookstore.
Emma: Hi James, I’m looking for a unique bookstore. Can you help?
James: Hey Emma, yeah, there’s a hidden gem a couple of blocks away.
Emma: Thanks. Is it known for any particular genre or rare finds?
James: They specialize in vintage editions and obscure literary works.
Emma: Fascinating. Are they open late?
James: Yeah, they cater to night owls, open until midnight.
Emma: Perfect. Do they host any author readings or events?
James: Occasionally, they have book signings and poetry readings.
Emma: Sounds enchanting. Thanks for the tip, James.
James: Anytime. Happy exploring and may you discover literary treasures aplenty!
Asking for Directions to a Sustainable Fashion Boutique (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A fashion journalist asking a local fashionista for directions to an eco-conscious boutique.
Natalie: Hello, could you kindly direct me to the sustainable fashion boutique?
Isabelle: Certainly, it’s nestled in the artsy district, promoting eco-friendly fashion.
Natalie: Thank you. Do they offer a range of sustainable brands?
Isabelle: Yes, they curate collections from ethical and sustainable designers globally.
Natalie: Impressive. Are there any upcoming events or fashion shows?
Isabelle: They occasionally host eco-fashion showcases and panel discussions.
Natalie: Wonderful. Any standout pieces or trends I should keep an eye out for?
Isabelle: Their upcycled denim and organic cotton basics are quite popular.
Natalie: Fantastic. I’ll be sure to highlight those in my feature. Thank you for your assistance.
Isabelle: My pleasure. Enjoy exploring ethical fashion and spreading awareness through your work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing asking for directions through these conversations with audio can greatly improve students’ English conversational skills.
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