Asking for Directions in English: Listening Practice

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 31 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

straight ahead keep going forward; don't turn
traffic lights red, yellow and green lights for cars
landmark a building or place that's easy to see
next to beside
opposite on the other side of the road
Is it far? a question about distance
You can't miss it it's very easy to find

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 31: Asking for and giving directions

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.co

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

straight ahead: ________________________
traffic lights: ________________________
landmark: ________________________
next to: ________________________
opposite: ________________________
Is it far?: ________________________
You can't miss it: ________________________

2. Questions

How can you start politely?
☐ Hey, you! ☐ Excuse me, sorry to bother you. ☐ Where is it?
What does 'go straight ahead' mean?
☐ Turn left ☐ Don't turn; keep going forward ☐ Go back
What does 'opposite' mean?
☐ On the other side of the road ☐ Behind ☐ Very far
What's a 'landmark'?
☐ A building or place that's easy to see ☐ A map ☐ A street name
What's the best trick to check directions?
☐ Repeat them back ☐ Walk fast ☐ Use a taxi

3. Talk or write about it

Give directions from your home to a shop or station near you. Use at least one landmark.

Transcript

Mel: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Mel.

Josh: And I'm Josh. Today: getting lost, and finding your way again.

Mel: Even with a phone map, sometimes you need to ask a person. Start politely: 'Excuse me, sorry to bother you.'

Josh: Then: 'Could you tell me how to get to the train station?' or 'Is there a bank near here?'

Mel: Now the answers. 'Go straight ahead' means don't turn.

Josh: 'Turn left at the traffic lights' and 'Take the second street on the right.'

Mel: People also use landmarks, things that are easy to see. 'It's next to the post office' or 'It's opposite the park.'

Josh: 'Opposite' means on the other side of the road.

Mel: And 'You can't miss it!' means it's very easy to find. Although sometimes you can miss it!

Josh: Ha! True. You can also ask, 'Is it far?' or 'Can I walk there?'

Mel: And they might say, 'It's about a five-minute walk' or 'It's a bit far. You should get a bus.'

Josh: If they speak fast, it's fine to check: 'So, straight ahead, then left at the lights?'

Mel: Repeating the directions back is the best trick. People will correct you if you're wrong.

Josh: And at the end: 'Thanks so much, that's really helpful!'

Mel: If someone asks you for directions, you can use the same words: 'Go straight, then turn right at the bank.'

Josh: So: straight ahead, turn left, on the right, next to, opposite and 'Is it far?'

Mel: Thanks for listening. Don't get lost!

Josh: See you next time!

Answers: 1. Excuse me, sorry to bother you. · 2. Don't turn; keep going forward · 3. On the other side of the road · 4. A building or place that's easy to see · 5. Repeat them back

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

straight ahead, traffic lights, landmark, next to, opposite, Is it far?, You can't miss it. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.