Note
1. Asking for Directions to the Nearest Subway Station
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Inquiring Politely:
- “Excuse me. Could you tell me where the nearest subway station is?”
- Alternative phrases: “Could you please guide me on how to get to the nearest subway?” or “Can you show me how I can get to the subway station?”
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Responding When Unsure:
- “I’ve no idea. I’m a newcomer too.”
2. Estimating Distance and Time
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Asking About Distance:
- “How far is it to that place?”
- Querying time duration: “How long does it take to walk/drive there?”
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Providing Information on Proximity:
- “It’s only a five-minute walk.”
- “It’s only a couple of blocks away.”
3. Directions Along the Street
- Guiding Along the Street:
- “Go straight ahead along this street.”
- “Turn left at the first (traffic) light.”
- “Turn right at the second crossing.”
4. Looking for Landmarks or Signs
- Inquiring About Landmarks:
- “Are there any signs or landmarks in front of the hospital?”
- Reassuring phrase: “You can’t miss it.”
Dialogue 1: Finding a Post Office
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A: “Can you help me out? I’m trying to find a post office.”
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B: “Go three blocks and make a right. It’s right there.”
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A: “Should I take the bus?”
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B: “No. It’ll only take about five minutes to walk.”
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A: “Thank you very much.”
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B: “Anytime.”
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Alternatives:
- Asking for help: “Could you give me a hand?” / “Could you do me a favor?”
- Expressing the goal: “I’m looking for…”
- Additional directions: “Go straight for two blocks.” / “It’s three blocks ahead.”
- Offering assistance: “I’m right behind you.”
Dialogue 2: Directions to the Airport
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A: “Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?”
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B: “You can take Bus 5. The driver will tell you where to get off.”
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A: “Yes, but I’m driving my own car.”
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B: “Oh, then drive along this street, turn right at the third crossroad. Keep straight on until you see a road sign saying ‘airport,’ and then follow the landmark. It will direct you to the airport.”
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A: “Drive along this street, turn right, keep straight, and then I’ll see the road sign?”
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B: “That’s right.”
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Additional phrases:
- “Please tell me when it’s my stop.”
- Offering a ride: “Let me drive you home/there.”
- Encouraging phrase: “This is the only way that will lead you towards success.”
Expansion for Oral English Practice
- Rephrasing for Clarity: Practice rephrasing directions or inquiries. This helps in understanding and being understood if the first attempt is unclear.
- Role-Playing Scenarios: Simulate different direction-asking situations with a partner, switching roles between asking and giving directions.
- Listening and Replicating: Listen to recorded dialogues or watch videos involving asking for directions and try to replicate the sentences.
Raw material
1. 附近的地铁站怎么走
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- Excuse me. Could you tell me where the nearest subway station is?
- how to get to
- how I can get to
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- I’ve no idea. I’m the newcomer too.
2. 到那儿有多远?
- How far is it?
- How long does it take me to walk/drive there
- It’s only a five-minute walk
- It’s only a couple of blocks away
3. 沿这条街直走
- Go straight ahead/along this street
- Turn left at the first (traffic)light
- Turn right at the second crossing
4. 有什么标志吗
- are there any signs/landmarks in front of the hospital
- you can’t miss it
Dialog 1
A: Can you help me out? I’m trying to find a post office
B: Go three blocks and make a right. It’s right there.
A: Should I take the bus?
B: No. It’ll only take about five minutes to walk.
A: Thank you very much.
B: Anytime
- Could you give me a hand? / Could you do me a favor?
- I’m looking for…
- Go straight for two blocks / It’s three blocks ahead
- I’m right behind you.
Dialog 2
A: Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to the airport?
B: You can take Bus 5. The diver will tell you where to get off.
A: Yes, but I’m driving my own car.
B: Oh, then you drive along this street, turn right at the third crossroad. Keep straight on until you see a road sign saying(syas that) “airport”, and then you follow the landmark. It will direct you to the airport.
A: drive along this street, turn right, keep straight, and then i’ll see the road sign?
B: That’s right.
- Please tell me when it is my stop
- Let me drive you home/there
- This is the only way that will lead you towards success