Giving Street Directions: Vocabulary & Practice

Yes, now, there is Google Maps, but, sometimes people still need help getting  around the city. In this post, we will look at the words we need to give street directions.

The words we need first are prepositions of place  (beside, on, in, etc) and direction (go left, turn right, go straight). Below are graphics to show you what these words mean. Please take a few minutes to study and/or review the vocabulary.

(graphic #3 from Games To Learn English)



Next, when we give directions, it's best to give information in small parts like this:

First, go straight on....

Then, turn left onto,

Next, go through the park

After that, take the first right on

Finally, you'll see the library on the right

This will make your directions easy to understand. Remember, to keep your instructions simple.

(Note: you can also use these words for helping people use things like a bank ATM, or teaching a person how to make a cup of tea, etc)



 Now, let's look at an example of giving directions:

The map of downtown Vancouver will be used for this exercise.

Starting point: Granville Station on Dunsmuir Street

Tourist: Excuse me...Do you know how to get to the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre? 

Man: Yes, but, it's about a fifteen minute walk from here. First go straight here on Dunsmuir Street; go past the Pacific Centre.Turn left onto Burrard Street.

Tourist: I see. Go straight, go past the Pacific Centre, and left onto Burrard.

Man: That's right. The  Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is about five blocks down Burrard Street-you'll walk for about 5 minutes.  The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is opposite Saint Paul's Hospital.

Tourist: Okay, so five blocks down Burrard, opposite Saint Paul's Hospital. Thank you.

Man: You're welcome. 


(Note: the rectangles you see on maps are called blocks)


When you're listening to directions, make sure to repeat what you hear. This helps you remember what you heard, and the speaker can check for any mistakes. 


Below is a directions drill video for you to study, and practice. The video is by Games To Learn English website.

Using the map below, please give the tourist directions. You use whatever route you think is best, and easy for the tourist to understand. You can write your answers in the comments section.

Starting point: 7-Eleven on 4th Avenue.

Tourist: Excuse me...Do you know where the New Westminster Public Library is?