Giving Directions
Learn how to guide someone step by step, estimate distance, request accessible routes, and repair misunderstandings politely.
Learning Flow
Learn -> Practice -> Challenge
After This Lesson
Use the lesson in real situations
Practice with helpful SONA feedback
Complete the challenge with clear answers
Save your progress as you complete the lesson
Learning outcome
Learning Goal
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Learning outcome
Learning Goal
Ask where a place is and how to reach it.
Give a route in a short, logical sequence.
Use landmarks, distance, transport, and accessibility details.
Check understanding and correct a missed step calmly.
Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
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Where you will use it
Real-Life Context
Use directions inside buildings, on streets, at transport hubs, and in unfamiliar neighbourhoods.
Give only the steps needed from the listener's current location.
Mention stairs, lifts, crossings, road closures, or difficult paths when relevant.
If you are unsure, say so and direct the person to a reliable source.
Teacher explanation
Core Learning
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Teacher explanation
Core Learning
Establish the starting point
Confirm where the person is now and name the destination before describing the route.
Are you starting from the main gate?
Do you mean the railway booking office?
The route begins beside the information counter.
Give ordered route steps
Use first, then, after that, and finally with clear movement words and visible landmarks.
First, cross at the pedestrian signal.
Then continue until you see a blue bank sign.
Finally, enter the lane beside the bakery.
Confirm practical details
Add distance, travel time, transport, or accessibility information and invite clarification.
The building is roughly five hundred metres away.
Bus 24 stops directly outside the museum.
Would a route without stairs be more useful?
Useful phrases
Key Expressions
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Useful phrases
Key Expressions
neutral
Asking for directions
Use these with staff, local people, or someone inside a building.
Excuse me, how do I get to the civic centre?
Which way is the nearest cash machine?
Am I going in the right direction for platform four?
informal
Giving a clear route
Use short steps when the route is familiar and uncomplicated.
Keep going until the road bends.
Take the footpath between the two shops.
You'll find the cafe just beyond the bridge.
formal
Careful or formal guidance
Use precise details for visitors, customers, or complex routes.
Please follow the signs marked Visitor Services.
The lift is located at the far end of this corridor.
If the road is closed, use the entrance on Lake Street.
Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
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Tone choice
Formal vs Informal
formal
Formal
Use complete, careful instructions for customers, guests, or public services.
Proceed through security and report to desk number seven.
The accessible entrance is on the eastern side of the complex.
Please ask reception if you need further assistance.
neutral
Neutral
Use everyday route language with strangers, neighbours, and classmates.
Go along this road for two blocks.
The bookshop will be on your left.
You should reach it in about ten minutes.
informal
Informal
Use shorter instructions with people who share the local context.
Cut through the park; it's quicker.
Take the lane behind our building.
Call me if you miss the turning.
Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
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Short natural exchanges
Mini Conversations
Finding a hospital department
Could you tell me where the eye clinic is?
Take the lift to the third floor, then follow the green signs.
Is the clinic close to the lift?
The follow-up checks the final part of the route.
Giving street directions
Is the craft market far from here?
No, walk towards the clock tower and turn right after the bank.
Thanks. So I turn after the bank, not before it?
Repeating the landmark prevents a common route mistake.
Requesting an accessible route
Is there a step-free way to the auditorium?
Yes. Use the ramp beside the car park and enter through Door C.
Thank you for giving me the entrance letter as well.
Specific accessibility information is practical and respectful.
Sound natural
Natural English Tip
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Sound natural
Natural English Tip
Say go straight, not go straightly.
Use turn left or turn right without to before the direction.
Landmarks are most useful when they are visible and unlikely to move.
Ask the listener to confirm only the difficult step, not repeat the entire route.
Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
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Gentle correction
Common Mistakes
Avoid: Go straightly for one kilometre.
Use: Go straight for one kilometre.
Straight is already the correct adverb here.
Avoid: Turn to left at the signal.
Use: Turn left at the signal.
Do not use to before left or right in this pattern.
Avoid: The shop is in your right side.
Use: The shop is on your right.
Use on your right for route position.
Avoid: How can I go the station?
Use: How do I get to the station?
Get to is the natural phrase for asking a route.
Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
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Context matters
Cultural/Context Note
Street names, building numbers, and landmark use vary by location, so combine them when possible.
Travel-time estimates change with traffic, weather, mobility, and transport conditions.
Do not assume someone can use stairs, walk long distances, or read small signs.
Write and get feedback
Practice
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Write and get feedback
Practice
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Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
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Apply it once
Real-Life Scenario
Guide a visitor from the station to a clinic
A visitor has arrived at a busy station and needs a clear route to a nearby clinic, including a step-free option.
Confirm the visitor's exit and destination.
Give three ordered route steps using landmarks.
Add distance, travel time, or transport information.
Explain the accessible option and check understanding.
Submit your answer
Challenge
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Submit your answer
Challenge
Write 4 direction lines for an unfamiliar visitor.
Ask or confirm the starting point and destination.
Give a route with at least two ordered movements.
Add a landmark plus distance, time, or accessibility information.
Check understanding or repair one possible misunderstanding.
Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Personal coaching
SONA Tutor Feedback
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Mission Complete
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