Have you ever dreamed of visiting an English-speaking country? Get ready for your travels with this Real Talk episode, where Andrew and Morag discuss some of the most useful phrases for asking for directions.

Fun fact

At 9.985 million km2, Canada is the second largest country in the world, right behind Russia. The name Canada first began to appear on maps around the 16th century, and can be traced back to the writings of Jacques Cartier.

Cartier noticed that the Aboriginal peoples of Canada used kanata when referring to their settlements, and took this to be the name of the entire country.

Expressions included in the learning materials

* Where is the closest something?

* How would I get to somewhere?

* Can you show me on a map/phone?

* How far is it to somewhere?

* I’m sorry, but I didn’t get that

Sample Dialogue

Andrew:

Today, we are going to do a Real Talk episode, and this is a new series of episodes where we focus on practical expressions for everyday situations. And in today’s episode, we will focus on how to give and ask for directions. So Morag and I are going to present you with a dialogue, and after the dialogue, we will explain

Morag:

In today’s dialogue, Al and Beth are late for a meeting. While they’re walking downtown, they realize they have no idea where to go, so they decide to ask somebody for help.

Beth:

Hurry up. We’re gonna be late for the meeting. It starts in 15 minutes.

 Al:

Where is it again? What’s the address?

Beth:

Uh, it’s, um, 599 Richmond Street. It’s in the Imperial Building.

 Al:

Are you sure? Don’t we have to go the other way then?

Beth:

No. I … It’s this way. I mean … Well, I don’t think so, but let me check my phone to make sure. Ugh, my gosh! It’s going so slow. The connection is garbage. I can’t find anything.

 Al:

OK. Good idea. I’ll ask that guy over there.

Beth:

Hey. Excuse me, do you know where Richmond Street is? I’m looking for the Imperial Building.

 Al:

 Uh, yeah. It’s just a couple blocks away. Take a right at the next set of lights, and then, go straight for a block or two. You’ll find it.

 Beth:

 Oh, great. Thank you so much.

 

Audio/Learning Materials: Culips English Learning Podcast