1.
　

In the next ENGLISH USA lesson you will learn how to ask for directions and understand simple directions. This is useful English for finding one's way in a city.

Today Martin Learner is walking in the city looking for the Art Museum. He asks several people where the museum is located.

This is English USA on the Voice of America. Now, Lesson 6, part 1.

Martin:

Excuse me. Where is the museum?

Female 1:

The Art Museum? Go straight ahead. Then turn right at the Post Office.

Martin:

The Post Office?

Female 1:

Yes. That big white building straight ahead.

Martin:

I see. Thank you.

Martin:

Excuse me, please. Where is the Art Museum?

Male 1:

The Art Museum? Sorry. I don't know.

Martin:

Excuse me. Where is the Art Museum?

Female 2:

Hmmm. It's on the river.

Martin:

Where is the river?

Female 2:

Over there. The museum is on Adams Street. No, no. Maybe, it's on Jefferson Street. I'm sorry. I don't know the street. Ask in that office.

Martin:

Thank you.

Martin:

Good morning.

Male 2:

Good morning.

Martin:

Where is the Art Museum?

Male 2:

It's on the river.

Martin:

I know it's on the river.

Male 2:

Barbara, where is the Art Museum?

Female 1:

It's on Jefferson Street.

Martin:

And where is Jefferson Street?

Male 2:

You really are Lost! Come, I'll show you.

Martin:

Thanks. I'm Martin Learner. I'm a reporter. I want to write about your museum.

Male 2:

Oh, I see. Welcome.

Male 2:

OK. Go straight ahead. Go. .one. .two. .three. Go three blocks. Then turn left. That's Jefferson Street. Then go to the river.

Martin:

Thank you very much.

Male 2:

No trouble.

2.

Let's listen to part of this conversation again.

Martin:

Where is the museum?

Female 1:

Go straight ahead.

Martin:

Where is the Art Museum?

Male 2:

It's on the river.

Martin:

Where is the river?

Female 1:

Turn right.

3.


　

Simple directions can be given by Turn right, turn left, go straight ahead, go three blocks, or three streets. By pointing out landmarks such as tall buildings, churches, and monuments, and by using simple phrases, it is possible to ask for and give directions.

Martin:

Where is the museum?

Female 1:

Go straight ahead. Then turn right.

Martin:

Where is the Post Office?

Male 1:

Go three blocks. Then turn left.

Martin:

Where is the river?

Male 2:

Turn right. Then go two streets.

4.
　

Think about your city or town. If you are standing in some prominent place in the town, in front of a big store for example, can you give directions? Can you answer these questions?

Martin:

Where is the museum?

You:

Martin:

Where is the river?

You:

Martin:

Excuse me. Where is Jefferson Street?

Female 1:

This is Jefferson Street.

Martin:

Wonderful! Where is the river?

Female 1:

Turn right. Then go straight ahead. You can't miss it.

Martin:

Thanks.