GIVING DIRECTIONS

Jamal Maringo

Hello teachers, this activity can be helpful to your students, you can copy and practice in your class.
 

When giving directions to someone it is best to use short and simple English sentences. Speak slowly when talking to the other person and spell out words if they do not understand and if possible draw a map.

You have to speak slowly so the other person can understand or let him/ her write down the instructions properly if talking on the phone. When speaking with someone directly, try to use your hands to demonstrate what you mean, left, right, or straight on.

The following sentences below are examples of different terms used to give directions;

Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.

Turn back, you have gone past the turning.

Turn left when you see a roundabout.

Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.

Cross the junction and keep going for about 1 kilometre.

Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right

Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left

Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left

Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead

The hospital is opposite the railway station.

The shop is near the hospital.

The house is next to the local playing ground.

The shop is in between the chemist and Asas dairy selling point.

At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.

At the corner of the road you will see red building.
Just around the corner is my house you will need to stop quickly or you will miss it.

Go straight on at the traffic lights.

Turn right at the crossroads.

Follow the signposts for Julius Nyerere International Airport.

Always try and use the word "please" when you are asking someone for directions. It is polite, and people will be more likely to help you.

Look at this conversation between Wanjera and Mkirikiti on how to give directions, and try it with your friend;

Wanjera           : Hello Mkirikiti, how is it?

Mkirikiti          : I’m fine, how is Dodoma?

Wanjera           : It is fine over there, though it’s too sunny now. But I’m in Dar es Salaam, I’ve just arrived about 20 minutes ago. I want to meet you today, I need some teaching materials, please tell me how I get to your school?

Mkirikiti          : Are you coming by car or by bus?

Wanjera           : I am coming by bus. Please could you tell me the easiest way of getting to your school from Ubungo bus Terminal.

Mkirikiti          : Board the bus from there to Kariakoo. Don’t drop in anywhere up to the last stop, it is Kariakoo, and that is Msimbazi street.  Go straight, few metres on your left you will see Msimbazi Police station, follow the same way up to the roundabout, turn right to Uhuru street, this road is heading to Buguruni.

Wanjera           : Buguruni can you spell that for me

Mkirikiti          : B u g u r u n i

Wanjera           : Thanks

Mkirikiti          : OK,..... about 200 metres walking you will find many shops selling carpets, the shops are outside my school, ask for the entrance gate, there it is, Benjamin Mkapa High School.

Wanjera           : Is that the quickest way of getting to your school?

Mkirikiti          : Yes, it is the quickest way by bus.

Wanjera           : Would you draw me a map please I don't know the area.

Mkirikiti          : Yes.

Wanjera           : Thanks.