To give directions means to explain to someone how to get from one place to another. You tell them where to turn, which road to follow, how far to go, and landmarks that help.
Example:
“Go straight on Main Street, then turn left at the traffic lights. The library will be on your right.”
Giving directions helps in daily life — when someone is lost, when explaining how to reach a place, etc.
2. Useful Words & Phrases
Here are key vocabulary and useful expressions for giving directions:
Purpose
Phrase / Word
Example
Moving forward
go straight on
Go straight on until the roundabout.
Turning
turn left / turn right
Turn right at the traffic lights.
Counting turns
take the second / third left/right
Take the second right after the bank.
Landmarks / reference points
at the corner, opposite, next to
It’s opposite the post office.
At junctions / intersections
at the end of the road, junction, roundabout
At the roundabout, take the first exit.
Describing location
on the left / on the right / in front of / behind
The café is on the left, just after the bridge.
3. Examples
Here are sample conversations and direction-giving using the phrases above.
Example 1:
Person A: Excuse me, how do I get to the train station? Person B: Sure. Go straight on Elm Street for two blocks, then turn left at the bank. Continue straight past the park, then turn right at the traffic lights. The station is on your left, next to the hotel.
Example 2:
Person A: I’m lost — can you help? Person B: Of course. From here, walk straight on until you reach a roundabout. At the roundabout, take the third exit. Then take the second left. The supermarket will be opposite the library.
Let’s Play
1️⃣ Quiz time
Practice 1
Practice 2
Practice 3
2️⃣Speaking time
Choose a place to START and FINISH on the map.
Write the instructions on a piece of paper.
Tell your partner how to go get to the final destination (FINISH).
🎯 Goal: Think about how you learn English and avoid common translation mistakes.
Warm-up:
🧠💬 Think about these questions:
Do you ever translate word for word in your head before speaking or writing English? 🗣️
When you do that, does it sound natural or a little strange? 😅
Have you ever said something in English and people looked confused?
Can you remember a funny moment when you translated something literally (word for word)? 😂
Do you use Google Translate? Does it always give you the right answer?
In your language, how do you say “change my mind”? Is it similar to English?
What is more important: perfect grammar or clear meaning? Why? 🤓
Do you think it’s better to learn English word by word, or to learn whole phrases? 🧩
Watch Out for These Mistakes! ❌✅
Here are some sentences. Some are wrong because they are “false friends” (they sound like they should work in English, but they don’t!).
I changed the idea and stayed home.
We made a party last weekend.
Can you explain me the rules?
I always assist to class on Monday.
She took a decision to change her job.
Please put attention to the teacher.
He didn’t say me the truth.
She has 20 years old.
Close the computer, please.
I am agree with you.
👉 Your job:
Decide which ones sound correct.
Fix the wrong ones.
Talk with a classmate and explain why!
🧠 Why You Shouldn’t Translate Word for Word
✨ Every language is different.
Word order, grammar, and expressions are not the same.
A word-for-word translation can sound strange or funny! 😅
❌ Common Mistakes
❌ I am agree → ✅ I agree
❌ She has 20 years old → ✅ She is 20 years old
❌ Close the computer → ✅ Turn off the computer
💬✨ Better Strategy
🔑 Think about meaning, not just words.
Ask yourself: “What am I trying to say?”
Then choose the words that express the same idea in English.
💬 Learn phrases
Think in chunks (small groups of words) so your English sounds natural.
💡 Example: Instead of translating every single word from your language to English learn the full phrase: ✅ “make a decision.” = “choose something”
📚 Learn basic grammar
It helps you put words in the right order and express ideas clearly.
🔁 Practice
🎧 Listen and copy how other English speakers talk.
👏 Practice until it feels natural.
When you translate word for word, your English can sound strange or even funny. 😅 That’s because every language has its own rules, word order, and special expressions. What sounds correct in your language might not exist in English!
When you translate word by word, people might not understand you, even if your words are “correct.” Instead of thinking about each word, think about the whole idea you want to say.
Your Turn! 📝
Choose 3 sentences and write the correct version.
Share a funny mistake you made when translating word by word.
Write one phrase you learned that is very different from your language.
💬 Share in the comments below:
Do you think learning full phrases is easier than learning single words? Why? How do you feel when you make a mistake? Does it help you learn?
To offer means to say that you are willing to help someone or give them something. You make an offer when you want to do something kind or helpful for another person.
For example:
“Can I help you carry those bags?” (You offer help.)
“Would you like some tea?” (You offer a drink.)
Offering is a polite and friendly way to show care for others. It’s very useful in everyday English! 😊
Word Family for “Offer” 💬
Word
Part of Speech
Example Sentence
Offer
Verb
Let me offer you a hand with that. 🖐️
Offer
Noun
Thank you for your kind offer! 🙏
Offering
Noun
They made a generous offering to the charity. ❤️
What Does “Accept” or “Reject” an Offer Mean? ✅❌
When someone offers you help, food, a drink, or anything else, you can either accept (say yes) or reject (say no politely).
For example:
“Thanks! That would be great.” (You accept the offer.)
“That’s very kind, but I’m okay, thanks.” (You reject the offer.)
In English, it’s important to be polite when accepting or rejecting. Let’s look at how to do it naturally and respectfully. 😊
Useful Phrases to Offer, Accept, and Reject 💬🗣️
Situation
Phrases to Use
Offering help
– Can I help you with that? 🤲 – Would you like a hand? ✋ – Shall I open the window? 🪟 – Let me do that for you. 🧹 – Would you like me to…?
Offering food/drink
– Would you like some coffee? ☕ – Can I get you anything to eat? 🍽️ – How about a piece of cake? 🍰
Accepting offers
– Yes, please. That would be lovely. 😊 – That’s very kind of you. Thank you! 🙏 – Thanks! I’d really appreciate that. 👍
Rejecting politely
– That’s kind of you, but I’m okay. 😊 – No, thank you. I’m fine. 🚫 – I appreciate the offer, but I’m good for now. 🤗
Example Conversations 🗨️🎭
Conversation 1: Offering Help Teacher: You look tired. Can I help you with your presentation? 😟 Student: That’s very kind of you. Yes, please! 😊 Teacher: Great! Let’s work on it together. 👩🏫📄
Conversation 2: Offering and Rejecting Food Maria: Would you like some more tea? ☕ Sam: That’s kind of you, but I’ve had enough, thanks! 😄 Maria: Okay, no problem! Let me know if you change your mind. 😊
Conversation 3: Offering a Ride Liam: It’s raining outside. Shall I give you a ride home? 🌧️🚗 Eva: No, thank you. I have my umbrella with me. ☂️ But thank you for the offer! 😊 Liam: Anytime! Stay dry! 😄
Let’s Practice!
Practice 1
🎯 Speaking Practice: Offer Me Something!
Work in pairs. One person is the Helper, the other is the Receiver.
The Helper makes 3 different offers (e.g., help, food, a ride).
The Receiver must accept 1 offer and politely reject 2.
To make an excuse means to give a reason for why you didn’t do something or why something happened. Sometimes, excuses are real, and sometimes they are not true.
For example:
“I made an excuse for missing class.” (I gave a reason for why I wasn’t there.)
“He always makes excuses for not doing his homework.” (He finds reasons not to do it.)
Making excuses can be helpful when you have a real reason, but if you do it too often, people may not believe you. Be honest when making excuses! 😊
In everyday conversations, we sometimes find ourselves in situations where we need to apologize or explain why we can’t do something. Knowing how to express apologies and make excuses politely is an important skill in English, whether in personal or professional settings.
For example, imagine joining your online class late. How would you apologize sincerely? Or what if you needed to explain why you couldn’t complete your homework on time? This lesson will help you learn useful phrases to apologize, emphasize an excuse, accept explanations, and promise to make things right.
Here’s a table of useful phrases to help you get started:
Situation
Phrases to Use
Apologizing
– 😔 I’m really sorry, but… – 😞 I’m terribly sorry. – 😕 I’m afraid… – ❌ I’m afraid not. – 🙏 I can only apologize. – 😓 Please forgive me for… – 💬 I sincerely apologize for… – 😟 I didn’t mean to… – ⚠️ That was my fault.
Emphasizing that the excuse is real
– 🤷 Honestly, I really can’t get out of it. – 🚫 There really is nothing we can do about it. – 🙁 I would if I could, but I’m afraid it’s impossible. – 🤝 I wish I could help, but my hands are tied. – 😔 I have no choice, unfortunately. – 🔒 It’s completely out of my control.
Accepting explanations
– 😊 These things happen. – 🤷 It is what it is. – 🤗 Don’t be silly. I’m sure… – 👍 Don’t worry about it. – 📞 At least you phoned/you’re here now. – ✅ No harm done. – 🤝 I understand, don’t worry about it. – 🤷♂️ That’s okay, it happens to everyone.
Promising and thanking
– ✅ I’ll make it a priority. – 🙌 I’ll make it up to you. – 💰 I’ll give you the money for it. – 📅 I’ll do it tomorrow, I promise. – 🛑 Let me assure you that it will not happen again. – 😊 Thanks for being so understanding. – 🙏 I really appreciate your patience. – 💪 I’ll do my best to fix this.
These phrases will help you communicate more naturally when apologizing or making excuses. Practicing them will also improve your confidence in handling difficult conversations.
Examples:
Conversation 1:
Teacher: Hey, you joined the class late today. What happened? 😕 Jake: I’m really sorry, but my internet connection was down. 🌐❌ Teacher: Oh, I see. These things happen. Jake: I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. Thanks for understanding! 😊
Conversation 2:
Liam: Hey Mia, I was waiting for you at the café. What happened? 😕
Mia: I’m really sorry! I got stuck in traffic, and my phone died. 🚗🔋❌
Liam: No harm done. I just wasn’t sure if you were coming.
Mia: I feel terrible! Let me make it up to you—I’ll buy you a coffee. ☕😊
Try using these phrases in your conversations to sound more fluent and polite in English!
Let’s Play
1️⃣ Quiz time
2️⃣Speaking time
🎯 Goal: Apologize and make excuses.
Scenarios 🎭 Choose a scenario below. Imagine you need to apologize 😊
Share Your Ideas 🗣️ Talk in small groups or write your advice in the comments section below! 📝
Your Turn! 💡
Pick your favorite scenario and write your apology in the comments below! ✍️
Or create your own scenario about doing something wrong? How would you apologize? 🤗
In everyday conversations, we often find ourselves in situations where we don’t fully understand something or need to explain it to someone else. Knowing how to ask for and give explanations is an essential skill in English, especially when communicating with others in unfamiliar or challenging situations.
For example, imagine hearing about a new tool or dish for the first time. How would you ask for clarification? Or how would you explain what something is to someone who doesn’t know it? This topic will help you learn and practice the functional language needed to ask for explanations, check understanding, and describe things in a simple and clear way.
Here’s a table of useful phrases to help you get started:
Situation
Phrases to Use
Asking for an explanation
“I haven’t heard of that before.” “What does that mean?” “What is it exactly?”
Showing you don’t know a word
“I’ve forgotten the word for it.” “I’m not sure what you’d call it in English.” “I’m not sure how to explain it.”
Explaining something in a different way
“It’s a kind of (fruit/tool).” “It’s a bit like (a lemon), but (sweeter).” “It’s used for (making coffee).”
Checking understanding
“Do you know what I mean?” “Does that make sense?”
Showing understanding
“Oh, I know what you mean.” “Thanks, I’ve got it now.”
These phrases will help you sound natural and confident when interacting with others. As you practice, you’ll also improve your ability to describe things and check for understanding in English.
Example:
Maria: I found this fruit at the market, but I don’t know what it’s called. 🤔 Tom: Really? What does it look like? Maria: It’s a bit like a lemon, but it’s smaller and sweeter. 🍋 Tom: Oh, I haven’t heard of that before. What is it exactly? Maria:I’m not sure how to explain it. It’s a kind of tropical fruit from Australia. 🌴 Tom: Is it used for making juice? 🧃 Maria: Yes! And you can eat it fresh too. Do you know what I mean? Tom: Hmm… Is it a kumquat? Maria: Yes, that’s it! 😊 Thanks for helping me figure it out!
Let’s Practice!
Practice 1
Practice 2
Let’s Play: Guess the Object! 🎉
In this fun activity, you’ll practice describing objects and asking for explanations using English. 🗣️
You’ll use picture cards for Student A and Student B. Each card shows an object, but here’s the catch: you can’t say its name! 😲
👉 Your job: Describe the object using helpful phrases. 👉 Your classmates’ job: Guess what it is by asking questions.
How It Works 🛠️
1️⃣ Open your set of cards (Student A or Student B) 🌐 and view your assigned card. 2️⃣ Describe the object without saying its name. Use phrases like:
✨ “It’s a type of…”
🛠️ “It’s used for…”
🤔 “It’s a bit like…”
3️⃣ Your classmates will guess what you’re describing by asking questions.
Example 🎯
Describer: “It’s something you use to write on paper. ✍️ It’s a bit like a pen, but you can erase it.” Guesser: “Is it a pencil? ✏️” Describer: “Yes, that’s correct! 🎉”
Why This Activity Is Useful
💡 Build your vocabulary. 🗣️ Speak more fluently. 🤔 Practice explaining and asking for clarification.
Additional Tips 💡
🎨 Be creative! Give unique hints to make it fun for your classmates to guess. ❓ If no one guesses, provide another clue or simplify your description. 🗣️ Use the phrases naturally in your speech to build confidence.
Have fun and keep practicing! 🌟
🚫🚫🚫DON’T SHOW YOUR CARDS TO YOUR PARTNER. DON’T SHARE YOUR SCREEN
When someone shares good or bad news with you, responding appropriately is key to building meaningful relationships. This skill shows empathy and helps you connect with others in English.
In this mini lesson you will:
1️⃣ Learn useful phrases for responding to news. 2️⃣ Model these phrases by studying examples. 3️⃣ Speak by practicing with your classmates or friends.
Let’s get started! 🚀
1️⃣ Learn: Useful Phrases
Here are some phrases you can use when responding to both good and bad news.
Function
Responses to Good News 🎉
Responses to Bad News 😔
Asking a Question 🤔
– When did you hear about it? – So what happens next?
– When did you hear about it? – So what happened? – What are you going to do?
Adding a Comment 💬
– Congratulations! That’s amazing! – Well done! – I really hope it all goes well. – Good luck with everything.
– Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. – How awful/ terrible! – You poor thing! – What a shame! – I hope you get well soon. – I hope things get better soon. – Seriously? What a pain!
Guessing How the Person Feels 🧠
– I bet you’re really excited/ delighted/ proud. – You sound like you’ve made up your mind. – You sound excited/ delighted/ proud – You must feel excited/ delighted/ proud
– I bet you’re really annoyed. – I bet he’s had enough by now. – You sound sad/ tired/ frustrated – You must feel sad/ tired/ frustrated
👉 Tip: Use these phrases naturally in your conversations to sound more fluent!
Let’s practice!!
Sort the phrases in the correct category
2️⃣ Model: Dialogue Example
Let’s see how these phrases work in a real conversation.
🎙️ Example Dialogue 1
💬 Maria:I got the job I interviewed for last week! 🤔 Tom:That’s amazing! Congratulations! 🎉 So what happens next? 💬 Maria:I start next Monday! 🧠 Tom:I bet you’re so excited!
🎙️ Example Dialogue 2
💬 Lisa:I had a flat tire on my way to work this morning. 🤔 Jake:Oh no! I’m sorry to hear that. 😔 When did it happen? 💬 Lisa:It was right after I left home. 🧠 Jake:You poor thing!
These examples show how you can combine questions, comments, and guesses to keep a conversation going.
3️⃣ Speak: Practice Activity
Now it’s your turn! Here’s a fun activity to practice speaking.
Instructions:
Pair up or form a small group.
Deal the cards.
Take turns sharing one piece of good or bad news.
Your classmates will respond using the phrases from the table.
🎯 Goal: Practice using all three types of responses: asking questions, adding comments, and guessing feelings.
Name all the things you can find in that place for one minute. Try to say as many things as you can.
Repeat the process until all of the players have named things in different places.
Remember, the goal is to practice speaking and listening skills, so don’t worry about making mistakes. Enjoy the activity and encourage each other’s efforts!
