Lesson 2: Public Places, Geography & Giving Directions

Welcome to your A2 vocabulary lesson! Navigating a city and giving directions are crucial everyday skills.

In this interactive lesson, you will learn essential vocabulary for public places, geographical features, and directional phrases. We will also correct a common grammar mistake many learners make when telling someone to "go straight".

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Welcome back! I am Teacher Sopheak. I often get asked by tourists how to find places around town.

Today, we are learning the essential vocabulary you need to give clear, confident directions and talk about geography so you can help visitors navigate the city.

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Core Words & Phrases

Place

Roundabout /ˈraʊnd.əˌbaʊt/

Definition: A circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction.

Example: Turn right at the next roundabout.

Geography

Riverbank /ˈrɪv.ɚ.bæŋk/

Definition: The land at the side of a river.

Example: We like to walk along the riverbank in the evening.

Thing

Traffic lights /ˈtræf.ɪk ˌlaɪts/

Definition: A set of colored lights that control traffic at an intersection.

Example: Stop the car at the red traffic lights.

Direction

Go straight /ɡoʊ streɪt/

Definition: To continue moving forward without turning left or right.

Example: Go straight on this road for 5 minutes.

Direction

Turn left/right /tɜːrn left/raɪt/

Definition: To change direction to the left side or the right side.

Example: Turn left at the next corner to find the market.

Preposition

Opposite /ˈɑː.pə.zɪt/

Definition: In a position directly facing someone or something.

Example: The cafe is opposite the central bank.

record_voice_over In Action: Asking for Directions

A

Excuse me, how do I get to the market?

B

Go straight past the traffic lights.

A

Okay, and then?

B

Turn left at the roundabout. It is opposite the riverbank.

warning Watch Out: Go Straight!

Never say "go to straight".

Many English learners make the mistake of adding the word "to" after "go" when giving directions. Remember, you go "to" a place (like a park or a store), but "straight" is not a place. It describes how you go.

cancel Wrong

Go to straight.

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check_circle Right

Go straight.

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Real-World Check

explore Guiding a Tourist

A tourist wants to reach the river. They are facing the right way on the road. What do you tell them?

(Hint: They do not need to turn.)

storefront Finding the Cafe

The cafe is on the left side of the road, directly facing the market. The cafe is ________ the market.

(Hint: They are looking at each other across the street.)

traffic On the Road

You are driving and the light turns red. You must stop at the ________.

(Hint: What controls the cars at an intersection?)

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Lesson Complete!

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Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above to ensure you are ready to navigate the city confidently.

Directional Vocabulary

• Roundabout: A circular intersection. (Example: "Turn right at the roundabout.")
• Go straight: To continue moving forward. (Example: "Go straight on this road.")
• Opposite: Facing someone or something. (Example: "The cafe is opposite the bank.")

Grammar Focus: Go Straight

A very common error is adding the word "to" when giving this direction. You go to a destination (like "go to the store"), but "straight" is an adverb describing how you go. Therefore, the correct phrase is simply "Go straight".