GIVING DIRECTIONS

CLASS: FORM THREE

ORAL SKILLS: LISTENING AND SPEAKING

GIVING DIRECTIONS

Objectives

By the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:

1. Appreciate the importance of clear and correct directions.
2. Give clear and correct directions.

We sometimes need to give or receive instructions on how to get to a place. When you are new in a town, city or a village you may need to ask for directions on how to get to a building or a given place.

You may also need to give someone new directions as well.

 

Asking for directions

You can ask for directions politely by using phrases such as

Excuse me. How do I get to KICC please?

Excuse me. Where is Tuskys Mall please?

 

Giving directions 

You need to give specific instructions to a person who stops to ask for directions.

 

Guidelines on giving good directions 

• They should be simple and clear.
• They should be concise or precise.
• They should be given in the correct, systematic order or sequence.
• Make reference to landmarks e.g. conspicuous buildings. They serve as guidelines.
• You should begin giving the instructions from the starting point of the recipient.
•  Give the estimated distance the person would walk or drive.
• Direct the person on whether to turn left or right.
• State the destination clearly.

What to avoid when giving directions 

•         Use of local names/places not familiar to the other person
•          Vagueness
•        Inconsistency
•          General instructions.
•    Ambiguous/instructions with multiple interpretations.

 

Example in a conversation

Namatondoi: Excuse me, I am looking for the National Library.

Nandako Wepukhulu: Okay. Go straight on, and then turn left at the crossroad. Walk for about 100 metres until you come to a large green building on your left. That is Sikusi Mall. Go past the building and walk along the street for about fifteen minutes. Turn right and walk for about 100 metres. The library is on your left opposite Tuskys Supermarket.

Namatondoi: Thanks.

Nandako Wepukhulu: You’re welcome.

SAMPLE KCSE QUESTIONS ON GIVING GOOD DIRECTIONS 

KCSE ENGLISH 20I5 PAPER 1

On your way home from school you meet a lady who tells that she is new in the neighbourhood. She requests you to give her directions to the nearest police station. How would you ensure that the directions you give her enable her to reach her destination? (6 marks)

   Next we analyse oral skills notes on etiquette-choice of register.