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Role-play

Asking for Directions Role Play (A2–B1)

A closed road, a heavy suitcase and a train in 25 minutes.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
A2–B1
Skill
Speaking
Format
Teacher guide
More in the library

The situation

A busy street in a small town. A visitor with a suitcase stops a local to ask the way.

5-minute timer

Role card A

Visitor

You've just arrived in a town you don't know, and you're looking for the train station.

Your goals

  • Find out the way to the station.
  • Check how long it takes.
  • Find a cashpoint on the way.

Only you know

  • Your train leaves in 25 minutes.
  • You've got a heavy suitcase, so you want to avoid stairs.

Role card B

Local

You live in this town and know it well; a visitor stops you in the street.

Your goals

  • Give clear directions with at least one landmark.
  • Suggest the best way for this visitor.
  • Answer any other questions.

Only you know

  • The main road to the station is closed for roadworks. The walk through the park takes 15 minutes, but it ends with steps by the river.
  • The number 7 bus goes to the station every ten minutes from the stop opposite the bakery, and there's a cashpoint in the supermarket on the corner.

Model dialogue

One good version. Read it after the pairs have tried, not before.

Show the model dialogue
A
Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the train station?
B
Sure. Normally you'd go straight down this road, but it's closed for roadworks at the moment.
A
Oh dear. Is there another way?
B
Yes, you can cut through the park. Go past the library, turn left, and the park's on your right.
A
How long does it take on foot?
B
About 15 minutes. There are some steps by the river at the end, though.
A
Ah, I've got a heavy suitcase. Is there a way without stairs?
B
In that case, take the number 7 bus. The stop's just over there, opposite the bakery, and they come every ten minutes.
A
Great. My train's in 25 minutes — will I make it?
B
You should. It's only five minutes on the bus.
A
Is there a cashpoint near the bus stop? I need some cash.
B
There's one in the supermarket on the corner. You can't miss it. Good luck!

Extension for stronger students

B gives the directions only once, quickly, and A must check and repeat them back step by step. Then A asks for a second place — a pharmacy that's open on Sundays — and B has to explain a longer route.

Printable role cards

Card A and card B on one page, with a cut line between them, plus the phrases.