# Asking for directions in Oxford

**Language:** English  
**CEFR Level:** A1  

> Master the language of navigation by listening to Grace and Oliver's conversation about finding your way around historic Oxford. It may feel challenging at first, but by the end of this course you will be able to fully understand and participate.

**Setting:** The historic streets of central Oxford, starting near Carfax Tower where the bustling city centre meets. Grace is visiting the city for a weekend literary walk and bumps into Oliver, who is trying to navigate the winding streets to find a historic college where his local football club is hosting a community event.

## Lessons

### 1. Explaining that you are lost

Oliver and Grace strike up a conversation and realize they are both lost, before Oliver explains he is looking for a college.

### 2. Talking about your hobbies

Grace asks Oliver about his plans in Oxford, and Oliver explains that he is there for a meeting with his Sunday football team.

### 3. Describing a confusing place

Oliver explains that his phone GPS is failing him, and Grace agrees that the Oxford streets and colleges are very confusing.

### 4. Asking about nearby locations

Grace shares her own destination and helps Oliver try to remember the name of the college he is looking for.

### 5. Identifying local landmarks

Oliver asks Grace if she knows the way to Merton, and Grace mentions seeing a sign for it near a tower, prompting Oliver to ask which tower she means.

### 6. Describing a specific landmark

Grace describes the clock tower to help Oliver identify it, leading Oliver to realise he has walked in the wrong direction.

### 7. Suggesting walking together

Grace suggests that she and Oliver walk back together and admires a beautiful building, before Oliver points out that they do not know each other's names.

### 8. Introducing yourself and greeting others

Grace and Oliver exchange names, introduce themselves to one another, and Grace warns Oliver to watch out for oncoming bicycles.

### 9. Commenting on busy streets

Oliver and Grace talk about the large number of cyclists around them before trying to figure out their next turn.

### 10. Sharing information about a location

Grace shares some vague directions she heard at her hotel, and Oliver doubts how helpful they will be.

### 11. Asking a local for directions

Grace suggests asking a passerby for help, and Oliver stops a nearby man to ask where Merton College is.

### 12. Thanking someone for directions

Grace and Oliver thank the local man for pointing them in the right direction before saying goodbye to each other.

### 13. Suggesting meeting up later

Oliver wishes Grace a good time at the library, and Grace suggests meeting up later for a cup of tea.

### 14. Accepting an invitation to meet

Oliver happily agrees to Grace's suggestion of getting tea, while jokingly admitting that he will probably still be lost.