Conversation Class for Beginners
8. 10-Minute One-on-One English Conversation Class for a Level 4 Beginner
Lesson Theme: Asking for and Giving Directions in an Indian City
Objective:
- Teach the Mentee how to ask for and give directions in an Indian context.
- Use real-life locations such as markets, railway stations, and bus stops.
- Encourage confident and clear communication.
- Grammar Focus: Prepositions – for, in, to, from, until, on. These can be indicated during the conversation practice. They are marked out in bold letters below for easier identification.
1. Warm-Up (2 minutes)
Mentor: Have you ever asked someone for directions in your city? Were their directions easy to understand?
Mentee: (Responds)
Mentor: Today, we will learn how to ask for and give directions clearly, using places you know!
2. Key Vocabulary (2 minutes)
Introduce essential words and phrases:
Common Landmarks:
- Railway station, bus stand, temple, mosque, shop, traffic lights, shopping mall, market, ATM, hospital, petrol pump
Directional Words:
- Left, right, straight, opposite, next to, behind, between, in front of
Common Phrases for Asking Directions:
- “Excuse me, where is the nearest railway station?”
- “How do I get to the market from here?”
- “Can you please tell me the way to the metro station?”
Common Phrases for Giving Directions:
- “Go straight until you see the traffic signal.”
- “Turn left at the temple.”
- “It’s next to the SBI ATM.”
- “It’s on your right, opposite the bus stop.”
3. Role-Playing Activity (4 minutes)
Situation: The Mentee is in a busy city and needs to find the railway station.
Mentor (Stranger): “Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the railway station?”
Mentee (Local): “Yes! Go straight until you see the petrol pump, then turn right. The station is next to the bus stand.”
(Switch roles and practice with different places like a temple, shopping mall, or a metro station.)
4. Reinforcement and Homework (2 minutes)
Final Task:
Ask the Mentee to describe how to get from their home to their school using the phrases learned.
- Homework:
Ask the Mentee to record themselves giving directions to a stranger. For example, from their home to the nearest market. Ask them to play it back in the next class.