WHERE'S THE NEAREST GAS STATION?

 This topic helps you ask and answer questions about places and directions in your town or city. When you are driving or walking, you might need to find a gas station. This lesson teaches you how to ask for directions and understand the answers.

Example:

• Excuse me, where's the nearest gas station?

• There’s one on Main Street, next to the supermarket.

GRAMMAR: Asking and giving directions

• Where is…? – Used to ask about a location.

  • Where is the gas station?

• There is / There are – To say something exists.

  • There is a gas station on Pine Avenue.

  • There are two gas stations near here.

• Prepositions of place:

  • next to, across from, on the left/right, near, at the corner of

  • The gas station is next to the pharmacy.

VOCABULARY:

1. Gas station – A place to buy fuel for your car.

2. Corner – The place where two streets meet.

3. Block – The area between two streets.

4. Near – Close to something.

5. Street – A road in a city or town.

6. Turn – To change direction.

7. Traffic light – The lights that control cars at an intersection.

8. Across from – On the other side of the street.

9. Go straight – Continue in the same direction.

10. Direction – The way to go.

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS:

• Excuse me, can you help me?

• I’m looking for a gas station.

• Go straight for two blocks.

• Turn left/right at the corner.

• It’s next to the bank.

• You can’t miss it!

SENTENCES:

• Positive:

  • There is a gas station near here.

  • It’s on Oak Street.

• Negative:

  • There isn’t a gas station on this street.

  • There are no gas stations open now.

• Questions:

  • Where’s the nearest gas station?

  • Is there a gas station around here?

• Answers:

  • Yes, there’s one on First Avenue.

  • No, I don’t think so.

CONVERSATION:

A: Excuse me, is there a gas station near here?

B: Yes, there is. Go straight for one block, then turn left on Central Street.

A: Is it far?

B: No, it’s very close. It’s next to the coffee shop.

A: Great, thank you so much!

B: You’re welcome!

READING:

Tom is driving his car in a new city. He sees that his fuel is low. He stops and asks a man on the street.

Tom says, “Excuse me, where’s the nearest gas station?” The man replies, “Go straight for two blocks. It’s at the corner of Main Street and River Road, next to the supermarket.” Tom thanks the man and drives to the gas station.

Questions:

1. What does Tom need?
   He needs gas.

2. Who does Tom talk to?
   He talks to a man on the street.

3. Where is the gas station?
   At the corner of Main Street and River Road.