EverydayIntermediate

Finding a store in the mall in English

Everyday English for finding a store in the mall. Key line: “Hi, could you point me to the bookstore?”

Full script

LinHi, could you point me to the bookstore?
ThemSure—go straight, then take the escalator up one level.
LinAfter the escalator, do I turn left or right?
ThemTurn left at the fountain; it's beside the toy shop.
LinPerfect, thanks. If I hit the food court, I've failed.
ThemExactly. The food court means you've gone way too far.
LinGot it—left at the fountain, and not toward snacks.
ThemRight, unless you want a book and a pretzel.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

Directions

✓ Could you point me to the bookstore?

Polite way to ask for the bookstore

Natural for asking directions; change the store name

Straight

✓ Go straight.

Keep going ahead.

Also: Keep going straight

Escalator

✓ Take the escalator up one level.

Use the escalator to go up one floor.

up one level = go up one floor

Turn left

✓ Turn left at the fountain.

Turn left when you reach the fountain.

Use at with a landmark

Quick answers

Directions: what to say in English

Say “Could you point me to the bookstore?” — polite way to ask for the bookstore. Natural for asking directions; change the store name.

Straight: what to say in English

Say “Go straight.” — keep going ahead. Also: Keep going straight.

Escalator: what to say in English

Say “Take the escalator up one level.” — use the escalator to go up one floor. up one level = go up one floor.

Turn left: what to say in English

Say “Turn left at the fountain.” — turn left when you reach the fountain. Use at with a landmark.

Next: Finding a store in the mall All scenes