Today, we’ll explore the layout of a farm and learn how to navigate slightly more complex routes with landmarks and directions.
An Example from IELTS 11 Test 1 Section 2
The map and script are from IELTS 11 Test 1 Listening Section 2 (original audio file). Take a moment to review and think about how you would guide visitors yourself. Then, scroll down to see how native speakers do it.
Now let me give you some idea of the layout of the farm. The building where you bought your tickets is the New Barn, (1) immediately to your right, and we’re now (2) on your left to the car park. Of course, we’re also (3) at the beginning of the main path to the farmland. The scarecrow you can see in the car park (4) in the corner (5) beside the main path, is a traditional figure for keeping the birds away from crops, but our scarecrow is a permanent sculpture. It’s taller than a human being, so you can see it from quite a distance.
If you look (6) ahead of you, you’ll see a maze. It’s (7) opposite the New Barn, (8) beside the side path that (9) branches off to the right just over there.
Now, can you see the bridge (10) further up the main path? If you want to go to the café, go towards the bridge and (11) turn right just before it. (12) Walk along the side path and the café’s (13) on the first bend you come to. The building was originally the schoolhouse, and it’s well over a hundred years old.
As you may know, we run skills workshops here, where you can learn traditional crafts like woodwork and basket-making. You can see examples of the work, and talk to someone about the courses, in the Black Barn. If you take the side path (14) to the right here, just by the New Barn, you’ll come to the Black Barn just where the path first bends.
Now I mustn’t forget to tell you about picnicking, as I can see some of you have brought your lunch with you. You can picnic (15) in the field, though do clear up behind you, of course. Or if you’d prefer a covered picnic area there’s one (16) near the farmyard: just after you cross the bridge there’s a covered picnic spot (17) on the right.
And the last thing to mention is Fiddy House itself. From here you can (18) cross the bridge then walk along the footpath (19) through the field (20) to the left of the farmyard. That goes to the house, and it’ll give you a lovely view of it. It’s certainly worth a few photographs, but as it’s a private home, I’m afraid you can’t go inside.
Key Collocations for Directions
| # | Collocation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Immediately to your right | Refers to something located directly on the right side of the speaker. |
| 2 | On your left | Refers to something positioned to the left of the speaker or listener. |
| 3 | At the beginning of the main path | Indicates the start of the primary route or path in a particular location. |
| 4 | In the corner | Describes something located at the intersection of two lines or edges. |
| 5 | Beside the main path | Describes something located directly next to the primary route or path. |
| 6 | Ahead of you | Refers to something located directly in front of the speaker or listener. |
| 7 | Opposite the New Barn | Describes something positioned across from the New Barn. |
| 8 | Beside the side path | Indicates something next to a smaller or secondary path. |
| 9 | Branches off to the right | Refers to a path or route that diverges or separates in the right direction. |
| 10 | Further up the main path | Describes something farther along the primary route or path. |
| 11 | Turn right just before it | Gives direction to make a right turn just before reaching a landmark. |
| 12 | Walk along the side path | Directs to follow a smaller or secondary path. |
| 13 | On the first bend | Refers to something located at the first curve or turn of the path. |
| 14 | To the right here | Indicates a location or direction toward the right side. |
| 15 | In the field | Refers to an open area, often used for agriculture or general space. |
| 16 | Near the farmyard | Indicates proximity to the area where farm animals are kept. |
| 17 | On the right | Refers to something located on the right side of the speaker or listener. |
| 18 | Cross the bridge | Directs to move over a bridge or elevated pathway. |
| 19 | Through the field | Refers to moving across an open area of land. |
| 20 | To the left of the farmyard | Indicates a location to the left side of the area where farm animals are kept. |
