walk
to move on your feet
I can walk to the shop.
Lesson 7 of 13 · A1–A2
Getting around town
Talk about simple abilities and ask for help while traveling.
1. Grammar: Can/can’t + base verb
Use can + the base verb for an ability or possibility. Use can’t for a negative. Put can before the subject to ask a question. Do not use to or add -s after can. Can you …, please? is a simple request.
- I can + verb. → I can drive.
- She can’t + verb. → She can’t swim.
- Can you + verb? → Can you help me?
- Where can I + verb? → Where can I buy a ticket?
Model conversation
A: Can you help me, please?
B: Yes, I can.
A: Where can I buy a ticket?
B: You can buy a ticket at the station.
2. Basic words and verbs
Say each word, read its meaning, and make a sentence using the example.
drive
to control a car
She can drive.
read
to understand written words
I can read this map.
help
to make something easier for someone
Can you help me?
find
to locate something
I can find the station.
take
to use a form of transport
We can take a bus.
map
a picture showing places
I can read a map.
ticket
proof that you paid to travel or enter
I can buy a ticket here.
station
a place where trains or buses stop
The station is near my home.
bus
a large vehicle carrying passengers
We can take the bus.
train
connected vehicles traveling on rails
I can take a train.
stop
a place where a bus picks up people
You can wait at this stop.
3. Conversation: 15 questions
Answer with a complete sentence. Open an answer starter if you need help, then replace the dots with your own words. Take turns asking and answering.
Can you walk to a shop from your home?
Answer starter
I can / can’t walk to a shop.
Can you drive a car?
Answer starter
I can / can’t drive a car.
Can you read a map?
Answer starter
I can / can’t read a map.
Can you find the bus stop near your home?
Answer starter
I can / can’t find it.
Where can you take a bus?
Answer starter
I can take a bus at …
Can you take a train in your town?
Answer starter
I can / can’t take a train.
Where can you buy a ticket?
Answer starter
I can buy a ticket at …
Can you walk to the station?
Answer starter
I can / can’t walk to the station.
Can a friend drive you to the station?
Answer starter
My friend can / can’t drive me there.
What places can you walk to?
Answer starter
I can walk to …
Can you read signs in English?
Answer starter
I can / can’t read signs in English.
Who can help you with a map?
Answer starter
… can help me.
Can you help a visitor find a shop?
Answer starter
I can / can’t help a visitor.
How can you ask someone to help you?
Answer starter
Can you help me, please?
How can you ask someone to show you the bus stop?
Answer starter
Can you show me the bus stop, please?
4. Say it again
Choose three questions and answer again without the starters. Use at least three words from the word bank. Your partner can listen for the grammar pattern, then help you repeat the sentence.