In this workshop you practise a short, realistic exchange in French. You will ask where the public library is, listen for a simple direction, and then ask about Wi-Fi. The recordings give you the exact lines to use, so you can repeat them aloud and build confidence before trying the tasks.
Asking where the library is
Start with a polite question. The recording «Où est la bibliothèque ?» means "Where is the library?" and «Où est la bibliothèque municipale ?» means "Where is the public library?" The word for library is similar in both, but the second version adds "public". When you speak, keep your voice calm and let the question rise slightly at the end. You can also add an opening word to get attention: «Excusez-moi, où est la bibliothèque municipale ?» means "Excuse me, where is the public library?" Practise saying each line slowly, then at a natural speed. The goal is to be understood, not to sound perfect.
Understanding a simple direction
After you ask, you may hear a short answer. The recording «La bibliothèque municipale ? Elle est à droite, après la banque.» means "The public library? It's on the right, after the bank." This tells you the library is located on the right side, and it comes after a bank. Notice that the answer repeats part of the question before giving the direction. When you listen, focus on two things: the side (right) and the landmark (bank). You do not need to understand every word to follow the direction. If you hear this answer, you can simply say thank you and continue.
Asking about Wi-Fi
Once you know where the library is, you can ask about services. The recording «Est-ce qu'il y a du wifi ?» means "Is there Wi-Fi?" and «Le wifi est gratuit ?» means "Is the Wi-Fi free?" The first question asks if Wi-Fi exists; the second asks about the cost. In the dialogue, after the direction, the speaker asks «Merci. Est-ce qu'il y a du wifi ?», which means "Thank you. Is there Wi-Fi?" The reply «Oui, le wifi est gratuit.» means "Yes, the Wi-Fi is free." So you learn that the Wi-Fi is available and costs nothing. Practise the question and the answer as a pair, then swap roles.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Où est la bibliothèque ?
Where is the library?
oo eh la bee-blee-oh-tek
Où est la bibliothèque municipale ?
Where is the public library?
oo eh la bee-blee-oh-tek mew-nee-see-pal
Est-ce qu'il y a du wifi ?
Is there Wi-Fi?
ess keel ee ah dew wee-fee
Le wifi est gratuit ?
Is the Wi-Fi free?
luh wee-fee eh grah-twee
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Excusez-moi, où est la bibliothèque municipale ?
Excuse me, where is the public library?La bibliothèque municipale ? Elle est à droite, après la banque.
The public library? It's on the right, after the bank.Merci. Est-ce qu'il y a du wifi ?
Thank you. Is there Wi-Fi?Oui, le wifi est gratuit.
Yes, the Wi-Fi is free.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: ask and answer
You are a visitor in a French town. You need the public library. Your partner plays a local person who knows the area.
Your task: Read the visitor's lines aloud: first «Excusez-moi, où est la bibliothèque municipale ?», then «Merci. Est-ce qu'il y a du wifi ?». Your partner reads the local person's lines: first «La bibliothèque municipale ? Elle est à droite, après la banque.», then «Oui, le wifi est gratuit.». After one round, swap roles so you read the local person's lines and your partner reads the visitor's lines. Keep the same order: question, reply, follow-up question, reply.
Reply comprehension: choose the right answer
You hear a local person answer your question about the library. You need to understand the direction and the Wi-Fi information.
Your task: Read the local person's reply «La bibliothèque municipale ? Elle est à droite, après la banque.». Then choose the correct meaning: (a) The library is on the right, after the bank. (b) The library is on the left, before the bank. Next, read the reply «Oui, le wifi est gratuit.» and choose: (a) The Wi-Fi is free. (b) The Wi-Fi is not free. Say your choices aloud, then check the answer key below.
Recall with correct roles
You are practising alone or with a partner. You have the visitor role and the local person role. The visitor asks about the library and then about Wi-Fi. The local person gives the direction and the Wi-Fi answer.
Your task: Without looking at the text, say the visitor's first question. Then say the local person's reply. Then say the visitor's follow-up question. Then say the local person's final reply. If you are with a partner, one person says the visitor's lines and the other says the local person's lines, then swap. If you are alone, say both roles, but keep the order: question, reply, follow-up, reply.
Common questions
Do I need to understand every word in the reply?
No. For the direction, listen for the side and the landmark. For the Wi-Fi answer, listen for whether it is free. The recordings give you short lines, so you can focus on the key information and still respond correctly.
Can I practise alone without a partner?
Yes. You can play both roles by reading the visitor's lines and the local person's lines aloud. There is no automatic assessment, so use the answer key and success criteria to check yourself. Swapping roles changes who reads each part, but the order of question, reply, follow-up, and answer stays the same.
Sources and further reading
- french: ask for a libraryChecked September 2026
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