HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: BUYING A CAR 1
LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH EXERCISE FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: BUYING A CAR
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Test drive = A quick check to test how the car drives
Extended warranty = A warranty that goes beyond the basic one ("factory warranty")
Lemon =
A colloquial (slang) term for a car that's in bad condition, doesn't run well, etc.
Hybrid =
A car that has both a regular engine, and which can (partly) be charged electrically
Pick-up (truck) =
A small truck with an open storage space in the back
Gas mileage =
How many miles (or kilometers) a car gets per gallon (or liter); also referred to as "fuel efficiency"
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
The sticker price is $22,000. = The price suggested by the manufacturer (the company that makes the car) is $22,000.
This is the most economical car in its class. = This is the most affordable (= least expensive) car of its type.
I'll throw that in free of charge. = I won't charge you for that additional item.
The price isn't negotiable. = I can't/won't lower the price.
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: CHARLOTTE, NC, USA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a practical, Charlotte-focused guide to immigrant & refugee resources - including settlement support, legal help, English learning, community support, and more:
COMMUNITY & SETTLEMENT ORGANIZATIONS
• International House - Provides immigration legal assistance, citizenship/civics classes, ESL support, referrals, and some representation for family petitions, status adjustments, and naturalization.
• Refugee Support Services - Offers free adult ESL classes, workshops, help with forms & documents, community assistance, and volunteer support in Charlotte.
• Latin American Coalition - Social services organization offering ESOL (English language) classes, community support, referrals, and advocacy for Latinx and immigrant families.
• The Neighborhood Good Samaritan Center, Inc. - Community nonprofit providing basic needs support, social services, and connection to local resources.
• Heritage Aid Network - Local nonprofit offering support programs for immigrants and refugees - including English support, career development, workshops, cultural integration, and family assistance.
• ourBRIDGE for KIDS - Offers education, acculturation, wraparound support, and community building for refugee/immigrant families and children in Charlotte.
City Welcoming Initiatives: Charlotte is a certified Welcoming City with a range of local nonprofit partners - the city's official site lists key services for immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION HELP
• Carolina Migrant Network - Provides free legal representation to immigrants facing removal proceedings, legal education, and community advocacy in Charlotte.
• Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy - Offers immigration legal assistance, help in immigration court, and rights support with no citizenship status requirements for service eligibility.
GOVERNMENT IMMIGRATION OFFICES
• USCIS Application Support Center & USCIS Charlotte Field Office - Official USCIS offices for documentation, biometrics, and immigration processing.
• US Immigration Office - Additional federal immigration services.
LANGUAGE AND EDUCATION RESOURCES
• Refugee Support Services - Free ESL classes with multiple skill levels and locations.
• Latin American Coalition - Hosts ESOL classes seasonally and supports language learning.
• Local Libraries & Community Centers - Many offer conversation circles, literacy programs, citizenship prep, and resource referrals (check Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and community center calendars).
COMMUNITY, FAMILY, & SUPPORT SERVICES
• ourBRIDGE for KIDS - Community programs focused on education, belonging, and support for immigrant/refugee children and families.
• Heritage Aid Network - Offers community integration help, workshops (financial literacy, job skills, etc.), and social support for new families.
• NC Immigrant Solidarity Fund - Provides cash assistance to undocumented and mixed-status families facing emergencies, deportation challenges, or essential needs.
TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS IN CHARLOTTE
• Start with community organizations - they can assess needs and connect you to language, employment, legal, and social services.
• Bring important documents (passport, visa/status papers, Social Security Number) when accessing services.
• Call ahead to confirm languages offered, fees (if any), and eligibility requirements.
• Libraries and community centers are great free hubs for language support, internet access, and immigration resources.
