LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: GETTING A MOBILE PHONE/MOBILE PHONE PLANS
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Free minutes = The number of minutes you can talk on your phone without paying
Mobile data = The data that is transferred when you access the internet from your phone
Roaming charges = Money that your mobile provider charges you for using your phone on another network (not theirs)
Prepaid plans = Plans when you pay ahead of time for mobile network usage, instead of afterwards
Carrier = A company that provides mobile service
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST
Choose the most natural-sounding answer to complete each sentence.
1. A mobile _____________ is a paid agreement with a mobile carrier allowing your cell phone to use their network for phone calls, text messages, and mobile data.
Correct answer: plan
2. Mobile phones are also known as _____________.
Correct answer: cell phones
3. I'm _____________ free minutes. = I don't have any more free minutes on my phone plan.
Correct answer: out of
4. I dropped my phone and my screen ______________ .
Correct answer: cracked
5. Can I ______________ plans? = Can I transfer from one plan to another?
Correct answer: switch/change
6. Another word for "carrier" is ________________.
Correct answer: provider
7. This plan gives me _________________ text messaging.
Correct answer: unlimited
8. To send someone a text message. = To _____________ someone.
Correct answer: text/message
9. My brother recorded a _____________ message.
Correct answer: voice
10. How long is the _____________ for?
Correct answer: contract
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THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
Your phone is linked to another carrier. = If phone is set to only accept service from one company.
We can unblock your phone. = We can make your phone be able to accept service from any company.
Your SIM card is damaged. = Your SIM card is faulty; it's not working properly.
This phone is included in the plan. = You don't have to pay extra for the phone; you will receive it as part of the agreement you sign up for.
The network is down. = The network is not working.