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LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEWCOMERS: AT THE POST OFFICE



VOCABULARY BUILDER:

Registered mail = A mail service which allows the sender proof of mailing by a mailing receipt or electronic verification

Bubble envelope = Padded envelope (for fragile items)

Parcel =
An object that's wrapped in paper, also knows as a "package"

Undeliverable =
Refers to an item that the postal service was not able to deliver, for whatever reason

Overnight mail =
A letter/package that will be delivered the following day


EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST

Choose the most natural-sounding answer to complete each sentence.

1. Could I have my mail ____________ ( = redirected) to my new address?
2. Do you ____________ on Saturdays?
3. How much do you _____________ for this service? = How much does this service cost?
4. Can I get a ______________? ( = proof that I paid)
5. This is the only ______________ that I have.
6. How long does it ________________ for a letter to get to England?
7. You can _________________ this parcel online. ( = see the status/location of the parcel)
8. Do you sell _____________ boxes?
9. The _____________ ( = person I'm sending this to) is my mother.
10. "Insufficient _____________" refers to when not enough money was paid to deliver the letter/package, etc.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:

Your package came back undeliverable. = Your package was returned to us because it was not able to be delivered.

You'll have to provide a return address. = You'll have to write the address where the letter or package will be returned in case it can't be delivered (usually the address of the sender)

The envelope isn't sealed properly. = The envelope is not closed correctly/well enough.

Do you need insurance? = Some post offices sell insurance for packages, which will help you get some money in case the package is lost or damaged.

Drop it in the mailbox. = Put it in the mailbox.




TRY ALL OF OUR PRACTICE TESTS FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS:

At the pharmacy
Talking to the doctor
At the vet
Health care/health insurance
Talking to the landlord
At the post office
Talking to the plumber
Getting a mobile phone (cellphone)
At the library
At the airport
Talking to the dentist
Talking to the police
Renting an apartment
Public transportation
Arranging utilities (electricity, etc.)
Getting a driver's license
Daycare 1
Daycare 2
Child care emergency
Buying a car
Talking about mental health/emotional problems
At the bank
Talking to immigration officers 1
Talking to immigration officers 2

ABOUT THIS SECTION: We have created this "life-skills" section for newcomers to an English-speaking country to be able to practice English related to things you might have to do every day. The new vocabulary you learn will help you integrate into society and make life in your new country easier. Most of these questions use our patented approach, which combines both grammar and vocabulary training, and spans a range of levels from low-intermediate to low-advanced.

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