HOME / VOCABULARY EXERCISES / LIFE SKILLS: AT THE POST OFFICE
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
Remember to choose the most natural-sounding answer.
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.
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: OTTAWA, ON, CANADA
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here are useful Ottawa-area resources for new immigrants - including settlement services, language support, employment help, and community connections. Many of these are free or low-cost and designed to help you settle, find work, learn languages, navigate systems, and connect with others.
SETTLEMENT & INTEGRATION SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
• Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization - Offers settlement planning, orientation, referrals, counselling, citizenship prep, and programmes for families and youth in many languages.
• YMCA Newcomer Information Centre - A first-stop resource centre providing settlement information, referrals, immigration and citizenship info, housing and employment guidance, workshops, computer access, and settlement workers.
• CCI Ottawa (Catholic Centre for Immigrants) - Comprehensive services including housing help, language classes, employment support, mentoring, and cultural integration.
• Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre - Settlement support, language training, employment guidance, community programs and workshops.
• PAND Settlement Services - Focused settlement services including mentorship and support for Farsi-speaking newcomers.
LANGUAGE & EMPLOYMENT
• OCISO LINC School - Free Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes to build English skills.
• YMCA Language Assessment and Referral Centre - Language assessment to help you find appropriate funded English/French classes.
• World Skills Employment Centre - Helps newcomers with job searching, job readiness training, workplace culture, mentorship, and employer connections.
COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SUPPORT GROUPS
• Somali Centre for Family Services - Community support including settlement, family services, and cultural programs.
• UNHCR Canada Branch Office - Services, information and advocacy for refugees and asylum-seekers.
• Community-specific supports - many local associations (e.g., Somali, Farsi/Iranian, Lebanese, Ukrainian and others) offer social groups, settlement help, and peer networks; some are mentioned in community resource lists.
OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES
• City of Ottawa (311) - General city services and information in multiple languages (useful for housing, parks, childcare, and local programs).
• Ottawa Public Library - Free access to computers, language learning resources, drop-in programs, and community events.
