CELPIP Listening Part 1 vocabulary

The words and phrases

drop off

To bring something or someone to a place and leave it there.
Example: I can drop off the blender at the repair shop on my way to work tomorrow.

back-ordered

Not in stock now, so the seller will send it when new supplies arrive.
Example: The part for your dryer is back-ordered, so it won't arrive until the end of the month.

under warranty

Still covered by the maker's promise to repair or replace it for free.
Example: Your fridge is only two years old, so it should still be under warranty.

won't turn over

Said of a car engine that does not start, or even crank, when you turn the key.
Example: I turned the key three times this morning, but the engine just won't turn over.

a dead battery

A car battery that has completely lost its charge.
Example: It was minus thirty last night, so it's probably just a dead battery.

give someone a boost

To start someone's car using power from another car's battery and cables.
Example: My neighbour came over with his cables and gave me a boost before work.

double-booked

Reserved for two different people or groups at the same time.
Example: Sorry, the party room at the community centre was double-booked for Saturday afternoon.

a mix-up

A mistake where things or information get confused.
Example: There was a mix-up with your order, and we sent you someone else's winter boots.

sort out

To fix a problem or deal with a confusing situation.
Example: Let me call the hotel and see if I can sort out the reservation.

get to the bottom of

To find the real cause of a problem.
Example: The landlord promised to get to the bottom of the leak before it damages the ceiling.

on short notice

With very little warning or time to prepare.
Example: Thanks for coming on short notice; the furnace stopped working last night.

a service call

A visit from a technician to repair something at your home.
Example: The company charges ninety dollars for a service call, plus parts and labour.

issue a refund

To return what a customer paid for something.
Example: If the heater can't be repaired, the store will issue a full refund.

store credit

Money you can spend only at the shop that gave it, instead of cash.
Example: They wouldn't give me cash back, but they offered store credit instead.

keep acting up

To go on working badly or unpredictably.
Example: My dishwasher keeps acting up; sometimes it just stops in the middle of a cycle.

make a noise complaint

To formally report loud sounds to someone in charge.
Example: If the music goes past midnight again, I'll make a noise complaint to the condo board.

bring it up with

To mention a subject to a person so you can discuss it.
Example: Why don't you bring it up with your neighbour before calling the building manager?

meet someone halfway

To compromise so that each side gives up something.
Example: I'll pay for the new fence posts if you can meet me halfway on the labour.

a temporary fix

A quick solution that works only until a proper repair is done.
Example: Tape is just a temporary fix until the plumber can replace the pipe.

out of pocket

Having paid money yourself that you may not get back.
Example: I was out of pocket two hundred dollars for the tow truck.

in the meantime

During the time before something expected happens.
Example: The technician can come Thursday; in the meantime, keep the freezer door closed.

follow up

To contact someone again to check on progress.
Example: If you don't hear from the insurance company by Friday, follow up with a phone call.

hold on to the receipt

To keep your proof of purchase.
Example: Make sure you hold on to the receipt in case the heater stops working again.

rule out

To decide that something is not the cause or not possible.
Example: The mechanic ruled out the battery, so it might be the starter.

a reference number

A code given to identify your case, order or call.
Example: When you call back, give them the reference number so they can find your file.

reschedule

To change the time or date of a planned appointment.
Example: The installer cancelled, so we had to reschedule for next Tuesday morning.

worth a shot

Worth trying, even if success isn't certain.
Example: Try unplugging the microwave for a minute; it's worth a shot before we call anyone.

Put them to work on Part 1

Practise Part 1 on the test screen, or see how Part 1 works.