18_RP How should I dress for winter in Ontario? (Beginner LevelCLB 1)
Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but if this is your first winter in Ontario, you need to get ready! Temperatures change a lot across Canada. For example, the winters in British Columbia (BC) are warmer than winters in Ontario. The weather in Ontario can be extreme. It is important that you and your children dress warmly.
Winter Outerwear
Coat
The most important piece of winter clothing you will need is a warm winter coat.
Your coat should be thick enough to keep you warm on very cold winter days, and heavy enough to keep cold wind off your body. Many winter coats are also waterproof or water-resistant. Keeping yourself dry is one of the best ways to stay warm.
See what your friends and family in Canada wear during the winter, or what others in the community are wearing. Many people chose thick winter parkas, or waterproof ski-jackets. Others, especially when wearing formal wear, choose long, heavy wool coats. A good quality winter coat for an adult might cost anywhere from $100-$500 - and for a child, from $50 to $100. Depending on the coat you choose that matches your style and budget, make sure it will be warm enough to keep you comfortable and safe. When shopping for a coat, talk to the salesperson at the store to find out how warm a jacket really is. If your coat does not cover your neck, you will need a scarf to keep the wind away from your skin.
Hat
In cold weather, we lose most of our body heat through our heads. Wearing a warm hat helps keep your head warm. Warm winter hats are made from wool, fleece or another synthetic material, and cover your head and ears. You will often hear people call a winter hat a "toque" (sounds like "tuke"). "Toque" is a Canadian word. So many people wear toques in the winter that they are often seen as an unofficial symbol of Canada.
You can also wear a headband or earmuffs to cover your ears. You should make sure to cover your ears, especially when it is windy, because you can get frostbite on your ears.
Gloves or Mittens
Blowing wind can make temperatures feel much colder. In winter, you may hear weather reports say that there is a wind chill. For example, the temperature might be -5°C with a wind chill that makes it feel like -10°C.
Your hands and fingers can get cold very easily. Mittens or gloves can help keep your hands warm. Mittens are usually warmer than gloves, but they can make it difficult to use your fingers. When playing outside, children often wear mittens.
Gloves are usually easier to wear, and you can find many different colours and styles.
Boots
Boots keep your feet warm and dry. Low-cut boots cover your ankles. High-cut boots can cover up to your knees. Some boots are water-resistant or waterproof. Good winter boots will keep water away from your feet, and will keep your feet warm. Good quality boots for an adult might cost anywhere from $75 to $200 - for children, $30 to $60.
Style and Warmth
On the coldest days of the winter, most people forget about fashion and choose warmth over style. You should not feel silly while dressed in a warm winter coat, hat, gloves and boots.
If you are well-prepared, winter can be fun. The snow and ice make Ontario beautiful, and you will find a variety of winter sports to enjoy. Go outside and enjoy the winter!
18) Role play: Shopping for winter clothing ( Beginner Level)
Situation: Retail clothing store
A: Salesperson B: Customer
A: Good morning, can I help you?
B: Yes, I’m looking for a winter coat.
A: What style of coat are you looking for?
B: A parka.
A: We have a lot of parkas. Let me show you and you can try them on.
B: Okay. I want a hood to cover my head.
A: What size do you wear?
B: Women’s 12 or 14.
A: Try this down-filled parka in a 12. It has a hood to keep your neck and head warm.
B: It’s too tight in the arms.
A: Try this one on. It’s a size 14. The down will keep you warm at -20°C.
B: Oh, -20°C, that sounds good. What is down-filled?
A: Down is feathers from geese. The parka is filled with down to keep you warm.
B: I like this coat. It is comfortable in my arms and shoulders.
A: You want to be warm and comfortable. Does it fit better than the 12?
B: Yes, this size fits better. Is this coat waterproof?
A: The label says it’s water resistant, so water will not stay on the coat.
B: Do you have this coat in a different colour?
A: Yes, it also comes in a dark brown or navy blue.
B: Can I try on the blue?
A: Yes, here is the navy blue in a 14.
B: Oh, I really like this coat. How much is it?
A: It’s on sale for $149 until this Saturday.
B: I’ll take it!
A: Okay. Great. How would you like to pay?
B: By credit card.
A: Here’s your receipt. You have 14 days to exchange the coat. There are no refunds on sales merchandise.
B: Thank-you.
A: You’re welcome and here’s your coat.
1