Лексика английского языка для старших классов. Начинаем подготовку к ОГЭ и ЕГЭ

To find common ground – найти общие интересы

To meet for lunch – встречаться на обед

To have something in common – иметь что-то общее

To trust someone – доверять кому-то

To be inseparable – быть неразлучными

To share laughs – смеяться вместе

To talk about everything under the sun – говорить обо всем на свете

To show that you care – показывать, что тебе не все равно

To be open – быть открытым

To be yourself – быть собой

To make an effort – прилагать усилия

To get to know someone – узнать кого-то

To support someone – поддерживать кого-то

A good friendship – хорошая дружба

To feel welcome – чувствовать себя желанным

To be shy – быть застенчивым

To have a lot in common – иметь много общего

To be surprised – удивиться

To become close friends – стать близкими друзьями

To realize something – осознать что-то

Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases from the list.

Being __________ at school made it hard to start conversations with new people.

When Anna asked me to join her for lunch, I was a little __________, but I said yes anyway.

It’s important to __________ with someone when meeting them for the first time.

At first, Anna and I didn’t have much in common, but we slowly __________.

We started meeting for lunch every day and eventually __________.

True friends are the ones who __________ each other no matter what.

One of the best parts of friendship is being able to __________ together.

It took time, but over time we __________ and became close friends.

I never thought I would __________ how important it is to have good friends.

Making friends can be hard, but it’s worth the __________.

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the phrases with their correct translations.

To make friends

To feel comfortable

To break the ice

To find common ground

To support someone

To be inseparable

a) поддерживать кого-то

b) быть неразлучными

c) завести друзей

d) чувствовать себя комфортно

e) разрядить обстановку

f) найти общие интересы

Exercise 3: Personal Questions

Answer the following questions based on personal experiences.

How do new friendships usually start?

Has there ever been a person with whom it was easy to make friends due to shared interests? What was that like?

What qualities make a good friend?

How can someone tell if a person is trustworthy?

Is making friends easy for teenagers? Why or why not?

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

shy

surprised

break the ice

found common ground

became close friends

support

share laughs

realized

make an effort

effort

Exercise 2: Matching

To make friends – c) завести друзей

To feel comfortable – d) чувствовать себя комфортно

To break the ice – e) разрядить обстановку

To find common ground – f) найти общие интересы

To support someone – a) поддерживать кого-то

To be inseparable – b) быть неразлучными

Example Answers to Personal Questions:

How do new friendships usually start?

New friendships often start with small conversations where common interests are found. Sometimes, it’s about sharing an experience or simply being in the same place at the right time.

Has there ever been a person with whom it was easy to make friends due to shared interests? What was that like?

Yes, there was a person at a summer camp who loved the same books and movies. It made connecting much easier because there was something to talk about from the start.

What qualities make a good friend?

A good friend is someone who listens, is reliable, supportive, and honest. A true friend always stands by, even when times are tough.

How can someone tell if a person is trustworthy?

Trustworthiness can be determined through actions over time. If someone keeps their promises, is open and honest, and respects boundaries, they are likely trustworthy.

Is making friends easy for teenagers? Why or why not?

Making friends can be both easy and challenging. For some, finding people with similar interests or personalities happens naturally, while for others, social situations can feel awkward and require more effort.

Conflict Prevention and Resolution

Story

Hi, I’m Sasha, and I want to tell you about a conflict I had with my older brother, Ivan, and how we managed to solve it without making things worse.

It all started when we were planning a family trip. We were supposed to spend a weekend at the lake, but Ivan and I had very different ideas about how we should spend the time. Ivan wanted to go fishing all day, while I was more interested in hiking and exploring the area. We both wanted to do what we liked, but we didn’t communicate very well about it.

At first, we just started arguing about it. I felt like Ivan wasn’t considering what I wanted to do, and he thought I was being selfish for not caring about fishing. The argument quickly escalated, and we both ended up shouting at each other. My mom heard us, and she asked us to sit down and talk calmly. She suggested that we could both do the activities we liked, but we needed to compromise and plan the day together.

It was hard at first. I was frustrated and didn’t want to give up my plans, but Ivan also had his own reasons for wanting to fish. We decided to split the day – we would go hiking in the morning and then fish in the afternoon. That way, we both got to do what we wanted, and the whole day didn’t feel like a battle.

Afterward, I realized that the key to resolving the conflict was communication. If we had talked from the beginning, we wouldn’t have wasted so much time arguing. It was also important to listen to each other and find a middle ground. Since then, we’ve been able to resolve many conflicts more easily by talking things through and understanding each other’s point of view.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To have a conflict – иметь конфликт

To escalate a situation – усугублять ситуацию

To argue about something – спорить о чём-то

To feel frustrated – чувствовать себя разочарованным

To communicate well – хорошо общаться

To compromise – идти на компромисс

To plan something together – планировать что-то вместе

To listen to someone’s point of view – выслушать чью-то точку зрения

To find a middle ground – найти компромисс

To talk calmly – говорить спокойно

To get upset – расстраиваться

To make a decision – принять решение

To resolve a conflict – разрешить конфликт

To get along with someone – ладить с кем-то

To consider someone’s feelings – учитывать чьи-то чувства

To shout at someone – кричать на кого-то

To be selfish – быть эгоистом

To be willing to compromise – быть готовым к компромиссу

To avoid an argument – избежать ссоры

To express your feelings – выразить свои чувства

To understand someone’s perspective – понять чью-то точку зрения

To stay calm – оставаться спокойным

To create tension – создавать напряжение

To agree on something – согласиться на что-то

To make things worse – ухудшить ситуацию

Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases from the list.

Ivan and I had a __________ because we couldn’t agree on what to do during the trip.

I felt really __________ when he didn’t care about my plans for the weekend.

Our argument started to __________, and we were both shouting at each other.

My mom helped us to __________ by suggesting that we could do both activities.

We had to __________ and split the day between hiking and fishing.

After we talked calmly, we managed to __________ the situation without further problems.

I was angry at first, but I had to remind myself to stay __________.

The key to __________ is to listen to each other’s feelings and find a solution that works for both.

It was important to __________ Ivan’s perspective, even if I didn’t agree with it.

If we had __________ earlier, we would have avoided the whole argument.

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the phrases with their correct translations.

To have a conflict

To communicate well

To compromise

To make a decision

To resolve a conflict

To get upset

a) разрешить конфликт

b) иметь конфликт

c) рассердиться

d) хорошо общаться

e) принять решение

f) идти на компромисс

Exercise 3: Personal Questions

Answer the following questions based on personal experiences.

What is the best way to prevent a conflict from escalating?

How do you usually deal with disagreements in your family or with friends?

Have you ever managed to resolve a conflict by compromising? How did it work out?

Do you think it’s important to listen to someone’s point of view during a disagreement? Why?

What strategies can help to stay calm during an argument?

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

conflict

frustrated

escalate

compromise

compromise

resolve

calm

resolving a conflict

consider

communicated

Exercise 2: Matching

To have a conflict – b) иметь конфликт

To communicate well – d) хорошо общаться

To compromise – f) идти на компромисс

To make a decision – e) принять решение

To resolve a conflict – a) разрешить конфликт

To get upset – c) рассердиться

Example Answers to Personal Questions:

What is the best way to prevent a conflict from escalating?

The best way to prevent a conflict from escalating is to stay calm and listen to the other person’s point of view. It’s also important to address the issue early, before emotions get too high.

How do you usually deal with disagreements in your family or with friends?

I try to stay calm and avoid shouting. I make sure to explain my side clearly and listen to the other person. I also try to find a solution that works for both of us, rather than just insisting on my own way.

Have you ever managed to resolve a conflict by compromising? How did it work out?

Yes, I had a disagreement with a friend over what movie to watch. We both wanted something different, so we compromised by choosing a movie we both liked. It worked out great, and we ended up enjoying it together.

Do you think it’s important to listen to someone’s point of view during a disagreement? Why?

Yes, it’s very important because understanding the other person’s feelings and perspective helps to find a better solution. It also shows respect for the other person and helps avoid misunderstandings.

What strategies can help to stay calm during an argument?

Taking deep breaths and focusing on staying composed can help. It also helps to pause and take a moment before responding, rather than reacting immediately.

Describing a Person’s Appearance

Story

Hi, I’m Ksenia, I’m 17, and today I want to tell you about my new classmate, Max, and how I first noticed him.

It was the beginning of the school year, and I was sitting in the back row, trying to figure out where I fit in among all the new faces. Our school had just opened a new art program, and a lot of new students joined the class. Max was one of them.

When I first saw him, he stood out from the crowd. Max is tall, probably around 6 feet, with short, messy brown hair and bright green eyes. His face is kind of angular, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. He doesn’t smile a lot, but when he does, it’s a little crooked, and it gives him this mysterious look. I remember thinking that he looked like someone out of a movie, but in a cool, laid-back way.

Max is always dressed casually – usually in a graphic t-shirt, a denim jacket, and sneakers. His style is simple, but there’s something about how he wears everything that makes it seem effortless. He’s also very fit. I can tell he spends a lot of time outdoors, maybe running or doing something active. His arms are muscular, and he has a bit of a tan, which makes him look even more striking.

At first, I didn’t talk to him much because I wasn’t sure if he’d be friendly, but the more I saw him, the more I started to think he wasn’t as intimidating as he seemed. After a while, we started chatting during lunch, and I found out he was actually really down-to-earth. His appearance may have been what caught my attention first, but his personality was what made me want to be friends.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To stand out from the crowd – выделяться из толпы

To fit in – вписаться, стать частью коллектива

To have short hair – иметь короткие волосы

To be tall – быть высоким

To have bright eyes – иметь яркие глаза

To have an angular face – иметь угловатое лицо

To have a strong jawline – иметь выраженную челюсть

To have high cheekbones – иметь высокие скулы

To give a mysterious look – иметь загадочный взгляд

To be dressed casually – быть одетым неформально

To wear a denim jacket – носить джинсовую куртку

To wear sneakers – носить кроссовки

To be fit – быть в хорошей физической форме

To spend time outdoors – проводить время на свежем воздухе

To have a tan – иметь загар

To look striking – выглядеть впечатляюще

To look cool – выглядеть круто

To seem effortless – казаться непринужденным

To be muscular – быть мускулистым

To have a crooked smile – иметь кривую улыбку

To be down-to-earth – быть приземленным, с простым характером

To catch someone’s attention – привлекать чье-то внимание

To be intimidating – быть пугающим, устрашающим

To chat during lunch – болтать во время обеда

To be friends – стать друзьями

Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases from the list.

Max is tall and has a __________ face with a strong jawline.

He usually wears a denim jacket and __________, which gives him a cool, casual look.

I first noticed Max because he really __________ from the crowd with his unique style.

Even though he looks __________, he turned out to be very friendly.

Max has __________ eyes that seem to light up when he talks about something he loves.

He spends a lot of time outdoors, so it’s no surprise that he has a __________.

He has a __________ smile, which makes him look a bit mysterious.

Max doesn’t try hard to look cool, but his style always seems __________.

At first, I thought he might be __________ because of how he looked, but I was wrong.

He may have caught my attention because of his appearance, but it was his personality that made me want to __________.

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the phrases with their correct translations.

To have bright eyes

To wear sneakers

To seem effortless

To have a tan

To have high cheekbones

To be down-to-earth

a) быть в хорошей физической форме

b) носить кроссовки

c) иметь загар

d) иметь высокие скулы

e) казаться непринужденным

f) иметь яркие глаза

Exercise 3: Personal Questions

Answer the following questions based on personal experiences.

How do you usually describe someone’s appearance when you meet them for the first time?

What qualities in a person’s appearance first catch your attention?

Do you think appearance is important when making new friends? Why or why not?

How do you feel about people who seem intimidating at first, but turn out to be friendly?

Do you think it’s possible to judge someone’s personality just by their appearance? Why or why not?

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

angular

sneakers

stood out

intimidating

bright

tan

crooked

effortless

intimidating

be friends

Exercise 2: Matching

To have bright eyes – f) иметь яркие глаза

To wear sneakers – b) носить кроссовки

To seem effortless – e) казаться непринужденным

To have a tan – c) иметь загар

To have high cheekbones – d) иметь высокие скулы

To be down-to-earth – a) быть в хорошей физической форме

Example Answers to Personal Questions:

How do you usually describe someone’s appearance when you meet them for the first time?

I usually start by noticing the person’s height, their hair color, and whether they seem casual or dressed up. I also pay attention to their smile and the general impression they give off.

What qualities in a person’s appearance first catch your attention?

I often notice someone’s eyes first. Bright eyes can make a big impression. I also look at their smile and posture, which can tell a lot about a person’s personality.

Do you think appearance is important when making new friends? Why or why not?

Appearance can be important at first because it’s the first thing people notice, but it’s definitely not the most important. True friendships are built on shared interests, trust, and respect, not just looks.

How do you feel about people who seem intimidating at first, but turn out to be friendly?

I think it’s really interesting because sometimes people can look intimidating due to their appearance, but once you get to know them, you realize they are completely different. It’s a good reminder not to judge people based on first impressions.

Do you think it’s possible to judge someone’s personality just by their appearance? Why or why not?

I don’t think it’s possible to judge someone’s personality by their appearance alone. A person might look serious or distant, but that doesn’t mean they are unfriendly. It’s always better to get to know someone before making assumptions.

Describing a Person’s Character

Story

Hi, I’m Artyom, I’m 18, and I want to tell you about my friend, Alex, who’s one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met.

At first glance, Alex might seem a little quiet and serious, but once you get to know him, you realize he’s actually very thoughtful and kind. He’s the type of person who always listens carefully when someone talks, and he’s really good at giving advice, even though he never pushes his opinions on anyone. He’s patient, which is something I really admire. I’ve never seen him lose his temper, no matter how stressful a situation might get.

One thing that stands out about Alex is his loyalty. He always has his friends’ backs, no matter what. If someone needs help, he’s the first to offer it, and he never expects anything in return. He’s the kind of person who values honesty and is always true to his word. If he says he’ll do something, you can count on him to follow through. I think that’s a rare quality nowadays.

However, like everyone, Alex isn’t perfect. Sometimes he can be a bit too reserved, and he doesn’t always share his feelings easily. He prefers to keep his problems to himself, which can make it hard for him to ask for help when he needs it. But even though he’s a bit closed off emotionally, he’s still incredibly supportive and always willing to lend a hand to others.

I think what makes Alex special is his combination of strength and sensitivity. He’s confident but never arrogant, and he knows how to balance his own needs with those of the people around him. He’s the kind of person who makes others feel comfortable, and that’s why so many people trust him.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To be thoughtful – быть внимательным

To listen carefully – внимательно слушать

To give advice – давать советы

To push opinions on someone – навязывать свои мнения

To be patient – быть терпеливым

To lose one’s temper – терять терпение

To stand out – выделяться

To have someone’s back – поддерживать кого-то

To offer help – предложить помощь

To expect something in return – ожидать чего-то взамен

To value honesty – ценить честность

To be true to one’s word – быть верным своему слову

To follow through – довести дело до конца

To be reserved – быть сдержанным

To keep problems to oneself – держать проблемы при себе

To ask for help – попросить о помощи

To be emotionally closed off – быть закрытым эмоционально

To lend a hand – протянуть руку помощи

To balance one’s needs – сбалансировать свои потребности

To make others feel comfortable – заставлять других чувствовать себя комфортно

To trust someone – доверять кому-то

To be confident – быть уверенным

To be arrogant – быть высокомерным

To be sensitive – быть чувствительным

To have a rare quality – иметь редкое качество

Vocabulary Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill-in-the-blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrases from the list.

Alex is the kind of person who always listens __________ when someone talks.

He’s __________, and even in stressful situations, he remains calm and never loses his temper.

He’s always willing to __________ if someone needs assistance.

One of Alex’s best qualities is his __________ – he always supports his friends without expecting anything in return.

He is __________ and doesn’t always share his problems with others, even when he’s upset.

Alex values __________ and always keeps his promises.

He’s __________, but he knows how to make others feel at ease.

It’s difficult for Alex to __________, but he’s still always there when his friends need him.

Alex’s ability to balance his own needs and the needs of others is something that makes him really __________.

Unlike many people, Alex doesn’t __________ his opinions on anyone; he respects other people’s views.

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the phrases with their correct translations.

To be thoughtful

To give advice

To offer help

To be patient

To be emotionally closed off

To make others feel comfortable

a) быть сдержанным эмоционально

b) быть терпеливым

c) предлагать помощь

d) быть внимательным

e) давать советы

f) заставлять других чувствовать себя комфортно

Exercise 3: Personal Questions

Answer the following questions based on personal experiences.

How would you describe your closest friend’s character?

What qualities do you think are most important in a friend?

Have you ever had a situation where you helped a friend without expecting anything in return? How did that make you feel?