Слова и выражения, которые путают на ЕГЭ по английскому. Практическое пособие для уровня B1–B2

routine

give up

avoid

prevent

a) to stop doing something permanently

b) to stop something from happening

c) something you do regularly, often automatically

d) to keep away from something

e) a regular organised sequence of actions

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Alex decide to change his morning habit?

Why was it difficult for him to give up using his phone?

What new routine did he create?

How did this change affect his productivity?

What bad habit would you like to give up and why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

used to

used to

give up

protect

routine

Exercise 2

1 – c

2 – e

3 – a

4 – d

5 – b

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Alex decided to change his habit because it wasted time and caused stress at the beginning of the day. He realised that it negatively affected his productivity.

It was difficult because he was used to checking his phone immediately after waking up. The action had become automatic.

He introduced a new routine that included stretching exercises, a healthy breakfast and planning his tasks. This helped him start the day more productively.

The change had a positive effect on his focus and overall productivity. He felt calmer and more organised at work.

I would like to give up procrastination because it prevents me from completing tasks efficiently. Developing better habits would improve my performance.

Mini Advice

В теме привычек в ЕГЭ часто проверяются:

used to / be used to

give up / avoid

prevent / protect

habit / routine

Учите устойчивые конструкции:

be used to doing, give up doing, prevent something from happening, protect from damage, follow a routine, break a habit.

Sleep, Stress and Productivity

Vocabulary Focus

1. tired vs exhausting vs exhausted

Tired – уставший (нейтральное состояние).

Exhausting – изнурительный (о процессе, деятельности или ситуации).

Exhausted – полностью вымотанный (о человеке).

I feel tired after a long day at work.

Я чувствую себя уставшим после долгого рабочего дня.

Preparing for exams can be exhausting.

Подготовка к экзаменам может быть изнурительной.

She was exhausted by the end of the week.

К концу недели она была полностью вымотана.

Обратите внимание: exhausting описывает то, что вызывает усталость, а exhausted – состояние человека.

2. stress vs pressure

Stress – внутреннее психологическое напряжение.

Pressure – внешнее давление (сроки, ожидания, ответственность).

He experiences stress before important presentations.

Он испытывает стресс перед важными презентациями.

She works well under pressure.

Она хорошо работает под давлением.

Часто используются устойчивые сочетания: high levels of stress, cope with stress, work under pressure.

3. productive vs efficient

Productive – продуктивный (много полезных результатов).

Efficient – эффективный (с минимальными затратами времени и ресурсов).

She had a productive morning and completed several tasks.

У неё было продуктивное утро, и она выполнила несколько задач.

This method is more efficient than the previous one.

Этот метод более эффективный, чем предыдущий.

Productive фокусируется на результате, efficient – на способе выполнения.

4. lack of vs absence of

Lack of – нехватка, недостаток.

Absence of – полное отсутствие.

Lack of sleep affects concentration and memory.

Недостаток сна влияет на концентрацию и память.

The absence of noise made it easier to focus.

Отсутствие шума облегчило концентрацию.

В повседневных темах чаще употребляется lack of.

Story

The Cost of Sleepless Nights

For several months, Marina suffered from a lack of sleep. She stayed up late trying to complete projects and often worked under constant pressure. At first, she believed that sleeping less would make her more productive. However, the effect was the opposite.

Due to the lack of rest, Marina felt tired every morning. By the end of each week, she was completely exhausted. Even simple tasks seemed exhausting. Her stress levels increased significantly, and she found it difficult to concentrate. Although she spent many hours working, she was neither productive nor efficient.

Eventually, Marina realised that the absence of proper sleep was the main cause of her problems. She decided to change her routine and go to bed earlier. She also reduced overtime and organised her working environment more efficiently.

Within a short time, she noticed clear improvements. With enough rest, she felt calmer and more focused. Her performance improved, and she managed to complete tasks faster. Marina understood that productivity depends not only on effort but also on the quality of sleep.

Useful Words and Expressions

suffer from – страдать от

lack of sleep – недостаток сна

stay up late – засиживаться допоздна

work under pressure – работать под давлением

the opposite effect – противоположный эффект

stress levels – уровень стресса

significantly – значительно

concentrate – концентрироваться

proper sleep – полноценный сон

reduce overtime – сокращать переработки

organise efficiently – организовывать эффективно

notice improvements – замечать улучшения

focused – сосредоточенный

performance – результативность

complete tasks – завершать задачи

depend on – зависеть от

quality of sleep – качество сна

mental well-being – психическое благополучие

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

She felt completely (exhausting / exhausted) after the trip.

He works well under (stress / pressure).

(Lack / Absence) of sleep can reduce concentration.

This system is more (productive / efficient).

Preparing for exams can be extremely (tired / exhausting).

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

exhausted

productive

efficient

pressure

lack of

a) external demands or expectations

b) completely tired

c) producing useful results

d) shortage of something

e) working effectively with minimal waste

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Marina experience increasing stress levels?

Why was she neither productive nor efficient?

What changes did she introduce into her routine?

Why does productivity depend on sleep quality?

How can proper rest improve daily performance?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

exhausted

pressure

Lack

efficient

exhausting

Exercise 2

1 – b

2 – c

3 – e

4 – a

5 – d

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Marina experienced increasing stress levels because she worked long hours and suffered from a lack of sleep. Constant pressure affected her concentration and emotional state.

She was neither productive nor efficient because she felt tired and exhausted. As a result, she could not focus properly and worked more slowly.

She began going to bed earlier and reduced overtime. In addition, she organised her working environment more efficiently.

Productivity depends on sleep quality because proper rest improves concentration, memory and energy levels. Without enough sleep, performance decreases significantly.

Proper rest improves daily performance by increasing focus and reducing stress. It allows people to complete tasks more efficiently.

Mini Advice

В заданиях ЕГЭ часто проверяются различия между близкими по значению словами:

tired / exhausting / exhausted

stress / pressure

productive / efficient

lack of / absence of

Запоминайте их через устойчивые сочетания:

high stress levels, work under pressure, feel exhausted, exhausting task, lack of sleep, efficient method, increase productivity.

Точность выбора слова и правильные коллокации значительно повышают качество письменной речи и общий экзаменационный балл.

Food, Diet and Eating Out

Vocabulary Focus

1. meal vs dish vs course

Meal – приём пищи (завтрак, обед, ужин).

Dish – конкретное блюдо.

Course – подача в рамках обеда (первое, второе и т.д.).

Dinner is my favourite meal of the day.

Ужин – мой любимый приём пищи.

This Italian dish is very popular.

Это итальянское блюдо очень популярно.

The main course was served after the soup.

Основное блюдо подали после супа.

Meal – это весь приём пищи, dish – конкретная еда, course – часть формального обеда.

2. diet vs nutrition

Diet – рацион питания или специальная система питания.

Nutrition – питание как процесс получения полезных веществ.

She follows a balanced diet.

Она придерживается сбалансированного рациона.

Good nutrition is essential for health.

Правильное питание важно для здоровья.

Balanced diet, healthy diet, proper nutrition – устойчивые сочетания.

3. taste vs flavour

Taste – вкус (сладкий, солёный и т.д.) или личное впечатление.

Flavour – более сложный вкусовой оттенок, аромат.

The soup tastes delicious.

Суп вкусный.

This sauce has a rich flavour.

У этого соуса насыщенный вкус.

Taste часто используется как глагол: taste good/bad/sweet.

4. book vs order

Book (a table) – бронировать столик заранее.

Order (food) – заказывать еду.

We booked a table for two.

Мы забронировали столик на двоих.

She ordered a salad and a glass of water.

Она заказала салат и стакан воды.

Устойчивые сочетания: book a table, order a meal, place an order.

Story

A Change in Eating Habits

For many years, Paul did not pay attention to his diet. He often skipped meals and chose fast food instead of home-cooked dishes. Although the taste was satisfying, the lack of proper nutrition gradually affected his energy level.

One day, after feeling unusually tired, Paul decided to change his eating habits. He began to follow a balanced diet and cook simple meals at home. Instead of ordering takeaway food every evening, he prepared fresh dishes with natural ingredients.

A few weeks later, he noticed significant improvements. His meals became more regular, and he started to enjoy the flavour of healthy food. When he went out with friends, he preferred to book a table at restaurants that offered nutritious options. He also learned to choose the main course more carefully and avoid overeating.

As a result, Paul felt more energetic and focused. He realised that good nutrition is not about strict restrictions but about making conscious choices. Eating out remained an enjoyable experience, but it no longer had a negative effect on his health.

Useful Words and Expressions

skip a meal – пропускать приём пищи

fast food – фастфуд

home-cooked dishes – домашние блюда

lack of nutrition – недостаток питательных веществ

energy level – уровень энергии

balanced diet – сбалансированный рацион

natural ingredients – натуральные ингредиенты

takeaway food – еда на вынос

notice improvements – замечать улучшения

regular meals – регулярные приёмы пищи

enjoy the flavour – наслаждаться вкусом

nutritious options – полезные варианты

main course – основное блюдо

avoid overeating – избегать переедания

as a result – в результате

conscious choices – осознанный выбор

have an effect on – оказывать влияние на

eating habits – пищевые привычки

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

We had a three- (meal / course) dinner at the restaurant.

She follows a healthy (diet / nutrition).

This traditional (dish / meal) is made with rice and vegetables.

The soup has a rich (taste / flavour).

We need to (book / order) a table in advance.

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

diet

dish

book

flavour

nutrition

a) the food you regularly eat

b) to reserve in advance

c) a particular prepared food

d) the quality that gives food its specific character

e) the process of receiving and using food

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Paul decide to change his eating habits?

What changes did he introduce into his diet?

How did proper nutrition affect his energy level?

Why is it important to avoid skipping meals?

What do you usually order when you eat out?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

course

diet

dish

flavour

book

Exercise 2

1 – a

2 – c

3 – b

4 – d

5 – e

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Paul decided to change his eating habits because he often felt tired and lacked proper nutrition. He realised that his diet was affecting his energy level.

He began to follow a balanced diet and cook meals at home. He reduced takeaway food and chose healthier options when eating out.

Proper nutrition had a positive effect on his energy level. He felt more active and focused during the day.

Skipping meals can reduce energy levels and affect concentration. Regular meals help maintain stable physical and mental performance.

When I eat out, I usually order a light main course and a salad. I prefer dishes made with natural ingredients.

Mini Advice

В теме питания и ресторанов на ЕГЭ часто проверяются:

meal / dish / course

diet / nutrition

taste / flavour

book / order

Запоминайте устойчивые сочетания:

follow a balanced diet, proper nutrition, book a table in advance, order a main course, skip a meal, have a positive effect on health.

Physical Activity and Motivation

Vocabulary Focus

1. exercise vs workout vs training

Exercise – любое физическое занятие для поддержания здоровья.

Workout – конкретная тренировка, обычно интенсивная и запланированная.

Training – подготовка к достижению цели, спортивная или профессиональная.

Walking every day is good exercise.

Ежедневная прогулка – хорошее упражнение.

I had a 45-minute workout at the gym.

У меня была 45-минутная тренировка в зале.

The team is undergoing intensive training before the competition.

Команда проходит интенсивную подготовку перед соревнованием.

Exercise – общий термин, workout – отдельная сессия, training – долгосрочный процесс подготовки.

2. motivation vs goal

Motivation – внутреннее желание что-то делать, стимул.

Goal – конкретная цель, которую хотят достичь.

Her motivation to exercise comes from wanting to feel healthier.

Её мотивация заниматься спортом – желание быть здоровее.

His goal is to run a marathon this year.

Его цель – пробежать марафон в этом году.

Motivation помогает достичь goal; они тесно связаны.

3. maintain vs improve

Maintain – поддерживать уровень (физической формы, привычки, здоровья).

Improve – улучшать, повышать уровень.

He tries to maintain his fitness by jogging regularly.

Он старается поддерживать форму, регулярно бегая.

Regular practice can improve your strength and endurance.

Регулярные занятия могут улучшить силу и выносливость.

Часто встречаются устойчивые сочетания: maintain health, maintain fitness, improve performance, improve skills.

4. challenge vs effort

Challenge – трудная задача или испытание.

Effort – приложенные усилия для достижения цели.

Climbing a mountain is a real challenge.

Восхождение на гору – настоящее испытание.

She put a lot of effort into her training.

Она приложила много усилий в тренировках.

Motivation часто появляется, когда есть challenge, а effort помогает преодолеть его.

Story

Finding Motivation Through Movement

Emma had always led a mostly sedentary lifestyle. She knew that regular physical activity could improve her health, but she lacked motivation. Simple exercises felt boring, and she often skipped workouts. Her main goal was to feel more energetic and stronger, but she struggled to maintain a consistent routine.

One day, she joined a local running club. The challenge of running with others motivated her to continue exercising. She started small, completing short workouts and gradually increasing intensity. Emma noticed that regular physical activity improved both her physical fitness and mood.

Over time, she learned how to maintain her motivation. Setting clear goals, tracking progress, and celebrating small achievements made her workouts more enjoyable. She realised that effort was necessary, but the benefits were worth it. Emma now looks forward to every session, knowing that consistency and dedication lead to tangible improvements in her health and strength.

Useful Words and Expressions

sedentary lifestyle – малоподвижный образ жизни

physical activity – физическая активность

regular exercise – регулярные упражнения

lack motivation – испытывать недостаток мотивации

workout – тренировка

goal – цель

maintain a routine – поддерживать режим

improve health – улучшать здоровье

increase intensity – увеличивать нагрузку

track progress – отслеживать прогресс

celebrate achievements – отмечать достижения

put effort into – прикладывать усилия

challenge – испытание, трудная задача

benefits – польза, преимущества

physical fitness – физическая форма

mood – настроение

consistency – последовательность

dedication – преданность делу

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

Running a marathon is a real (challenge / effort).

She wants to (maintain / improve) her fitness by jogging regularly.

Many people lack (goal / motivation) to exercise.

I had a short (workout / training) at the gym this morning.

Regular (exercise / training) is essential for health.

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

motivation

goal

effort

workout

maintain

a) a specific aim or target

b) to keep something at the same level

c) physical activity session

d) internal drive to act

e) energy applied to achieve something

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Emma struggle to exercise at first?

How did joining the running club help her?

What strategies helped her maintain motivation?

How does regular physical activity benefit both body and mind?

What motivates you to stay active?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

challenge

maintain

motivation

workout

exercise

Exercise 2

1 – d

2 – a

3 – e

4 – c

5 – b

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Emma struggled because she had a sedentary lifestyle and lacked motivation. Simple exercises seemed boring, and she often skipped them.

Joining the running club provided a challenge and social support, which motivated her to continue exercising.

She set clear goals, tracked progress, and celebrated small achievements, which helped her maintain motivation.

Regular physical activity improves physical fitness, increases energy, and enhances mood. It also contributes to overall health.

I stay active because I want to improve my health and feel more energetic. Setting small goals helps me keep consistent.

Mini Advice

В теме физической активности и мотивации на ЕГЭ важно различать:

exercise / workout / training

motivation / goal

maintain / improve

challenge / effort

Запоминайте устойчивые сочетания:

maintain fitness, improve health, set goals, track progress, put effort into, face a challenge.

Регулярное использование этих слов и коллокаций делает текст более естественным и повышает балл за письменную часть.

Personal Goals and Self-Improvement

Vocabulary Focus

1. goal vs ambition vs objective

Goal – конкретная цель, которую человек хочет достичь.

Ambition – стремление к успеху, долгосрочная устремлённость.

Objective – формальная цель или результат, которого нужно достичь.

My main goal is to finish the project by Friday.

Моя главная цель – закончить проект к пятнице.

Her ambition is to become a successful entrepreneur.

Её стремление – стать успешным предпринимателем.

The company set clear objectives for the next quarter.

Компания поставила чёткие задачи на следующий квартал.

Goal – конкретная личная цель, ambition – общее стремление, objective – часто формально поставленная цель.

2. develop vs improve

Develop – развивать что-то с нуля или постепенно формировать навыки/качества.

Improve – улучшать уже существующие умения или состояния.

He is trying to develop his leadership skills.

Он пытается развивать лидерские навыки.

Regular practice can improve your writing.

Регулярная практика может улучшить ваше письмо.

Обычно develop используется для роста способностей, improve – для повышения качества.

3. achieve vs accomplish

Achieve – достичь чего-то, часто сложного или значимого.

Accomplish – выполнить задачу, завершить работу успешно.

She achieved her goal of running a marathon.

Она достигла цели – пробежать марафон.

He accomplished all the tasks on his to-do list.

Он успешно выполнил все задания из своего списка дел.

Achieve чаще связано с результатом, accomplish – с самим выполнением работы.

4. self-discipline vs motivation

Self-discipline – способность контролировать себя и свои действия.

Motivation – внутренний стимул что-то делать.

Success requires self-discipline and persistence.

Успех требует самодисциплины и настойчивости.

Her motivation comes from wanting to improve every day.

Её мотивация исходит из желания совершенствоваться каждый день.

Self-discipline помогает поддерживать регулярные действия, даже когда motivation временно слабая.

Story

Emily’s Journey to Self-Improvement

Emily had always wanted to improve herself, but she often felt lost without clear goals. Her ambition was to become more organised and productive. She realised that achieving this would require both self-discipline and motivation.

She started by setting small, manageable goals. For example, she planned to wake up earlier, complete her daily tasks on time, and spend 30 minutes learning a new skill. Each accomplishment motivated her to continue. Emily also tracked her progress, which helped her develop better habits gradually.

Over several months, Emily noticed significant improvements. She became more confident and efficient in managing her time. Her self-discipline allowed her to stay consistent, even on challenging days. She learned that self-improvement is a step-by-step process: achieving small objectives leads to long-term success.