Топики на английском языке для продолжающих. Сборник текстов, устойчивых выражений и фразовых глаголов уровня B1–B2

She tries to maintain a healthy balance by setting clear boundaries.

Она старается поддерживать здоровый баланс, устанавливая чёткие границы.

2. switch off

Значение: отключаться от работы; переставать думать о работе

It is difficult to switch off after a long working day.

Трудно отключиться от работы после долгого рабочего дня.

He checks his email less often to help himself switch off in the evening.

Он реже проверяет почту, чтобы помочь себе отключиться вечером.

3. devote time to

Значение: посвящать время чему-либо

She devotes time to her hobbies every weekend.

Она посвящает время своим хобби каждые выходные.

It is important to devote time to family and friends.

Важно посвящать время семье и друзьям.

4. burn out

Значение: выгорать, испытывать эмоциональное истощение

Many employees burn out after months of constant stress.

Многие сотрудники выгорают после месяцев постоянного стресса.

If you never rest, you may eventually burn out.

Если никогда не отдыхать, можно в итоге выгореть.

Reading Text

In today’s fast-paced world, many people struggle to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Technology makes it possible to stay connected at all times, but it also makes it harder to switch off. Emails, messages, and notifications often continue long after the working day has officially ended.

When individuals fail to maintain a healthy balance, they may feel constantly tired and stressed. Over time, this situation can lead to serious problems, including burnout. People who burn out often lose motivation and experience a decrease in productivity. They may also find it difficult to devote time to activities they once enjoyed.

Learning to switch off is essential for long-term success. This might involve setting clear working hours and avoiding work-related communication in the evening. When people consciously devote time to their personal lives, they improve both their mental health and their professional performance.

Maintaining a healthy balance does not mean working less; it means working smarter. Employees who manage to switch off regularly are less likely to burn out. They return to work with more energy and focus. By choosing to devote time to rest, hobbies, and relationships, individuals protect themselves from emotional exhaustion.

Ultimately, work—life balance is not a luxury but a necessity. If you want to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy balance, you must learn when to switch off and how to devote time to what truly matters.

Check Your Understanding

Why is it difficult for many people to switch off from work?

What can happen if someone does not maintain a healthy balance?

Why does burnout affect productivity?

How does devoting time to personal life improve work performance?

What helps you maintain a healthy balance in your life?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you never rest, you may ______.

a) devote time

b) switch off

c) burn out

d) maintain

It is important to ______ your family and hobbies.

a) burn out

b) devote time to

c) switch off

d) fall behind

After work, she finds it hard to ______.

a) burn out

b) switch off

c) devote time

d) maintain on

To avoid stress, you should ______ between work and personal life.

a) burn out

b) switch off

c) maintain a healthy balance

d) devote off

Exercise 2 – Matching

maintain a healthy balance

switch off

devote time to

burn out

a. выгорать

b. отключаться от работы

c. поддерживать здоровый баланс

d. посвящать время

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Напишите 3—4 предложения о вашем work—life balance, используя минимум 2—3 выражения из Word Power.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (Sample Answers)

Because technology keeps them connected to work at all times.

They may feel stressed, tired, and eventually burn out.

Because emotional exhaustion reduces motivation and concentration.

It improves mental health and helps people return to work with more energy.

Example answer: I try to switch off in the evening and devote time to my hobbies to maintain a healthy balance.

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

1 – c) burn out

Explanation: Lack of rest can lead to emotional exhaustion.

2 – b) devote time to

Explanation: The correct collocation is «devote time to.»

3 – b) switch off

Explanation: We use «switch off» to mean disconnect from work.

4 – c) maintain a healthy balance

Explanation: This phrase describes keeping work and life in proportion.

Exercise 2 – Matching

1 – c

2 – b

3 – d

4 – a

Exercise 3 – Sample Answer

I try to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. In the evening, I switch off and avoid checking emails. I also devote time to sports to make sure I don’t burn out.

Building Healthy Habits

Word Power

1. stick to a plan

Значение: придерживаться плана

It is easier to achieve results when you stick to a plan.

Легче достичь результатов, когда придерживаешься плана.

She decided to stick to a plan instead of acting impulsively.

Она решила придерживаться плана вместо того, чтобы действовать импульсивно.

2. cut down on

Значение: сократить количество чего-либо

He is trying to cut down on sugar.

Он старается сократить потребление сахара.

Many people want to cut down on screen time.

Многие хотят сократить время перед экраном.

3. build up

Значение: постепенно наращивать, увеличивать

She is building up her strength after an injury.

Она постепенно наращивает силы после травмы.

You should build up healthy routines step by step.

Следует постепенно выстраивать полезные привычки.

4. stay consistent

Значение: оставаться последовательным, регулярным

The key to success is to stay consistent.

Ключ к успеху – оставаться последовательным.

It is difficult to stay consistent without clear goals.

Трудно оставаться последовательным без чётких целей.

Reading Text

Building healthy habits is not about making dramatic changes overnight. Many people start with enthusiasm but quickly lose motivation because they try to change too much at once. The real challenge is to stay consistent and stick to a plan, even when progress seems slow.

One common goal is to cut down on unhealthy food or reduce screen time. However, completely changing your lifestyle in one week is rarely realistic. Instead, it is better to cut down on small things gradually. For example, you can reduce sugar step by step or limit social media use in the evening.

Another important principle is to build up positive habits over time. You cannot expect immediate results. If you exercise regularly, you slowly build up strength and endurance. When you study every day, you build up knowledge and confidence. The key is to stay consistent and avoid giving up after a few difficult days.

People who manage to stick to a plan understand that small actions matter. Even if the progress is not visible at first, consistency leads to long-term results. When you cut down on negative habits and build up positive ones, you create a healthier lifestyle.

In the end, building healthy habits requires patience. If you stay consistent and stick to a plan, you will gradually see meaningful changes in your daily life.

Check Your Understanding

Why do many people lose motivation when building healthy habits?

What examples of cutting down are mentioned in the text?

Why is it important to build up habits gradually?

How does consistency influence long-term results?

What healthy habit would you like to build up? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you want better results, you should ______.

a) cut down on

b) stick to a plan

c) give up

d) fall behind

He decided to ______ coffee because he was drinking too much.

a) build up

b) stay consistent

c) cut down on

d) stick on

You can ______ your confidence by practising regularly.

a) cut down

b) build up

c) fall down

d) stick to

The key to success is to ______.

a) stay consistent

b) cut up

c) build off

d) put down

Exercise 2 – Matching

stick to a plan

cut down on

build up

stay consistent

a. постепенно наращивать

b. придерживаться плана

c. сократить количество

d. оставаться последовательным

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Напишите 3—4 предложения о привычке, которую вы хотите изменить или развить, используя минимум 2—3 выражения из Word Power.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (Sample Answers)

Because they try to change too much too quickly and lose motivation.

Cutting down on sugar and reducing screen time.

Because gradual change is more realistic and sustainable.

Consistency leads to steady improvement and long-term success.

Example answer: I would like to build up the habit of exercising because it improves my health and energy.

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

1 – b) stick to a plan

Explanation: Following a clear plan improves results.

2 – c) cut down on

Explanation: «Cut down on» means reduce the amount of something.

3 – b) build up

Explanation: Regular practice gradually increases confidence.

4 – a) stay consistent

Explanation: Consistency is essential for long-term success.

Exercise 2 – Matching

1 – b

2 – c

3 – a

4 – d

Exercise 3 – Sample Answer

I want to cut down on junk food and build up healthier habits. I have created a simple plan and try to stick to a plan every week. If I stay consistent, I believe I will see positive results.

Staying Motivated

Word Power

1. stay motivated

Значение: сохранять мотивацию

It is not easy to stay motivated during long projects.

Нелегко сохранять мотивацию во время долгих проектов.

She finds it easier to stay motivated when she sees progress.

Ей легче сохранять мотивацию, когда она видит прогресс.

2. keep going

Значение: продолжать, не останавливаться

Even when the task feels difficult, you should keep going.

Даже когда задача кажется сложной, нужно продолжать.

He was tired but decided to keep going.

Он устал, но решил продолжать.

3. lose interest

Значение: потерять интерес

Many people lose interest if they don’t see quick results.

Многие люди теряют интерес, если не видят быстрых результатов.

She lost interest in the course after a few weeks.

Она потеряла интерес к курсу через несколько недель.

4. remind yourself of

Значение: напоминать себе о чём-либо

You should remind yourself of your long-term goals.

Тебе стоит напоминать себе о своих долгосрочных целях.

He reminded himself of why he started the project.

Он напомнил себе, почему начал этот проект.

Reading Text

Staying motivated is one of the biggest challenges in personal and professional life. At the beginning of a new project, people usually feel excited and full of energy. However, as time passes and difficulties appear, it becomes harder to stay motivated and keep going.

One common reason people lose interest is the lack of immediate results. When progress seems slow, motivation decreases. In such situations, it is important to remind yourself of your original goals. If you regularly remind yourself of why you started, you are more likely to keep going.

Another effective strategy is to focus on small achievements. Celebrating minor successes helps you stay motivated and prevents you from losing interest. Instead of expecting dramatic changes, concentrate on steady improvement.

It is also normal to experience moments of doubt. Even highly successful individuals sometimes struggle to stay motivated. The difference is that they choose to keep going despite challenges. They remind themselves of their purpose and continue working toward their goals.

Motivation is not something that appears automatically every day. It requires conscious effort. If you learn to remind yourself of your priorities and keep going even when you feel tired, you will be less likely to lose interest and more likely to achieve long-term success.

Check Your Understanding

Why does motivation often decrease over time?

What can help people stay motivated?

Why do people lose interest when progress is slow?

How do successful individuals deal with moments of doubt?

What helps you stay motivated in difficult situations?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you don’t see results, you may ______.

a) keep going

b) lose interest

c) remind yourself

d) stay motivated

When work becomes difficult, you should ______.

a) lose interest

b) stay motivated

c) keep going

d) fall behind

It helps to ______ your goals regularly.

a) lose interest in

b) remind yourself of

c) keep going of

d) stay motivated of

Small achievements help you ______.

a) lose interest

b) stay motivated

c) fall behind

d) give out

Exercise 2 – Matching

stay motivated

keep going

lose interest

remind yourself of

a. потерять интерес

b. продолжать

c. напоминать себе о

d. сохранять мотивацию

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Напишите 3—4 предложения о цели, которую вы пытаетесь достичь, используя минимум 2—3 выражения из Word Power.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (Sample Answers)

Because difficulties appear and progress may seem slow.

Focusing on small achievements and reminding yourself of your goals.

Because they expect quick results and feel disappointed when change is gradual.

They choose to keep going and remind themselves of their purpose.

Example answer: I try to remind myself of my long-term goals and keep going even when I feel tired.

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

1 – b) lose interest

Explanation: Lack of visible results can reduce motivation.

2 – c) keep going

Explanation: The phrase means to continue despite difficulties.

3 – b) remind yourself of

Explanation: The correct structure is «remind yourself of something.»

4 – b) stay motivated

Explanation: Small achievements help maintain motivation.

Exercise 2 – Matching

1 – d

2 – b

3 – a

4 – c

Exercise 3 – Sample Answer

I am learning English and sometimes I lose interest when progress is slow. To stay motivated, I remind myself of my long-term goal. Even when it feels difficult, I try to keep going and practise every day.

Overcoming Procrastination

Word Power

1. put something off

Значение: откладывать что-либо

Many people put important tasks off until the last minute.

Многие люди откладывают важные задачи до последнего момента.

She tends to put off difficult conversations.

Она склонна откладывать сложные разговоры.

2. get started

Значение: начать, приступить к делу

The hardest part is to get started.

Самое сложное – это начать.

Once you get started, the task becomes easier.

Как только ты начинаешь, задача становится легче.

3. feel guilty about

Значение: чувствовать вину из-за

He felt guilty about wasting time.

Он чувствовал вину из-за потраченного впустую времени.

She feels guilty about putting work off.

Она чувствует вину из-за того, что откладывает работу.

4. take responsibility for

Значение: брать ответственность за

You need to take responsibility for your decisions.

Нужно брать ответственность за свои решения.

He finally took responsibility for his mistakes.

Он наконец взял ответственность за свои ошибки.

Reading Text

Procrastination is a common problem that affects students and professionals alike. Many people put important tasks off, even when they know it will cause stress later. At first, avoiding responsibility may feel comfortable, but over time it creates anxiety and pressure.

One of the main reasons people put something off is fear. They may be afraid of failure or worried about making mistakes. Instead of taking responsibility for the task, they delay it. However, the longer you put something off, the more difficult it feels to get started.

Interestingly, the hardest part is often simply getting started. Once you get started, the task usually seems less complicated than expected. Small actions reduce uncertainty and help build confidence. When people finally take responsibility for their work, they often realise that their fears were exaggerated.

Procrastination also leads to negative emotions. Many individuals feel guilty about wasting time or missing deadlines. Feeling guilty about unfinished tasks can lower self-esteem and reduce motivation. This creates a cycle: you put something off, feel guilty about it, and then delay it even more.

To overcome procrastination, it is essential to take responsibility for your actions and focus on small steps. If you decide to get started immediately instead of putting things off, you will feel more in control and less stressed in the long run.

Check Your Understanding

Why do people often put tasks off?

What happens once a person gets started?

Why does procrastination create feelings of guilt?

How does taking responsibility help reduce procrastination?

What tasks do you sometimes put off, and why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you delay a task, you ______ it ______.

a) take / off

b) put / off

c) get / off

d) feel / off

The hardest part of a task is often to ______.

a) feel guilty

b) take responsibility

c) get started

d) put off

He felt bad and ______ wasting time.

a) got started

b) took responsibility

c) felt guilty about

d) put off

To solve the problem, you need to ______ your actions.

a) get started

b) take responsibility for

c) feel guilty about

d) put off

Exercise 2 – Matching

put something off

get started

feel guilty about

take responsibility for

a. чувствовать вину из-за

b. брать ответственность за

c. откладывать

d. начать

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Напишите 3—4 предложения о том, как вы боретесь с прокрастинацией, используя минимум 2—3 выражения из Word Power.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding (Sample Answers)

Because they are afraid of failure or making mistakes.

The task usually feels easier and less complicated.

Because unfinished tasks create stress and self-criticism.

Taking responsibility helps people face tasks directly instead of avoiding them.

Example answer: I sometimes put off difficult tasks because I am afraid of making mistakes, but I try to get started quickly to avoid feeling guilty about it.

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

1 – b) put / off

Explanation: «Put off» means delay something.

2 – c) get started

Explanation: The text says that beginning is often the hardest part.

3 – c) felt guilty about

Explanation: The correct structure is «feel guilty about something.»

4 – b) take responsibility for

Explanation: The full phrase is required to express accountability.

Exercise 2 – Matching

1 – c

2 – d

3 – a

4 – b

Exercise 3 – Sample Answer

I sometimes put important tasks off because they seem difficult. However, I try to get started as soon as possible. If I delay work, I feel guilty about wasting time, so I take responsibility for my schedule.

Learning from Mistakes

Word Power

1. make a mistake

Значение: совершить ошибку

Everyone makes a mistake sometimes.

Каждый иногда совершает ошибку.

She made a mistake in her calculations.

Она допустила ошибку в своих расчётах.

2. learn from

Значение: учиться на опыте, извлекать урок

It is important to learn from your mistakes.

Важно учиться на своих ошибках.

He learned from his experience and avoided repeating it.

Он извлёк урок из своего опыта и не повторял ошибки.

3. admit to

Значение: признавать, соглашаться с чем-либо

She admitted to making a mistake in the report.

Она признала ошибку в отчёте.

It is difficult to admit to failure, but it helps you grow.

Признать неудачу сложно, но это помогает развиваться.

4. take responsibility for

Значение: брать ответственность за

You should take responsibility for your actions.

Следует брать ответственность за свои действия.

He took responsibility for the error and corrected it.

Он взял ответственность за ошибку и исправил её.

Reading Text

Mistakes are a natural part of learning and personal growth. Everyone makes a mistake at some point, whether in school, at work, or in relationships. What matters most is not the mistake itself but how you respond to it.

The first step is to admit to your mistake. Denying it often makes the situation worse. When you admit to a mistake, you show honesty and take control of the situation. This also allows you to take responsibility for the consequences, which is essential for personal development.

The next step is to learn from the experience. Reflect on what went wrong and why. People who learn from their mistakes are more likely to succeed in the future. They use the knowledge gained to avoid repeating the same errors and improve their decision-making skills.

It is also important to maintain a positive attitude. Making a mistake does not mean failure. Everyone encounters challenges, and errors can provide valuable lessons. By taking responsibility and learning from mistakes, individuals become more confident and resilient.

Ultimately, learning from mistakes is about growth and improvement. People who approach errors as opportunities to learn are better prepared to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and continue progressing in life. Mistakes are not setbacks; they are stepping stones toward success.

Check Your Understanding

Why is admitting a mistake important?

How can mistakes help personal growth?

What should you do after admitting a mistake?

Why does maintaining a positive attitude matter?