Грамматика, коллокации и устойчивые выражения: тренинг для уровня B1–B2. Пошаговая практика для расширения словарного запаса, навыков письма и речи

a) refuse in a respectful way

c) accept their boundaries

Exercise 2

1 – c

2 – b

3 – d

4 – a

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

If you feel overwhelmed at work, you should stand up for yourself and explain your situation.

Healthy teams respect someone’s limits and communicate openly.

She decided to set clear boundaries about working late every weekend.

It is possible to say no politely without damaging the relationship.

Handling Criticism

Word Power

1. take criticism personally

– воспринимать критику слишком лично

He tends to take criticism personally, even when it is helpful.

Он склонен воспринимать критику слишком лично, даже когда она полезная.

Try not to take criticism personally at work.

Старайся не воспринимать критику слишком лично на работе.

2. deal with criticism

– справляться с критикой

She learned how to deal with criticism in a professional way.

Она научилась справляться с критикой профессионально.

It is not easy to deal with criticism calmly.

Нелегко спокойно справляться с критикой.

3. take it on board

– принять к сведению и учесть

He took the advice on board and improved his performance.

Он принял совет к сведению и улучшил свою работу.

If you take feedback on board, you can grow faster.

Если ты принимаешь обратную связь к сведению, ты можешь расти быстрее.

4. react defensively

– реагировать защитно, оправдываться

She reacted defensively when her manager mentioned the mistake.

Она отреагировала защитно, когда менеджер упомянул ошибку.

People often react defensively if they feel attacked.

Люди часто реагируют защитно, если чувствуют нападение.

Reading Text

Criticism is a natural part of learning and professional development. However, many people find it difficult to deal with criticism, especially when it feels unexpected or unfair. One common reaction is to take criticism personally. When this happens, emotions can take control, and it becomes harder to think objectively.

Another typical reaction is to react defensively. For example, a person may immediately explain why the mistake was not their fault or blame external circumstances. While this reaction is understandable, it often prevents real improvement. If you react defensively, you may miss valuable information.

A more productive approach is to stay calm and try to deal with criticism in a constructive way. Instead of focusing on emotions, focus on the message. Ask yourself what you can learn from the situation. If the criticism is fair, take it on board and think about how to improve.

Handling criticism well requires practice and emotional intelligence. When you stop taking criticism personally and start using it as a tool for growth, you become more confident and resilient. Over time, you learn that criticism is not an attack, but an opportunity to develop your skills.

Check Your Understanding

Why do many people take criticism personally?

What happens when someone reacts defensively?

What is a more productive way to deal with criticism?

How can taking criticism on board help personal development?

How do you usually react when someone criticizes you?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you take criticism personally, you:

a) analyze it calmly

b) feel emotionally hurt

c) ignore it

d) thank the person

To react defensively means to:

a) accept advice

b) stay silent

c) protect yourself by arguing or explaining

d) agree immediately

If you take something on board, you:

a) forget it

b) consider and use it

c) reject it

d) misunderstand it

To deal with criticism successfully, you should:

a) avoid feedback

b) stay calm and reflect

c) argue loudly

d) blame others

Exercise 2 – Matching

take criticism personally

deal with criticism

take it on board

react defensively

a) реагировать защитно

b) воспринимать критику слишком лично

c) принять к сведению и учесть

d) справляться с критикой

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2—3 expressions from Word Power.

Instead of __________, try to listen carefully to what is being said.

It is important not to __________ if you want to grow professionally.

She learned to __________ calmly and professionally.

After the meeting, he decided to __________ and improve his work.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding – Sample Answers

Because they feel emotionally hurt or think the criticism is an attack.

They may argue or justify themselves and miss useful advice.

Staying calm, focusing on the message, and learning from it.

It helps you improve your skills and become more resilient.

Sample answer: I sometimes take criticism personally at first, but I try to think about it calmly later.

Exercise 1

b) feel emotionally hurt

c) protect yourself by arguing or explaining

b) consider and use it

b) stay calm and reflect

Exercise 2

1 – b

2 – d

3 – c

4 – a

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

Instead of reacting defensively, try to listen carefully to what is being said.

It is important not to take criticism personally if you want to grow professionally.

She learned to deal with criticism calmly and professionally.

After the meeting, he decided to take it on board and improve his work.

Job Interviews and First Days

Word Power

1. make a strong impression

– произвести сильное впечатление

She wanted to make a strong impression during the interview.

Она хотела произвести сильное впечатление во время собеседования.

Your first day at work is a chance to make a strong impression.

Первый рабочий день – это возможность произвести сильное впечатление.

2. highlight your strengths

– подчеркнуть свои сильные стороны

During the interview, he highlighted his strengths and experience.

Во время собеседования он подчеркнул свои сильные стороны и опыт.

It’s important to highlight your strengths without sounding arrogant.

Важно подчеркнуть свои сильные стороны, не звуча высокомерно.

3. ask thoughtful questions

– задавать продуманные вопросы

Candidates who ask thoughtful questions seem more motivated.

Кандидаты, которые задают продуманные вопросы, выглядят более мотивированными.

She asked thoughtful questions about the company’s future plans.

Она задала продуманные вопросы о будущих планах компании.

4. settle into a new role

– освоиться в новой роли

It took him a few weeks to settle into his new role.

Ему потребовалось несколько недель, чтобы освоиться в новой роли.

The team helped her settle into her new role quickly.

Команда помогла ей быстро освоиться в новой роли.

Reading Text

Job interviews and first days at work can be both exciting and stressful. During an interview, candidates usually try to make a strong impression by presenting themselves professionally and confidently. One of the most effective strategies is to highlight your strengths in a clear and structured way. Instead of giving general answers, successful candidates provide specific examples of their achievements.

Another important aspect of an interview is the ability to ask thoughtful questions. When you ask thoughtful questions about the company’s goals or team culture, you show genuine interest. This can help you make a strong impression and stand out from other applicants.

The first day at work is equally important. Even after getting the job, you continue to build your professional image. Many employees feel nervous at first, but this is natural. It takes time to settle into a new role and understand expectations.

To settle into a new role successfully, it is helpful to observe carefully, communicate openly, and continue to highlight your strengths through your actions. With preparation and a positive attitude, both interviews and first days can become valuable steps in your career development.

Check Your Understanding

How can candidates make a strong impression during an interview?

Why is it important to ask thoughtful questions?

Why do many employees feel nervous on their first day?

What helps a person settle into a new role successfully?

What do you think is the most difficult part of a job interview?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

To highlight your strengths means to:

a) hide your skills

b) emphasize your strong qualities

c) criticize yourself

d) change the topic

If you ask thoughtful questions, you:

a) show preparation and interest

b) interrupt the interviewer

c) avoid serious topics

d) confuse people

To settle into a new role means to:

a) leave the job

b) feel comfortable and understand your responsibilities

c) change positions

d) complain about tasks

Making a strong impression usually requires:

a) being silent

b) ignoring preparation

c) preparation and confidence

d) criticizing others

Exercise 2 – Matching

make a strong impression

highlight your strengths

ask thoughtful questions

settle into a new role

a) освоиться в новой роли

b) задать продуманные вопросы

c) произвести сильное впечатление

d) подчеркнуть свои сильные стороны

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2—3 expressions from Word Power.

During the interview, she tried to __________ by speaking clearly and confidently.

To stand out from other candidates, you should __________ and give examples.

On his first day, he listened carefully in order to __________ more quickly.

Employers appreciate candidates who __________ about the company and its goals.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding – Sample Answers

By preparing well, highlighting their strengths, and asking thoughtful questions.

Because it shows genuine interest and preparation.

Because everything is new, and they are not yet familiar with expectations.

Observing carefully, communicating openly, and demonstrating strengths through actions.

Sample answer: I think the most difficult part is talking about my strengths without feeling nervous.

Exercise 1

b) emphasize your strong qualities

a) show preparation and interest

b) feel comfortable and understand your responsibilities

c) preparation and confidence

Exercise 2

1 – c

2 – d

3 – b

4 – a

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

During the interview, she tried to make a strong impression by speaking clearly and confidently.

To stand out from other candidates, you should highlight your strengths and give examples.

On his first day, he listened carefully in order to settle into a new role more quickly.

Employers appreciate candidates who ask thoughtful questions about the company and its goals.

Taking Responsibility

Word Power

1. take responsibility for

– брать ответственность за что-либо

She took responsibility for the mistake in the report.

Она взяла ответственность за ошибку в отчёте.

It is important to take responsibility for your decisions.

Важно брать ответственность за свои решения.

2. admit a mistake

– признать ошибку

He admitted a mistake and corrected it immediately.

Он признал ошибку и сразу её исправил.

It takes courage to admit a mistake in front of the team.

Нужно мужество, чтобы признать ошибку перед командой.

3. be accountable for

– нести ответственность (в более формальном, профессиональном смысле)

Managers are accountable for their team’s performance.

Менеджеры несут ответственность за результаты своей команды.

Each employee is accountable for their tasks.

Каждый сотрудник отвечает за свои задачи.

4. take initiative

– проявлять инициативу

She took initiative and solved the problem before it became serious.

Она проявила инициативу и решила проблему до того, как она стала серьёзной.

Employees who take initiative are highly valued.

Сотрудники, которые проявляют инициативу, высоко ценятся.

Reading Text

Taking responsibility is a key quality in both personal and professional life. In the workplace, people are expected to be accountable for their actions and decisions. This means not only completing tasks, but also admitting a mistake when something goes wrong.

Many people find it difficult to admit a mistake because they are afraid of criticism. However, refusing to take responsibility for a problem can damage trust within a team. When employees openly admit a mistake and explain how they plan to fix it, they show maturity and professionalism.

Being accountable for your work also means meeting deadlines and delivering quality results. At the same time, responsible employees often take initiative. Instead of waiting for instructions, they look for solutions and try to improve processes. When someone takes initiative, it shows that they care about the overall success of the team.

Leaders especially need to take responsibility for both successes and failures. A strong leader is accountable for the team’s performance and does not blame others. In the long term, people who consistently take responsibility and admit a mistake when necessary earn respect and build strong professional relationships.

Check Your Understanding

What does it mean to be accountable for your work?

Why do some people find it difficult to admit a mistake?

How does refusing to take responsibility affect a team?

Why is taking initiative an important quality?

In what situations do you find it hard to take responsibility?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you take responsibility for something, you:

a) blame someone else

b) accept that it is your duty

c) ignore the problem

d) avoid discussion

To admit a mistake means to:

a) hide it

b) explain it

c) accept that you were wrong

d) repeat it

If you are accountable for a task, you:

a) are responsible for its result

b) share it with everyone

c) forget about it

d) change it

To take initiative means to:

a) wait for instructions

b) criticize others

c) act independently and start something

d) avoid responsibility

Exercise 2 – Matching

take responsibility for

admit a mistake

be accountable for

take initiative

a) нести ответственность

b) признать ошибку

c) проявлять инициативу

d) брать ответственность за

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2—3 expressions from Word Power.

A good employee is ready to __________ problems and fix them.

Managers must __________ their team’s performance.

Instead of waiting for instructions, she decided to __________.

It is important to __________ your actions in difficult situations.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding – Sample Answers

It means being responsible for the results of your tasks and decisions.

Because they are afraid of criticism or negative consequences.

It can damage trust and create conflict within the team.

Because it shows independence, responsibility, and commitment.

Sample answer: I find it hard to take responsibility when the situation involves other people and shared decisions.

Exercise 1

b) accept that it is your duty

c) accept that you were wrong

a) are responsible for its result

c) act independently and start something

Exercise 2

1 – d

2 – b

3 – a

4 – c

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

A good employee is ready to admit a mistake and fix it.

Managers must be accountable for their team’s performance.

Instead of waiting for instructions, she decided to take initiative.

It is important to take responsibility for your actions in difficult situations.

Working Under Pressure

Word Power

1. work under pressure

– работать в условиях давления, стресса

Some people perform well when they work under pressure.

Некоторые люди хорошо работают в условиях давления.

It is not always easy to work under pressure and stay calm.

Не всегда легко работать под давлением и сохранять спокойствие.

2. meet tight deadlines

– укладываться в жёсткие сроки

The team had to meet tight deadlines before the product launch.

Команде нужно было уложиться в жёсткие сроки перед запуском продукта.

She is good at meeting tight deadlines.

Она умеет работать в условиях жёстких сроков.

3. stay focused

– сохранять концентрацию

It is important to stay focused during busy periods.

Важно сохранять концентрацию в напряжённые периоды.

He stayed focused despite the noise in the office.

Он сохранял концентрацию, несмотря на шум в офисе.

4. cope with stress

– справляться со стрессом

She learned how to cope with stress in a healthy way.

Она научилась справляться со стрессом здоровым способом.

Exercise can help you cope with stress.

Физические упражнения помогают справляться со стрессом.

Reading Text

Modern workplaces often require employees to work under pressure. Projects may change quickly, clients may have high expectations, and teams are expected to meet tight deadlines. In such situations, the ability to stay focused becomes essential.

When people work under pressure, they sometimes feel overwhelmed. However, pressure is not always negative. For some employees, a challenging situation increases motivation and productivity. The key difference lies in how individuals cope with stress. Those who develop healthy strategies, such as planning tasks carefully or taking short breaks, are more likely to stay focused and meet tight deadlines successfully.

Time management also plays a crucial role. When tasks are clearly prioritized, it becomes easier to work under pressure without losing control. Instead of reacting emotionally, professionals try to cope with stress by concentrating on solutions.

In the long term, the ability to meet tight deadlines and stay focused improves career opportunities. Employers value people who can work under pressure and cope with stress effectively. Although pressure is unavoidable in many industries, learning to manage it calmly and professionally can turn a stressful situation into an opportunity for growth.

Check Your Understanding

Why do many workplaces require employees to work under pressure?

How can pressure sometimes have a positive effect?

What helps people stay focused during stressful periods?

Why is time management important when meeting tight deadlines?

How do you usually cope with stress at work or school?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 – Multiple Choice

If you work under pressure, you:

a) work in relaxed conditions

b) work in stressful conditions

c) avoid responsibility

d) work alone

To meet tight deadlines means to:

a) miss deadlines

b) extend deadlines

c) complete tasks on time despite limited time

d) cancel tasks

If you stay focused, you:

a) get distracted easily

b) maintain concentration

c) change your plans

d) stop working

To cope with stress means to:

a) increase stress

b) ignore stress

c) manage stress successfully

d) create problems

Exercise 2 – Matching

work under pressure

meet tight deadlines

stay focused

cope with stress

a) сохранять концентрацию

b) работать под давлением

c) справляться со стрессом

d) укладываться в жёсткие сроки

Exercise 3 – Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2—3 expressions from Word Power.

During exam week, students often have to __________ and __________.

She managed to __________ even when the office was very busy.

Good planning helps you __________ more effectively.

Employers appreciate candidates who can __________ and remain calm.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding – Sample Answers

Because projects change quickly and clients have high expectations.

It can increase motivation and productivity for some people.

Healthy stress-management strategies and clear planning.

Because it helps prioritize tasks and avoid losing control.

Sample answer: I cope with stress by organizing my tasks and taking short breaks.

Exercise 1

b) work in stressful conditions

c) complete tasks on time despite limited time

b) maintain concentration

c) manage stress successfully

Exercise 2

1 – b

2 – d

3 – a

4 – c

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

During exam week, students often have to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

She managed to stay focused even when the office was very busy.

Good planning helps you cope with stress more effectively.

Employers appreciate candidates who can work under pressure and remain calm.

Time Management Skills

Word Power

1. manage your time effectively

– эффективно управлять своим временем

Students need to manage their time effectively before exams.

Студентам нужно эффективно управлять своим временем перед экзаменами.

If you manage your time effectively, you feel less stressed.

Если ты эффективно управляешь временем, ты испытываешь меньше стресса.

2. prioritize tasks

– расставлять задачи по приоритету

She prioritized tasks according to their importance.

Она расставила задачи по приоритету в зависимости от их важности.

It’s important to prioritize tasks when you are busy.

Важно расставлять задачи по приоритету, когда ты занят.

3. keep track of

– отслеживать, контролировать

He keeps track of his deadlines using a planner.

Он отслеживает свои дедлайны с помощью планера.

It’s hard to keep track of multiple projects without a system.

Сложно отслеживать несколько проектов без системы.

4. avoid distractions

– избегать отвлекающих факторов

She avoids distractions by turning off notifications.

Она избегает отвлекающих факторов, отключая уведомления.

To work productively, you must avoid distractions.

Чтобы работать продуктивно, нужно избегать отвлекающих факторов.

Reading Text