Рассказы на английском языке для средней школы. Интересные истории с упражнениями

back row – последний ряд

front – передний

seat – место

nervous – нервный

backpack – рюкзак

concentrate – концентрироваться

pass notes – передавать записки

giggle – хихикать

paper airplane – бумажный самолётик

duck – пригнуться

trouble – неприятности

advantage – преимущество

distraction – отвлечение

polite – вежливый

chaos – хаос

agree – согласиться

notice – замечать

surprisingly – удивительно

part of – часть чего-либо

focus – сосредоточиться

helpful – полезный, готовый помочь

lesson – урок

maths – математика

realise – осознавать

survive – справляться

space – место (личное)

favourite – любимый

row – ряд

Discussion Questions

Why did Emma choose to sit at the back?

Who did Emma meet there?

What problem happened in the back row?

What advantage did Emma find in sitting at the back?

How did Emma feel at the end of the day?

Fill in the Gaps

Emma walked quietly to the ______ row.

A boy with glasses said, «This seat is ______.»

Some students were passing ______ and giggling.

All of a sudden, a ______ flew past her head.

Daniel explained that the back row can be quiet or full of ______.

Emma found it easier to ______ during maths.

Daniel asked the students to be ______, and they listened.

Sitting at the back didn’t mean being ______.

Emma thought it might be her ______ seat.

She realized she could still be part of the ______.

Answers

Discussion Questions:

She chose it because the front seats were taken and it was quieter.

She met Daniel.

A paper airplane flew past and some students were chatting.

She could concentrate and work without distraction.

She felt happy and comfortable.

Fill in the Gaps:

back

free

notes

paper airplane

chaos

focus

quiet

invisible

favourite

class

Chapter 5 – The Secret in Locker 214

It was Thursday morning, and Emma walked into Green Valley School feeling curious. During the break yesterday, she had noticed something strange. A few students were whispering near locker 214. One of them seemed nervous, looking around as if someone might be watching.

Emma decided to take a closer look.

She waited until the bell rang, and most students went to their classrooms. The hallway was quiet. She slowly approached locker 214. It was painted light blue, and a small sticker was on the corner.

«What could be inside?» Emma wondered.

She gently opened the locker. Inside, she found a notebook, a pencil case, and a small envelope with the words: Do not open yet.

Emma’s heart started beating faster. She carefully opened the envelope. Inside was a folded note. It read:

Meet me after school behind the gym. Come alone.

Emma felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Who could have left this note? And why only for her?

During the day, she tried to concentrate in class, but her mind kept wandering back to the secret of locker 214.

Finally, the last bell rang. Emma waited until most students left the hallway. Then she quietly went to the back of the gym.

A boy stepped out from behind the wall. It was Daniel, the boy from the back row.

«Hi,» he said nervously. «Thanks for coming. I didn’t want anyone else to know.»

Emma tilted her head. «What is it about?»

Daniel took a deep breath. «I found this notebook in the library last week. It belongs to the old principal. It has some old school stories and secrets. I thought you might like to see it.»

Emma’s eyes widened. «Wow… really?»

Daniel smiled. «Yes. But we have to be careful. Some of the stories are funny, some are mysterious, and some… are a little scary.»

Emma and Daniel sat on the steps behind the gym. Daniel opened the notebook. There were old photographs, doodles, and notes from previous students. One story told about a hidden passage in the school basement. Another described a secret club that used to meet after classes.

Emma laughed at some of the funny stories and shivered at the scary ones. She couldn’t believe how much history and mystery were hidden in the school.

«Thank you for sharing this with me,» she said.

Daniel shrugged. «I thought you’d like it. I needed someone to share it with.»

Emma smiled. For the first time, she felt that school had more than just lessons and homework. There were adventures waiting for her if she was curious and brave enough to explore.

When she walked home, she thought about what she had learned that day: secrets can be exciting, but sharing them wisely makes them even better.

Maybe locker 214 was just the beginning of many new discoveries.

Glossary

curious – любопытный

strange – странный

whisper – шептать

nervous – нервный

hallway – коридор

quiet – тихий

gently – осторожно

sticker – наклейка

envelope – конверт

folded – сложенный

note – записка

alone – один

excitement – волнение

concentrate – сосредоточиться

wander – блуждать

last bell – последний звонок

behind – за

sigh – вздох

secret – секрет

share – делиться

photograph – фотография

doodle – каракуля

basement – подвал

club – клуб

shiver – дрожать

brave – смелый

explore – исследовать

lesson – урок

adventure – приключение

discovery – открытие

Discussion Questions

What did Emma find in locker 214?

Who left the note for Emma?

What did the notebook contain?

Where did Emma and Daniel go after school?

What did Emma learn from this experience?

Fill in the Gaps

Emma noticed students whispering near ______ 214.

Inside the locker, she found a notebook, a pencil case, and a small ______.

The envelope said: «Do not ______ yet.»

Emma was told to come ______ to meet someone.

The note led Emma to go behind the ______.

Daniel explained the notebook belonged to the old ______.

The notebook had photographs, doodles, and old ______.

One story described a hidden ______ in the school basement.

Some stories were funny, some mysterious, and some a little ______.

Emma learned that sharing secrets ______ makes them better.

Answers

Discussion Questions:

She found a notebook, pencil case, and an envelope with a note.

Daniel left the note for her.

The notebook contained old photographs, doodles, and stories about the school, including secrets.

They went behind the gym.

Emma learned that school has secrets and adventures, and sharing wisely makes them better.

Fill in the Gaps:

locker

envelope

open

alone

gym

principal

notes

passage

scary

wisely

Chapter 6 – The Day Our Teacher Didn’t Come

It was Friday morning, and Class 8B was ready for English. Emma had her notebook and pen, ready to practise her reading for next week. But when the bell rang, something unusual happened.

The teacher, Mr. Thompson, didn’t appear.

Students looked at each other in surprise. Some whispered, «Where is he?» Some laughed.

Emma felt a little worried. She liked Mr. Thompson, and she was not sure what to do without him.

«Maybe he’s sick,» Daniel whispered.

A few students in the back cheered quietly. «No homework today!» one of them said.

Mrs. Miller’s voice came over the loudspeaker. «Good morning, Class 8B. Mr. Thompson is not here today. Please behave and use the time wisely.»

Emma sighed. She didn’t want the class to be noisy, but she also wanted to do something useful.

Leo raised his hand. «Can we work on the history project again?» he asked.

«Good idea,» Emma said. «I still want to practise my part.»

The students divided into small groups. Emma worked with Sophie, Mia, and Leo. They went over their lines and discussed their presentation again.

Daniel sat nearby, reading a book quietly. «I think this is better than having the teacher,» he said softly.

All of a sudden, a ball rolled into the classroom from the hallway. Some students laughed, but Leo quickly returned it. «Focus, please,» he said.

Emma realized that even without a teacher, students could stay organized if they wanted to.

For the next forty minutes, the group practised, shared ideas, and helped each other. Emma felt proud of how everyone worked together.

Finally, the bell rang, and the classroom emptied. Emma packed her bag.

«That was productive,» she said to Leo.

«Yeah,» he replied. «Sometimes, not having a teacher is not so bad.»

Emma smiled. She knew that the day was unusual, but she had learned something important: sometimes you can take responsibility, and things can still work out.

On the way home, she thought about the week. New friends, group projects, and even unexpected free lessons – it had been an exciting start at Green Valley School.

Maybe Fridays without a teacher could be the best days sometimes.

Glossary

unusual – необычный

surprise – удивление

whisper – шептать

worried – обеспокоенный

behave – вести себя

wisely – разумно

sigh – вздох

divide – разделять

group – группа

practise – репетировать

part – часть

nearby – поблизости

organize – организовывать

focus – сосредоточиться

productive – продуктивный

responsibility – ответственность

empty – пустой

raise hand – поднять руку

share ideas – делиться идеями

free lesson – урок без учителя

laugh – смеяться

quietly – тихо

useful – полезный

teacher – учитель

cheer – подбадривать

roll – катиться

soft – мягкий

even – даже

unusual start – необычное начало

exciting – захватывающий

Discussion Questions

What happened on Friday morning in Class 8B?

How did Emma feel when the teacher didn’t come?

What did Leo suggest to do?

How did the students behave without a teacher?

What did Emma learn from this day?

Fill in the Gaps

The teacher, Mr. Thompson, didn’t ______.

Students looked at each other in ______.

Mrs. Miller said to behave and use the time ______.

Emma worked on the history project with Sophie, Mia, and ______.

Daniel sat ______, reading a book.

A ball rolled into the classroom from the ______.

Leo asked the students to stay ______.

The students practised and shared ______ for forty minutes.

Emma felt proud of how everyone stayed ______.

She realized that taking ______ can make things work out.

Answers

Discussion Questions:

Mr. Thompson didn’t come to class.

She felt a little worried.

Leo suggested working on the history project again.

They stayed organized, practised, and helped each other.

Emma learned that taking responsibility helps things work out.

Fill in the Gaps:

appear

surprise

wisely

Leo

nearby

hallway

focused

ideas

organized

responsibility

Chapter 7 – The School Talent Show

It was Friday afternoon, and the school was buzzing with excitement. Green Valley School was hosting its annual talent show, and students from all classes were preparing to perform. Emma had never joined a talent show before, but this year, her friends encouraged her to participate.

«Come on, Emma!» Leo said. «You can sing! Everyone would love it.»

Emma felt nervous. «I don’t know… What if I forget the words?»

«Don’t worry,» Sophie said. «Take your time and practise. We’ll help you.»

After school, Emma went to the music room. She had written down the lyrics to her favourite song and practised singing in front of a small mirror. Her voice shook at first, but after a few tries, she felt more confident.

On Saturday morning, the stage was set in the school hall. Colourful lights, a big curtain, and a microphone in the middle made the room feel professional. Emma’s heart started beating fast.

«Feel free to warm up,» the music teacher said. «The show starts in ten minutes.»

Emma looked around. Some students were juggling, some were dancing, and others played instruments. It all looked so exciting.

When it was Emma’s turn, she walked to the stage slowly. She held the microphone tightly and looked at the audience. Some students were smiling, some teachers were watching carefully.

«Hi, everyone,» she said softly. «I’m Emma, and I want to sing a song for you.»

She started singing. At first, her voice was a little shaky, but she remembered what her mother had told her: «If you make a mistake, just keep going.»

All of a sudden, the music stopped. The CD player had paused. Emma froze for a moment. The audience looked surprised.

Then, she took a deep breath and continued singing without the music. Her voice became stronger. She remembered the lyrics perfectly and sang from her heart.

When she finished, there was silence for a moment. Then the hall erupted into clapping and cheering.

«That was amazing, Emma!» Leo shouted. Sophie and Mia ran to the stage to congratulate her.

Emma smiled, feeling proud. She had faced her fear and performed in front of the whole school.

Later, during the awards ceremony, Emma didn’t win first place. But that didn’t matter. She had learned something more important: courage is not about being perfect; it’s about trying and not giving up.

Walking home with her friends, Emma laughed. Maybe next year, she would perform again.

For now, she felt happy and confident.

Glossary

talent show – конкурс талантов

annual – ежегодный

perform – выступать

encourage – поощрять

nervous – нервный

forget – забывать

practise – репетировать

music room – музыкальный класс

lyrics – слова песни

mirror – зеркало

confident – уверенный

stage – сцена

curtain – занавес

microphone – микрофон

colourful – цветной

professional – профессиональный

warm up – разогреться

juggler – жонглёр

instrument – музыкальный инструмент

audience – аудитория

make a mistake – делать ошибку

freeze – замереть

deep breath – глубокий вдох

erupt – взорваться (о реакции публики)

cheer – аплодировать

proud – гордый

courage – смелость

perfect – идеальный

congratulate – поздравлять

confident – уверенный

Discussion Questions

Why was Emma nervous about the talent show?

Who encouraged Emma to participate?

What problem happened during her performance?

How did Emma handle the problem?

What lesson did Emma learn from the talent show?

Fill in the Gaps

Green Valley School was hosting its annual ______ show.

Leo said Emma could ______.

She practised singing in front of a small ______.

On stage, Emma held the ______ tightly.

At first, her voice was a little ______.

All of a sudden, the ______ stopped.

Emma took a deep ______ and continued singing.

The audience started ______ and cheering.

Emma learned that courage is not about being ______.

She felt happy and ______ at the end.

Answers

Discussion Questions:

She was nervous because she was performing in front of the whole school and feared forgetting the words.

Leo, Sophie, and Mia encouraged her.

The CD player stopped, and the music paused.

She continued singing without music, remembered the lyrics, and sang confidently.

She learned that courage is about trying and not giving up, not about being perfect.

Fill in the Gaps:

talent

sing

mirror

microphone

shaky

music

breath

clapping

perfect

confident

Chapter 8 – Late Again!

It was a chilly Monday morning, and Emma woke up with a start. She looked at the clock.

«Oh no! It’s 7:45!» she exclaimed.

School started at 8:00. Emma jumped out of bed, quickly got dressed, and grabbed her backpack.

She ran to the kitchen. Her mother had already left for work. She quickly ate a piece of toast and drank some juice.

«All of a sudden, the bus was leaving,» Emma thought. She ran to the bus stop.

When she arrived, the bus was just pulling away. She waved frantically, but it didn’t stop. Emma groaned. «Late again!»

She decided to walk to school. The path was long, and her legs felt tired. On the way, she passed her neighbour’s dog, a small golden retriever, wagging its tail. The dog barked happily, and Emma smiled for a moment.

Finally, she arrived at Green Valley School, panting and out of breath. She quickly walked to Class 8B.

The classroom was already full. Emma opened the door quietly.

«Good morning, Emma,» Mrs. Miller said with a small smile. «Late again?»

Emma nodded, feeling embarrassed. «I’m sorry. The bus… it left without me.»

Leo whispered, «It’s okay. Come sit here.» He pointed to the empty seat next to him.

Emma sat down and tried to calm her racing heart. The lesson began, and she concentrated as much as she could.

During the break, Leo laughed. «Next time, set two alarms!»

Emma giggled. «Or maybe three!»

She realized that even though she was late, her friends supported her. And that made the morning a little better.

By the end of the day, Emma promised herself to be more careful in the morning. But she also knew that being late sometimes was not the end of the world.

Sometimes, it was just another small adventure.

Glossary

chilly – прохладный

startle – вздрогнуть

clock – часы

grab – схватить

toast – тост

juice – сок

all of a sudden – внезапно

pull away – отъезжать

wave – махать

frantically – безумно, быстро

groan – стонать

walk – идти пешком

path – путь

neighbour – сосед

wag tail – вилять хвостом

bark – лаять

pant – задыхаться

out of breath – запыхавшийся

quietly – тихо

embarrassed – смущённый

racing heart – быстрое сердцебиение

concentrate – сосредоточиться

lesson – урок

break – перемена

laugh – смеяться

giggle – тихо смеяться

alarm – будильник

support – поддержка

promise – обещание

adventure – приключение

Discussion Questions

Why was Emma late to school?

How did she try to get to school after missing the bus?

How did Mrs. Miller react when Emma arrived?

What advice did Leo give her?

What did Emma learn from being late that day?

Fill in the Gaps

Emma woke up and saw the ______.

School started at ______ o’clock.

She quickly grabbed her ______ and ran.

The bus was just ______ when she arrived.

Emma decided to ______ to school.

She passed her neighbour’s ______ on the way.

When she arrived, she was ______ and out of breath.

Mrs. Miller smiled and said, «Late ______?»

Leo told her to set more ______ next time.

Emma realized that being late could be another small ______.

Answers

Discussion Questions:

She woke up late and missed the bus.

She decided to walk to school.

Mrs. Miller smiled and asked if she was late again.