Как говорить по-английски естественно. Практический курс разговорной речи для уровня A2–B1

In the past, Sophie used to leave home in a hurry. She would walk quickly to the bus stop, often feeling slightly stressed because she was afraid of being late. During the ride, she would scroll through social media without paying attention to anything around her. By the time she arrived at university, she already felt mentally tired.

Later, Sophie decided to change how she uses her commuting time. She realized that even short moments can be useful if used wisely. Now, she tries to leave home a few minutes earlier to avoid unnecessary stress.

At the bus stop, Sophie sometimes listens to music or short English podcasts. She has been learning English for several years, and she finds that listening practice during commuting helps her improve naturally. She does not study grammar rules during this time; instead, she focuses on understanding meaning from context.

When she is on the bus, Sophie often observes people around her. She notices how some passengers read books, others look out of the window, and some are deeply focused on their phones. She finds it interesting how everyone uses the same time in different ways.

On some days, Sophie uses her commute for light planning. She thinks about her tasks for the day and organizes her priorities in her mind. She does not write anything down, but she mentally prepares herself for what is coming.

This small change has made a noticeable difference. Sophie now arrives at university feeling more calm and focused. She no longer feels like she is «rushing into the day,» but rather gradually entering it.

She also discovered that commuting does not have to feel like wasted time. It can be a useful transition period between home and work or school. Even simple activities like listening, observing, or thinking quietly can improve the quality of the day.

Now Sophie believes that the journey to work or school is not just transportation — it is part of the daily experience that can shape mindset and energy.

Useful Words and Expressions

commute — дорога на учёбу/работу

daily routine — ежедневная рутина

to leave home — выходить из дома

to be in a hurry — спешить

bus stop — автобусная остановка

to feel stressed — чувствовать стресс

to scroll through social media — листать соцсети

mentally tired — умственно уставший

to use time wisely — использовать время с умом

commuting time — время в дороге

to listen to podcasts — слушать подкасты

to improve naturally — улучшаться естественно

from context — из контекста

to observe people — наблюдать за людьми

to look out of the window — смотреть в окно

to feel calm — чувствовать спокойствие

to feel focused — быть сосредоточенным

to plan mentally — планировать мысленно

priorities — приоритеты

transition period — переходный период

to waste time — тратить время впустую

to make a difference — иметь значение

to arrive at school/work — прибывать на учёбу/работу

to start the day — начинать день

mindset — образ мышления

energy level — уровень энергии

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Sophie used to feel ______ when she left home in a hurry.

She listens to English ______ during her commute.

She tries to use time ______.

She observes people at the ______.

Her commute became a useful ______ period.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

What was Sophie’s problem before changing her routine?

A) She lived too far away

B) She felt stressed during her commute

C) She did not go to university

D) She worked too much

What does she do during her commute now?

A) Sleeps all the time

B) Studies grammar rules only

C) Listens to podcasts and music

D) Talks on the phone constantly

Why does she leave home earlier?

A) To avoid stress

B) To meet friends

C) To shop on the way

D) To exercise

What does Sophie do mentally during the ride?

A) Plans her day

B) Writes essays

C) Watches movies

D) Sleeps

What is the main idea of the story?

A) Commute time is always boring

B) Travel time can be used productively

C) Buses are uncomfortable

D) Students should avoid commuting

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions (2—3 sentences each)

How did Sophie feel during her commute in the past?

What changes did she make to her commuting habits?

How does she use her time on the bus now?

Why does she find commuting time useful now?

What does she believe about commuting in general?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

stressed

podcasts

wisely

bus stop

transition

Exercise 2

B

C

A

A

B

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

In the past, Sophie felt stressed and mentally tired because she was always in a hurry and used her phone without focus. Her commute felt rushed and unproductive.

She started leaving home earlier and using her commute time more intentionally. She also reduced unnecessary phone scrolling.

She listens to English podcasts, observes people, and sometimes plans her day mentally. These activities help her use time more effectively.

She finds it useful because it helps her transition smoothly into the day and arrive at university feeling calm and focused.

She believes commuting is not wasted time but an important part of the daily routine. It can positively influence mindset and productivity.

Using Public Transport

Story

Using public transport is part of everyday life in many cities around the world. Buses, trains, and subways connect people to work, school, and other daily activities. Although it can sometimes be crowded or unpredictable, public transport is often the most practical and affordable way to travel.

Mark lives in a large city where he uses public transport every day. He does not own a car, so he relies on buses and the metro to get around. At first, he found it stressful because he was not familiar with the system. He often missed his stop, got on the wrong bus, or felt confused about routes and schedules.

Over time, Mark began to understand how the transport system works. He learned how to read timetables, check routes on his phone, and estimate travel time more accurately. This made his daily trips much easier.

Now, Mark takes the metro to work every morning. He usually leaves home at the same time, which helps him avoid unnecessary delays. At the station, he follows familiar routines: he checks the platform number, waits in line, and boards the train calmly.

During the ride, Mark has developed small habits that make his journey more comfortable. Sometimes he listens to music, and other times he reads short articles on his phone. He also pays attention to announcements so he does not miss his stop.

One of the most important things he learned is how to manage his time in crowded situations. In the beginning, he used to feel frustrated when trains were delayed or when there was no seat available. Now, he accepts these situations as part of city life and uses the time more calmly.

Mark also notices how different people behave on public transport. Some passengers are tired and silent, others are reading, working, or talking quietly. These small observations help him feel more connected to city life.

Occasionally, Mark helps tourists who look confused about directions. He explains routes in simple English and feels more confident using the language in real situations. These short interactions have helped him improve his communication skills.

After several months, Mark realized that public transport is not just a way to travel — it is also a space where people experience the rhythm of the city. He now sees his daily commute as a normal and manageable part of life rather than a source of stress.

Useful Words and Expressions

public transport — общественный транспорт

bus / metro / train — автобус / метро / поезд

to get around — передвигаться по городу

transport system — транспортная система

to miss a stop — пропустить остановку

route — маршрут

timetable — расписание

travel time — время в пути

to board a train — садиться в поезд

platform — платформа

to wait in line — стоять в очереди

crowded — переполненный

delay — задержка

to manage time — управлять временем

to feel frustrated — чувствовать раздражение

announcement — объявление

to pay attention — обращать внимание

to accept situations — принимать ситуации

city life — городская жизнь

to observe behavior — наблюдать поведение

passenger — пассажир

directions — направления

to feel confident — чувствовать уверенность

real situations — реальные ситуации

communication skills — навыки общения

daily commute — ежедневная дорога

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Mark uses ______ transport every day.

He sometimes missed his ______ in the beginning.

He checks the ______ before traveling.

The train can be very ______ during rush hour.

He listens to ______ on the train.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

What was Mark’s problem at first?

A) He had no job

B) He did not understand the transport system

C) He drove too fast

D) He lived too far away

What does he do now during his commute?

A) Avoids all transport

B) Follows routines and uses time calmly

C) Sleeps all the time

D) Talks loudly on the phone

How does he improve his English?

A) By reading grammar books only

B) By talking to tourists

C) By avoiding people

D) By watching movies only

What does he often pay attention to?

A) Announcements

B) Only his phone

C) Weather forecasts

D) Advertisements

What is the main idea of the story?

A) Public transport is dangerous

B) City transport can be stressful

C) Public transport is part of daily life and can be managed well

D) People should avoid buses

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions (2—3 sentences each)

What difficulties did Mark have when he first started using public transport?

What did he learn to make his trips easier?

How does he spend his time during the commute now?

How did his attitude toward delays change?

What did Mark realize about public transport in city life?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

public

stop

timetable

crowded

announcements

Exercise 2

B

B

B

A

C

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

At first, Mark often got confused, missed stops, and did not understand routes or schedules. This made his commute stressful and unpredictable.

He learned to read timetables, check routes on his phone, and plan travel time more accurately. These skills made his trips smoother.

He listens to music, reads short articles, and pays attention to announcements. He also observes people around him.

He became more patient and accepted delays as a normal part of city life. He now uses waiting time more calmly.

He realized that public transport is not only a way to travel but also part of everyday city experience. It reflects the rhythm of urban life.

A Walk in the Neighborhood

Story

A simple walk in the neighborhood can be one of the most effective ways to relax, clear the mind, and observe everyday life. Many people underestimate the value of walking close to home, but it can provide both physical activity and mental clarity.

Emma lives in a quiet residential area. After finishing her work or studies, she often goes for a walk in the evening. She does not follow a strict route; instead, she lets her steps guide her. Sometimes she walks along the main street, and other times she chooses small side roads where there is less noise and traffic.

At first, Emma used to walk while constantly checking her phone. She would read messages, scroll through news, or think about unfinished tasks. As a result, her walks did not feel very refreshing. She was physically moving, but mentally still busy.

Later, she decided to change this habit. She began leaving her phone in her bag and focusing more on her surroundings. This small change made a noticeable difference in her experience.

Now, when Emma walks, she pays attention to small details: the sound of leaves moving in the wind, children playing in the distance, or people talking quietly outside their homes. She also notices how the neighborhood changes depending on the time of day.

In the evening, the streets feel calmer. Streetlights turn on, windows glow with warm light, and the atmosphere becomes more peaceful. Emma finds this time especially relaxing because it helps her slow down after a busy day.

Sometimes she meets neighbors during her walk. They exchange short greetings or small talk about the weather or daily life. These simple interactions make her feel more connected to her community.

On some days, Emma uses her walk as a time for reflection. She thinks about her goals, recent experiences, or things she wants to improve. She does not try to solve problems immediately; instead, she lets her thoughts flow naturally.

She has also noticed that walking improves her mood and energy levels. Even a short 20-minute walk helps her feel more balanced and less stressed. It has become a healthy habit that supports both her physical and mental well-being.

Now Emma believes that you do not need to travel far or do something special to feel better. Sometimes, a quiet walk around your own neighborhood is enough to reset your mind and regain focus.

Useful Words and Expressions

neighborhood — район, окрестности

residential area — жилой район

to go for a walk — пойти на прогулку

to clear the mind — очистить разум

to follow a route — следовать маршруту

side road — боковая улица

traffic — движение (транспорт)

surroundings — окружение

to pay attention — обращать внимание

background noise — фоновый шум

peaceful atmosphere — спокойная атмосфера

to slow down — замедляться

streetlights — уличные фонари

to feel relaxed — чувствовать расслабление

to meet neighbors — встречать соседей

small talk — светская беседа

daily life — повседневная жизнь

reflection — размышление

to think about goals — думать о целях

to let thoughts flow — позволить мыслям течь

mood — настроение

energy level — уровень энергии

to feel balanced — чувствовать баланс

healthy habit — здоровая привычка

to reset the mind — перезагрузить разум

to regain focus — восстановить концентрацию

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Emma lives in a quiet ______ area.

She sometimes walks on side ______.

She began to leave her ______ at home.

Walking helps her ______ the mind.

She often thinks about her ______ during walks.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

What did Emma do during her walks at first?

A) She talked to many people

B) She constantly used her phone

C) She ran long distances

D) She worked while walking

What change improved her experience?

A) She walked faster

B) She started using headphones

C) She stopped checking her phone

D) She changed her neighborhood

What does she notice during walks now?

A) Only her phone screen

B) Small details in her surroundings

C) Only traffic noise

D) Shopping centers

How does walking affect her mood?

A) It makes her more tired

B) It improves her mood and energy

C) It makes her confused

D) It has no effect

What is the main idea of the story?

A) Walking is boring

B) Neighborhood walks can improve well-being

C) Cities are too noisy

D) Exercise is unnecessary

Exercise 3: Answer the Questions (2—3 sentences each)

How did Emma usually behave during her walks in the past?

What change did she make to improve her walks?

What does she notice in her neighborhood now?

How do walks affect her mood and energy?

What does Emma believe about simple walks?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

residential

roads

phone

clear

goals

Exercise 2

B

C

B

B

B

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

In the past, Emma often used her phone during walks, reading messages and scrolling through news. She was physically walking but mentally distracted.

She stopped using her phone and started paying attention to her surroundings. This made her walks more peaceful and meaningful.

She notices small details such as sounds, people, streetlights, and changes in atmosphere. She also observes how the neighborhood changes throughout the day.

Walking improves her mood and increases her energy levels. It helps her feel more balanced and less stressed.

She believes that simple walks in the neighborhood can effectively refresh the mind. They are enough to improve focus and well-being.

Shopping for Daily Needs

Story

Shopping for daily needs is a routine activity that most people do regularly. It may seem simple, but it involves a lot of natural language that is useful in real-life communication: asking questions, comparing options, making decisions, and interacting with shop assistants.

Liam usually does his grocery shopping once or twice a week. He prefers small local stores because they are less crowded and more convenient than large supermarkets. Over time, he has developed a simple system that helps him shop quickly and efficiently.

In the past, Liam used to shop without a plan. He would enter the store and buy whatever looked interesting. As a result, he often forgot important items or spent more money than he intended. His shopping trips were not very organized.