Топики для чтения на английском языке (средний уровень). Адаптированные тексты и задания

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

clean the house — убирать дом

small arguments — небольшие ссоры

household chores — домашние обязанности

shared space — общее пространство

keep tidy — поддерживать порядок

feel comfortable — чувствовать себя комфортно

postpone cleaning — откладывать уборку

do the dishes — мыть посуду

leave things around — разбрасывать вещи

feel annoyed — чувствовать раздражение

create tension — создавать напряжение

have different habits — иметь разные привычки

clean immediately — убирать сразу

do it later — сделать позже

misunderstand each other — неправильно понимать друг друга

responsibilities — обязанности

divide tasks — разделять задачи

make rules — устанавливать правила

communication — общение

compromise — компромисс

shared responsibility — общая ответственность

calm discussion — спокойный разговор

learn patience — учиться терпению

cooperate — сотрудничать

Useful Patterns

I usually + verb when… — Я обычно…, когда…

It leads to… — Это приводит к…

Some people prefer…, while others… — Некоторые предпочитают…, в то время как другие…

When I…, I feel… — Когда я…, я чувствую…

The main problem is that… — Главная проблема в том, что…

I think the best solution is… — Я думаю, лучшее решение — это…

We can solve this by… — Мы можем решить это, если…

Although…, I still… — Хотя…, я всё равно…

It doesn’t take much time to… — Это не занимает много времени, чтобы…

Instead of…, we should… — Вместо…, мы должны…

Practice: Answer the Questions

Do you like cleaning the house? Why or why not?

What cleaning tasks do you usually do?

Do you live with family or other people? Does it affect cleaning habits?

Have you ever had small arguments about cleaning? What happened?

Do you prefer cleaning immediately or later? Why?

How do you solve disagreements about chores?

Do you think cleaning can improve relationships? Why?

Model Answers

1. Do you like cleaning the house? Why or why not?

I don’t really enjoy cleaning, but I like the result. When everything is tidy, I feel more comfortable and relaxed in my space.

2. What cleaning tasks do you usually do?

I usually wash the dishes, organize my room, and clean my desk. These small tasks help me keep my space in order.

3. Do you live with family or other people? Does it affect cleaning habits?

Yes, I live with family, and it definitely affects cleaning habits. We sometimes have different ideas about when things should be done.

4. Have you ever had small arguments about cleaning? What happened?

Yes, sometimes we have small arguments when someone leaves things uncleaned. Although it is not serious, it can create a bit of tension.

5. Do you prefer cleaning immediately or later? Why?

I prefer cleaning later or in small steps. It helps me manage my time better, although I try not to delay too much.

6. How do you solve disagreements about chores?

We usually talk about it and try to divide tasks more clearly. Communication helps us avoid misunderstandings and reduce arguments.

7. Do you think cleaning can improve relationships? Why?

Yes, I think so. When people cooperate and respect shared responsibilities, it creates a more peaceful and comfortable environment.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Cleaning the house sometimes leads to small ___.

I feel more comfortable when my room is ___.

Some people clean immediately, while others do it ___.

When we don’t communicate, it can create ___.

The best way to solve problems is ___.

When Something Breaks at Home

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When something breaks at home, it usually creates a mix of stress and confusion, especially if it happens unexpectedly. It can be something small, like a cup or a chair, or something more serious, like a washing machine or a phone charger. In any case, it always interrupts the normal routine and forces people to react quickly.

In my experience, things usually break at the worst possible time. For example, I might be in a hurry or already busy with something important, and suddenly something stops working. The first reaction is often surprise, followed by a small moment of frustration. I think, «Why now?» but then I try to stay calm and understand what happened.

If it is a small problem, like a broken cup or a chair leg, it is usually easy to handle. We either throw it away or try to fix it with glue or simple tools. However, if something more important breaks, like a household appliance, it becomes more complicated. In that situation, we often need to look for a repair service or ask someone with more experience for help.

One of the most common things that breaks in many homes is electronics. Phones, chargers, or headphones can suddenly stop working. When that happens, it feels annoying because we use these things every day. I usually try basic solutions first, like checking the cable or restarting the device, because sometimes the problem is simple.

At home, different people react differently when something breaks. Some stay calm and try to fix it immediately, while others get stressed and feel like everything is going wrong. I think the best approach is to stay calm and not panic, because stress doesn’t help solve the problem.

Another important thing is communication. If you live with other people, it is useful to inform them when something breaks, so everyone understands the situation. Sometimes, small misunderstandings happen because people don’t know what is broken or who is responsible for fixing it.

Although broken things can be annoying, they also teach responsibility. We learn how to take care of our belongings better and how to react in unexpected situations. Over time, I realized that it is better to prevent problems than to fix them later. For example, treating things carefully and using them properly can reduce the chance of damage.

In the end, when something breaks at home, it is not the end of the world. It is just a normal part of life. What really matters is how we react — whether we stay calm, find a solution, and move on without too much stress.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

break — ломаться

unexpectedly — неожиданно

create stress — создавать стресс

interrupt routine — нарушать рутину

stay calm — сохранять спокойствие

feel frustrated — чувствовать раздражение

handle a problem — справляться с проблемой

fix something — чинить что-то

throw away — выбросить

repair service — сервис по ремонту

household appliance — бытовая техника

stop working — перестать работать

check the cable — проверить кабель

restart the device — перезагрузить устройство

basic solution — простое решение

react differently — реагировать по-разному

panic — паниковать

communication — общение

misunderstanding — недопонимание

take care of — заботиться о

belongings — вещи

prevent problems — предотвращать проблемы

damage — повреждение

move on — двигаться дальше

Useful Patterns

When something breaks, I usually… — Когда что-то ломается, я обычно…

The first thing I do is… — Первое, что я делаю, это…

It makes me feel… — Это заставляет меня чувствовать…

I try to stay calm because… — Я стараюсь оставаться спокойным, потому что…

If it is a small problem, I… — Если это небольшая проблема, я…

In that situation, we need to… — В этой ситуации нам нужно…

Some people…, while others… — Некоторые…, в то время как другие…

The best solution is to… — Лучшее решение — это…

It is better to prevent… than to… — Лучше предотвратить…, чем…

What matters most is… — Самое важное — это…

Practice: Answer the Questions

What usually breaks at your home?

How do you feel when something breaks unexpectedly?

Do you try to fix things yourself or ask for help? Why?

What is the most annoying thing that has ever broken for you?

How do people in your home react when something breaks?

Do you think it is better to repair or replace broken things? Why?

How can people prevent things from breaking at home?

Model Answers

1. What usually breaks at your home?

At my home, small things like chargers or kitchen items usually break. Although it is not very serious, it still causes some inconvenience.

2. How do you feel when something breaks unexpectedly?

I usually feel a bit frustrated at first, especially if I need the item immediately. However, I try to stay calm and find a solution.

3. Do you try to fix things yourself or ask for help? Why?

I usually try simple fixes myself first because sometimes the problem is easy to solve. If it doesn’t work, I ask someone for help.

4. What is the most annoying thing that has ever broken for you?

The most annoying thing was when my phone charger stopped working. It was stressful because I needed it every day.

5. How do people in your home react when something breaks?

People react differently. Some stay calm and try to fix it, while others get stressed and worried about the situation.

6. Do you think it is better to repair or replace broken things? Why?

It depends on the situation. If it is fixable and not expensive, repairing is better, but sometimes replacing is easier and faster.

7. How can people prevent things from breaking at home?

People can prevent damage by using things carefully and following instructions. Taking care of belongings helps avoid many problems.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

When something breaks, I try to stay ___.

The first thing I do is check what happened ___.

Small problems are usually easy to ___.

It is better to prevent damage than to ___ it later.

What matters most is finding a good ___.

Cooking Disasters and Easy Meals

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Cooking at home can be fun, relaxing, and even creative, but sometimes it turns into a small disaster. I like trying simple recipes, but I am not a professional cook, so things don’t always go as planned. Some days I make a perfect meal, and other days I burn something or completely forget an ingredient.

One of the most common problems I have is overcooking food. For example, I might put pasta or rice on the stove and then get distracted by my phone. A few minutes later, I realize that the water has boiled over or the food is too soft. It’s not a big disaster, but it definitely ruins the taste.

Another cooking mistake happens when I try new recipes. I often think, «This looks easy,» but in reality, I underestimate the time or effort. I might miss an important step or mix ingredients in the wrong order. As a result, the final dish doesn’t look or taste like the picture. Although it can be disappointing, I still enjoy the process because I learn something new each time.

There are also moments when I drop something on the floor or spill sauce everywhere. These small accidents make the kitchen messy, and I have to clean everything before continuing. In those moments, I remind myself to slow down and focus more on what I am doing.

Because of these experiences, I started to prefer easy meals. Simple dishes like scrambled eggs, sandwiches, salads, or pasta are my favorites. They don’t require too many ingredients, and I can prepare them quickly even when I am tired or in a hurry. Easy meals save time and reduce stress, especially after a long day.

I also learned some useful cooking habits. For example, I now prepare all ingredients before I start cooking. This helps me stay organized and avoid mistakes. I also set timers so I don’t forget food on the stove. These small changes make a big difference.

Even though cooking disasters still happen sometimes, I don’t see them as a big problem anymore. They are just part of learning. Over time, I became more confident in the kitchen, and I started to enjoy cooking more. Now I know that it doesn’t have to be perfect — it just has to be simple, tasty, and enjoyable.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

cooking disaster — кулинарная «катастрофа»

easy meals — простые блюда

cook at home — готовить дома

go as planned — идти по плану

overcook food — переварить еду

get distracted — отвлечься

boil over — выкипать

try new recipes — пробовать новые рецепты

underestimate time — недооценивать время

miss an ingredient — пропустить ингредиент

mix in wrong order — смешать в неправильном порядке

disappointing result — разочаровывающий результат

spill sauce — пролить соус

messy kitchen — грязная кухня

clean up — убирать

scrambled eggs — яичница-болтунья

sandwich — сэндвич

salad — салат

save time — экономить время

reduce stress — уменьшать стресс

cooking habit — привычка в готовке

prepare ingredients — подготовить ингредиенты

set a timer — поставить таймер

stay organized — оставаться организованным

gain confidence — приобретать уверенность

Useful Patterns

I like to…, but sometimes… — Я люблю…, но иногда…

When I cook, I often… — Когда я готовлю, я часто…

It happens when I… — Это происходит, когда я…

Although I…, I still… — Хотя я…, я всё равно…

I realized that… — Я понял (а), что…

Because of this, I started to… — Из-за этого я начал (а)…

I prefer…, because… — Я предпочитаю…, потому что…

It helps me to… — Это помогает мне…

I try not to…, so that… — Я стараюсь не…, чтобы…

Over time, I became… — Со временем я стал (а)…

Practice: Answer the Questions

Do you like cooking? Why or why not?

What is the easiest meal you can cook?

Have you ever had a cooking disaster? What happened?

Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out? Why?

What do you usually cook when you are in a hurry?

What helps you avoid mistakes in cooking?

Do you think cooking is a useful skill? Why?

Model Answers

1. Do you like cooking? Why or why not?

I like cooking simple meals, but I don’t always enjoy complicated recipes. Although I sometimes make mistakes, I still find it interesting and relaxing.

2. What is the easiest meal you can cook?

The easiest meals for me are scrambled eggs or sandwiches. They don’t take much time, so I can prepare them even when I am busy.

3. Have you ever had a cooking disaster? What happened?

Yes, I once burned food because I got distracted. Although it was disappointing, I learned to be more careful next time.

4. Do you prefer cooking at home or eating out? Why?

I prefer cooking at home because it is cheaper and healthier. It also helps me save time and control what I eat.

5. What do you usually cook when you are in a hurry?

When I am in a hurry, I usually make something simple like pasta or a sandwich. It helps me eat quickly without stress.

6. What helps you avoid mistakes in cooking?

Preparing ingredients in advance helps me a lot. Because I stay organized, I make fewer mistakes while cooking.

7. Do you think cooking is a useful skill? Why?

Yes, I think cooking is very useful because it helps people become independent. It also allows you to eat healthier and save money.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Sometimes I have a cooking ___.

I often get ___ while cooking and forget things.

Easy meals help me save ___ and reduce stress.

I try to prepare ingredients in ___ before cooking.

Over time, I became more ___ in the kitchen.

Ordering Food Instead of Cooking

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Ordering food instead of cooking has become very common in modern life. Many people do it when they are tired, busy, or simply don’t feel like spending time in the kitchen. I also do it sometimes, especially after a long day when I don’t have enough energy to cook.

One of the biggest advantages of ordering food is convenience. It saves time and effort because you don’t need to plan meals, buy ingredients, or wash dishes afterward. You just open an app, choose what you want, and wait for the delivery. In a few minutes or hours, your food arrives at your door, which feels very comfortable.

Another reason I like ordering food is variety. When I cook at home, I usually make the same simple dishes. But when I order food, I can try different cuisines like sushi, pizza, burgers, or Asian food. It makes meals more interesting and enjoyable, especially when I want something special.

However, ordering food also has some disadvantages. The first one is cost. It is usually more expensive than cooking at home. If you order food too often, it can quickly become a big expense. Another problem is that delivery is not always fast. Sometimes you have to wait longer than expected, especially during busy hours.

There is also the issue of health. Restaurant food can be tasty, but it is not always the healthiest option. It may contain more salt, oil, or calories than home-cooked meals. Because of this, I try to balance both options — cooking at home and ordering food.

I usually order food when I am very tired, have no time, or want to treat myself. For example, after a long study or work day, I don’t want to think about cooking. In those moments, ordering food feels like a small reward.

Although cooking is an important skill, I think ordering food is also useful when used in moderation. It helps save time and gives a break from daily responsibilities. The key is balance — not relying on it every day, but using it when it really makes life easier.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

order food — заказывать еду

delivery — доставка

convenience — удобство

save time — экономить время

save effort — экономить силы

ingredients — ингредиенты

wash dishes — мыть посуду

food arrives — еда приезжает

modern life — современная жизнь

variety — разнообразие

different cuisines — разные кухни

home-cooked meals — домашняя еда

fast food — фастфуд

expensive — дорогой

cost — стоимость

delivery time — время доставки

busy hours — часы пик

healthy option — здоровый вариант

treat myself — побаловать себя

in moderation — в меру

balance options — балансировать варианты

feel tired — чувствовать усталость

quick decision — быстрое решение

extra calories — лишние калории

Useful Patterns

I usually order food when… — Я обычно заказываю еду, когда…

It saves me… — Это экономит мне…

I don’t feel like… — Мне не хочется…

One of the advantages is… — Одно из преимуществ — это…

The main problem is… — Главная проблема — это…

It is more expensive than… — Это дороже, чем…

Sometimes I prefer…, because… — Иногда я предпочитаю…, потому что…

Although…, I still… — Хотя…, я всё равно…

It helps me to… — Это помогает мне…

The key is to… — Главное — это…

Practice: Answer the Questions

Do you often order food? Why or why not?

What is your favorite food to order?

When do you usually prefer ordering food instead of cooking?

Do you think ordering food is expensive? Why?

Is ordering food healthier than cooking at home? Why?

What are the advantages of food delivery?

What are the disadvantages of ordering food too often?

Model Answers

1. Do you often order food? Why or why not?

I order food sometimes, especially when I am tired or busy. Although I like cooking, ordering food saves me time and effort.

2. What is your favorite food to order?

My favorite food to order is pizza or sushi. I like them because they are tasty and easy to enjoy without cooking.

3. When do you usually prefer ordering food instead of cooking?

I usually order food after a long day when I don’t have energy to cook. It helps me relax and avoid stress.

4. Do you think ordering food is expensive? Why?

Yes, I think it is more expensive than cooking at home. If you order food often, it can quickly become a big expense.

5. Is ordering food healthier than cooking at home? Why?

No, I don’t think so. Home-cooked meals are usually healthier because you control the ingredients and cooking method.

6. What are the advantages of food delivery?

The main advantages are convenience and saving time. It is very useful when you are busy or tired.

7. What are the disadvantages of ordering food too often?

The main disadvantages are cost and health. It can be expensive and not always the healthiest option.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Ordering food helps me save ___.

I usually order food when I feel ___.

One of the advantages is ___.

The main problem is that it can be ___.

The key is to keep a good ___.

Sharing a Home with Family or Roommates

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Sharing a home with other people, whether it is family or roommates, is both interesting and sometimes challenging. On one hand, it can be fun because you are never alone. On the other hand, it requires patience, understanding, and good communication.

When I live with family, the atmosphere usually feels warm and familiar. We share meals, talk about our day, and help each other with daily tasks. It feels comfortable because I don’t have to do everything alone. However, there are also small disagreements, especially about cleaning, noise, or personal space. For example, someone might leave things in the wrong place, and this can sometimes lead to a short discussion.