Английский язык для средней школы: тематический практикум. Учебные тексты и упражнения

One of my favourite activities is… — Одно из моих любимых занятий — это…

It helps me feel… — Это помогает мне чувствовать себя…

When I feel tired, I prefer to… — Когда я устаю, я предпочитаю…

I enjoy spending time… because… — Мне нравится проводить время…, потому что…

On weekends, I often… — По выходным я часто…

Now think about your own experience:

1. What do you usually do in your free time?

In my free time, I usually watch videos or listen to music. It helps me relax after school and forget about stress.

2. Do you prefer staying at home or going outside?

I sometimes prefer staying at home because I can rest, but I also like going outside to meet my friends and change my environment.

3. What is your favourite hobby?

My favourite hobby is watching films or series because it is entertaining and helps me relax after a long day.

4. How do you feel after school in your free time?

After school, I often feel tired, so I like to take a short rest before doing anything else.

5. Do you think you use your free time well?

Sometimes yes, but sometimes I spend too much time on my phone. I try to improve it by planning my time better.

6. What would you like to do more often in your free time?

I would like to read more books or spend more time outside because it would be more useful and healthy.

Complete the sentences:

In my free time, I usually ______ music or watch videos.

I sometimes lose ______ of time when I am online.

One of my favourite activities is spending time with ______.

On weekends, I like to go ______ and relax.

Free time helps me ______ energy after a busy day.

My Hometown

My hometown is the place where I grew up, and even though I sometimes think about living somewhere else in the future, it will always feel familiar to me. It is not a huge city, but it has everything I need for daily life, and I know many streets, buildings, and places very well.

In my hometown, life has its own rhythm. Some parts of the city are always busy, especially in the morning when people go to work or school. Other areas are much quieter, where you can walk without hearing much noise. I like this contrast because it makes the city feel alive but not overwhelming.

The centre of my hometown is the most active place. There are shops, cafés, and public transport stops, and it is usually full of people. I often go there with friends or family, especially on weekends. We walk around, buy something small, or just sit and talk. Even simple activities feel interesting in a familiar place.

One thing I like about my hometown is that I know how to move around without thinking too much. I don’t need a map for most places because I already know the streets. This gives me a feeling of comfort and confidence. At the same time, I sometimes notice small changes, like new buildings or renovated streets, which remind me that the city is slowly developing.

Of course, my hometown is not perfect. There are things I don’t like, such as traffic jams, crowded places, or noise in some areas. Sometimes it can feel a bit stressful, especially during rush hours. However, I think every city has its own problems, so I try not to focus only on the negative sides.

The weather also influences how I feel about my hometown. In winter, everything looks colder and more quiet, while in summer the city feels more active and alive. I especially like spring, when the streets become more comfortable for walking and people spend more time outside.

My school and home are both located in my hometown, so most of my daily life happens here. Because of that, I have many memories connected to different places. For example, certain streets remind me of walking with friends, and certain parks remind me of family visits. These small memories make the city feel more personal.

Sometimes I imagine what it would be like to live in a different city or country. It sounds exciting, because I could discover new places and cultures. But at the same time, I know I would probably miss the familiar environment, the people I know, and the simple routines I am used to.

I think a hometown is not just a place on a map. It is a mix of experiences, emotions, and habits that slowly become part of who you are. Even if you leave it one day, it stays in your memory in a special way.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

hometown — родной город

grow up — расти, взрослеть

daily life — повседневная жизнь

familiar place — знакомое место

life has its own rhythm — у жизни есть свой ритм

busy areas — оживлённые районы

quiet areas — тихие районы

public transport stops — остановки общественного транспорта

go around the city — гулять по городу

feel comfortable — чувствовать себя комфортно

move around — передвигаться

traffic jams — пробки

crowded places — многолюдные места

rush hours — часы пик

feel stressed — чувствовать стресс

weather influences — погода влияет

spend time outside — проводить время на улице

develop over time — развиваться со временем

remind me of something — напоминать о чём-то

familiar environment — привычная среда

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

My hometown is… — Мой родной город…

I grew up in… — Я вырос (ла) в…

One thing I like about my hometown is… — Одна вещь, которая мне нравится в моём городе…

There are some problems such as… — Есть некоторые проблемы, такие как…

It makes me feel… — Это заставляет меня чувствовать…

I often go to… with… — Я часто хожу в… с…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Where is your hometown?

My hometown is where I live and study. It is not very big, but it has everything I need for daily life.

2. What do you like about your hometown?

I like that I know many places and feel comfortable moving around. It gives me a sense of confidence and safety.

3. Where do you usually go in your city?

I usually go to the city centre or local parks. These places are good for meeting friends and relaxing.

4. What problems does your hometown have?

Sometimes there are traffic jams and crowded places. It can be stressful during rush hours.

5. How does your hometown change in different seasons?

In summer it feels more active, while in winter it is quieter. I like spring the most because the weather is comfortable.

6. Would you like to live in another city?

Yes, I might like to try living in another city, but I would probably miss my familiar environment and friends.

Complete the sentences:

My hometown is a ______ place where I grew up.

The city centre is usually very ______ and full of people.

I feel more ______ when I know the streets well.

There are sometimes traffic ______ during rush hours.

My hometown gives me many ______ and memories.

Friendship

Friendship is something that becomes more important the older I get. When I was younger, I thought friends were just people to play with, but now I understand that real friendship is much deeper. It is about trust, support, and the feeling that someone understands you even without many words.

I have a few close friends, and I think this is better than having a large group of people I don’t really know well. We met at school, so we spend a lot of time together during lessons and breaks. At first, we just talked about simple things like homework or teachers, but over time our conversations became more personal and meaningful.

One thing I like about my friends is that I can be myself around them. I don’t feel pressure to act in a different way or pretend to be someone else. We can laugh at small things, share our opinions, and sometimes even disagree, but it never destroys our friendship. We usually talk about problems openly and try to understand each other.

Of course, friendship is not always perfect. Sometimes we misunderstand each other or say things we don’t really mean. There are moments when someone feels upset or ignored. However, what matters is how we solve these situations. Most of the time, we talk honestly, explain our feelings, and move on without holding grudges.

We also support each other in difficult situations. For example, when someone has a stressful day at school or feels nervous about exams, we try to encourage each other. Even a simple message or short conversation can make a big difference. I think this kind of support is one of the most valuable parts of friendship.

In my free time, I often spend time with friends outside of school. We might walk around the city, sit in a café, or just talk about random topics. These moments are not always special or planned, but they feel important because we share them together. Sometimes we also do nothing in particular, just enjoy being in the same place.

I also notice that friendship changes over time. Some people become closer, while others slowly drift apart because of different interests or schedules. It is a natural process, even if it sometimes feels a bit sad. But I believe that real friendships can survive distance and time if both people care enough.

Another interesting thing is that friends influence each other. I have learned new ideas, habits, and ways of thinking from my friends. Sometimes this influence is positive, like becoming more active or confident. Other times it can be less helpful, but it still teaches me something about myself.

I think friendship is not only about fun moments, but also about being there when it is necessary. A true friend is someone who stays with you not only in good times but also when things are difficult.

Even though I don’t always say it, I value my friends a lot. They are part of my daily life, my memories, and my growth. Without them, many ordinary days would feel completely different.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

close friends — близкие друзья

real friendship — настоящая дружба

trust and support — доверие и поддержка

spend time together — проводить время вместе

meaningful conversations — содержательные разговоры

be myself — быть собой

feel pressure — чувствовать давление

disagree with someone — не соглашаться с кем-то

solve problems — решать проблемы

hold grudges — держать обиду

support each other — поддерживать друг друга

stressful situation — стрессовая ситуация

make a big difference — иметь большое значение

random topics — случайные темы

drift apart — отдаляться друг от друга

shared moments — общие моменты

influence each other — влиять друг на друга

good and bad times — хорошие и плохие времена

value someone — ценить кого-то

be there for someone — быть рядом с кем-то

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

My friends are… — Мои друзья…

I met my friends when… — Я познакомился (лась) с друзьями, когда…

I feel comfortable when… — Я чувствую себя комфортно, когда…

One thing I like about my friends is… — Одна вещь, которая мне нравится в моих друзьях…

We usually spend time together by… — Мы обычно проводим время вместе,…

When we have problems, we… — Когда у нас проблемы, мы…

Now think about your own experience:

1. How many close friends do you have?

I have a few close friends. I prefer a small group because it is easier to trust and understand each other.

2. Where did you meet your friends?

I met most of my friends at school. We started talking during lessons and breaks, and slowly became closer.

3. What do you usually do with your friends?

We usually talk, walk around the city, or spend time in cafés. Sometimes we just talk about random topics and relax.

4. What makes a good friend?

A good friend is someone who supports you, listens to you, and does not judge you. Trust is very important.

5. Have you ever had a misunderstanding with a friend?

Yes, sometimes we misunderstand each other, but we usually solve problems by talking honestly and explaining our feelings.

6. Do your friends influence you?

Yes, my friends influence me in different ways. Sometimes they help me become more confident and active.

Complete the sentences:

Real friendship is based on ______ and support.

I like friends with whom I can be ______.

We sometimes solve problems by talking ______.

Good friends support each other in ______ situations.

Friendship can change over ______, but it is still important.

Meeting New People

Meeting new people has always felt a bit uncomfortable for me, especially in situations where I don’t know anyone. At the same time, I understand that it is an important part of life, because we cannot always stay in the same circle of friends. New people bring new ideas, new experiences, and sometimes even new opportunities.

Usually, I meet new people at school, during group activities, or when I attend different events. At first, it is often a bit awkward because I don’t know what to say. I worry about making a good impression, and I sometimes think too much about small details, like how I sound or what topic to start with. However, after a few minutes, the conversation usually becomes easier.

One of the simplest ways to start a conversation is to ask basic questions. For example, I might ask where someone is from, what school subjects they like, or how they spend their free time. These questions are not very deep, but they help break the silence and make the situation more natural.

I also notice that body language is important. When someone smiles, makes eye contact, and speaks in a friendly way, it becomes much easier to relax. On the other hand, if someone seems closed or uninterested, the conversation can quickly become difficult. That is why first impressions matter, even if they are not always completely accurate.

Sometimes I meet new people through friends. In this case, it feels easier because there is already a shared connection. We don’t have to start from zero, and we can talk about common experiences. For example, we might discuss school, teachers, or activities we do together. This creates a more comfortable atmosphere.

There are also moments when I meet new people outside school, for example during trips or in public places. These situations are less predictable, but sometimes more interesting. You never know who you will meet or what kind of conversation you will have. Some of these meetings are short and casual, while others can turn into longer conversations.

Of course, not every meeting leads to friendship. Sometimes we talk for a few minutes and then never see each other again. That is completely normal. But even short interactions can be useful, because they help develop communication skills and make me more confident over time.

I also think that meeting new people helps me understand different points of view. Everyone has their own background, opinions, and experiences. When I listen to others, I sometimes realize that there are many ways to see the same situation. This makes me more open-minded.

Even though I still feel a bit shy in new situations, I try not to avoid them. I believe that communication becomes easier with practice. The more people you meet, the more natural it feels to start conversations and keep them going.

In the end, meeting new people is not only about talking. It is also about learning how to connect, how to listen, and how to adapt to different situations. Each new meeting is a small experience that can teach something useful, even if it seems simple at first.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

meet new people — знакомиться с новыми людьми

feel uncomfortable — чувствовать себя некомфортно

social circle — круг общения

make a good impression — произвести хорошее впечатление

start a conversation — начать разговор

break the silence — нарушить тишину

small talk — лёгкий разговор

body language — язык тела

eye contact — зрительный контакт

first impressions — первое впечатление

shared connection — общая связь

common experiences — общие переживания

casual conversation — непринуждённый разговор

turn into — превращаться во что-то

short interaction — короткое общение

communication skills — навыки общения

different points of view — разные точки зрения

open-minded — открытый к новому

feel shy — чувствовать себя застенчивым

adapt to situations — адаптироваться к ситуациям

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I usually meet new people when… — Я обычно знакомлюсь с новыми людьми, когда…

At first, I feel… because… — Сначала я чувствую…, потому что…

One way to start a conversation is… — Один способ начать разговор — это…

It becomes easier when… — Это становится легче, когда…

I think first impressions are… — Я думаю, первое впечатление…

Meeting new people helps me… — Знакомство с новыми людьми помогает мне…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Do you like meeting new people?

I sometimes feel shy, but I understand that meeting new people is useful. It helps me improve communication skills and become more confident.

2. Where do you usually meet new people?

I usually meet new people at school or during group activities. These situations make it easier to start a conversation.

3. What do you say first when you meet someone new?

I usually ask simple questions like where they are from or what they like to do. It helps break the silence.

4. Do you feel nervous in new social situations?

Yes, at first I sometimes feel nervous because I worry about making mistakes. But after a while, I relax and talk more naturally.

5. What helps you feel more comfortable when meeting new people?

Smiling and friendly body language help me feel more comfortable. Also, talking about simple topics makes it easier.

6. Can short conversations be useful?

Yes, even short conversations are useful because they improve communication skills and help me understand different people.

Complete the sentences:

I usually meet new people at ______ or during activities.

At first, I feel a bit ______ in new situations.

One way to start a conversation is to ask ______ questions.

Body language and eye contact help make a good ______.

Meeting new people improves my communication ______.

Talking on the Phone

Talking on the phone is something I do almost every day, but my attitude toward it has changed over time. When I was younger, I didn’t like phone calls very much because they felt a bit stressful. I never knew exactly what to say, and I worried about making mistakes or sounding awkward. Now it feels more natural, but I still prefer texting in some situations.

Most of the time, I use my phone to communicate with friends and family. With friends, we usually call each other when we want to make plans or discuss something quickly. It is faster than writing long messages, especially when we need a clear answer. For example, if we are deciding where to meet or what time to go somewhere, a phone call saves time.

When I receive a call, I usually look at the screen first to see who is calling. If it is someone I know, I answer quite quickly. If it is an unknown number, I sometimes hesitate because I am not sure if it is important. This is a common situation for many people, I think.

During a phone conversation, tone of voice is very important. Even if you don’t see the other person, you can understand their mood by the way they speak. Sometimes a short pause or a change in voice can show that someone is tired, excited, or stressed. This makes phone communication different from texting, where emotions are not always clear.

I also notice that some conversations are easier on the phone, while others are better in person. Simple things like arranging plans or asking short questions are easy by phone. However, if the topic is serious or emotional, it is usually better to talk face to face. That way, misunderstandings are less likely.

Sometimes I feel a bit uncomfortable when I have to make an important call, for example to ask for information or speak to someone I don’t know. In these situations, I usually prepare in advance. I think about what I want to say and try to keep it simple. This helps me feel more confident when the call starts.

There are also moments when phone calls can be annoying, especially when they interrupt something important. If I am busy or focused, I don’t always want to answer immediately. However, I also understand that some calls cannot wait, so I try to balance it.

One interesting thing about phone conversations is that they can feel more personal than messages. When you hear someone’s voice, it feels more direct and real. It is easier to connect emotionally, even if the conversation is short.

In everyday life, talking on the phone has become a normal habit. It helps people stay in touch, organize plans, and solve problems quickly. Even though there are many modern ways to communicate, phone calls are still useful and sometimes necessary.

In the end, I think phone communication is a skill. The more you use it, the more natural it becomes, even if at first it feels a little uncomfortable.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

phone call — телефонный звонок

receive a call — получить звонок

unknown number — неизвестный номер

hesitate — сомневаться, колебаться

tone of voice — тон голоса

make plans — строить планы

save time — экономить время

clear answer — чёткий ответ

in advance — заранее

feel confident — чувствовать уверенность

face to face — лично, лицом к лицу

misunderstandings — недопонимания

arrange plans — договориться о планах