Английский для повседневной жизни подростков. Тексты уровня B1–B2 на реальные темы

Every few seconds, I looked ahead, hoping to see the bus stop. And every few seconds, I felt more nervous.

8:27.

«Come on, come on…»

I turned the corner and saw the street. The bus stop was there, but I couldn’t see the bus yet. That was good. Or maybe not. I wasn’t sure anymore.

I ran faster. My breathing got heavier. I could hear my steps on the pavement, and it felt like everything around me was louder than usual.

And then I saw it.

The bus.

It was already there, doors open, people getting on.

«No, no, no…»

I started running even faster, although my legs already felt tired. One hand was still holding my backpack, the other was trying not to drop my phone. I probably looked ridiculous, but I didn’t care at that moment.

I reached the stop just as the doors started closing.

«Wait!» I almost shouted, even though it was too late.

The doors closed.

The bus moved.

And I stopped.

For a second, I just stood there, out of breath, watching it drive away like nothing had happened. It felt unreal how fast everything went from «I can make it» to «I missed it.»

I bent slightly, trying to catch my breath. A few people at the stop looked at me, but no one said anything. That made it even more awkward.

«Perfect,» I said quietly.

Now I had two options: wait for the next bus or walk and be even later. I looked down the street and sighed.

And then I started walking.

Not running this time.

Just walking slowly, like I suddenly had all the time in the world.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

half asleep — полусонный

turn off the alarm — выключить будильник

just a few more minutes — ещё несколько минут

something feels wrong — что-то не так

stare at the screen — смотреть на экран

it hit me — меня осенило / дошло

jump out of bed — вскочить с кровати

at the same time — одновременно

do things automatically — делать на автомате

run out of time — не хватать времени

catch the bus — успеть на автобус

shout something — крикнуть что-то

rush out of the house — выбежать из дома

walk fast / run faster — идти быстро / бежать быстрее

hold with one hand — держать одной рукой

breathe heavily — тяжело дышать

turn the corner — завернуть за угол

feel nervous — нервничать

out of breath — запыхавшийся

look ridiculous — выглядеть нелепо

it’s too late — уже слишком поздно

catch my breath — перевести дыхание

drive away — уехать

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I didn’t even realize that… until… — Я даже не понял, что…, пока…

I jumped out of bed and… — Я вскочил с кровати и…

I thought I could…, but… — Я думал, что смогу…, но…

Every second I… — Каждую секунду я…

I tried to…, although… — Я пытался…, хотя…

When I saw…, I realized… — Когда я увидел…, я понял…

In the end, I had to… — В конце концов мне пришлось…

Now think about your own experience:

Have you ever run to catch something important (bus, class, meeting)?

What usually makes you late in the morning?

How do you feel when you are in a hurry?

Do you prefer running or walking when you are late? Why?

What do you usually think about when you miss something?

How do you react when plans suddenly change?

Here are some possible answers:

Yes, I have run to catch the bus or a class before. I felt out of breath and nervous, but I still hoped I could make it in time.

I am usually late because I wake up too late or spend too much time on my phone. It happens when I say «just a few more minutes» and then lose track of time.

I feel stressed and a bit panicked when I am in a hurry. Everything feels faster, and I don’t like that feeling, although sometimes it helps me focus.

I prefer walking because running makes me too tired. Even if I am late, I try to stay calm instead of rushing too much.

I usually think about what I could have done differently. For example, I think about waking up earlier or not turning off the alarm.

I don’t like sudden changes, but I try to accept them. At first, I feel annoyed, but then I adjust and move on.

Complete the sentences:

I jumped out of bed and ____________________.

I thought I could still make it, but ____________________.

Every second I looked at the time and ____________________.

When I saw the bus, I realized ____________________.

In the end, I had to ____________________.

Forgetting Your Homework

It was one of those mornings when everything felt normal… until it suddenly didn’t.

I woke up, checked my phone, and saw I still had time before school. Nothing special. I got ready slowly, ate something quick, and even felt pretty confident about the day. I remember thinking, «Today is actually going to be easy.»

That feeling didn’t last long.

I was already halfway to school when I opened my backpack, just to check if everything was there. Notebook, pen, charger… everything seemed fine. I closed it and kept walking.

But then something small caught my attention — the math homework folder was missing.

I stopped.

«No way…»

I opened my backpack again. Faster this time. I moved things around, checked every pocket, even the small hidden one I usually forget about. Nothing.

My stomach dropped a little.

I tried to remember the moment I put it in my bag. I clearly remembered doing the homework last night. I remembered sitting at my desk, writing the last answer, feeling relieved when I finished. But after that… nothing. I didn’t remember putting it away.

«Maybe it’s at home,» I thought.

But I was already too far to go back. If I turned around now, I would definitely be late. And I already had a feeling I was going to be in trouble.

I started walking faster.

Okay, maybe it’s not a big deal, I told myself. Maybe the teacher won’t check today. Maybe I can explain it. Maybe someone else forgot too. My mind was trying to find any possible excuse.

But deep down, I knew I had just forgotten it.

When I arrived at school, I felt slightly nervous. I kept checking other students’ hands, trying to see if they had their homework ready. Some did. Some didn’t. That didn’t really help.

First lesson: math.

Perfect.

I sat down and slowly took out my notebook, trying to act normal. The teacher started writing on the board. My heart was beating a bit faster than usual.

«Homework check,» she said.

That was the moment everything slowed down.

She walked between the rows, checking notebooks one by one. I opened my backpack again, just in case something magically appeared. Of course, it didn’t.

When she reached my desk, I already knew what was coming.

«Where is your homework?» she asked.

I hesitated. «I… I forgot it at home.»

It sounded even worse when I said it out loud.

She looked at me for a second, then wrote something in her notebook and moved on. No drama, no big reaction. But somehow that made it even more uncomfortable.

The rest of the lesson felt longer than usual. I tried to focus, but my thoughts kept coming back to that one mistake. It wasn’t even a difficult assignment. I just forgot it.

During the break, my friend looked at me and said, «You forgot it again?»

«Yeah,» I said. «I don’t know how it keeps happening.»

But I did know. It was always the same pattern — finish homework, feel relieved, forget about it, then leave it somewhere random or not put it in the bag at all.

Later that day, I told myself I would be more careful next time. I even opened my backpack at home and checked everything twice. Just to be sure.

Still, I had a strange feeling that next time might not be that different.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

one of those mornings — одно из тех утр

nothing special — ничего особенного

get ready — собираться

feel confident — чувствовать уверенность

check your backpack — проверить рюкзак

catch your attention — привлечь внимание

move things around — перебирать вещи

stomach drops — сердце «упало» (волнение)

go back — вернуться

too far to go back — слишком далеко, чтобы возвращаться

find an excuse — найти оправдание

deep down — в глубине души

slightly nervous — немного нервный

act normal — вести себя нормально

heart is beating faster — сердце бьётся быстрее

homework check — проверка домашнего задания

hesitate — колебаться

write something down — записать

no drama — без драмы

focus on — сосредоточиться на

come back to something — возвращаться мыслями

same pattern — та же схема

be more careful — быть внимательнее

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I clearly remember doing…, but then… — Я чётко помню, что…, но потом…

I thought it was going to be…, until… — Я думал, что будет…, пока…

I tried to…, but it didn’t help — Я пытался…, но это не помогло

When I realized…, I… — Когда я понял…, я…

I didn’t know what to say, so I… — Я не знал, что сказать, поэтому…

It felt like…, although… — Это ощущалось как…, хотя…

In the end, I had to… — В конце концов мне пришлось…

Now think about your own experience:

Have you ever forgotten your homework? What happened?

How do you usually remember your school tasks?

What do you do when you realize you forgot something important?

Do you think it’s better to admit mistakes or try to hide them? Why?

What helps you stay more organized?

Do you often repeat the same mistakes? Why do you think that happens?

Here are some possible answers:

Yes, I have forgotten my homework before. I felt nervous when the teacher asked for it, but I just said I left it at home.

I usually try to remember, but sometimes I write it in my phone or notebook. If I don’t do that, I often forget because I get distracted.

When I realize I forgot something, I feel stressed and try to find a quick solution. For example, I think of an excuse or plan to do it later.

I think it’s better to admit mistakes because it is more honest. Even if it feels uncomfortable, it’s better than making things worse.

Writing things down helps me stay organized. I also try to check my backpack before leaving home, although I don’t always do it.

Yes, I sometimes repeat the same mistakes because I don’t change my habits. For example, I forget things when I’m in a hurry or not focused.

Complete the sentences:

I clearly remember doing my homework, but ____________________.

I opened my backpack and realized ____________________.

I tried to find an excuse, but ____________________.

When the teacher asked me, I ____________________.

In the end, I decided to ____________________.

Talking During the Break

The bell rang, and suddenly the whole classroom changed. It was like someone pressed a button — pens dropped, chairs moved, and everyone started talking at the same time. The lesson was over, and the break had begun.

I stayed in my seat for a few seconds, just looking around. Some students rushed out of the room, some opened their phones immediately, and others already formed small groups near the windows or desks.

I stood up and walked over to my friends.

«Finally,» someone said. «That lesson was so long.»

We all laughed a little, because it always feels that way, even when it’s not that bad.

We usually meet in the same corner of the classroom during breaks. It’s not a special place, just near the back wall, but it somehow became ours. Someone always leans against the desk, someone sits on it, and someone is always eating something they shouldn’t be eating before lunch.

Today, the conversation started with something small — homework, of course.

«Did you understand the math problem?» one of my friends asked.

«Not really,» I said. «I just copied it from the board and hoped for the best.»

That made everyone laugh, because nobody really understood it.

Then the topic changed, like it always does. One moment it’s school, the next it’s something completely random — a new video, a funny moment in class, or something that happened on the way to school.

«Did you see what happened in the group chat last night?» someone asked.

«Oh no, what now?» I said, already knowing it was going to be something interesting.

We all leaned in a bit closer. That’s another thing about breaks — even if you’re just talking about nothing important, it suddenly feels important.

It turned out someone had sent a message in the wrong chat and deleted it immediately. Of course, that didn’t stop anyone from noticing.

«Classic,» I said, and everyone laughed again.

Time always feels different during breaks. It can feel long, like you have forever, but also short, like it disappears too quickly. We were talking, laughing, interrupting each other, not really finishing sentences but still understanding everything.

At some point, I noticed I was holding my backpack strap without thinking. I wasn’t even planning to leave yet, but my body was already getting ready.

«We still have ten minutes,» someone said.

«Feels like two,» I replied.

We started talking about weekend plans next. Most of us didn’t have anything serious planned, just small things — staying at home, watching something, maybe going out for a walk. Still, it felt nice to talk about it like it was important.

Then, suddenly, the bell rang again.

Everyone looked at each other for a second.

«No way,» someone said. «Already?»

That’s always the moment that feels a bit strange. One second you’re talking, and the next you have to switch back to «class mode.» Chairs move again, voices lower, and people slowly walk back to their seats.

I finished the last part of my conversation quickly.

«Okay, see you later,» I said.

«Yeah, later,» my friend replied, already turning back to his desk.

I sat down, opened my notebook, and tried to focus again. But my mind was still partly in that short break — the jokes, the stories, the small random conversations that somehow made the day better.

And for a few seconds, I was still smiling without really knowing why.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

the bell rang — прозвенел звонок

drop pens — бросить ручки

at the same time — одновременно

rush out — выбегать

small group — небольшая группа

lean against — прислоняться

hope for the best — надеяться на лучшее

change the topic — сменить тему

completely random — совершенно случайный

group chat — групповой чат

lean in closer — наклониться ближе

feels important — кажется важным

classic — типично / как всегда

time disappears — время исчезает

without thinking — не задумываясь

get ready to leave — готовиться уйти

weekend plans — планы на выходные

nothing serious — ничего серьёзного

switch back — переключиться обратно

classroom mode — «режим урока»

see you later — увидимся позже

focus again — снова сосредоточиться

still smiling — всё ещё улыбаться

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

The moment the bell rang, everyone… — Как только прозвенел звонок, все…

We started talking about…, but then… — Мы начали говорить о…, но потом…

It felt like…, although… — Это ощущалось как…, хотя…

At some point, I noticed that… — В какой-то момент я заметил, что…

Time always feels… when… — Время всегда кажется…, когда…

We were…, not really…, but still… — Мы…, не совсем…, но всё равно…

Suddenly, it was time to… — Внезапно пришло время…

Now think about your own experience:

What do you usually talk about during school breaks?

Do you prefer spending breaks alone or with friends? Why?

Does time feel fast or slow during breaks for you?

What is your favorite place to sit or stand during breaks?

Have you ever had a funny moment during a break? What happened?

Do you feel ready to focus again after a break? Why or why not?

Here are some possible answers:

I usually talk about school, games, or something funny that happened in class. It’s not always important, but it makes the break more interesting.

I prefer spending breaks with friends because it feels more fun. We can talk, laugh, and forget about lessons for a short time.

Time feels very fast during breaks. I often think I still have a lot of time, but suddenly the bell rings again.

I usually stay near my friends in the classroom or in the hallway. It’s not a special place, but it feels comfortable.

Yes, once we laughed so much about something small that we almost missed the next lesson. It wasn’t very important, but it was funny at the time.

Sometimes I feel ready, but sometimes I still think about the conversation. It takes a few minutes to fully switch back to focus mode.

Complete the sentences:

The moment the bell rang, everyone ____________________.

We started talking about school, but then ____________________.

It felt like the break was short, although ____________________.

At some point, I noticed that ____________________.

Suddenly, it was time to ____________________.

Sitting Next to Someone New

It started like a normal day. I walked into the classroom, still a bit sleepy, thinking about the first lesson and whether it would be boring or not. I didn’t expect anything unusual. I never really do.

I went to my usual place in the classroom, but something was different. My seat wasn’t empty.

Someone was already sitting next to it.

A new student.

For a second, I just stood there, not sure what to do. The chair next to me was taken, and I had no idea if I was supposed to sit somewhere else or just… sit down anyway.

«Hi,» the person said first.

«Oh… hi,» I replied, trying to sound normal.

I sat down slowly. It always feels a bit strange sitting next to someone you’ve never talked to before. You suddenly become very aware of small things — how you sit, where you put your bag, even how you breathe. It sounds silly, but it feels real in the moment.

The teacher started the lesson, but my attention kept drifting. I wasn’t really listening. I was more focused on the person next to me. They were writing something in their notebook, calm and quiet, like they had been in this class forever.

I tried to act normal. Opened my notebook, wrote the date, underlined the title. But I could still feel that small awkward distance between us.

At one point, our pens almost touched when we reached for the same paper.

«Sorry,» I said quickly.

«It’s okay,» they replied with a small smile.

That was the first real moment of interaction, and somehow it made everything a bit easier.

A few minutes later, the teacher asked a question. Nobody answered at first. The silence got longer. I felt that familiar pressure — the one where you know you might have to speak.

Then the new student raised their hand and gave an answer.

It was correct.

The teacher nodded. «Good.»

That changed the mood a little. Now I was sitting next to someone who clearly knew what they were doing.

During the break, I stayed at my desk for a moment while most people left the classroom. I didn’t know if I should talk or just leave.

«So… you’re new here?» I finally asked.

«Yeah,» they said. «I moved here recently.»

There was a short pause. Not uncomfortable, just… new.

«How do you like it so far?» I asked.

«It’s okay,» they said. «Still getting used to everything.»

I nodded. That made sense. Everything always feels a bit strange in the beginning — new school, new people, new routine.

After that, the conversation became easier. We talked about small things — subjects, teachers, even where the cafeteria was. Nothing deep, but enough to stop it from feeling awkward.

By the end of the day, sitting next to them didn’t feel unusual anymore. It just felt normal. Like they had always been there, even though it had only been a few hours.

When the final bell rang, I packed my things slowly. The new student did the same.

«See you tomorrow,» I said without really thinking.

«Yeah, see you,» they replied.

I walked out of the classroom and realized something simple — it doesn’t take much for a stranger to stop feeling like a stranger. Sometimes just a short conversation is enough.

And tomorrow, sitting next to them probably won’t feel new at all.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

a normal day — обычный день

not sure what to do — не знать, что делать

sit down anyway — всё равно сесть

sound normal — звучать нормально

a bit strange — немного странно

pay attention — обращать внимание

drift away — отвлекаться

act normal — вести себя нормально

small awkward distance — небольшая неловкая дистанция

reach for — тянуться за

small smile — лёгкая улыбка

raise your hand — поднять руку