Адаптированные тексты для изучающих английский язык. Практическое пособие для уровня B1

2. What makes a teacher good in your opinion?

A good teacher is someone who is patient, supportive, and able to explain difficult things in a simple way. It is also important that students feel comfortable in class.

3. Do you feel comfortable asking questions in class?

Yes, I usually feel comfortable, especially if the teacher is kind and doesn’t judge mistakes. It helps me learn better.

4. How does your teacher motivate students?

My teacher motivates us by encouraging speaking activities and showing that mistakes are part of learning. She also praises effort, not only correct answers.

5. What is the most interesting thing about your favourite teacher’s lessons?

The most interesting part is speaking activities and discussions. They make the lesson more interactive and help me use English in real situations.

6. Has a teacher ever changed your attitude to a subject?

Yes, a good teacher can change how I feel about a subject. When the lessons are interesting and clear, I start enjoying the subject more.

Complete the sentences:

My favourite teacher is ______ because ______.

I feel more confident in class when ______.

One thing I like about lessons is ______.

A good teacher is someone who ______.

I try to participate in class by ______.

Group Work in Class

Group work is something that happens quite often at school, and my feelings about it are a bit mixed. Sometimes I really enjoy it, but other times it can be a little stressful depending on the group and the task we get.

Usually, group work starts when the teacher gives us a task and asks us to work in small groups. We move our desks together and quickly decide who will do what. At first, it feels a bit chaotic because everyone starts talking at the same time. Some students already have ideas, while others are still trying to understand the task.

One of the good things about group work is that you are not alone. If something is difficult, you can ask your classmates for help. I like it when someone in the group explains an idea clearly, because it saves time and helps everyone understand better. It also feels more relaxed than working alone, especially when the task is long or complicated.

Another positive side is that you can share ideas. Sometimes I think of something, but I am not sure if it is correct. In a group, I can say it out loud, and others can agree or disagree. This helps me learn in a different way. I also notice that other students often have creative ideas that I would not think of on my own.

However, group work is not always perfect. One common problem is that not everyone participates equally. Sometimes one or two students do most of the work, while others stay quiet or distracted. This can be frustrating because it feels unfair. Also, when everyone has different opinions, it can be hard to agree on one final answer.

Another challenge is noise. When everyone is talking at the same time, it can be difficult to concentrate. I sometimes find it hard to focus on my own part of the task because of all the conversations around me.

Even so, I think group work is useful because it teaches important skills. For example, it helps with communication, teamwork, and learning how to listen to others. These are things that are not only important at school, but also in real life.

In the end, I think group work depends a lot on the people you work with and the task itself. When everything goes well, it can be interesting and even fun. But when it doesn’t, it feels more like a challenge than a lesson.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

group work — работа в группе

mixed feelings — смешанные чувства

work in small groups — работать в маленьких группах

move desks together — сдвигать парты вместе

a bit chaotic — немного хаотично

understand the task — понимать задание

ask for help — просить помощи

share ideas — делиться идеями

save time — экономить время

work alone — работать одному

complicated task — сложное задание

agree or disagree — соглашаться или не соглашаться

participate equally — участвовать одинаково

stay quiet — молчать

feel frustrated — чувствовать раздражение

final answer — окончательный ответ

difficult to concentrate — трудно сосредоточиться

communication skills — навыки общения

teamwork — командная работа

real life skills — навыки для реальной жизни

You can use these patterns in your own speech:

Group work is + adjective for me because… — Работа в группе для меня…, потому что…

One advantage of group work is that… — Одно преимущество работы в группе в том, что…

I like it when… — Мне нравится, когда…

It is difficult to + V when… — Трудно…, когда…

Some students tend to + V — Некоторые ученики склонны…

It helps me to + V — Это помогает мне…

In group work, I usually + V — В групповой работе я обычно…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Do you enjoy group work? Why or why not?

I enjoy group work because I can share ideas and get help from others. However, sometimes it is difficult when not everyone participates equally.

2. What problems can happen during group work?

One problem is that some students do not take part in the task. Another problem is noise, which makes it hard to concentrate.

3. What are the advantages of working in a group?

The main advantage is that you can learn from other people and share different ideas. It also helps to finish tasks faster.

4. What do you usually do in a group?

I usually try to share my ideas and help others understand the task. I also listen to other opinions before making a decision.

5. Do you prefer group work or individual work?

I sometimes prefer individual work because it is easier to concentrate. But group work can be more interesting and creative.

6. How can group work be improved?

I think group work is better when everyone has a clear role and participates equally. It also helps when the teacher explains the task clearly.

Complete the sentences:

Group work is ______ for me because ______.

One advantage of group work is that I can ______.

I find it difficult to ______ when working in a group.

In group tasks, I usually ______.

It helps me to ______ and learn from others.

How I Do My Homework

Homework is a part of my daily school life, and even though I don’t always enjoy it, I try to deal with it in a simple and organized way. My approach depends on how much work I have and how tired I feel after school.

Usually, I start my homework after a short break when I get home. I don’t begin immediately because I need some time to relax first. I might eat something, scroll on my phone, or just sit quietly for a while. After that, I try to focus and get started before I lose too much time.

The first thing I do is check what tasks I have for different subjects. I look at my diary or messages from classmates to make sure I don’t forget anything. Then I decide the order. I usually start with the most difficult subject because I feel more focused at the beginning. If I leave it for later, I become tired and it is harder to concentrate.

When I start working, I try to remove distractions. I put my phone away or switch it to silent mode. This is not always easy, but it helps me finish faster. Sometimes I listen to quiet music, but only if it doesn’t disturb my thinking.

If I don’t understand something, I usually try to solve it on my own first. I reread the task or look at my notes. If it is still unclear, I ask a classmate or check an example from the lesson. I don’t like skipping tasks because I want to understand them properly.

One problem I often have is losing motivation. Sometimes I start slowly, especially if the homework is long or boring. But once I get into it, it becomes easier to continue. I try to remind myself that finishing homework early gives me more free time later.

I also take short breaks if I feel tired. After finishing one subject, I might stand up, stretch, or get a drink. These small breaks help me stay focused for a longer time.

When I finally finish everything, I feel relieved. It is a good feeling to know that I don’t have any unfinished tasks hanging over me. After that, I can relax properly, watch something, or spend time doing things I enjoy.

Even though homework is not my favourite activity, I understand that it helps me practice what I learn in class and improve my skills step by step.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

deal with homework — справляться с домашним заданием

short break — короткий перерыв

scroll on my phone — листать телефон

get started — начать

check tasks — проверять задания

look at my diary — смотреть в дневник

most difficult subject — самый сложный предмет

remove distractions — убрать отвлекающие факторы

put my phone on silent — поставить телефон на беззвучный режим

concentrate on work — сосредоточиться на работе

solve on my own — решать самому

reread the task — перечитывать задание

ask a classmate — спрашивать одноклассника

lose motivation — терять мотивацию

get into it — втянуться в процесс

take short breaks — делать короткие перерывы

stretch my body — разминаться

feel relieved — чувствовать облегчение

unfinished tasks — незавершённые задания

practice skills — тренировать навыки

You can use these patterns in your own speech:

I usually start my homework by + V-ing — Я обычно начинаю домашнее задание с…

I prefer to start with + noun — Я предпочитаю начинать с…

It helps me to + V — Это помогает мне…

I find it difficult to + V when… — Мне трудно…, когда…

I try not to + V because… — Я стараюсь не…, потому что…

When I don’t understand something, I usually + V — Когда я не понимаю, я обычно…

After finishing homework, I feel… — После домашнего задания я чувствую…

Now think about your own experience:

1. When do you usually do your homework?

I usually do my homework after a short rest when I come home from school. This helps me relax first and then focus better.

2. What is the most difficult part of doing homework for you?

The most difficult part is starting, especially when I feel tired or unmotivated. After I begin, it becomes easier.

3. Do you prefer doing homework in silence or with music?

I prefer silence because it helps me concentrate better. Sometimes I listen to quiet music if it is not distracting.

4. What do you do when you don’t understand a task?

I try to read the task again and use my notes. If I still don’t understand, I ask a classmate or check examples from the lesson.

5. How do you feel after finishing all your homework?

I usually feel relieved and free. It is nice to know that I can relax without thinking about unfinished tasks.

6. Do you think homework is useful?

Yes, I think homework is useful because it helps me practice and remember what we learn in class.

Complete the sentences:

I usually start my homework by ______ after school.

I find it difficult to ______ when I feel tired.

It helps me to ______ so I can focus better.

When I don’t understand a task, I usually ______.

After finishing homework, I feel ______ and relaxed.

School Rules: What I Think About Them

School rules are something I think about quite often, especially when I feel that they are strict or not very logical. At the same time, I understand that rules are important because they help keep order and make school life more organized.

Some rules at my school are easy to accept. For example, arriving on time or being polite to teachers and classmates makes sense to me. Without these basic rules, the school would probably feel chaotic and uncomfortable. I also understand rules about safety, like not running in the corridors or behaving carefully in the classroom.

However, there are some rules that I find more difficult to agree with. For example, sometimes there are strict rules about using phones or talking during breaks in certain areas. I understand the reason behind them, but I still feel that students should have a bit more freedom during free time. After all, breaks are the only time when we can relax and talk normally.

Another thing I notice is that rules are sometimes applied differently depending on the teacher. One teacher might be very strict about small things, while another is more relaxed. This can feel a bit unfair and confusing for students because we are not always sure what is allowed and what is not.

On the positive side, rules can help create a better learning environment. When everyone follows the same rules, lessons run more smoothly and there are fewer distractions. It is easier to focus when the classroom is quiet and organized.

I also think rules teach responsibility. Even if we don’t always like them, we learn to follow instructions, respect others, and control our behaviour. These are skills that are useful not only at school, but also in everyday life later on.

Still, I believe that some rules could be improved. It would be better if students could have more say in certain decisions, especially those that affect daily school life. When students understand the purpose of a rule, they are more likely to follow it willingly.

In the end, I think school rules are necessary, but they should be balanced. Too many strict rules can make school feel stressful, but no rules at all would make it chaotic. The most important thing is finding a middle ground where learning is effective and students still feel comfortable.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

school rules — школьные правила

think about something — думать о чём-то

keep order — поддерживать порядок

make sense — иметь смысл

feel chaotic — чувствовать хаос

basic rules — основные правила

behave carefully — вести себя осторожно

agree with rules — соглашаться с правилами

have more freedom — иметь больше свободы

free time — свободное время

applied differently — применяются по-разному

feel unfair — чувствовать несправедливость

learning environment — учебная среда

run smoothly — проходить гладко

create distractions — создавать отвлекающие факторы

take responsibility — брать ответственность

follow instructions — следовать инструкциям

control behaviour — контролировать поведение

have a say — иметь право голоса

middle ground — золотая середина

You can use these patterns in your own speech:

I think school rules are + adjective because… — Я думаю, школьные правила…, потому что…

One rule I agree with is… — Одно правило, с которым я согласен, это…

I find it difficult to agree with… — Мне трудно согласиться с…

It makes sense to + V — Имеет смысл…

I understand the reason, but… — Я понимаю причину, но…

It would be better if… — Было бы лучше, если бы…

Rules help us to + V — Правила помогают нам…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Do you think school rules are necessary?

Yes, I think school rules are necessary because they help keep order and make learning easier for everyone.

2. What school rule do you agree with most?

I agree with rules about being polite and respectful. They create a better atmosphere in school.

3. What rule do you find difficult or unfair?

I sometimes find strict phone rules difficult, especially during breaks when I want to relax and talk with friends.

4. Should students help create school rules?

Yes, I think students should have some say in rules because it helps them understand and accept them better.

5. How do school rules affect your daily life?

They affect my routine because I have to follow schedules and behave in a certain way, but they also help the day run smoothly.

6. Do you think rules make school better or worse?

I think they make school better, but only if they are fair and balanced.

Complete the sentences:

One school rule I agree with is ______ because ______.

I find it difficult to agree with ______ because ______.

School rules help students to ______ and stay organized.

It would be better if students could ______ in some decisions.

Without rules, school would feel ______ and chaotic.

My First Day at a New School

I still remember my first day at a new school quite clearly, even though it happened a while ago. I was both nervous and curious at the same time. Everything felt unfamiliar, and I didn’t really know what to expect from the new teachers or classmates.

In the morning, I got ready more carefully than usual. I checked my bag several times to make sure I had everything I needed. On the way to school, I tried to stay calm, but I kept thinking about simple questions like «What if I cannot find my classroom?» or «What if I don’t know anyone in my class?»

When I arrived, the school looked bigger than I expected. There were many students walking in different directions, talking loudly and laughing. I felt a bit lost at first because I didn’t know where to go. I stood near the entrance for a moment, just watching and trying to understand what was happening.

After a few minutes, a teacher noticed me and helped me find my way. She was kind and explained where I needed to go. That small moment made me feel a little more comfortable. I realized that I was not completely alone, even if everything felt new.

My first lesson was English. I remember sitting in the classroom and looking around at my new classmates. Some of them already knew each other, so they were talking easily. I stayed quiet at first because I felt shy, but I listened carefully and tried to understand how everything worked.

During the break, I didn’t talk much. I was still observing the people around me. However, one student started talking to me and asked where I was from. That simple question made it easier to start a conversation, and slowly I began to feel more relaxed.

By the middle of the day, I was still a bit nervous, but I started to understand the school routine. The classrooms, the schedule, even the sounds of the bell began to feel more familiar. I also met a few more students, and they seemed friendly.

By the end of the day, I was tired but relieved. It wasn’t as scary as I had imagined. I realized that a new school feels strange at first, but people usually get used to it faster than they think. When I left the building, I already felt that the next day would be easier.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

first day at a new school — первый день в новой школе

feel nervous and curious — чувствовать волнение и любопытство

unfamiliar place — незнакомое место

get ready carefully — готовиться внимательно

check my bag — проверять сумку

stay calm — сохранять спокойствие

find my classroom — найти свой кабинет

feel lost — чувствовать себя потерянным

school entrance — вход в школу

find my way — найти дорогу

feel more comfortable — чувствовать себя комфортнее

stay quiet — оставаться тихим

observe people — наблюдать за людьми

start a conversation — начать разговор

feel relaxed — чувствовать себя расслабленно

school routine — школьный распорядок

become familiar — становиться знакомым

friendly classmates — дружелюбные одноклассники

feel relieved — чувствовать облегчение

get used to something — привыкнуть к чему-то

You can use these patterns in your own speech:

My first day at a new school was + adjective — Мой первый день в новой школе был…

I felt + adjective because… — Я чувствовал себя…, потому что…