Топики и рассказы для практики английской речи. Тексты и задания уровня B1

I still use my phone every day, of course. But now, sometimes, I leave it in my bag a little longer than before.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

reach for my phone — тянуться за телефоном

realize — осознавать

look again — посмотреть снова

check under the bed — проверить под кроватью

try to remember — пытаться вспомнить

get ready — собираться

feel different — чувствовать себя иначе

without my phone — без телефона

on the way — по пути

get used to — привыкнуть к

reply to messages — отвечать на сообщения

during breaks — во время перерывов

scroll through — листать

feel awkward — чувствовать неловкость

become more natural — становиться естественнее

notice small things — замечать мелочи

unexpected place — неожиданное место

the whole time — всё это время

pick it up — взять

for a second — на секунду

urge to check — желание проверить

without thinking — не задумываясь

what’s around me — что вокруг меня

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

At first, I thought… — Сначала я подумал…

I tried to…, but… — Я пытался…, но…

Everything felt… — Всё казалось…

I didn’t know what to… — Я не знал, что…

After a few minutes, I… — Через несколько минут я…

It was…, but then it became… — Это было…, но потом стало…

I realized that… — Я понял, что…

Maybe I don’t need to… — Возможно, мне не нужно…

Now think about your own experience:

What do you usually do on your phone every day?

How would you feel without your phone for a day?

Do you check your phone in the morning? Why?

What do you do during breaks at school?

Do you think you use your phone too much?

What could you do instead of using your phone?

Have you ever lost your phone? What happened?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What do you usually do on your phone every day?

I usually scroll through social media and reply to messages. Sometimes I watch videos without thinking. It’s part of my daily routine.

2. How would you feel without your phone for a day?

At first, I would feel uncomfortable because I use it all the time. But after a few hours, I might get used to it and feel calmer.

3. Do you check your phone in the morning? Why?

Yes, I reach for my phone as soon as I wake up. I want to check messages and see what’s new.

4. What do you do during breaks at school?

I usually scroll through my phone, but sometimes I talk with friends. Without a phone, I think I would communicate more.

5. Do you think you use your phone too much?

Yes, I think so. I often use it without thinking and waste time.

6. What could you do instead of using your phone?

I could read a book, listen to music, or just notice small things around me. It might help me relax.

7. Have you ever lost your phone? What happened?

Yes, once I couldn’t find it for a few hours. I felt nervous, but then I found it in my bag the whole time.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

I use my phone every day to scroll through social media and reply to messages. Sometimes I do it without thinking and waste time. Maybe I don’t need to check it so often.

Complete the sentences:

In the morning, I usually reach for __________.

Without my phone, I feel __________.

During breaks, I often __________.

At first, it feels __________, but then __________.

Maybe I don’t need to __________ every day.

Helping at Home

On weekdays, my schedule is often busy, but I still try to help at home whenever I can. It’s not always something big or difficult — sometimes it’s just small things that make everyday life easier for everyone.

After school, when I get home, I usually take a short break first. I eat, relax a little, and then look around to see what needs to be done. Sometimes my parents ask me directly, but often I already know my responsibilities.

One of my regular tasks is washing the dishes. I don’t always enjoy it, especially when there are many plates and cups, but I try not to complain. I turn on some music and do it step by step. It actually becomes easier when I don’t rush and just focus on the process.

I also help with cleaning my room. That’s something I really have to remind myself to do. It’s easy to leave things everywhere — books on the desk, clothes on the chair, and random things on the floor. But when I finally clean everything, I feel much better. A tidy space helps me think more clearly.

Sometimes I help my parents with cooking. I’m not an expert, but I can do simple things like cutting vegetables or setting the table. I like these moments because we can talk while we cook. It doesn’t feel like work — it feels more like spending time together.

On weekends, I usually have more time, so I try to do more. For example, I might vacuum the floor, take out the trash, or help carry groceries from the store. These tasks are not very exciting, but they are important. I understand that my parents also get tired, so I want to support them.

Of course, there are days when I don’t feel like helping at all. Sometimes I just want to relax, watch videos, or meet my friends. But I know that helping at home is part of being responsible. Even small actions can make a difference.

One thing I’ve learned is that it’s better to do things right away. If I say, «I’ll do it later,» I often forget or feel too lazy. But if I start immediately, the task usually takes less time than I expect.

Helping at home is not always fun, but it teaches me useful skills. I learn how to organize my time, take care of my space, and think about other people. And when everything is done, I can relax without feeling guilty.

Sometimes, when my parents say «thank you,» it feels really nice. It reminds me that even simple things matter more than I think.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

help at home — помогать дома

whenever I can — когда могу

small things — мелочи

make life easier — облегчать жизнь

take a short break — сделать короткий перерыв

look around — осмотреться

need to be done — нужно сделать

regular tasks — регулярные обязанности

wash the dishes — мыть посуду

not enjoy — не любить

try not to complain — стараться не жаловаться

step by step — шаг за шагом

clean my room — убирать комнату

remind myself — напоминать себе

feel much better — чувствовать себя лучше

tidy space — чистое пространство

set the table — накрывать на стол

spend time together — проводить время вместе

take out the trash — выносить мусор

carry groceries — нести продукты

feel like doing — хотеть делать

make a difference — иметь значение

right away — сразу

feel guilty — чувствовать вину

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I try to help when… — Я стараюсь помогать, когда…

Sometimes I…, but… — Иногда я…, но…

It becomes easier when… — Становится легче, когда…

I have to remind myself to… — Мне нужно напоминать себе…

I like it because… — Мне это нравится, потому что…

I understand that… — Я понимаю, что…

If I…, I… — Если я…, я…

It teaches me how to… — Это учит меня…

Now think about your own experience:

Do you help at home every day?

What household tasks do you usually do?

Which tasks do you like or dislike?

Do your parents ask you to help, or do you do it yourself?

How do you feel after you clean your room?

Do you help with cooking? What can you do?

Why is it important to help at home?

Here are some possible answers:

1. Do you help at home every day?

I try to help whenever I can, but not every day. Sometimes I feel tired after school, but I still do small things to make life easier.

2. What household tasks do you usually do?

I usually wash the dishes and clean my room. On weekends, I also take out the trash and carry groceries.

3. Which tasks do you like or dislike?

I don’t really enjoy washing the dishes, but I try not to complain. I like cooking more because I can spend time with my family.

4. Do your parents ask you to help, or do you do it yourself?

Sometimes they ask me, but often I look around and see what needs to be done.

5. How do you feel after you clean your room?

I feel much better because my space is tidy. It helps me relax and focus.

6. Do you help with cooking? What can you do?

Yes, I can do simple things like cutting vegetables and setting the table. It’s not difficult, but it’s useful.

7. Why is it important to help at home?

It makes a difference for the whole family. I understand that everyone gets tired, so it’s good to support each other.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

I try to help at home whenever I can. For example, I wash the dishes and take out the trash. It’s not always fun, but I understand that it makes life easier for my family.

Complete the sentences:

I usually help at home by __________.

I don’t always enjoy __________, but I try not to complain.

When I clean my room, I feel __________.

I like helping with cooking because __________.

If I do things right away, I __________.

My Weekend Plans

By the time Friday evening arrives, I start thinking about the weekend. After a long week at school, I really look forward to having some free time. I don’t always have big plans, but I like to think about what I want to do and how I want to spend my time.

On Saturday morning, I usually don’t wake up early. I turn off my alarm and enjoy a few extra hours of sleep. When I finally get up, I take my time. I don’t rush like on school days. I make breakfast, check my messages, and just relax for a while.

Later in the day, I often meet my friends. We don’t always plan everything заранее — sometimes we just decide what to do at the last minute. We might go for a walk, sit in a café, or just hang out at someone’s home. The most important thing is spending time together and having a good time.

Sometimes I also have things to do at home. For example, I may help my parents, clean my room, or finish some homework. I try to do these things earlier, so I can enjoy the rest of the weekend without stress.

In the afternoon, I like to do something I enjoy. It could be watching a movie, playing games, or reading a book. If the weather is nice, I prefer to go outside. A simple walk can make me feel more relaxed and give me energy.

Saturday evening is usually the most flexible time. Sometimes I stay at home and watch something interesting, and sometimes I go out with friends. It depends on my mood and my plans. I like that feeling — when you don’t have to follow a strict schedule.

Sunday feels a bit different. I still relax, but I also start thinking about the next week. I may check my homework, prepare my school bag, and plan my time. I don’t want Monday morning to be stressful.

I also try to rest properly on Sunday. If I don’t, I feel tired at the beginning of the week. So I don’t make too many plans. I might spend time with my family, go for a walk, or just stay at home and relax.

Of course, not every weekend is perfect. Sometimes I feel bored or don’t know what to do. But even then, it’s still a break from school, and that already feels good.

For me, the weekend is not about doing something special all the time. It’s about having time for myself, doing simple things, and feeling a bit freer than usual.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

look forward to — с нетерпением ждать

free time — свободное время

make plans — строить планы

wake up early — просыпаться рано

take my time — не спешить

relax for a while — отдохнуть немного

at the last minute — в последний момент

hang out — проводить время (неформально)

have a good time — хорошо проводить время

things to do — дела

finish homework — закончить домашнюю работу

without stress — без стресса

in the afternoon — днём

go outside — выйти на улицу

feel relaxed — чувствовать себя расслабленно

flexible time — свободное/гибкое время

depends on — зависит от

follow a schedule — следовать расписанию

prepare my bag — собрать сумку

plan my time — планировать время

feel tired — чувствовать усталость

at the beginning of — в начале

feel bored — чувствовать скуку

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I look forward to… — Я жду с нетерпением…

I usually don’t…, but… — Обычно я не…, но…

Sometimes we…, sometimes we… — Иногда мы…, иногда мы…

I try to…, so I can… — Я стараюсь…, чтобы…

If the weather is…, I… — Если погода…, я…

It depends on… — Это зависит от…

I don’t want to… — Я не хочу…

For me, … is about… — Для меня … — это…

Now think about your own experience:

What do you usually do on weekends?

Do you make plans or decide at the last minute?

Do you prefer staying at home or going out?

How do you relax on weekends?

Do you do homework on weekends?

How do you prepare for the next week?

What is your perfect weekend?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What do you usually do on weekends?

I usually relax and spend time with my friends. I look forward to the weekend because I have more free time.

2. Do you make plans or decide at the last minute?

Sometimes I make plans, but often I decide at the last minute. It feels more flexible and fun.

3. Do you prefer staying at home or going out?

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I stay at home and relax, but sometimes I go outside and have a good time.

4. How do you relax on weekends?

I relax by watching movies or listening to music. It helps me feel calm after a busy week.

5. Do you do homework on weekends?

Yes, I try to finish homework earlier so I can relax without stress.

6. How do you prepare for the next week?

I prepare my bag and plan my time. It helps me feel more organized.

7. What is your perfect weekend?

My perfect weekend is simple — I relax, meet friends, and don’t feel tired.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

I look forward to the weekend because I have more free time. Sometimes I hang out with friends, and sometimes I relax at home. It depends on my mood, but I always try to enjoy my time without stress.

Complete the sentences:

I look forward to the weekend because __________.

On Saturday, I usually __________.

I like to hang out with __________.

On Sunday, I try to __________.

My weekend depends on __________.

A Rainy Day Indoors

It was one of those days when the sky looks heavy from the morning. I woke up and immediately heard the sound of rain hitting the window. It wasn’t a light rain — it was strong and steady, like it had no plans to stop anytime soon. For a moment, I just stayed in bed and listened to it.

Normally, I like going outside on weekends, but this time everything changed. The weather made it clear that staying at home was the only real option. At first, I felt a bit disappointed because I had planned to meet a friend. But then I accepted it and decided to make the best of the day indoors.

I got up slowly, made myself breakfast, and sat by the window. The street outside looked different. People were walking quickly, holding umbrellas, trying to avoid the rain. Cars moved carefully, and everything felt a bit quieter than usual.

After breakfast, I didn’t know what to do at first. I walked around the room, checked my phone a few times, and looked at my books. I had so many options, but nothing felt interesting in the beginning. It’s funny how sometimes free time feels exciting, and sometimes it just feels empty.

Later, I decided to clean my room. It wasn’t planned, but it felt like a good idea. I started with my desk, then moved to the shelves, and finally organized my clothes. It took more time than I expected, but I actually enjoyed it. While I cleaned, I listened to music, and the time passed faster than usual.

When everything was done, my room looked much better. There was a small feeling of satisfaction — like I had done something useful instead of just wasting time. I even opened the window for a few minutes to let in fresh air. The smell of rain was strong and fresh.

In the afternoon, I finally met my friend online. We talked for a long time about school, games, and random things. It wasn’t the same as meeting in person, but it still felt nice. We laughed a lot and forgot about the weather outside.

Later, I watched a movie. I made some tea, wrapped myself in a blanket, and just relaxed. The sound of rain continued all day, sometimes louder, sometimes softer. It created a calm background that made everything feel slower.

In the evening, I thought about the day. At first, I had seen it as boring and disappointing, but it turned out to be quite peaceful. I didn’t do anything special, but I had time for myself, and that is something I don’t always get on busy days.

Before going to bed, I looked outside one more time. The rain was still falling, but it felt softer now. I realized that even a simple day indoors can feel meaningful if you slow down and notice it.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

heavy sky — тяжёлое, пасмурное небо

hit the window — бить по окну (о дожде)

steady rain — постоянный дождь

anytime soon — в ближайшее время

stay in bed — оставаться в кровати

make the best of — извлекать лучшее

feel disappointed — чувствовать разочарование

get up slowly — вставать медленно

by the window — у окна

move carefully — двигаться осторожно

feel quieter — казаться тише

at first — сначала

walk around — ходить по комнате

feel interesting — казаться интересным

in the beginning — в начале

make a good idea — показаться хорошей идеей

take more time — занять больше времени

pass faster — проходить быстрее

sense of satisfaction — чувство удовлетворения

let in fresh air — впустить свежий воздух

wrap myself in a blanket — укутаться в одеяло

forget about — забыть о

calm background — спокойный фон

turn out to be — оказаться

time for myself — время для себя

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

It was one of those days when… — Это был один из тех дней, когда…

At first, I felt… — Сначала я чувствовал…

I decided to… — Я решил…

I didn’t know what to… — Я не знал, что…

It felt like… — Это казалось…

While I…, I… — Пока я…, я…

I realized that… — Я понял, что…

It turned out to be… — Оказалось, что…

I ended up… — В итоге я…

Now think about your own experience:

What do you usually do on rainy days?

Do you like staying at home when it rains? Why or why not?

How do rainy days make you feel?

What activities do you do indoors?

Do you ever feel bored at home? What do you do then?

Do you like listening to rain sounds?

What is your perfect rainy day at home?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What do you usually do on rainy days?

I usually stay at home and relax. Sometimes I watch movies or listen to music. It helps me enjoy the calm atmosphere.

2. Do you like staying at home when it rains? Why or why not?

Yes, I like it because I can slow down and rest. It feels peaceful and quiet outside.

3. How do rainy days make you feel?

They make me feel calm, but sometimes a bit lazy. I don’t want to go outside when it rains heavily.

4. What activities do you do indoors?

I usually watch movies, clean my room, or talk with friends online.

5. Do you ever feel bored at home? What do you do then?

Yes, sometimes I feel bored. Then I try to find something useful to do, like reading or organizing my things.

6. Do you like listening to rain sounds?

Yes, I think rain sounds are relaxing. They help me feel calm and focused.

7. What is your perfect rainy day at home?

My perfect rainy day is simple: I stay home, relax, and do things I enjoy without stress.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

On rainy days, I usually stay at home and relax. Sometimes I feel a bit bored, but I try to make the best of it. For example, I watch a movie or clean my room, and the time passes faster.

Complete the sentences:

When it rains, I usually __________.

At first, I feel __________, but then __________.

I like to stay at home because __________.

While I am indoors, I often __________.

A rainy day is perfect when __________.

My Favorite Meal

I don’t think I have just one favorite meal, but if I had to choose, it would probably be something simple that I can eat at any time of the day. For me, food is not only about taste, but also about comfort and mood. One meal I really enjoy is homemade pasta with chicken and vegetables.

I remember the first time I really liked it. It was a normal evening, and I came home after school feeling tired and hungry. The house was warm, and I could already smell something cooking in the kitchen. That smell immediately made me feel better, even before I saw the food.

My mom was making pasta. She doesn’t follow a strict recipe every time — she just adds ingredients depending on what we have at home. That’s one of the reasons I like it so much. It always feels a little different, but still familiar.