Английский язык для старшей школы. Темы, лексика и практика речи

Yes, I take short breaks when I feel tired. It helps me stay focused.

Expand Your Answer

Try to give a longer answer. Use at least 2—3 expressions from the vocabulary list and add one reason or example.

Example answer:

I usually sleep about seven hours, but I don’t always get enough sleep because I stay up late. As a result, I feel tired in the morning and find it difficult to stay focused at school.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I try to __________ enough sleep every night.

I often feel __________ in the morning.

It is difficult to __________ if I stay up late.

I sometimes __________ through social media before bed.

Taking a break helps me __________ focused.

Dealing with Stress

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Stress is a normal part of life, especially for teenagers. School, exams, homework, and personal problems can all cause stress. Sometimes a little stress can be helpful because it motivates you to work harder. However, too much stress can make you feel tired, anxious, and even affect your health.

One common reason for stress is having too many things to do. When you have a lot of homework and not enough time, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. In this situation, it is important to organize your tasks. For example, you can make a to-do list and decide what to do first. This helps you stay focused and feel more in control.

Another problem is worrying too much about the future or your results. Many students are afraid of making mistakes or failing exams. Although it is natural to worry, it does not help you solve the problem. Instead, you should try to focus on what you can do now. Preparing step by step is more effective than feeling stressed all the time.

It is also important to take breaks and relax. If you study for many hours without stopping, you will become tired and less productive. Short breaks can help you recover and improve your concentration. For instance, you can go for a walk, listen to music, or just rest for a few minutes.

Talking to someone can also reduce stress. You don’t have to deal with everything alone. Sharing your problems with friends, family, or teachers can make you feel better. Sometimes you just need support or advice from someone you trust.

Physical activity is another good way to deal with stress. When you move your body, you release energy and feel more relaxed. Even simple activities like walking or doing light exercises can make a difference.

Of course, it is not always easy to stay calm. There may be moments when you feel nervous or frustrated. In such situations, it is important to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. This simple action can help you calm down and think more clearly.

In the end, dealing with stress is a skill that you can develop over time. If you learn how to manage it, you will feel more confident and be able to handle difficult situations better.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

deal with stress — справляться со стрессом

feel stressed — испытывать стресс

cause stress — вызывать стресс

feel overwhelmed — чувствовать перегруженность

too many things to do — слишком много дел

make a to-do list — составить список дел

stay focused — оставаться сосредоточенным

feel in control — чувствовать контроль

worry about — беспокоиться о

be afraid of — бояться

make mistakes — делать ошибки

fail an exam — провалить экзамен

take a break — делать перерыв

improve concentration — улучшать концентрацию

go for a walk — идти на прогулку

reduce stress — снижать стресс

deal with problems — справляться с проблемами

share your problems — делиться проблемами

feel better — чувствовать себя лучше

release energy — выпускать энергию

take a deep breath — сделать глубокий вдох

calm down — успокоиться

handle situations — справляться с ситуациями

Useful Patterns

I often feel stressed when… — Я часто испытываю стресс, когда…

One of the reasons is… — Одна из причин — это…

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

I try to… when I feel stressed — Я стараюсь…, когда испытываю стресс

For example,… — Например,…

Instead of…, I… — Вместо…, я…

Sometimes I need to… — Иногда мне нужно…

In such situations,… — В таких ситуациях,…

Practice: Answer the Questions

What usually causes stress in your life?

How do you feel when you are stressed?

What do you do to deal with stress?

Do you talk to someone when you have problems?

Do breaks help you relax?

What would you like to improve in managing stress?

Model Answers

I often feel stressed because of school and exams. Sometimes I have too many things to do.

When I feel stressed, I feel tired and a bit overwhelmed. It is difficult to stay focused.

I try to make a to-do list and take breaks. It helps me feel more in control.

Yes, I talk to my friends or family. It helps me feel better and reduce stress.

Yes, short breaks help me relax and improve my concentration.

I would like to manage my time better and worry less about small problems.

Expand Your Answer

Try to give a longer answer. Use at least 2—3 expressions from the vocabulary list and add one reason or example.

Example answer:

I often feel stressed when I have too many things to do at school. In such situations, I try to make a to-do list and take a break because it helps me stay focused and feel more in control.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I feel stressed when I have too many __________.

I try to __________ a to-do list to organize my tasks.

Taking a break helps me __________ my concentration.

I usually __________ to someone when I have problems.

It is important to __________ down and think clearly.

Motivation and Laziness

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Motivation and laziness are two things that almost everyone experiences. Some days you feel full of energy and ready to do everything on your list. On other days, even simple tasks feel difficult, and you just want to do nothing. This is completely normal, but it is important to understand how to deal with these feelings.

Motivation is the reason why you do something. It can come from inside you or from outside factors. For example, you may feel motivated because you want to get good grades, achieve your goals, or make your parents proud. At the same time, deadlines and responsibilities can also push you to take action. However, motivation does not always last long, so you cannot depend on it all the time.

Laziness, on the other hand, often appears when you feel tired, bored, or overwhelmed. Sometimes it is not real laziness but a sign that you need rest. For instance, if you don’t get enough sleep, it is hard to stay active and focused. In other cases, you may avoid tasks because they seem too difficult or uninteresting.

One common mistake is waiting for motivation to start working. Many people think, «I will do it when I feel ready.» However, motivation often comes after you begin. If you take the first step, even a small one, it becomes easier to continue. That is why it is important to develop discipline, not just rely on motivation.

Breaking tasks into smaller parts can also help. When a task seems too big, you may feel overwhelmed and avoid it. But if you divide it into simple steps, it becomes more manageable. For example, instead of thinking about writing a long essay, you can start by writing just one paragraph.

Another useful strategy is to remove distractions. Social media, messages, and videos can take a lot of your time and reduce your motivation. If you want to stay focused, you should create a good study environment and limit distractions.

It is also important to reward yourself. After finishing a task, you can take a break or do something you enjoy. This makes the process more positive and helps you stay motivated in the future.

Of course, everyone has lazy days. The key is not to feel guilty about them but to get back on track as soon as possible. Motivation may come and go, but good habits and discipline help you move forward.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

feel motivated — чувствовать мотивацию

lack of motivation — отсутствие мотивации

take action — действовать

depend on — зависеть от

feel lazy — лениться

feel tired — чувствовать усталость

stay focused — оставаться сосредоточенным

avoid tasks — избегать задач

take the first step — сделать первый шаг

develop discipline — развивать дисциплину

break tasks into smaller parts — разбивать задачи на части

feel overwhelmed — чувствовать перегруженность

manage a task — справляться с задачей

remove distractions — убрать отвлекающие факторы

study environment — учебная обстановка

limit distractions — ограничивать отвлекающие факторы

reward yourself — поощрять себя

take a break — делать перерыв

get back on track — вернуться в нормальный режим

build good habits — формировать хорошие привычки

Useful Patterns

I often feel motivated when… — Я часто чувствую мотивацию, когда…

Sometimes I don’t feel like… — Иногда мне не хочется…

One of the problems is that… — Одна из проблем в том, что…

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

I try to… — Я стараюсь…

For example,… — Например,…

That’s why… — Вот почему…

In the end,… — В конце концов,…

Practice: Answer the Questions

What motivates you to study or work?

Do you sometimes feel lazy? When?

What do you do when you don’t feel motivated?

Do you find it easy to start difficult tasks?

What usually distracts you?

How do you reward yourself after finishing something?

Model Answers

I feel motivated when I have clear goals and want to get good results. It helps me take action.

Yes, I sometimes feel lazy when I am tired or bored. It is difficult to stay focused.

When I don’t feel motivated, I try to take the first step and start with something small.

I don’t always find it easy to start difficult tasks because I feel overwhelmed.

Social media often distracts me, so I try to limit distractions.

I reward myself by taking a break or doing something I enjoy.

Expand Your Answer

Try to give a longer answer. Use at least 2—3 expressions from the vocabulary list and add one reason or example.

Example answer:

I often feel motivated when I have clear goals, but sometimes I feel lazy and don’t want to take action. In such situations, I try to break tasks into smaller parts because it helps me stay focused and get back on track.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

Sometimes I don’t feel __________ to study.

I try to __________ the first step when I feel lazy.

Big tasks can make me feel __________.

I need to __________ distractions to stay focused.

After I finish my work, I like to __________ myself.

Setting Goals

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Setting goals is an important part of personal growth. Goals give you direction and help you understand what you want to achieve. Without clear goals, it is easy to waste time or feel lost. When you know what you are working toward, it becomes easier to stay focused and motivated.

There are different types of goals. Some are short-term, such as finishing homework or preparing for a test. Others are long-term, like choosing a career or improving your skills. Both types are important because small goals help you move step by step toward bigger ones.

A good goal should be clear and realistic. If your goal is too general, it may be difficult to achieve it. For example, saying «I want to be better at English» is not very specific. Instead, you can say, «I want to learn ten new words every day» or «I want to practice speaking three times a week.» Clear goals make it easier to track your progress.

It is also important to make a plan. A goal without a plan is just a wish. You need to decide what steps to take and when to take them. For instance, if you want to improve your English, you can set a schedule and study a little every day. This way, you will make steady progress.

Of course, there may be difficulties along the way. Sometimes you feel tired or lose motivation. In such situations, it is important not to give up. You can remind yourself why your goal is important or take a short break to recover. Staying positive helps you continue even when things are not easy.

Another useful idea is to track your progress. You can write down your achievements or use a checklist. This helps you see how far you have come and keeps you motivated. Even small успехи can make a big difference.

It is also helpful to be flexible. Sometimes your plans change, and you need to adjust your goals. This does not mean you have failed. It means you are learning and adapting to new situations.

In the end, setting goals is not just about achieving results. It is about developing good habits, learning new skills, and becoming a better version of yourself. If you set clear goals and work on them regularly, you will see real progress over time.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

set goals — ставить цели

achieve a goal — достигать цели

personal growth — личностный рост

feel lost — чувствовать растерянность

stay focused — оставаться сосредоточенным

stay motivated — сохранять мотивацию

short-term goals — краткосрочные цели

long-term goals — долгосрочные цели

step by step — шаг за шагом

realistic goal — реалистичная цель

track your progress — отслеживать прогресс

make a plan — составить план

take steps — предпринимать шаги

make progress — делать прогресс

face difficulties — сталкиваться с трудностями

give up — сдаваться

stay positive — сохранять позитивный настрой

take a break — делать перерыв

write down — записывать

be flexible — быть гибким

adjust goals — корректировать цели

make a difference — иметь значение

Useful Patterns

I want to… — Я хочу…

My goal is to… — Моя цель — …

I try to… — Я стараюсь…

One of my goals is… — Одна из моих целей — …

It is important to… — Важно…

For example,… — Например,…

Sometimes I…, but I… — Иногда я…, но я…

In the end,… — В конце концов,…

Practice: Answer the Questions

Do you usually set goals for yourself?

What is one of your short-term goals?

Do you have any long-term goals?

How do you plan to achieve your goals?

What difficulties do you face when working on your goals?

How do you stay motivated?

Model Answers

Yes, I usually set goals because it helps me stay focused and organized.

One of my short-term goals is to improve my English vocabulary. I try to learn new words every day.

My long-term goal is to choose a good career and develop useful skills.

I plan to achieve my goals step by step and make a clear plan.

Sometimes I face difficulties because I feel tired or lose motivation.

I stay motivated by tracking my progress and reminding myself why my goals are important.

Expand Your Answer

Try to give a longer answer. Use at least 2—3 expressions from the vocabulary list and add one reason or example.

Example answer:

My goal is to improve my English, so I try to study every day and track my progress. For example, I write down new words and review them because it helps me stay motivated and make progress.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I want to __________ a clear goal.

My goal is to __________ my skills.

I try to __________ my progress every week.

Sometimes I want to __________ up, but I continue.

It is important to __________ flexible and adjust your plans.

Friendship in the Modern World

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Friendship has always been an important part of our lives, but in the modern world it is changing. Today, people communicate not only face to face but also online. Social media, messaging apps, and video calls make it easier to stay in touch, even if your friends live far away. However, these changes also bring new challenges.

In the past, friendships were usually based on spending time together in real life. People met at school, in their neighborhood, or through shared activities. Now, it is possible to make friends online. For example, you can meet people through games, social networks, or common interests. This can be exciting because you can connect with people from different countries and cultures.

At the same time, online communication is not always the same as real-life interaction. When you talk face to face, you can see a person’s emotions, body language, and reactions. Online, it is easier to misunderstand each other. Messages can sound different from what you really mean, and this can sometimes lead to problems.

Another important aspect of modern friendship is the number of connections people have. Some teenagers have hundreds of «friends» on social media, but only a few close friends in real life. This shows that quality is more important than quantity. A true friend is someone you can trust, share your feelings with, and rely on in difficult situations.

Trust and honesty are still the key elements of any strong friendship. Even in the digital world, it is important to be real and respectful. If you only show the perfect side of your life online, it can create distance between you and others. Being honest helps build deeper and more meaningful relationships.

Modern life is often busy, and people may not have enough time to meet regularly. That’s why it is important to make an effort to stay connected. For instance, you can send a message, make a call, or plan to meet when you have time. Small actions can help keep a friendship strong.

It is also important to respect differences. Your friends may have different opinions, interests, or lifestyles. Instead of arguing, you can try to understand their point of view. This makes your friendship stronger and helps you grow as a person.

In the end, friendship in the modern world is a mix of online and offline communication. Technology can help us stay connected, but real friendship still depends on trust, support, and shared experiences.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

friendship — дружба

stay in touch — поддерживать связь

face to face — лично

make friends — заводить друзей

have something in common — иметь что-то общее

real-life interaction — общение в реальной жизни

body language — язык тела

misunderstand each other — неправильно понимать друг друга

lead to problems — приводить к проблемам

social media — социальные сети

close friend — близкий друг

trust someone — доверять кому-то

rely on — полагаться на

share feelings — делиться чувствами

be honest — быть честным

make an effort — прилагать усилия

keep a friendship strong — поддерживать дружбу

respect differences — уважать различия

point of view — точка зрения

grow as a person — развиваться как личность

Useful Patterns

I usually stay in touch with… — Я обычно поддерживаю связь с…

I think friendship is… — Я думаю, дружба — это…

One of the most important things is… — Одна из самых важных вещей — это…

It is easy/difficult to… — Легко/сложно…

For example,… — Например,…

At the same time,… — В то же время,…

In my opinion,… — По моему мнению,…

In the end,… — В конце концов,…

Practice: Answer the Questions

How do you usually communicate with your friends?

Do you prefer online or face-to-face communication? Why?

What makes a good friend?

Do you have many friends or only a few close ones?

Have you ever made friends online?

How do you stay in touch with friends who live far away?

Model Answers

I usually stay in touch with my friends through social media and messaging apps.

I prefer face-to-face communication because it is easier to understand emotions and body language.

I think a good friend is someone you can trust and rely on in difficult situations.

I have a few close friends because I believe quality is more important than quantity.

Yes, I have made friends online through shared interests.

I stay in touch by sending messages and sometimes making video calls.

Expand Your Answer

Try to give a longer answer. Use at least 2—3 expressions from the vocabulary list and add one reason or example.

Example answer:

I usually stay in touch with my friends through social media, but I prefer face-to-face communication because it helps me understand their body language. For example, when we meet in real life, it is easier to share feelings and build a stronger friendship.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I usually __________ in touch with my friends online.

A true friend is someone you can __________ on.

It is easy to __________ friends through social media.

Sometimes people __________ each other online.

It is important to __________ differences in friendship.

Family Relationships

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Family relationships play an important role in our lives. For most people, family is the first place where they learn how to communicate, share, and support each other. Although every family is different, strong relationships are usually based on trust, respect, and understanding.

In many families, people spend a lot of time together. They talk about their day, share meals, and help each other with problems. These simple activities help build a strong connection. For example, when parents listen to their children and give advice, it creates a feeling of support and safety.