Современный английский для старшеклассников. Лексика, тексты и коммуникативная практика

It’s also important to be flexible. You don’t have to follow your routine perfectly every day. Sometimes you wake up late or feel too tired, and that’s normal. The goal is not to be perfect, but to create habits that help you feel better.

In the end, morning routines do matter, but only if they work for you. A good routine doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Even small changes, like waking up earlier or not using your phone right away, can improve your day.

So instead of copying someone else’s routine, try to create your own. Think about what makes you feel good in the morning and start with that.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

wake up feeling tired — просыпаться уставшим

press the snooze button — нажимать повтор сигнала

get out of bed — вставать с кровати

at the last minute — в последний момент

be in a rush — спешить

grab something to eat — быстро перекусить

hurry to school — спешить в школу

morning routine — утренняя рутина

a set of habits — набор привычек

make your day better — сделать день лучше

get used to something — привыкнуть к чему-то

as a result — в результате

feel more awake — чувствовать себя бодрее

have enough time — иметь достаточно времени

start your day in a calm way — начать день спокойно

improve your mood — улучшить настроение

stay focused — сохранять концентрацию

physical activity — физическая активность

make a difference — иметь значение

give up quickly — быстро сдаваться

keep things simple — упрощать

be flexible — быть гибким

wake up late — просыпаться поздно

right away — сразу

create your own routine — создать свою рутину

Useful Patterns

I usually wake up… — Я обычно просыпаюсь…

In the morning, I often… — По утрам я часто…

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

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

As a result,… — В результате…

I try to… — Я стараюсь…

Sometimes I… — Иногда я…

I would like to… — Я хотел (а) бы…

It’s important to… — Важно…

Practice: Answer the Questions

What is your morning routine like?

Do you usually wake up early or at the last minute?

Do you feel tired in the morning? Why?

What helps you feel more awake in the morning?

Do you have enough time in the morning?

Would you like to change your morning routine? How?

Model Answers

My morning routine is quite simple. I wake up and get ready for school.

I usually wake up at the last minute and have to rush.

Yes, I often feel tired because I don’t get enough sleep.

It helps me to listen to music and have breakfast.

No, I don’t have enough time because I wake up late.

I would like to wake up earlier and start my day in a calm way.

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 wake up feeling tired and press the snooze button несколько times. As a result, I have to rush and don’t have enough time for breakfast. For example, I often grab something quickly and hurry to school.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I often ______ the snooze button in the morning.

I usually get out of bed at the ______ minute.

In the morning, I don’t have enough time to ______.

It helps me to ______ and feel more awake.

I would like to ______ my own morning routine.

Weekend Plans: Chill or Productive?

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For many teenagers, the weekend is the best part of the week. After several days of school, homework, and responsibilities, you finally have time to relax. But then an important question appears: should you just chill or try to be productive?

Some people believe that weekends are for rest only. They prefer to sleep in, watch videos, play games, and spend time doing nothing special. After a busy week, this can feel great. You don’t have to wake up early, you don’t have to rush, and you can finally take a break from stress. This kind of weekend helps you relax and recharge your energy.

However, if you spend the whole weekend doing nothing, you might feel that you wasted your time. By Sunday evening, some teenagers feel bored or even a bit guilty because they didn’t do anything useful. They start thinking about the new week and feel unprepared.

On the other hand, some teenagers try to be very productive on weekends. They do homework, study extra subjects, clean their room, or work on personal projects. This can be a good idea because it helps you stay organized and reduces stress during the week. If you finish your tasks in advance, you will have more free time later.

But being too productive can also be a problem. If you treat your weekend like a school day, you may feel tired and exhausted. Without enough rest, it becomes harder to stay focused and motivated. As a result, you may start the new week feeling even more stressed.

So what is the best choice?

The answer is balance. A good weekend usually includes both rest and productivity. For example, you can finish your homework in the morning and relax in the afternoon. Or you can choose one or two important tasks and then spend the rest of your time doing things you enjoy.

Planning your weekend can also help. You don’t need a strict schedule, but having a simple plan makes it easier to use your time wisely. You can decide what you really want to do and avoid wasting time on things that are not important.

It’s also important to listen to yourself. Sometimes you really need rest, and that’s okay. Other times you may feel motivated to do something useful. Try to understand your needs and choose activities that make you feel good.

In the end, weekends are not just about being lazy or being productive. They are about finding a healthy balance between work and rest. If you manage your time well, you can enjoy your weekend and still feel ready for the week ahead.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

weekend — выходные

the best part of the week — лучшая часть недели

take a break — сделать перерыв

chill — отдыхать, расслабляться

sleep in — спать дольше обычного

spend time doing nothing — ничего не делать

recharge your energy — восстановить энергию

feel great — чувствовать себя отлично

waste your time — тратить время впустую

feel bored — чувствовать скуку

feel guilty — чувствовать вину

feel unprepared — чувствовать себя неподготовленным

be productive — быть продуктивным

stay organized — оставаться организованным

reduce stress — снижать стресс

in advance — заранее

treat something like — относиться как к

feel exhausted — чувствовать себя измотанным

stay focused — сохранять концентрацию

find a balance — находить баланс

use your time wisely — использовать время с умом

make a plan — составлять план

avoid wasting time — избегать потери времени

listen to yourself — прислушиваться к себе

feel ready — чувствовать готовность

Useful Patterns

I usually spend my weekend… — Я обычно провожу выходные…

After a busy week, I like to… — После напряжённой недели я люблю…

Sometimes I feel… because… — Иногда я чувствую…, потому что…

On the one hand,… on the other hand,… — С одной стороны…, с другой стороны…

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

I try to… — Я стараюсь…

The best way to… is to… — Лучший способ … — это…

I don’t like to… — Мне не нравится…

It’s important to… — Важно…

Practice: Answer the Questions

How do you usually spend your weekends?

Do you prefer to relax or be productive? Why?

Do you ever feel that you waste your weekend?

What do you usually do to relax?

Do you plan your weekends? Why or why not?

What would your perfect weekend look like?

Model Answers

I usually spend my weekend at home and try to relax.

I prefer to relax because I feel tired after a busy week.

Yes, sometimes I feel that I waste my weekend because I do nothing useful.

I usually watch videos and listen to music to relax.

I sometimes make a simple plan to stay organized.

My perfect weekend would include both rest and some productive activities.

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 spend my weekend relaxing and trying to recharge my energy. However, sometimes I feel that I waste my time if I do nothing useful. For example, I may watch videos all day and then feel unprepared for the new week.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

After a busy week, I like to ______ and relax.

Sometimes I feel ______ because I waste my time.

I try to ______ a balance between rest and work.

It helps me to ______ my weekend in advance.

I want to ______ my time more wisely.

Balancing School and Free Time

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For many teenagers, it is not easy to balance school and free time. On the one hand, you have classes, homework, and exams. On the other hand, you want to relax, spend time with friends, and enjoy your hobbies. Sometimes it feels like there is not enough time for everything.

After a long school day, you may feel tired and not ready to do homework. However, if you decide to rest first, you might lose motivation later. As a result, you start your work too late and have to finish it quickly. This can make your work less effective and more stressful.

Another common problem is poor time management. If you don’t plan your day, it is easy to waste time. For example, you may spend hours on your phone without noticing it. Before you know it, the evening is over, and you still have a lot of things to do.

To find a balance, it is important to organize your time. One simple way is to make a plan for the day. You can decide when to study and when to relax. This helps you stay focused and avoid stress. Even a basic plan can make a big difference.

It is also helpful to set priorities. Not all tasks are equally important. You should focus on the most important things first, such as homework or preparing for a test. When you finish your main tasks, you can enjoy your free time without feeling guilty.

At the same time, free time is not a waste of time. It is necessary for your mental and physical health. When you relax, you recharge your energy and feel more motivated. For example, spending time with friends or doing a hobby can improve your mood and help you forget about stress.

Another useful strategy is to limit distractions. When you study, try to stay focused and avoid using your phone too much. If you finish your work faster, you will have more time to relax later.

It is also important to listen to yourself. Some days you may need more rest, and other days you may feel more productive. Try to understand your energy levels and plan your activities accordingly.

Finally, remember that balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a way to manage your responsibilities and still enjoy your life. You don’t have to choose between school and free time. With good habits, you can have both.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

balance school and free time — совмещать учёбу и свободное время

not enough time — недостаточно времени

feel tired — чувствовать усталость

lose motivation — терять мотивацию

as a result — в результате

start too late — начинать слишком поздно

feel stressed — чувствовать стресс

poor time management — плохое управление временем

waste time — тратить время впустую

before you know it — не успеешь оглянуться

organize your time — организовывать своё время

make a plan — составлять план

stay focused — сохранять концентрацию

set priorities — расставлять приоритеты

focus on important tasks — сосредоточиться на важных задачах

feel guilty — чувствовать вину

free time — свободное время

recharge your energy — восстановить энергию

improve your mood — улучшить настроение

limit distractions — ограничивать отвлечения

energy levels — уровень энергии

according to — в соответствии с

find a balance — находить баланс

manage responsibilities — справляться с обязанностями

enjoy your life — наслаждаться жизнью

Useful Patterns

On the one hand,… on the other hand,… — С одной стороны…, с другой стороны…

I don’t have enough time to… — У меня не хватает времени, чтобы…

As a result,… — В результате,…

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

I try to… — Я стараюсь…

I find it difficult to… — Мне трудно…

The best way to… is to… — Лучший способ … — это…

I would like to… — Я хотел (а) бы…

It’s important to… — Важно…

Practice: Answer the Questions

Do you find it easy to balance school and free time?

What takes most of your time during the week?

Do you often feel tired after school? Why?

How do you usually spend your free time?

Do you plan your day? Why or why not?

What would you like to change in your daily routine?

Model Answers

I don’t find it easy to balance school and free time because I have a lot of homework.

School and homework take most of my time during the week.

Yes, I often feel tired because I have many classes and tasks.

I usually spend my free time watching videos or chatting with friends.

I sometimes make a plan to organize my time better.

I would like to manage my time better and have more free time.

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 don’t have enough time to relax because I have a lot of homework. As a result, I often feel stressed in the evening. For example, I sometimes start too late and have to finish everything quickly.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I often feel ______ after a long school day.

I try not to ______ time when I use my phone.

It helps me to ______ a plan for the day.

I need to ______ my priorities and focus on important tasks.

I want to ______ a better balance between school and free time.

Friendship in the Digital Age

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Friendship has always been an important part of life, but today it looks different because of technology. In the digital age, teenagers communicate not only in person but also online. Social media, messaging apps, and online games have changed the way we build and maintain friendships.

On the one hand, technology makes communication easier. You can stay in touch with your friends anytime and anywhere. Even if you live far away from each other, you can send messages, share photos, or have video calls. As a result, it is easier to keep relationships strong.

Online communication is also fast and convenient. If you want to tell your friend something, you don’t have to wait. You can just send a message and get a reply quickly. This helps people feel connected, even when they are busy.

However, there are also some problems. One of the main issues is that online communication is not always as deep as real-life conversations. When you talk face to face, you can see emotions, body language, and reactions. Online, it is easier to misunderstand each other.

Another problem is that some friendships exist only online. While it is possible to make friends on the internet, these relationships can sometimes feel less real. You may not know the person well, and it can be harder to trust them. That’s why it is important to be careful when communicating with people online.

Social media can also affect friendships in a negative way. For example, people often compare themselves to others. When you see perfect photos or happy moments, you may feel that your own life is not as interesting. This can create stress or even jealousy.

At the same time, technology offers many opportunities. You can meet people who share your interests, join online communities, or learn something new together. For example, if you like music or gaming, you can find friends from different countries who enjoy the same things.

The key is to find a balance between online and real-life communication. Spending time with friends in person is still very important. Talking, laughing, and doing activities together helps build stronger and more meaningful relationships.

In the end, friendship in the digital age has both advantages and disadvantages. Technology can bring people closer, but it should not replace real communication. The best friendships are built on trust, understanding, and real connection, whether online or offline.

Key Vocabulary and Expressions

friendship — дружба

digital age — цифровая эпоха

communicate online — общаться онлайн

stay in touch — поддерживать связь

anytime and anywhere — в любое время и в любом месте

keep relationships strong — поддерживать отношения

fast and convenient — быстро и удобно

feel connected — чувствовать связь

face to face — лицом к лицу

body language — язык тела

misunderstand each other — неправильно понимать друг друга

make friends online — заводить друзей онлайн

feel less real — казаться менее реальным

trust someone — доверять кому-то

be careful — быть осторожным

compare yourself to others — сравнивать себя с другими

feel stressed — чувствовать стресс

feel jealous — чувствовать зависть

share interests — иметь общие интересы

join a community — присоединяться к сообществу

find a balance — находить баланс

in real life — в реальной жизни

meaningful relationships — значимые отношения

bring people closer — сближать людей

Useful Patterns

I usually communicate with my friends… — Я обычно общаюсь с друзьями…

It’s easy to… — Легко…

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

On the one hand,… on the other hand,… — С одной стороны…, с другой стороны…

I think that… — Я думаю, что…

It helps me to… — Мне помогает…

Sometimes I feel… — Иногда я чувствую…

It’s important to… — Важно…

The best way to… is to… — Лучший способ … — это…

Practice: Answer the Questions

How do you usually communicate with your friends?

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

Do you think it is easy to make friends online?

Have you ever misunderstood someone online?

Do social media affect your friendships? How?

What makes a friendship strong?

Model Answers

I usually communicate with my friends online and sometimes in real life.

I prefer face-to-face communication because it feels more real.

I think it is possible to make friends online, but it is not always easy.

Yes, sometimes I misunderstand messages because I cannot see emotions.

Yes, social media can affect friendships because people compare themselves to others.

I think trust and communication make a friendship strong.

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 communicate with my friends online because it is fast and convenient. However, I think it is important to meet in real life. For example, when we talk face to face, I feel more connected and understand them better.

Practice: Complete the Sentences

I like to stay in ______ with my friends every day.

Online communication is fast and ______.

Sometimes people misunderstand each ______ online.

It’s important to ______ a balance between online and real-life communication.

Strong friendships are built on trust and ______.

What Makes a Good Friend?

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Friendship plays an important role in our lives, especially for teenagers. At this stage, you learn how to communicate, trust others, and build relationships. But what actually makes a good friend?

First of all, a good friend is someone you can trust. Trust is the foundation of any strong relationship. You should feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings without being afraid of judgment. If your friend listens to you and keeps your secrets, it helps build a deeper connection.

Another important quality is support. A real friend is there for you not only when things are going well, but also when you have problems. For example, if you feel stressed about school or upset about something, a good friend will try to help or at least listen to you. Even simple words can make a big difference.

Honesty is also very important. A good friend tells the truth, even if it is not always easy to hear. Of course, it is important to be polite and respectful, but honest advice can help you grow and improve. If your friend always agrees with you, it may not be very helpful.

Respect is another key point. Good friends respect your opinions, interests, and boundaries. They don’t try to control you or make decisions for you. Even if you have different views, you can still understand each other and stay friends.

Spending time together is also part of a strong friendship. You don’t have to do anything special. Even simple activities, like talking, walking, or watching something together, can bring you closer. These moments help you create memories and feel connected.

At the same time, a good friend gives you space. You don’t have to be together all the time. Everyone needs time for themselves, for hobbies, or for other people. Healthy friendships allow both people to grow and develop.

It is also important to be a good friend yourself. Friendship is not only about what you receive, but also about what you give. You should try to support your friends, listen to them, and be honest with them. When both people make an effort, the friendship becomes stronger.