Бесплатный фрагмент - Живой английский в рассказах

Предисловие

Дорогие читатели!

Книга предназначена для читателей уровня A2–B1. Тексты написаны доступным языком, но постепенно становятся сложнее. В каждой истории встречаются полезные слова, разговорные выражения и грамматические конструкции, которые можно применять в реальном общении.

После каждого рассказа вы найдёте объяснение новой лексики и грамматики, вопросы по содержанию, задания True or False, упражнения на выбор и подстановку слов, перевод предложений, а также темы для устной и письменной практики. В конце урока приведены ответы, поэтому заниматься по книге можно как вместе с преподавателем, так и самостоятельно.

Не стремитесь сразу понять и запомнить каждое слово. Сначала прочитайте рассказ полностью и постарайтесь уловить его общий смысл. Затем изучите новую лексику, перечитайте текст и выполните упражнения. Полезно читать истории вслух, пересказывать их своими словами и отвечать на вопросы полными предложениями.

Для лучшего результата занимайтесь регулярно. Даже один урок в неделю поможет расширить словарный запас и почувствовать себя увереннее. Возвращайтесь к пройденным историям, повторяйте выражения и пробуйте использовать их, рассказывая о собственной жизни.

Пусть английский станет не только учебным предметом, но и естественной частью вашего дня. Не бойтесь ошибок: каждая из них помогает сделать ещё один шаг вперёд.

Желаю вам приятного чтения, интересных занятий и уверенности в английском языке!

Lesson 1. A Busy Morning

Уровень: A2–B1

Тема: утренние дела и распорядок дня

Грамматика: Present Simple и Present Continuous

Before You Read

Ответьте на вопросы:

What time do you usually wake up?

What do you do first in the morning?

Are you often in a hurry?

What can make you late for work or class?

A Busy Morning

Anna usually wakes up at seven o’clock. She turns off her alarm, opens the curtains, and makes a cup of coffee. Then she takes a shower, gets dressed, and has breakfast. She normally leaves home at eight o’clock because her working day begins at nine.

But today is different.

It is already half past seven, and Anna is still sleeping. Her alarm clock is lying on the floor. Her cat, Oscar, knocked it off the bedside table during the night.

Suddenly, Anna wakes up and looks at the time.

«Oh no! I’m late!» she cries.

She jumps out of bed and runs to the bathroom. While she is brushing her teeth, she is also trying to find something to wear. Her white shirt is clean, but she cannot find her black trousers. They are not in the wardrobe or on the chair.

Finally, Anna sees them under the bed. Oscar is sleeping on them.

«Oscar, this is not helpful!» she says.

Anna quickly gets dressed and goes to the kitchen. She does not have time to make breakfast, so she puts an apple in her bag. She pours some coffee into a travel cup, but her hand slips and some coffee lands on her white shirt.

Anna looks at the brown mark and takes a deep breath. She wants to change her shirt, but there is no time.

At eight fifteen, she finally leaves the flat. She is walking quickly towards the bus stop when she sees her bus driving away.

«Wait!» she shouts, but the driver does not see her.

Anna checks the bus timetable on her phone. The next bus arrives in twenty minutes. She thinks for a moment and orders a taxi.

While she is waiting, her manager calls.

«Good morning, Anna. Are you coming to the office today?»

«Yes, of course,» Anna replies. «I’m on my way. I’m having a slightly difficult morning.»

A few minutes later, the taxi arrives. Fortunately, there is not much traffic, and Anna reaches the office at five minutes to nine.

Her colleague Daniel looks at her shirt, her untidy hair, and the apple in her hand.

«Busy morning?» he asks.

«You have no idea,» Anna says.

Then she notices something on her desk. There is a cup of hot coffee and a cheese sandwich.

«I thought you might need breakfast,» Daniel explains.

Anna smiles. Her morning has been terrible, but perhaps the rest of the day will be better.

New Words and Expressions

to wake up — просыпаться

to turn off an alarm — выключать будильник

to get dressed — одеваться

to be in a hurry — спешить

to knock something off — столкнуть что-либо

bedside table — прикроватная тумбочка

wardrobe — шкаф для одежды

helpful — готовый помочь; полезный

to pour — наливать

to slip — выскользнуть; поскользнуться

mark — пятно, след

to take a deep breath — глубоко вдохнуть

bus stop — автобусная остановка

timetable — расписание

to be on one’s way — быть в пути

slightly — немного, слегка

to reach — добраться до

untidy — неопрятный, растрёпанный

You have no idea. — Ты даже не представляешь.

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Ответьте на вопросы полными предложениями.

What time does Anna usually wake up?

Why does she wake up late today?

Where does Anna find her black trousers?

Why does she not eat breakfast at home?

What happens to her white shirt?

Why does Anna order a taxi?

What time does she arrive at the office?

What does Daniel prepare for Anna?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения. Исправьте неверные.

Anna usually gets up at half past seven.

Oscar knocks the alarm clock onto the floor.

Anna finds her trousers in the wardrobe.

She takes an apple with her.

Anna catches her usual bus.

There is heavy traffic on the road.

Anna arrives before nine o’clock.

Daniel brings her breakfast.

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Form

Выберите Present Simple или Present Continuous.

Anna usually wakes up / is waking up at seven o’clock.

Today she wears / is wearing a white shirt.

Oscar often sleeps / is sleeping on Anna’s clothes.

Anna walks / is walking towards the bus stop now.

Her working day usually begins / is beginning at nine.

Daniel makes / is making coffee for Anna at the moment.

Anna normally takes / is taking the bus to work.

Today she travels / is travelling by taxi.

Exercise 4. Complete the Sentences

Вставьте подходящие слова и выражения:

alarm, bus stop, gets dressed, in a hurry, on her way, pours, timetable, wakes up

Anna usually ______ at seven o’clock.

She turns off her ______.

After taking a shower, she ______.

Anna is ______ because she is late.

She ______ coffee into a travel cup.

She runs towards the ______.

Anna checks the bus ______ on her phone.

She tells her manager that she is ______ to the office.

Exercise 5. Put the Events in the Correct Order

Расположите события в правильном порядке.

a. Anna orders a taxi.

b. Daniel gives Anna some breakfast.

c. Anna finds her trousers under the bed.

d. Oscar knocks the alarm clock onto the floor.

e. Anna spills coffee on her shirt.

f. Anna misses the bus.

g. Anna wakes up late.

h. Anna arrives at the office.

Exercise 6. Translate into English

Обычно Анна выходит из дома в восемь часов.

Сегодня она спешит.

Кот спит на её брюках.

Сейчас Анна чистит зубы.

Она не успевает приготовить завтрак.

Автобус уезжает без неё.

Я уже в пути.

Ты даже не представляешь, какое у меня было утро!

Speaking Practice

Ответьте на вопросы устно:

Have you ever woken up late?

What do you do when you are in a hurry?

Do you usually eat breakfast?

How do you normally get to work or class?

Have you ever missed a bus or train?

What helps you have a good morning?

Writing Practice

Напишите 8–10 предложений на тему «My Usual Morning».

Используйте следующие фразы:

I usually wake up at…

The first thing I do is…

After that, I…

I normally have…

I leave home at…

I go to work / class by…

In the morning, I sometimes…

I never…

Затем добавьте 3–4 предложения о том, что происходит сегодня. Используйте Present Continuous:

Today I am…

At the moment, I am…

I am not…

My family is…

Answers

Exercise 1

Anna usually wakes up at seven o’clock.

She wakes up late because Oscar knocked her alarm clock off the bedside table.

She finds her trousers under the bed.

She does not eat breakfast at home because she does not have enough time.

She spills coffee on her white shirt.

She orders a taxi because she misses her bus.

She arrives at five minutes to nine.

Daniel prepares a cup of coffee and a cheese sandwich for her.

Exercise 2

False. She usually gets up at seven o’clock.

True.

False. She finds her trousers under the bed.

True.

False. She misses her bus.

False. There is not much traffic.

True.

True.

Exercise 3

wakes up

is wearing

sleeps

is walking

begins

is making

takes

is travelling

Exercise 4

wakes up

alarm

gets dressed

in a hurry

pours

bus stop

timetable

on her way

Exercise 5

d, g, c, e, f, a, h, b

Exercise 6

Anna usually leaves home at eight o’clock.

Today she is in a hurry.

The cat is sleeping on her trousers.

Anna is brushing her teeth now.

She does not have time to make breakfast.

The bus is driving away without her.

I’m already on my way.

You have no idea what kind of morning I’ve had!

Lesson 2. The Wrong Bus

Уровень: A2–B1

Тема: поездки по городу

Грамматика: Past Simple

Before You Read

Ответьте на вопросы:

How often do you use public transport?

Have you ever taken the wrong bus?

What do you usually do when you get lost?

Do you ask strangers for help?

The Wrong Bus

Last Saturday, Ben decided to visit a new shopping centre on the other side of the city. He wanted to buy a birthday present for his sister. He checked the route on his phone before leaving home. According to the map, he needed to take bus number 24.

Ben arrived at the bus stop at eleven o’clock. A few minutes later, he saw a bus coming. There were many people at the stop, and everyone hurried to get on. Ben followed them without looking carefully at the bus number.

He found a seat near the window, put on his headphones, and started listening to music. He did not notice that the bus was travelling in the wrong direction.

About twenty minutes later, Ben looked out of the window. He expected to see tall buildings and busy streets, but instead he saw small houses, quiet roads, and a large park.

«That’s strange,» he thought. «I don’t remember seeing this park on the map.»

Ben took out his phone, but the battery was dead. He looked around and noticed an elderly woman sitting across from him.

«Excuse me,» he said. «Does this bus go to Riverside Shopping Centre?»

The woman smiled.

«No, it doesn’t. This is bus number 42. You’re going in the opposite direction.»

Ben felt embarrassed.

«Oh, no! Where should I get off?»

«Get off at the next stop,» she replied. «Then cross the road and take bus number 24. It will take you directly to the shopping centre.»

Ben thanked her and pressed the stop button. When he got off the bus, he found himself in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. He crossed the road and waited at another bus stop.

Ten minutes passed, but bus number 24 did not arrive. Then Ben noticed a small sign on the timetable: «No service on Saturdays.»

He did not know what to do. He could not check another route because his phone was not working.

At that moment, the elderly woman from the bus walked towards him.

«I thought you might need some more help,» she said. «The number 24 doesn’t run on Saturdays. But you can take the underground from the station near the park.»

She showed Ben the way to the station. It was only a five-minute walk.

«Thank you so much,» Ben said. «You’ve saved my day!»

Ben finally arrived at the shopping centre shortly after midday. It took him only fifteen minutes to find the perfect present: a beautiful blue bag that his sister had wanted for months.

Before going home, Ben bought a portable charger for himself. He also checked the bus number very carefully.

New Words and Expressions

the other side of the city — другой конец города

shopping centre — торговый центр

route — маршрут

according to — согласно; в соответствии с

to get on — садиться в транспорт

to look carefully — внимательно смотреть

direction — направление

to look out of the window — смотреть в окно

instead — вместо этого

battery — аккумулятор, батарея

The battery was dead. — Телефон разрядился.

elderly — пожилой

across from — напротив

opposite direction — противоположное направление

embarrassed — смущённый

to get off — выходить из транспорта

to press the stop button — нажать кнопку остановки

unfamiliar — незнакомый

timetable — расписание

No service — движения нет; маршрут не работает

underground — метро

portable charger — портативное зарядное устройство

to save someone’s day — спасти чей-либо день

Grammar Focus: Past Simple

Past Simple используется для завершённых действий в прошлом.

Утверждение:

Ben checked the route.

He arrived at the bus stop.

Отрицание:

Ben did not notice the bus number.

The bus did not arrive.

После did not используется начальная форма глагола:

did not arrive, а не did not arrived.

Вопрос:

Did Ben check the route?

Where did he get off?

После did глагол также используется в начальной форме.

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Ответьте полными предложениями.

Why did Ben want to visit the shopping centre?

Which bus did he need to take?

Why did Ben get on the wrong bus?

What did he do during the journey?

How did he realise that something was wrong?

Why could he not check the route on his phone?

Who helped Ben?

Why did bus number 24 not arrive?

How did Ben finally get to the shopping centre?

What did he buy for his sister and for himself?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения. Исправьте неверные.

Ben went shopping on Sunday.

He needed to take bus number 24.

He checked the bus number before getting on.

Ben listened to music during the journey.

His phone had a full battery.

The elderly woman told him to get off at the next stop.

Bus number 24 ran every Saturday.

The underground station was near the park.

Ben bought a blue bag for his sister.

He bought new headphones for himself.

Exercise 3. Complete the Sentences

Поставьте глаголы в Past Simple.

Ben ______ to visit a new shopping centre. (decide)

He ______ the route on his phone. (check)

He ______ at the bus stop at eleven o’clock. (arrive)

Ben ______ the people onto the bus. (follow)

He ______ a seat near the window. (find)

The bus ______ in the wrong direction. (travel)

An elderly woman ______ him what to do. (tell)

Ben ______ her for her help. (thank)

He ______ the road. (cross)

Ben ______ a portable charger. (buy)

Exercise 4. Make the Sentences Negative

Поставьте предложения в отрицательную форму.

Ben visited the shopping centre on Friday.

He looked at the bus number.

His phone worked at the bus stop.

Bus number 24 arrived ten minutes later.

Ben walked to the shopping centre.

He bought a red bag for his sister.

Exercise 5. Choose the Correct Word

Ben got on / off the bus at eleven o’clock.

The bus travelled in the wrong route / direction.

His phone battery was dead / lost.

The elderly woman sat across from / along Ben.

He got off at the next service / stop.

Ben waited for the bus according to the timetable / neighbourhood.

The woman showed him the way / travel to the station.

Ben bought a portable charger / battery phone.

Exercise 6. Put the Events in the Correct Order

a. Ben bought a portable charger.

b. An elderly woman offered to help him again.

c. Ben got on bus number 42.

d. He discovered that bus number 24 did not run on Saturdays.

e. Ben noticed a large park outside the window.

f. He arrived at the shopping centre.

g. Ben’s phone battery died.

h. He got off the bus.

Exercise 7. Translate into English

В прошлую субботу Бен решил поехать в торговый центр.

Он сел не на тот автобус.

Автобус ехал в противоположном направлении.

Бен не заметил номер автобуса.

Его телефон разрядился.

Где мне нужно выйти?

Пожилая женщина показала ему дорогу.

Бен купил сестре красивую синюю сумку.

Speaking Practice

Ответьте на вопросы:

Do you often travel by bus?

Have you ever got on the wrong bus or train?

How did you feel?

What did you do?

Is public transport convenient in your city?

Do you prefer using a map or asking people for directions?

What useful things do you carry when you travel around the city?

Writing Practice

Напишите 10–12 предложений о поездке, во время которой что-то пошло не по плану.

Можно использовать следующие фразы:

Last week/month/year, I decided to…

First, I…

Then something unexpected happened.

I missed…

I got on…

I did not know…

Fortunately, someone…

Finally, I…

I felt…

After that experience, I decided to…

Answers

Exercise 1

Ben wanted to buy a birthday present for his sister.

He needed to take bus number 24.

He followed the other passengers without looking carefully at the bus number.

He listened to music.

He saw small houses, quiet roads, and a large park instead of tall buildings and busy streets.

He could not check the route because his phone battery was dead.

An elderly woman helped him.

It did not run on Saturdays.

He walked to the underground station and took the underground.

He bought a blue bag for his sister and a portable charger for himself.

Exercise 2

False. He went shopping on Saturday.

True.

False. He did not check the bus number carefully.

True.

False. His phone battery was dead.

True.

False. It did not run on Saturdays.

True.

True.

False. He bought a portable charger.

Exercise 3

decided

checked

arrived

followed

found

travelled

told

thanked

crossed

bought

Exercise 4

Ben did not visit the shopping centre on Friday.

He did not look at the bus number.

His phone did not work at the bus stop.

Bus number 24 did not arrive ten minutes later.

Ben did not walk to the shopping centre.

He did not buy a red bag for his sister.

Exercise 5

on

direction

dead

across from

stop

timetable

way

charger

Exercise 6

c, e, g, h, d, b, f, a

Exercise 7

Last Saturday, Ben decided to go to the shopping centre.

He got on the wrong bus.

The bus travelled in the opposite direction.

Ben did not notice the bus number.

His phone battery died.

Where should I get off?

The elderly woman showed him the way.

Ben bought his sister a beautiful blue bag.

Lesson 3. A New Colleague

Уровень: A2–B1

Тема: знакомство и общение на работе

Грамматика: вопросы с to be и do/does

Before You Read

Ответьте на вопросы:

How do you feel when you start a new job?

Is it easy for you to talk to new people?

What questions can you ask a new colleague?

What helps a person feel welcome?

A New Colleague

Maya works in a small travel agency in the city centre. She enjoys her job because she likes helping people plan their holidays. She usually works with two colleagues, Tom and Olivia.

On Monday morning, their manager comes into the office with a young man.

«Good morning, everyone,» she says. «This is Leo, our new colleague. He is going to work with the customer service team.»

Leo smiles and says hello, but he looks a little nervous. He is wearing a dark blue suit and holding a new notebook in his hands.

Maya wants to make him feel welcome.

«Hi, Leo. I’m Maya,» she says. «Is this your first job in a travel agency?»

«Yes, it is,» Leo replies. «I worked in a hotel before, but this is quite different.»

«Where are you from?»

«I’m from Brighton, but I live here now.»

«Do you know the city well?»

«Not really. I moved here only two weeks ago.»

Maya shows Leo around the office. She shows him the kitchen, the meeting room, and the desk where he is going to work. Then she introduces him to the rest of the team.

At lunchtime, Maya notices that Leo is sitting alone at his desk.

«Do you usually bring lunch from home?» she asks.

«Sometimes, but I didn’t have time to prepare anything this morning.»

«We usually go to a café around the corner. Would you like to come with us?»

«Yes, please. That sounds great.»

At the café, Leo begins to relax. He tells his new colleagues about his previous job at the hotel. He often helped foreign visitors and answered their questions about the city. He can speak English, Spanish, and a little Italian.

«Why did you leave the hotel?» Tom asks.

«I enjoyed working there, but the working hours were difficult,» Leo explains. «I often worked at night and on weekends. I wanted a job with a more regular schedule.»

«Do you like travelling?» Olivia asks.

«I love it. Last year, I visited Italy and Spain. Next summer, I’m planning to go to Greece.»

When they return to the office, Leo looks much happier. During the afternoon, Maya helps him learn how to use the company’s booking system. At first, Leo makes a few mistakes, but he learns quickly.

Before going home, Leo speaks to Maya.

«Thank you for helping me today,» he says. «I was very nervous this morning.»

«You’re welcome. Starting a new job is never easy.»

Leo smiles.

«It’s easier when you have friendly colleagues.»

New Words and Expressions

travel agency — туристическое агентство

to plan a holiday — планировать отпуск

manager — руководитель

customer service team — отдел обслуживания клиентов

nervous — взволнованный, нервничающий

to make someone feel welcome — помочь кому-либо почувствовать себя желанным гостем

previous job — предыдущая работа

to show someone around — показать кому-либо помещение

meeting room — переговорная комната

to introduce someone to — представить кого-либо

the rest of the team — остальные члены команды

around the corner — за углом, совсем рядом

to relax — расслабляться

foreign visitor — иностранный посетитель

working hours — рабочие часы, график работы

regular schedule — постоянный график

booking system — система бронирования

at first — сначала

to make a mistake — совершить ошибку

to learn quickly — быстро учиться

friendly colleague — дружелюбный коллега

Grammar Focus: Questions

Questions with to be

Если в предложении есть am, is или are, ставим этот глагол перед подлежащим:

You are new here.

Are you new here?

Leo is nervous.

Is Leo nervous?

Where is Leo from?

Questions with do/does

Если в Present Simple используется обычный глагол, вопрос образуется с помощью do или does:

Do you know the city?

Does Maya work in a travel agency?

После does глагол используется без окончания -s:

Does Leo speak Spanish?

Не: Does Leo speaks Spanish?

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Ответьте полными предложениями.

Where does Maya work?

Why does she enjoy her job?

Who is Leo?

Where did Leo work before?

When did he move to the city?

Why is Leo sitting alone at lunchtime?

How many languages can he speak?

Why did he leave his previous job?

Where is Leo planning to go next summer?

How does Maya help him in the afternoon?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения. Исправьте неверные.

Maya works in a large hotel.

Leo joins the customer service team.

He moved to the city two months ago.

Maya shows Leo around the office.

Leo brings lunch from home.

He worked with foreign visitors at his previous job.

Leo speaks four languages fluently.

He left the hotel because he disliked the guests.

Maya helps him use the booking system.

Leo feels happier at the end of the day.

Exercise 3. Choose Is, Are, Do or Does

______ Leo a new employee?

______ Maya work in a travel agency?

______ Leo nervous on his first morning?

______ Tom and Olivia work with Maya?

______ you usually bring lunch from home?

______ the café near the office?

______ Leo speak Spanish?

______ his working hours regular now?

______ Maya enjoy her job?

______ the new colleagues friendly?

Exercise 4. Make Questions

Составьте вопросы из данных слов.

you / are / from / where?

Leo / does / where / live?

this / is / first job / your?

know / do / city / the / you?

Maya / does / where / work?

Leo / does / languages / what / speak?

café / is / where / the?

he / does / travelling / like?

working hours / are / his / regular?

Maya / does / how / help / him?

Exercise 5. Complete the Dialogue

Используйте следующие слова и фразы:

Are you, Do you, How long, What do, Where are, Would you like

Maya: Hello! ______ our new colleague?

Leo: Yes, I am. My name is Leo.

Maya: Nice to meet you. ______ you from?

Leo: I’m from Brighton.

Maya: ______ have you lived here?

Leo: For two weeks.

Maya: ______ know the city well?

Leo: No, not yet.

Maya: ______ you usually do for lunch?

Leo: I’m not sure. It’s my first day.

Maya: ______ to come to a café with us?

Leo: Yes, that would be great!

Exercise 6. Match the Questions and Answers

Where are you from?

Do you know the city well?

Why did you leave your previous job?

Would you like to have lunch with us?

What languages do you speak?

Is this your first job in a travel agency?

a. English, Spanish, and a little Italian.

b. Because the working hours were difficult.

c. Yes, it is.

d. I’m from Brighton.

e. Yes, please.

f. No, not really.

Exercise 7. Translate into English

Это наш новый коллега.

Ты хорошо знаешь город?

Где ты работал раньше?

Майя показывает Лео офис.

Хочешь пойти с нами?

Почему ты ушёл с предыдущей работы?

У меня был сложный рабочий график.

Начинать новую работу всегда непросто.

Сначала Лео совершает несколько ошибок.

С дружелюбными коллегами всё становится легче.

Speaking Practice

Представьте, что вы знакомитесь с новым коллегой. Задайте ему вопросы:

What’s your name?

Where are you from?

Where do you live?

What did you do before this job?

What languages do you speak?

What do you usually do at lunchtime?

Do you like travelling?

What do you do in your free time?

Затем расскажите о себе, отвечая на эти вопросы.

Writing Practice

Напишите короткое сообщение новому коллеге объёмом 8–10 предложений.

Начните так:

Hi! My name is… and we are going to work together. Welcome to our team!

Можно использовать фразы:

I work in…

I usually help…

Our working day starts at…

We normally have lunch…

If you have any questions, you can…

I hope you enjoy…

See you on Monday!

Answers

Exercise 1

Maya works in a small travel agency in the city centre.

She enjoys her job because she likes helping people plan their holidays.

Leo is Maya’s new colleague.

He worked in a hotel.

He moved to the city two weeks ago.

He is sitting alone because he did not have time to prepare lunch.

He can speak three languages: English, Spanish, and a little Italian.

He left because the working hours were difficult.

He is planning to go to Greece.

She helps him learn how to use the company’s booking system.

Exercise 2

False. Maya works in a small travel agency.

True.

False. He moved to the city two weeks ago.

True.

False. He did not have time to prepare lunch.

True.

False. He speaks English and Spanish, as well as a little Italian.

False. He left because the working hours were difficult.

True.

True.

Exercise 3

Is

Does

Is

Do

Do

Is

Does

Are

Does

Are

Exercise 4

Where are you from?

Where does Leo live?

Is this your first job?

Do you know the city?

Where does Maya work?

What languages does Leo speak?

Where is the café?

Does he like travelling?

Are his working hours regular?

How does Maya help him?

Exercise 5

Are you

Where are

How long

Do you

What do

Would you like

Exercise 6

1 — d

2 — f

3 — b

4 — e

5 — a

6 — c

Exercise 7

This is our new colleague.

Do you know the city well?

Where did you work before?

Maya is showing Leo around the office.

Would you like to come with us?

Why did you leave your previous job?

I had a difficult working schedule.

Starting a new job is never easy.

At first, Leo makes a few mistakes.

Everything becomes easier with friendly colleagues.

Lesson 4. Dinner for Two

Уровень: A2–B1

Тема: продукты и приготовление еды

Грамматика: исчисляемые и неисчисляемые существительные; some, any, much, many

Before You Read

Ответьте на вопросы:

Do you enjoy cooking?

How often do you cook dinner?

What dish can you cook well?

Have you ever cooked for a special occasion?

Dinner for Two

Sophie rarely cooks complicated meals. After work, she usually makes a salad, cooks some pasta, or orders food online. However, today is special: her best friend, Emma, is coming for dinner.

Emma recently moved to another part of the city, so the friends do not see each other very often. Sophie wants to prepare a delicious meal and make the evening memorable.

In the morning, she finds a recipe for vegetable lasagne. It does not look too difficult. According to the recipe, she needs some pasta sheets, two tomatoes, an onion, a courgette, some mushrooms, cheese, milk, butter, and flour.

After work, Sophie goes to the supermarket. She puts the vegetables and a packet of pasta sheets into her basket. Then she walks to the dairy section.

«Do I have any butter at home?» she thinks. «And how much milk is there in the fridge?»

She cannot remember, so she buys both. She also chooses an expensive piece of cheese because she wants the lasagne to taste perfect.

When Sophie gets home, she puts the shopping bags on the kitchen table and checks the time. Emma is arriving in an hour and a half.

«There’s plenty of time,» Sophie says confidently.

She starts cutting the vegetables. Unfortunately, there are more mushrooms than she expected, and it takes a long time to prepare them. Then she makes the sauce. She adds some butter to a pan, but she uses too much flour. The sauce becomes very thick.

Sophie adds a little milk. Then she adds some more. Finally, the sauce looks better, but now there is not much milk left.

Next, she puts everything into a baking dish and covers the lasagne with cheese. It looks wonderful. She places it in the oven and begins to clean the kitchen.

A few minutes later, Emma sends her a message: «I’m outside!»

Sophie looks at the clock. Emma is thirty minutes early.

«Come in!» Sophie says when she opens the door. «Dinner isn’t ready yet.»

«That’s all right,» Emma replies. «Can I help?»

«There isn’t much to do. Could you prepare the salad?»

«Of course. Do you have any cucumbers?»

Sophie checks the fridge. There are some tomatoes and a lot of lettuce, but there are not any cucumbers.

«We can make a salad without them,» Emma says.

While Emma is preparing the salad, Sophie takes the lasagne out of the oven. The cheese is golden, and the kitchen smells amazing.

The friends sit down at the table. Sophie puts a large piece of lasagne on each plate.

Emma takes one bite and smiles.

«This is delicious! You should cook more often.»

«Thank you,» Sophie says proudly. «But next time, let’s order pizza.»

New Words and Expressions

complicated meal — сложное блюдо

to order food online — заказывать еду через интернет

memorable — запоминающийся

recipe — рецепт

pasta sheets — листы для лазаньи

onion — лук, луковица

courgette — кабачок, цукини

mushrooms — грибы

flour — мука

dairy section — отдел молочных продуктов

shopping basket — корзина для покупок

plenty of time — много времени

confidently — уверенно

to cut vegetables — нарезать овощи

sauce — соус

thick — густой

baking dish — форма для запекания

to cover something with cheese — покрыть что-либо сыром

oven — духовка

lettuce — салатные листья

golden — золотистый

to take a bite — откусить, попробовать кусочек

proudly — с гордостью

Grammar Focus

Countable Nouns

Исчисляемые существительные можно посчитать:

one tomato — two tomatoes

an onion — three onions

a mushroom — some mushrooms

С ними употребляются a/an, many, a few:

We need an onion.

How many tomatoes are there?

There are a few mushrooms.

Uncountable Nouns

Неисчисляемые существительные обычно не имеют формы множественного числа:

milk

butter

cheese

flour

pasta

С ними употребляются much, a little:

How much milk do we need?

There is a little cheese left.

We don’t have much flour.

Для указания количества можно использовать:

a bottle of milk

a piece of cheese

a packet of pasta

a cup of flour

Some and Any

Some обычно используется в утвердительных предложениях:

There are some tomatoes.

We need some milk.

Any обычно используется в вопросах и отрицаниях:

Do we have any butter?

There aren’t any cucumbers.

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Ответьте полными предложениями.

Why is Sophie preparing a special dinner?

What does she decide to cook?

Where does she go after work?

Why does Sophie buy milk and butter?

What happens when she adds too much flour?

How early does Emma arrive?

What does Emma offer to do?

Which vegetable is not in the fridge?

How does the lasagne look when Sophie takes it out of the oven?

Does Emma enjoy the meal?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения. Исправьте неверные.

Sophie cooks complicated meals every evening.

Emma is Sophie’s best friend.

Sophie decides to make vegetable lasagne.

She remembers exactly how much milk she has at home.

Sophie uses too much flour in the sauce.

Emma arrives thirty minutes late.

There are some cucumbers in the fridge.

Emma prepares a salad.

The cheese on the lasagne is golden.

Sophie wants to cook lasagne again the next day.

Exercise 3. Countable or Uncountable?

Напишите C для исчисляемых и U для неисчисляемых существительных.

tomato

milk

mushroom

cheese

onion

flour

cucumber

butter

recipe

pasta

Exercise 4. Choose Some or Any

Sophie buys ______ vegetables.

Does she have ______ butter at home?

There is ______ milk in the fridge.

Emma does not bring ______ food.

Are there ______ mushrooms in the basket?

Sophie adds ______ flour to the sauce.

There are not ______ cucumbers in the fridge.

Emma prepares ______ salad.

Would you like ______ more lasagne?

We do not need ______ more cheese.

Exercise 5. Choose Much or Many

How ______ tomatoes do we need?

There isn’t ______ milk left.

Sophie buys too ______ mushrooms.

How ______ cheese should we add?

There aren’t ______ vegetables in the fridge.

Sophie does not have ______ time.

How ______ onions are in the basket?

Emma does not eat ______ pasta.

How ______ flour is in the sauce?

Sophie does not cook ______ complicated meals.

Exercise 6. Complete the Sentences

Используйте следующие слова:

baking dish, bite, flour, golden, oven, recipe, sauce, shopping basket

Sophie finds a ______ for vegetable lasagne.

She puts the vegetables in her ______.

Sophie adds too much ______.

The ______ becomes very thick.

She puts the lasagne in a ______.

Then she places it in the ______.

The cheese becomes ______.

Emma takes one ______ and smiles.

Exercise 7. Correct the Mistakes

В каждом предложении есть одна ошибка.

We need an cheese.

How many milk is there?

There aren’t some cucumbers.

Sophie buys two butter.

There is too many flour in the sauce.

Do you have some mushrooms?

I would like a pasta.

There are a little tomatoes in the fridge.

Exercise 8. Translate into English

Нам нужны две луковицы и немного грибов.

В холодильнике есть молоко?

У нас не осталось масла.

Сколько сыра нужно для лазаньи?

Софи добавила слишком много муки.

В холодильнике нет огурцов.

У нас ещё много времени.

Кухня пахнет потрясающе.

Эмма откусила кусочек и улыбнулась.

В следующий раз давай закажем пиццу.

Speaking Practice

Ответьте на вопросы:

What ingredients do you always have at home?

Is there any food you never eat?

How much time do you usually spend cooking?

How many meals can you cook without a recipe?

What dish would you prepare for a friend?

Have you ever made a mistake while cooking?

Do you prefer homemade food or takeaway food?

Writing Practice

Напишите рецепт простого блюда на английском языке.

Укажите:

название блюда;

необходимые продукты;

количество каждого продукта;

последовательность приготовления.

Используйте следующие фразы:

You need…

First, cut…

Then add…

Mix everything together.

Put it in…

Cook it for…

Serve with…

Answers

Exercise 1

Sophie is preparing a special dinner because her best friend is coming to visit.

She decides to cook vegetable lasagne.

She goes to the supermarket.

She buys them because she cannot remember whether she has any at home.

The sauce becomes very thick.

Emma arrives thirty minutes early.

She offers to prepare the salad.

There are not any cucumbers in the fridge.

The cheese is golden, and the lasagne looks wonderful.

Yes, she does.

Exercise 2

False. Sophie rarely cooks complicated meals.

True.

True.

False. She cannot remember how much milk she has.

True.

False. Emma arrives thirty minutes early.

False. There are not any cucumbers.

True.

True.

False. Sophie suggests ordering pizza next time.

Exercise 3

C

U

C

U

C

U

C

U

C

U

Exercise 4

some

any

some

any

any

some

any

some

some

any

В предложениях с предложением или просьбой обычно употребляется some:

Would you like some more lasagne?

Exercise 5

many

much

many

much

many

much

many

much

much

many

Exercise 6

recipe

shopping basket

flour

sauce

baking dish

oven

golden

bite

Exercise 7

We need some cheese.

How much milk is there?

There aren’t any cucumbers.

Sophie buys two packets of butter.

There is too much flour in the sauce.

Do you have any mushrooms?

I would like some pasta.

There are a few tomatoes in the fridge.

Exercise 8

We need two onions and some mushrooms.

Is there any milk in the fridge?

We don’t have any butter left.

How much cheese do we need for the lasagne?

Sophie added too much flour.

There aren’t any cucumbers in the fridge.

We still have plenty of time.

The kitchen smells amazing.

Emma took a bite and smiled.

Let’s order pizza next time.

Lesson 5. The Forgotten Umbrella

Уровень: A2–B1

Тема: погода и забытые вещи

Грамматика: Past Simple и Past Continuous

Before You Read

Ответьте на вопросы:

Do you usually check the weather forecast?

What do you carry when the weather is bad?

Have you ever forgotten something important?

What do you usually do when it suddenly starts raining?

The Forgotten Umbrella

It was raining heavily when Laura finished work on Friday evening. She stood near the office entrance and looked at the dark sky. She usually carried a small umbrella in her bag, but that morning she left it on the kitchen table.

Laura checked the weather app on her phone. According to the forecast, the rain was going to continue for several hours.

«Perfect,» she said quietly. «And I’m wearing my new shoes.»

While Laura was deciding what to do, her colleague Mark came out of the building. He was holding a large black umbrella.

«Are you waiting for someone?» he asked.

«No, I’m waiting for the rain to stop.»

«You may be here all night,» Mark laughed. «I’m going to the underground station. We can share my umbrella.»

Laura thanked him, and they started walking. The wind was blowing strongly, so it was difficult to stay dry. As they were crossing the street, a car drove through a large puddle and splashed water all over Mark’s trousers.

«Oh no!» Laura cried.

For a moment, Mark looked shocked. Then he began to laugh.

«Well, at least your new shoes are still dry,» he said.

When they reached the station, Laura thanked Mark again and went down to the platform. A train was already waiting, so she got on quickly.

The carriage was crowded. Laura found a place near the door and took out her phone. While she was reading a message, she noticed a bright yellow umbrella on the seat next to her.

Someone had forgotten it.

Laura looked around, but nobody seemed to be searching for an umbrella. At the next station, she saw a woman on the platform. The woman was checking her bag and looking worried.

Just before the doors closed, Laura picked up the yellow umbrella and stepped off the train.

«Excuse me!» she called. «Did you leave this on the train?»

The woman turned around.

«My umbrella! Thank you so much. I only bought it yesterday.»

«You’re welcome,» Laura replied.

Laura waited for the next train. When it arrived, she got on and found a seat. Twenty minutes later, she reached her station, but the rain was still falling.

She stood near the exit and looked outside. She still had no umbrella, and now she needed to walk for ten minutes to get home.

Suddenly, someone called her name.

«Laura?»

She turned around and saw her neighbour, Mrs Green. She was standing under a large blue umbrella.

«Are you walking home?» Mrs Green asked. «Come with me.»

As they were walking, Laura told her about the forgotten yellow umbrella.

«So you gave away the only umbrella you found?» Mrs Green asked.

«It wasn’t mine,» Laura said.

Mrs Green smiled.

«You did the right thing. Perhaps that’s why you found another person willing to share.»

When Laura finally arrived home, her clothes were a little wet, but her new shoes were perfectly dry.

New Words and Expressions

to rain heavily — идти о сильном дожде

entrance — вход

weather forecast — прогноз погоды

to continue — продолжаться

to share an umbrella — идти под одним зонтом

to blow strongly — сильно дуть

to stay dry — оставаться сухим

puddle — лужа

to splash water over someone — обрызгать кого-либо водой

shocked — потрясённый

at least — по крайней мере

underground station — станция метро

platform — платформа

carriage — вагон

crowded — переполненный

to look worried — выглядеть обеспокоенным

to step off the train — выйти из поезда

to give something away — отдать что-либо

to do the right thing — поступить правильно

willing to help — готовый помочь

perfectly dry — совершенно сухой

Grammar Focus: Past Simple and Past Continuous

Past Simple

Past Simple используется для завершённых действий в прошлом:

Laura finished work.

A car drove through a puddle.

She picked up the umbrella.

Past Continuous

Past Continuous описывает действие, которое происходило в определённый момент в прошлом.

Образование:

was/were + глагол с окончанием -ing

It was raining.

The wind was blowing.

They were walking home.

Past Simple + Past Continuous

Past Continuous часто обозначает длительное действие, во время которого произошло другое, короткое действие:

Laura was reading a message when she noticed the umbrella.

As they were crossing the street, a car splashed water over Mark.

While обычно употребляется с длительным действием:

While Laura was waiting, she checked her phone.

When часто вводит короткое действие:

Laura was walking home when someone called her name.

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Ответьте полными предложениями.

Why did Laura not have an umbrella?

What was she wearing?

Who offered to share an umbrella with her?

What happened while Laura and Mark were crossing the street?

Where did Laura find the yellow umbrella?

How did she find its owner?

Why did Laura get off the train?

Who did she meet at her station?

What did Mrs Green think about Laura’s decision?

Which of Laura’s things remained perfectly dry?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения. Исправьте неверные.

Laura left her umbrella in the office.

The weather forecast said the rain would continue.

Mark was carrying a yellow umbrella.

A car splashed water over Laura’s trousers.

The train carriage was almost empty.

Laura found an umbrella on a seat.

The owner bought the umbrella the previous day.

Laura took the yellow umbrella home.

Mrs Green lived near Laura.

Laura’s new shoes got completely wet.

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Form

It rained / was raining when Laura finished work.

While she waited / was waiting, Mark came out of the building.

The wind blew / was blowing strongly as they walked to the station.

They crossed / were crossing the street when a car drove through a puddle.

Laura read / was reading a message when she noticed the umbrella.

The woman checked / was checking her bag when Laura saw her.

Laura picked up / was picking up the umbrella and stepped off the train.

She waited / was waiting near the exit when someone called her name.

While Laura and Mrs Green walked / were walking, Laura told her the story.

Laura’s clothes got / were getting wet during the walk home.

Exercise 4. Complete the Sentences

Поставьте глаголы в Past Simple или Past Continuous.

Laura ______ work while it ______ heavily. (finish, rain)

Mark ______ out of the building while Laura ______ what to do. (come, decide)

As they ______ the street, a car ______ through a puddle. (cross, drive)

Laura ______ an umbrella while she ______ at a message. (notice, look)

The woman ______ her bag when Laura ______ her. (check, see)

Laura ______ off the train before the doors ______. (step, close)

Someone ______ Laura’s name while she ______ near the station exit. (call, stand)

Mrs Green ______ while Laura ______ her the story. (smile, tell)

Exercise 5. Choose When or While

Laura was leaving the office ______ she saw the rain.

______ she was deciding what to do, Mark appeared.

A car drove through a puddle ______ they were crossing the street.

Laura was reading a message ______ she noticed the umbrella.

______ the woman was checking her bag, Laura saw her.

The train doors were closing ______ Laura stepped onto the platform.

______ Laura was waiting near the exit, Mrs Green called her name.

It was still raining ______ they arrived home.

Exercise 6. Complete the Sentences

Используйте следующие слова и выражения:

carriage, crowded, forecast, platform, puddle, share, stay dry, the right thing

Laura checked the weather ______ on her phone.

Mark offered to ______ his umbrella.

The wind made it difficult to ______.

A car drove through a large ______.

Laura went down to the train ______.

The train ______ was full of people.

It was difficult to move because the train was ______.

Mrs Green said that Laura did ______.

Exercise 7. Translate into English

Когда Лора закончила работу, шёл сильный дождь.

Пока она ждала, из здания вышел Марк.

Они шли к станции под одним зонтом.

Машина проехала по большой луже.

Лора читала сообщение, когда заметила жёлтый зонт.

Кто-то забыл его в поезде.

Женщина искала свой зонт.

Лора вышла из поезда и вернула его.

Я думаю, что она поступила правильно.

Её новые туфли остались совершенно сухими.

Speaking Practice

Ответьте на вопросы:

What was the weather like yesterday?

What were you doing at eight o’clock last night?

Have you ever found something that belonged to another person?

What did you do with it?

Do strangers often help one another in your city?

Would you share your umbrella with someone?

What was the last kind thing someone did for you?

Writing Practice

Напишите рассказ объёмом 10–12 предложений о случае, когда погода изменила ваши планы.

Используйте:

It was…

I was planning to…

While I was…

Suddenly…

When I saw…

I decided to…

Fortunately…

In the end…

Answers

Exercise 1

Laura did not have an umbrella because she left it on the kitchen table.

She was wearing her new shoes.

Her colleague Mark offered to share his umbrella.

A car drove through a puddle and splashed water over Mark’s trousers.

She found it on a seat in the train carriage.

She saw a worried woman checking her bag on the platform.

She got off the train to return the umbrella.

She met her neighbour, Mrs Green.

Mrs Green thought that Laura had done the right thing.

Her new shoes remained perfectly dry.

Exercise 2

False. She left her umbrella on the kitchen table.

True.

False. Mark was carrying a black umbrella.

False. The water splashed over Mark’s trousers.

False. The carriage was crowded.

True.

True.

False. She returned it to its owner.

True.

False. Her shoes remained perfectly dry.

Exercise 3

was raining

was waiting

was blowing

were crossing

was reading

was checking

picked up

was waiting

were walking

got

Exercise 4

finished, was raining

came, was deciding

were crossing, drove

noticed, was looking

was checking, saw

stepped, closed

called, was standing

smiled, was telling

Exercise 5

when

While

while

when

While

when

While

when

Exercise 6

forecast

share

stay dry

puddle

platform

carriage

crowded

the right thing

Exercise 7