Оглавление

Предисловие

Эта книга предназначена для тех, кто стремится совершенствовать навыки английского языка на уровне B1–B2, с особым вниманием к естественной речи, устойчивым выражениям, фразовым глаголам и коллокациям. Она предлагает структурированный подход к изучению языка, объединяя лексику, грамматику и практику в контексте реальных ситуаций, с которыми сталкивается каждый человек в повседневной жизни, учебе и работе.

Каждая глава сосредоточена на определенной теме или коммуникативной функции, такой как выражение вероятности, построение аргументов, управление временем или планирование будущего. В начале главы представлен раздел Word Power, где ключевые слова и выражения объясняются на русском языке и сопровождаются примерами использования в английских предложениях. Это позволяет быстро понять смысл и контекст и начать применять лексику в речи и письме.

Далее следует Reading Text — небольшой текст, написанный современным и нейтральным стилем. Он помогает увидеть, как ключевая лексика и выражения используются естественно, в связном и понятном контексте. Повторение слов и устойчивых выражений в тексте способствует их запоминанию и закреплению.

Раздел Check Your Understanding предлагает вопросы разного типа: на факты, на понимание причин и чувств, а также на личное мнение. Они направлены на развитие навыков чтения с пониманием, анализа и критического мышления, стимулируя активное использование изученной лексики.

В разделе Build Your Vocabulary представлены упражнения различного формата: выбор правильного варианта, соотнесение слов и переводов, а также использование выражений в собственных предложениях. Такие задания позволяют закрепить лексику и грамматические конструкции в разнообразных контекстах, повышая уверенность при общении.

Эта книга полезна как для самостоятельного изучения, так и для работы с преподавателем. Систематическое выполнение упражнений и работа с текстами поможет не только расширить словарный запас, но и развить навыки точного, естественного и уверенного использования английского языка в реальных ситуациях.

Следуя структуре книги, читатель получает возможность постепенно улучшать как понимание английского на слух и при чтении, так и умение строить собственные высказывания с учетом нюансов языка и естественных речевых паттернов. Книга предлагает практический, последовательный и мотивирующий подход, делая процесс изучения максимально продуктивным и увлекательным.

Making a First Impression

Word Power

1. make a good impression (on someone)

— произвести хорошее впечатление (на кого-то)

She wanted to make a good impression on her new colleagues.

Она хотела произвести хорошее впечатление на новых коллег.

It’s important to make a good impression during a job interview.

Важно произвести хорошее впечатление во время собеседования.

2. come across as

— производить впечатление, казаться (в глазах других)

He comes across as confident and professional.

Он производит впечатление уверенного и профессионального человека.

She didn’t want to come across as rude.

Она не хотела показаться грубой.

3. be well-prepared

— быть хорошо подготовленным

If you are well-prepared, you will feel less nervous.

Если ты хорошо подготовлен, ты будешь меньше нервничать.

She was well-prepared for the presentation.

Она была хорошо подготовлена к презентации.

4. pay attention to

— обращать внимание на

You should pay attention to details.

Тебе следует обращать внимание на детали.

He paid attention to the way he spoke.

Он обращал внимание на то, как он говорил.

Reading Text

First impressions often play an important role in both personal and professional life. When people meet someone for the first time, they quickly form an opinion. That is why many people try to make a good impression from the very beginning.

Before an important meeting or interview, it is essential to be well-prepared. Preparation helps you feel more confident and reduces stress. For example, you can research the company, think about possible questions, and plan how to introduce yourself. When you are well-prepared, you naturally come across as more professional and reliable.

It is also important to pay attention to small details. The way you dress, speak, and listen can influence how others see you. If you pay attention to your body language and tone of voice, you are more likely to make a good impression.

However, trying too hard can sometimes have the opposite effect. If you are not genuine, you may come across as nervous or insincere. The key is simple: be well-prepared, pay attention to details, and stay authentic. In this way, you can make a good impression without pretending to be someone else.

Check Your Understanding

Why do first impressions matter?

What can you do to be well-prepared for a meeting?

Why is it important to pay attention to small details?

Why can trying too hard create a negative impression?

What do you personally do to make a good impression?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

If you want to make a good impression, you should:

a) ignore preparation

b) arrive late

c) be well-prepared

d) avoid eye contact

If someone comes across as confident, they:

a) seem confident to others

b) feel nervous inside

c) speak very quietly

d) avoid communication

“Pay attention to details” means:

a) forget small things

b) notice and consider small things carefully

c) criticize everything

d) change the topic

If you are well-prepared, you usually:

a) feel more stressed

b) feel more confident

c) avoid speaking

d) make more mistakes

Exercise 2 — Matching

make a good impression

come across as

be well-prepared

pay attention to

a) быть хорошо подготовленным

b) производить впечатление

c) обращать внимание на

d) произвести хорошее впечатление

Exercise 3 — Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2–3 expressions from Word Power.

Before a job interview, it is important to __________ and __________ details.

If you want to __________ your manager, you should act professionally.

He was nervous because he didn’t want to __________ inexperienced.

She tried to __________ by arriving early and dressing formally.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

First impressions matter because people quickly form an opinion when they meet someone for the first time.

You can research the company, prepare answers, and plan your introduction.

Small details influence how others see you, including your body language and tone of voice.

Trying too hard can make you seem nervous or insincere.

Sample answer: I try to be well-prepared and pay attention to how I speak and listen carefully.

Exercise 1

c) be well-prepared

a) seem confident to others

b) notice and consider small things carefully

b) feel more confident

Exercise 2

1 — d

2 — b

3 — a

4 — c

Exercise 3 — Sample Answers

Before a job interview, it is important to be well-prepared and pay attention to details.

If you want to make a good impression on your manager, you should act professionally.

He was nervous because he didn’t want to come across as inexperienced.

She tried to make a good impression by arriving early and dressing formally.

Giving and Receiving Feedback

Word Power

1. give constructive feedback

— давать конструктивную обратную связь (с целью помочь улучшиться)

The manager gave constructive feedback after the presentation.

Менеджер дал конструктивную обратную связь после презентации.

It’s important to give constructive feedback instead of simple criticism.

Важно давать конструктивную обратную связь, а не просто критиковать.

2. take feedback on board

— принять обратную связь и учесть её

She took the feedback on board and improved her report.

Она приняла обратную связь и улучшила свой отчёт.

If you take feedback on board, you can grow professionally.

Если ты принимаешь обратную связь, ты можешь профессионально расти.

3. point out

— указывать на что-либо, обращать внимание на проблему

He pointed out a small mistake in the document.

Он указал на небольшую ошибку в документе.

The teacher pointed out areas that needed improvement.

Учитель указал на области, которые нужно улучшить.

4. be open to feedback

— быть открытым к обратной связи

Successful people are usually open to feedback.

Успешные люди обычно открыты к обратной связи.

She tried to be open to feedback, even when it was difficult to hear.

Она старалась быть открытой к обратной связи, даже когда её было трудно слушать.

Reading Text

In many professional environments, feedback plays a key role in personal and career development. However, both giving and receiving feedback can be challenging. Some people are afraid to give constructive feedback because they do not want to hurt someone’s feelings. Others find it difficult to be open to feedback, especially if it highlights their weaknesses.

Effective feedback should focus on specific actions rather than personal qualities. For example, instead of saying, “Your report is bad,” a manager can give constructive feedback by pointing out unclear sections and suggesting improvements. When feedback is clear and respectful, it is easier to take feedback on board.

Receiving feedback requires maturity and self-awareness. If you are open to feedback, you are more likely to see it as an opportunity rather than criticism. When someone points out a mistake, it does not mean you are incompetent. It simply means there is room for improvement.

Employees who take feedback on board often develop faster. They understand that constructive feedback is not negative; it is a tool for growth. In the long term, being open to feedback helps build trust and improve professional relationships.

Check Your Understanding

Why are some people afraid to give constructive feedback?

What should effective feedback focus on?

Why can receiving feedback be difficult?

How does taking feedback on board help professional development?

Do you find it easier to give feedback or receive it? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

Constructive feedback is:

a) personal criticism

b) helpful advice for improvement

c) emotional reaction

d) public praise

If you take feedback on board, you:

a) ignore it

b) argue about it

c) accept and use it

d) forget it immediately

When you point out a mistake, you:

a) hide it

b) correct it silently

c) show or mention it

d) create it

If you are open to feedback, you:

a) avoid criticism

b) accept suggestions for improvement

c) feel offended

d) refuse advice

Exercise 2 — Matching

give constructive feedback

take feedback on board

point out

be open to feedback

a) указывать на

b) быть открытым к обратной связи

c) принять и учесть обратную связь

d) давать конструктивную обратную связь

Exercise 3 — Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2–3 expressions from Word Power.

A good leader knows how to __________ without making people feel uncomfortable.

She decided to __________ and improve her communication style.

During the meeting, he __________ several problems that needed attention.

To grow professionally, you should __________ and learn from others.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

Some people are afraid because they do not want to hurt others’ feelings.

It should focus on specific actions and areas for improvement, not personal qualities.

It can be difficult because it highlights weaknesses and mistakes.

It helps people improve their skills and develop faster in their careers.

Sample answer: I find it easier to give feedback because I try to be polite and helpful, but receiving feedback can sometimes feel uncomfortable.

Exercise 1

b) helpful advice for improvement

c) accept and use it

c) show or mention it

b) accept suggestions for improvement

Exercise 2

1 — d

2 — c

3 — a

4 — b

Exercise 3 — Sample Answers

A good leader knows how to give constructive feedback without making people feel uncomfortable.

She decided to take feedback on board and improve her communication style.

During the meeting, he pointed out several problems that needed attention.

To grow professionally, you should be open to feedback and learn from others.

Apologizing and Forgiving

Word Power

1. make a sincere apology

— принести искренние извинения

He made a sincere apology for missing the deadline.

Он принес искренние извинения за пропущенный дедлайн.

If you want to solve the conflict, you should make a sincere apology.

Если ты хочешь решить конфликт, тебе следует принести искренние извинения.

2. take full responsibility for

— полностью взять на себя ответственность за что-либо

She took full responsibility for the mistake in the report.

Она полностью взяла на себя ответственность за ошибку в отчёте.

It is important to take full responsibility for your actions.

Важно полностью брать ответственность за свои действия.

3. hold a grudge

— держать обиду, затаить обиду

He didn’t want to hold a grudge against his colleague.

Он не хотел держать обиду на коллегу.

Holding a grudge only creates more tension.

Затаённая обида только создаёт больше напряжения.

4. move on

— двигаться дальше, оставить ситуацию в прошлом

After their conversation, they decided to move on.

После разговора они решили двигаться дальше.

It’s healthier to forgive and move on.

Полезнее простить и двигаться дальше.

Reading Text

Conflicts are a natural part of both personal and professional relationships. Sooner or later, everyone makes mistakes. The real question is not whether we make mistakes, but how we react to them. Learning how to make a sincere apology and how to forgive others is an essential life skill.

A sincere apology involves more than simply saying “sorry.” It means taking full responsibility for your actions and understanding how they affected someone else. When a person takes full responsibility for a mistake, it shows maturity and respect. This makes it easier for the other person to accept the apology.

However, apologizing is only one side of the situation. Forgiveness is equally important. If someone continues to hold a grudge, the relationship cannot fully recover. Holding a grudge often leads to stress and negative emotions.

Forgiving does not mean forgetting what happened. It means choosing to move on instead of focusing on the past. In many cases, when both sides are willing to communicate honestly, make a sincere apology, and avoid holding a grudge, they can move on and even strengthen their relationship.

Check Your Understanding

What does a sincere apology involve?

Why is taking full responsibility important?

Why can holding a grudge damage a relationship?

What does it really mean to move on?

Do you think it is always easy to forgive? Why or why not?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

A sincere apology means:

a) saying “sorry” without explanation

b) blaming someone else

c) honestly accepting your mistake

d) ignoring the problem

If you take full responsibility for something, you:

a) deny your role

b) completely accept that it was your fault

c) hide the truth

d) blame circumstances

If you hold a grudge, you:

a) forgive quickly

b) forget the situation

c) keep negative feelings

d) solve the conflict

To move on means to:

a) continue thinking about the past

b) change the topic

c) leave the situation behind and continue

d) avoid communication

Exercise 2 — Matching

make a sincere apology

take full responsibility for

hold a grudge

move on

a) двигаться дальше

b) затаить обиду

c) принести искренние извинения

d) полностью взять ответственность за

Exercise 3 — Use It!

Complete the sentences using 2–3 expressions from Word Power.

After the argument, he decided to __________ and explain his mistake.

She didn’t want to __________, so she forgave her friend.

It takes courage to __________ your actions.

If both people are honest, they can __________ and improve their relationship.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

It involves honestly accepting your mistake and understanding its impact.

Because it shows maturity and respect, and makes forgiveness easier.

Because it creates tension and prevents the relationship from recovering.

It means leaving the past behind and focusing on the future.

Sample answer: No, it is not always easy because emotions can be strong, especially if someone feels hurt.

Exercise 1

c) honestly accepting your mistake

b) completely accept that it was your fault

c) keep negative feelings

c) leave the situation behind and continue

Exercise 2

1 — c

2 — d

3 — b

4 — a

Exercise 3 — Sample Answers

After the argument, he decided to make a sincere apology and explain his mistake.

She didn’t want to hold a grudge, so she forgave her friend.

It takes courage to take full responsibility for your actions.

If both people are honest, they can move on and improve their relationship.

Setting Boundaries

Word Power

1. set clear boundaries

— устанавливать чёткие границы

It is important to set clear boundaries at work.

Важно устанавливать чёткие границы на работе.

She set clear boundaries about her working hours.

Она установила чёткие границы относительно своего рабочего времени.

2. stand up for yourself

— постоять за себя, защищать свои интересы

You need to stand up for yourself in difficult situations.