Оглавление

Предисловие

Эта книга создана как практическое пособие для изучающих английский язык на уровне B1–B2, стремящихся расширить словарный запас, улучшить навыки естественного употребления фразовых глаголов, устойчивых выражений и коллокаций. Материал организован по темам, близким к повседневной жизни, профессиональной сфере, учебе, путешествиям и личностному развитию, что позволяет учащимся применять лексику в реальных ситуациях.

Каждая глава включает блок ключевых слов и выражений с разъяснениями на русском языке, примерами предложений с переводом, а также тексты для чтения с повторением новой лексики в естественном контексте. Такой подход обеспечивает постепенное и систематическое закрепление слов и фраз, формирует навыки понимания и использования английской речи в разнообразных ситуациях.

Дополнительные упражнения направлены на проверку понимания текста, закрепление лексики и развитие навыков использования изученных выражений в письменной и устной речи. Рекомендовано выполнять упражнения последовательно, возвращаясь к текстам и примерам для повторения и закрепления материала.

Книга может быть полезна широкому кругу читателей: студентам и школьникам, желающим расширить словарный запас и улучшить разговорные навыки, взрослым изучающим язык для профессиональных целей, а также преподавателям как ресурс для подготовки заданий и занятий. Работа с текстами, упражнениями и лексикой позволяет не только запоминать слова, но и формировать уверенность в их практическом использовании.

Для максимальной пользы рекомендуется сочетать изучение книги с разговорной практикой, вести словарный дневник и периодически возвращаться к ранее изученным главам, чтобы закрепить знания и развивать навык естественного употребления английского языка.

Work and Career

Word Power

take on — брать на себя, соглашаться выполнять задачу

I decided to take on extra responsibilities at work to improve my skills.

— Я решил взять на себя дополнительные обязанности на работе, чтобы улучшить свои навыки.

She took on a challenging project to prove her abilities.

— Она взялась за сложный проект, чтобы доказать свои способности.

meet a deadline — уложиться в срок

We worked late to meet the deadline for the report.

— Мы работали допоздна, чтобы уложиться в срок по отчету.

He always manages to meet deadlines even under pressure.

— Он всегда успевает уложиться в сроки, даже под давлением.

get ahead — продвигаться вперед, достигать успеха

She is studying hard to get ahead in her career.

— Она усердно учится, чтобы продвигаться в карьере.

Networking can help you get ahead in your professional life.

— Нетворкинг может помочь продвинуться в профессиональной жизни.

a stepping stone — ступенька, способ продвижения к цели

This internship is just a stepping stone to a permanent job.

— Эта стажировка — лишь ступенька к постоянной работе.

Every project you complete can be a stepping stone toward your dream career.

— Каждый завершенный проект может стать ступенькой к вашей карьерной мечте.

Reading Text

Laura had always dreamed of working in an international company. After graduation, she decided to take on an internship at a global firm. The first few weeks were challenging, but she wanted to get ahead and learn as much as possible. Her supervisor noticed her efforts and gave her more responsibilities.

Every task was important, and Laura worked hard to meet deadlines. She often stayed late to finish her projects and make sure the quality was perfect. Her colleagues admired her commitment, and some even said her work ethic could be a stepping stone to a permanent position.

During this period, Laura realized that taking initiative was essential. She started asking questions, suggesting new ideas, and learning from feedback. Slowly, she saw her skills improve, and her confidence grew. By the end of the internship, she had not only met all deadlines but also built a strong professional network. This experience proved to her that willingness to take on challenges and consistently get ahead could truly shape her career.

Looking back, Laura understood that small opportunities often act as stepping stones to bigger achievements. She felt proud and motivated to continue her journey, knowing that hard work and determination were key to success in any professional environment.

Check Your Understanding

What kind of job did Laura take on after graduation?

How did Laura ensure she met deadlines?

Why did Laura want to take on extra responsibilities?

How did completing the internship make Laura feel?

Which do you think is more important for career success: taking initiative or meeting deadlines?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

To get ahead means to:

a) fall behind at work

b) achieve success

c) take a vacation

d) quit your job

A project that helps your career can be called:

a) a burden

b) a stepping stone

c) a mistake

d) a routine

To meet a deadline means to:

a) finish work on time

b) start a new job

c) call your boss

d) take a break

If you take on a task, you:

a) refuse to do it

b) agree to do it

c) ignore it

d) delegate it

Exercise 2 — Matching

take on →?

meet a deadline →?

get ahead →?

a stepping stone →?

Exercise 3 — Use It!

I decided to ______ extra responsibilities at work to learn more.

Finishing this small project could be ______ to bigger opportunities.

She worked hard to ______ all deadlines and impress her boss.

Networking is important if you want to ______ in your career.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

An internship at a global firm.

By working hard and sometimes staying late to finish projects.

She wanted to learn more and advance in her career.

Proud and motivated, seeing it as a stepping stone to bigger achievements.

Taking initiative is important because it helps create new opportunities, but meeting deadlines is also necessary to show reliability.

Exercise 1

b) achieve success

b) a stepping stone

a) finish work on time

b) agree to do it

Exercise 2

take on → брать на себя

meet a deadline → уложиться в срок

get ahead → продвигаться вперед

a stepping stone → ступенька к цели

Exercise 3

take on

a stepping stone

meet deadlines

get ahead

Daily Routine

Word Power

wake up — просыпаться

I usually wake up at 7 a.m. during weekdays.

— Обычно я просыпаюсь в 7 утра по будням.

She wakes up early to go for a run.

— Она просыпается рано, чтобы пойти на пробежку.

get around to — найти время, чтобы что-то сделать

I finally got around to cleaning my room.

— Я наконец-то нашёл время, чтобы убраться в комнате.

He hasn’t gotten around to finishing his homework yet.

— Он ещё не нашёл время, чтобы закончить домашнее задание.

run errands — выполнять мелкие повседневные дела

I spent the morning running errands like buying groceries.

— Утром я занимался мелкими делами, такими как покупки продуктов.

On Saturdays, she usually runs errands for the whole family.

— По субботам она обычно выполняет мелкие дела для всей семьи.

call it a day — закончить работу или активность на сегодня

After finishing the report, we decided to call it a day.

— После завершения отчета мы решили закончить на сегодня.

He was tired and decided to call it a day.

— Он устал и решил закончить на сегодня.

Reading Text

Mark’s daily routine was simple but well-organized. He usually wakes up at 6:30 a.m., makes a cup of coffee, and plans his day. After breakfast, he checks his emails and lists the most important tasks. Sometimes he finds it hard to get around to less urgent activities, but he knows they are necessary.

During the day, Mark often runs errands like going to the bank, buying groceries, or dropping off packages. He enjoys walking around his neighborhood because it gives him a short break from work and a chance to meet neighbors.

Mark believes that taking breaks and organizing small tasks helps him stay productive. By the afternoon, he focuses on bigger projects and tries to meet deadlines at work. After finishing all tasks, he usually calls it a day and spends the evening relaxing with a book or listening to music.

On weekends, Mark’s routine changes slightly. He wakes up later, spends more time cooking, and often helps friends with errands. Even during free days, he finds small ways to stay productive, like learning a new recipe or tidying up his apartment. Mark knows that a structured routine, with a balance between work and relaxation, makes his days smoother and more satisfying.

Check Your Understanding

What time does Mark usually wake up?

What kind of errands does Mark run during the day?

Why does Mark sometimes struggle to get around to certain activities?

How does Mark feel after he calls it a day?

Do you think having a daily routine is important? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

To wake up means to:

a) go to bed

b) get out of sleep

c) eat breakfast

d) take a nap

To get around to something means to:

a) postpone it forever

b) finally find time to do it

c) forget about it

d) do it quickly

If you run errands, you:

a) complete small tasks like shopping or paying bills

b) exercise in the morning

c) work on a big project

d) call your friends

To call it a day means to:

a) start working

b) finish for the day

c) sleep all day

d) take a long break

Exercise 2 — Matching

wake up →?

get around to →?

run errands →?

call it a day →?

Exercise 3 — Use It!

I usually ______ at 7 a.m., even on weekends.

I finally ______ cleaning the kitchen yesterday.

She spent the afternoon ______ like going to the post office and buying milk.

After a long day at work, I decided to ______.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

6:30 a.m.

Going to the bank, buying groceries, dropping off packages.

Because they are less urgent and he has more important tasks.

Relaxed and satisfied after finishing his tasks.

[Sample] Yes, because it helps organize time, stay productive, and balance work and rest.

Exercise 1

b) get out of sleep

b) finally find time to do it

a) complete small tasks like shopping or paying bills

b) finish for the day

Exercise 2

wake up → просыпаться

get around to → найти время, чтобы что-то сделать

run errands → выполнять мелкие дела

call it a day → закончить работу/активность на сегодня

Exercise 3

wake up

got around to

running errands

call it a day

Shopping and Money

Word Power

pick up — купить что-то по пути, заскочить за покупкой

I need to pick up some milk on my way home.

— Мне нужно купить молоко по пути домой.

She picked up a few gifts while visiting the mall.

— Она купила несколько подарков, гуляя по торговому центру.

shop around — прицениваться, сравнивать цены

Before buying a laptop, I like to shop around to find the best deal.

— Перед покупкой ноутбука мне нравится сравнивать цены, чтобы найти лучшее предложение.

He shopped around for a new phone for several days.

— Он несколько дней приценивался перед покупкой нового телефона.

save up (for) — копить деньги на что-то

I am saving up for a new bicycle.

— Я коплю деньги на новый велосипед.

She saved up for months to buy a ticket to Paris.

— Она копила деньги несколько месяцев, чтобы купить билет в Париж.

pay off — выплатить долг полностью

It took him two years to pay off his student loan.

— Ему понадобилось два года, чтобы полностью выплатить студенческий кредит.

She finally paid off her credit card debt.

— Она наконец-то выплатила долг по кредитной карте.

Reading Text

Anna enjoys shopping, but she is careful with her money. She often shops around before making big purchases to make sure she gets the best price. Last month, she wanted a new laptop, so she visited several stores and compared offers.

Sometimes, Anna also picks up small items, like fruits or snacks, while going home from work. She finds it convenient and saves time.

Anna is also disciplined about her finances. She is saving up for a vacation to Italy and puts a part of her salary aside every month. It is not easy to resist buying new clothes or gadgets, but she knows that careful planning helps her reach her goals.

Recently, Anna finally paid off her old debts. She felt relieved and proud because she had managed her money wisely. After that, she continued saving up for her dream trip, making a budget for daily expenses and shopping.

Anna believes that smart shopping and managing money carefully make life less stressful. By taking time to shop around, picking up only what is necessary, and saving up, she feels more confident about her financial future. She hopes that her careful habits will be a stepping stone to financial independence.

Check Your Understanding

What big purchase did Anna compare prices for?

How does Anna pick up items?

Why is she saving up for a vacation?

How did Anna feel after paying off her debts?

Do you think it is better to spend money freely or save for the future? Why?

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

To pick up something means to:

a) buy something quickly or casually

b) return something

c) ask a question

d) ignore something

To shop around means to:

a) buy the first item you see

b) compare prices before buying

c) walk in circles in a store

d) pay extra for convenience

To save up (for) something means to:

a) spend all your money

b) collect money gradually for a goal

c) borrow money

d) gamble

To pay off a debt means to:

a) delay payment

b) pay the full amount owed

c) forget about the debt

d) lend money

Exercise 2 — Matching

pick up →?

shop around →?

save up (for) →?

pay off →?

Exercise 3 — Use It!

I want to ______ a few groceries while going home from work.

She is ______ a new camera for her trip.

Before buying a car, I like to ______ different dealerships.

He finally managed to ______ his credit card debt.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

A new laptop.

By buying small items, like fruits or snacks, while going home.

To go on a vacation to Italy.

Relieved and proud, because she managed her money wisely.

[Sample] It is better to save for the future to avoid stress and reach goals.

Exercise 1

a) buy something quickly or casually

b) compare prices before buying

b) collect money gradually for a goal

b) pay the full amount owed

Exercise 2

pick up → купить что-то по пути

shop around → прицениваться, сравнивать цены

save up (for) → копить деньги на что-то

pay off → выплатить долг полностью

Exercise 3

pick up

saving up for

shop around

pay off

Travel and Holidays

Word Power

set off — отправляться в путь

We set off early in the morning to avoid traffic.

— Мы отправились в путь рано утром, чтобы избежать пробок.

She set off on her trip to Spain last weekend.

— Она отправилась в путешествие в Испанию в прошлые выходные.

check in — зарегистрироваться (в отеле или на рейс)

We arrived at the hotel and quickly checked in.

— Мы приехали в отель и быстро зарегистрировались.

Passengers should check in at least two hours before the flight.

— Пассажирам следует зарегистрироваться минимум за два часа до рейса.

get away — уехать, отдохнуть от работы или повседневной жизни

I need to get away for a few days to relax.

— Мне нужно на несколько дней уехать, чтобы отдохнуть.

They got away to the mountains for a weekend break.

— Они уехали в горы на выходные, чтобы отдохнуть.

take in — осмотреть достопримечательности, впитать впечатления

During the city tour, we took in many historic buildings.

— Во время экскурсии по городу мы осмотрели много исторических зданий.

She likes to take in the views when traveling.

— Ей нравится наслаждаться видами во время путешествий.

Reading Text

Last summer, James decided to get away from the busy city and explore new places. Early on Monday, he set off on a trip to the countryside. The weather was perfect, and he felt excited about the adventure ahead.

When he arrived at his hotel, he immediately checked in and dropped off his luggage. After a quick rest, he started exploring the town. He wanted to take in the historic streets, local markets, and beautiful parks. James enjoyed walking slowly, observing people, and photographing the scenery.

During his stay, he met other travelers who also wanted to get away from their routines. Together, they shared tips about the best places to visit and how to make the most of a short holiday. Every morning, James set off early to avoid crowds and discover new sights.

By the end of the week, James had taken in all the main attractions and felt completely refreshed. The experience reminded him of the importance of taking time to rest and recharge. Traveling not only allows people to get away but also to learn about new cultures, meet interesting people, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

James returned home feeling happy and inspired. He knew that planning small trips and making time for breaks could be a stepping stone to a more balanced and enjoyable life.

Check Your Understanding

Where did James go to get away from the city?

What did he do immediately after checking in at the hotel?

Why did James set off early each morning?

How did traveling make James feel by the end of the week?

Have you ever taken in a place that surprised you? Describe it.

Build Your Vocabulary

Exercise 1 — Multiple Choice

To set off means to:

a) start a journey

b) finish a trip

c) cancel plans

d) relax at home

To check in means to:

a) register at a hotel or airport

b) unpack your luggage

c) call the hotel

d) explore the city

To get away means to:

a) escape or leave for relaxation

b) stay at work

c) travel without planning

d) ignore your responsibilities

To take in a place means to:

a) absorb the sights or atmosphere

b) leave the hotel

c) take photos only

d) book tickets

Exercise 2 — Matching

set off →?

check in →?

get away →?

take in →?

Exercise 3 — Use It!

We decided to ______ early to avoid traffic.

After arriving at the resort, they quickly ______.

I need a few days to ______ and relax from work.

During the tour, we ______ all the famous landmarks.

Answer Key

Check Your Understanding — Sample Answers

To the countryside.

He dropped off his luggage and rested briefly.

To avoid crowds and see more sights.

Refreshed, happy, and inspired.

[Sample] Yes, I once visited a small coastal town and was surprised by its quiet beauty and colorful streets.

Exercise 1

a) start a journey

a) register at a hotel or airport

a) escape or leave for relaxation

a) absorb the sights or atmosphere

Exercise 2

set off → отправляться в путь

check in → зарегистрироваться

get away → уехать, отдохнуть

take in → осмотреть достопримечательности, впитать впечатления

Exercise 3

set off

checked in

get away

took in

Food and Cooking

Word Power

whip up — быстро приготовить еду

I can whip up a salad in five minutes.

— Я могу быстро приготовить салат за пять минут.

She whipped up a cake for her friend’s birthday.

— Она быстро приготовила торт ко дню рождения друга.

cut down on — сократить потребление чего-либо

I’m trying to cut down on sugar for my health.

— Я пытаюсь сократить потребление сахара для здоровья.

He decided to cut down on fast food after h