Английский язык для продолжающих. От уровня B1 к уверенной коммуникации на B2

Grammar Focus

Can, Could, and Be Able To используются для выражения способности и возможности.

1. Can – способность или возможность в настоящем и будущем.

Form: can + base verb

Examples:

I can speak English. – Я могу говорить по-английски.

She can help you tomorrow. – Она сможет помочь тебе завтра.

2. Could – способность или возможность в прошлом или вежливая просьба.

Form: could + base verb

Examples:

I could swim very well when I was a child. – Я очень хорошо умел плавать в детстве.

Could you open the window, please? – Можешь открыть окно, пожалуйста?

3. Be able to – используется вместо can в различных временах, особенно в прошедшем и будущем.

Form: be (am/is/are/was/were) + able to + base verb

Examples:

I was able to finish the project on time. – Мне удалось закончить проект вовремя.

She will be able to attend the meeting next week. – Она сможет присутствовать на встрече на следующей неделе.

Совет:

Can – настоящее/будущее; Could – прошедшее/вежливая просьба; Be able to – любые времена.

Используй be able to, если нужно подчеркнуть, что кто-то сумел сделать что-то в прошлом или будущем.

Story

Last summer, Alex decided to learn how to play the guitar. At first, he could only play simple chords, but he practiced every day. By the end of the month, he was able to play several songs.

Alex’s friend Emma can play the piano very well. She often helps him with difficult melodies and gives useful advice. Alex believes that with enough practice, he will be able to play a full concert next year.

Last week, they visited a music school. The teacher asked Alex if he could perform a short piece for the class. Alex was nervous, but he was able to play it successfully. Everyone applauded, and Alex felt proud of his progress.

Emma reminded him that learning an instrument requires patience. She can see how much Alex has improved. Next summer, they will be able to perform together at a small local festival.

Useful Words and Expressions

to learn an instrument – учиться играть на инструменте

at first – сначала

simple chords – простые аккорды

practice every day – практиковаться каждый день

by the end of the month – к концу месяца

to play songs – играть песни

to help – помогать

difficult melodies – сложные мелодии

useful advice – полезный совет

full concert – полноценный концерт

to be nervous – быть нервным

to perform – выступать

everyone applauded – все аплодировали

proud of progress – гордиться прогрессом

patience – терпение

local festival – местный фестиваль

Exercises

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks

At first, Alex ___ (play) only simple chords.

By the end of the month, he ___ (play) several songs.

Last week, he ___ (perform) a short piece for the class.

Next year, he ___ (play) a full concert.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option

I can / could speak French when I was a child.

She will be able to / can finish the task tomorrow.

They were able to / can solve the problem quickly.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions

What skills can you do well now?

Could you do something as a child that you can’t do now?

What will you be able to do after practicing a new skill?

Who can help you when you learn something new?

Do you prefer learning alone or with someone who can help? Why?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

could play

was able to play

was able to perform

will be able to play

Exercise 2

could

will be able to

were able to

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I can speak English and use a computer well.

Yes, I could ride a bike when I was younger, but now I rarely ride.

After practicing, I will be able to play the guitar or cook new recipes.

My teacher, friend, or family can help me when I learn something new.

I prefer learning with someone who can help because it is easier and faster.

Mini Tips

Can = способность/возможность сейчас или в будущем

Could = способность в прошлом или вежливая просьба

Be able to = любое время, особенно для прошедшего и будущего

Акцентируй success in action с be able to: I was able to solve it

Grammar Focus

Must, Have To, and Should используются для выражения обязанности, необходимости или совета.

1. Must – сильная обязанность, правило, необходимость.

Form: must + base verb

Examples:

You must wear a helmet when riding a bike. – Ты должен носить шлем при езде на велосипеде.

Students must submit their homework on time. – Студенты должны сдавать домашнее задание вовремя.

2. Have To – внешняя обязанность или необходимость, часто связана с правилами или обстоятельствами.

Form: have/has to + base verb

Examples:

I have to finish this report before Friday. – Я должен закончить отчёт до пятницы.

She has to attend the meeting tomorrow. – Она должна присутствовать на встрече завтра.

3. Should – совет, рекомендация, пожелание.

Form: should + base verb

Examples:

You should drink more water. – Тебе следует пить больше воды.

They should check the schedule before leaving. – Им следует проверить расписание перед выходом.

Совет:

Must = внутреннее убеждение или строгие правила.

Have to = внешняя необходимость или требования.

Should = мягкий совет или рекомендация.

Story

Last Monday, Daniel had a busy day. He knew he must attend an important meeting at 10 a.m., because it was crucial for his project. Before leaving, he realized he had to finish a report that his manager requested. Daniel worked quickly, completing it just in time.

During lunch, Daniel remembered that he should eat something healthy instead of skipping the meal. He chose a salad and some fruit, following the advice of his doctor. After lunch, he had to call a client to discuss new requirements, and he must submit the updated documents by the end of the day.

By the evening, Daniel reflected on his day. He realized that following rules and advice helped him manage responsibilities effectively. Even though it was stressful, he knew that being organized and responsible made his work more productive and successful. Tomorrow, he should plan his schedule carefully again to avoid last-minute stress.

Useful Words and Expressions

busy day – занятый день

must – должен, необходимо

important meeting – важная встреча

crucial – решающий, важный

finish a report – закончить отчёт

manager – менеджер

should – следует, рекомендуется

healthy meal – здоровая еда

skip a meal – пропускать приём пищи

salad – салат

fruit – фрукты

client – клиент

requirements – требования

updated documents – обновлённые документы

responsibilities – обязанности

productive – продуктивный

plan schedule – планировать расписание

last-minute stress – стресс в последнюю минуту

Exercises

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks

Daniel ___ (attend) an important meeting at 10 a.m.

He ___ (finish) the report requested by his manager.

During lunch, he ___ (eat) something healthy.

By the end of the day, he ___ (submit) the updated documents.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option

You must / should wear a seatbelt while driving.

I have to / must call my teacher tomorrow.

They should / have to check their emails regularly.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions

When do you have to follow strict rules at school or work?

Can you give an example of something you must do every day?

What should you do to stay healthy?

Have you ever ignored advice that you should follow? What happened?

How do you plan your tasks to avoid last-minute stress?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

must attend

had to finish

should eat

must submit

Exercise 2

must

have to

should

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I have to follow rules in school, like attending classes on time.

I must brush my teeth every morning and evening.

I should eat more vegetables, drink water, and exercise regularly.

Yes, I once ignored advice to study before a test, and I failed it.

I make a to-do list and plan tasks in advance to avoid stress at the last minute.

Mini Tips

Must = внутренняя обязанность или строгие правила

Have to = внешняя необходимость

Should = мягкий совет

Используй should для рекомендаций, а must/have to для обязательств

Grammar Focus

Advice and suggestions в английском языке выражаются с помощью should, ought to, had better, could, might. Они помогают рекомендовать действия, давать предложения или предупреждать о последствиях.

1. Should – рекомендация или совет.

Form: should + base verb

Examples:

You should eat more vegetables. – Тебе следует есть больше овощей.

She should check her work before submitting it. – Ей следует проверить работу перед сдачей.

2. Ought to – формальный совет, близкий к should.

Form: ought to + base verb

Examples:

You ought to apologize for being late. – Тебе следует извиниться за опоздание.

3. Had better – сильный совет, часто с предупреждением о последствиях.

Form: had better + base verb

Examples:

You had better finish your homework now, or you’ll be late. – Тебе лучше сделать домашнее задание сейчас, иначе опоздаешь.

4. Could / Might – варианты для мягких предложений или идей.

Form: could / might + base verb

Examples:

You could try talking to your teacher. – Ты можешь попробовать поговорить с учителем.

We might go to the park this afternoon. – Мы могли бы пойти в парк сегодня днём.

Совет:

Should / ought to = совет

Had better = сильный совет с предупреждением

Could / might = предложения или варианты действий

Story

Tom noticed that his friend Sarah looked tired and stressed. He thought about giving her some advice. «You should take a short break and relax,» he suggested. Sarah agreed and decided to go for a walk in the park.

Before leaving, Tom reminded her, «You had better finish your tasks for today, or you will feel overwhelmed tomorrow.» Sarah smiled and promised to manage her time carefully.

Later, Tom thought about other ways to help her. «You could try practicing meditation or listening to calming music,» he said. «It might help you feel better.» Sarah thanked him for the suggestions and felt motivated to improve her routine.

By the evening, Sarah realized that following Tom’s advice had helped her feel more relaxed and organized. She decided that she should plan her days more carefully in the future. Tom was happy that his suggestions had a positive effect on his friend.

Useful Words and Expressions

to look tired – выглядеть усталым

stressed – испытывать стресс

to give advice – давать совет

take a break – сделать перерыв

relax – расслабиться

go for a walk – пойти на прогулку

finish tasks – закончить задачи

feel overwhelmed – чувствовать себя перегруженным

practice meditation – практиковать медитацию

calming music – успокаивающая музыка

feel better – чувствовать себя лучше

suggestions – предложения

motivated – замотивированный

routine – распорядок

plan days carefully – планировать дни тщательно

positive effect – положительный эффект

Exercises

Exercise 1. Fill in the blanks

Tom said Sarah ___ (take) a short break.

He reminded her that she ___ (finish) her tasks for today.

Sarah decided she ___ (plan) her days more carefully.

Tom suggested she ___ (try) meditation.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct option

You should / had better check your email now.

She could / should try exercising in the morning.

We might / ought to visit the museum this weekend.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions

Who do you usually ask for advice?

Have you ever followed someone’s suggestion? What happened?

What should students do to manage their homework effectively?

Can you give an example of something you had better do to avoid problems?

How do you feel when you give good advice to someone?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

should take

had better finish

should plan

could try

Exercise 2

had better

could

might

Exercise 3 (sample answers)

I usually ask my parents or teachers for advice.

Yes, I followed my teacher’s suggestion to review my notes before the exam, and I passed it.

Students should make a schedule, prioritize tasks, and take short breaks.

I had better lock the door before leaving home to avoid problems.

I feel satisfied and happy when someone benefits from my advice.

Mini Tips

Should / ought to = обычный совет

Had better = сильный совет с предупреждением

Could / might = варианты или мягкие предложения

Повторяй советы в разных формах, чтобы закрепить их употребление в реальной речи

Grammar Focus

В английском языке выражение вероятности и уверенности помогает показать, насколько мы уверены в событии или прогнозе. Для этого используются modal verbs и специальные выражения.

1. Must – сильная уверенность (очень вероятно).

Form: must + base verb

Examples:

She must be at work now. – Она, должно быть, сейчас на работе.