Слова и выражения, которые путают на ЕГЭ по английскому. Практическое пособие для уровня B1–B2

Vocabulary Focus

1. healthy vs fit

Healthy – здоровый в общем смысле (нет проблем со здоровьем).

Fit – в хорошей физической форме, выносливый.

She looks healthy and full of energy.

Она выглядит здоровой и полной энергии.

He goes jogging to stay fit.

Он бегает, чтобы оставаться в форме.

Ошибка: нельзя использовать fit просто в значении «не болею». Fit – про физическую форму.

2. affect vs effect

Affect (verb) – влиять на.

Effect (noun) – результат, воздействие.

Lack of sleep can affect your mood.

Недостаток сна может повлиять на ваше настроение.

Regular exercise has a positive effect on your body.

Регулярные упражнения оказывают положительный эффект на организм.

Ошибка: не говорите has a positive affect. Affect – это глагол.

3. maintain vs improve

Maintain – поддерживать на прежнем уровне.

Improve – улучшать, делать лучше.

It is important to maintain a balanced diet.

Важно поддерживать сбалансированное питание.

She is trying to improve her eating habits.

Она старается улучшить свои пищевые привычки.

Ошибка: если есть прогресс – используйте improve, а не maintain.

4. sensible vs sensitive

Sensible – разумный, практичный.

Sensitive – чувствительный (эмоционально или физически).

It is sensible to drink enough water every day.

Разумно пить достаточно воды каждый день.

He is sensitive to cold weather.

Он чувствителен к холодной погоде.

Ошибка: sensible ≠ sensitive. Это частая ловушка в заданиях ЕГЭ.

Story

Small Decisions, Big Results

When Mark started working from home, his lifestyle changed dramatically. He spent long hours sitting in front of his computer and rarely went outside. Although he was generally healthy, he did not feel fit or energetic. This situation began to affect his productivity and overall mood.

After a few months, Mark realised that his daily habits were having a negative effect on his well-being. Instead of making radical changes, he decided to take sensible steps. First, he chose to maintain a regular schedule. He started waking up at the same time every day and taking short breaks during work.

Later, he tried to improve his physical condition by walking in the evening. At first, he felt too tired to exercise, but gradually his energy level increased. He also became more sensitive to the signals his body was sending him. When he felt stressed, he took a short walk instead of continuing to work.

Within several weeks, Mark noticed a positive effect. He felt more focused and productive. He understood that staying healthy does not require extreme effort. However, it is important to maintain good habits and make sensible choices every day.

Useful Words and Expressions

lifestyle – образ жизни

dramatically – резко, значительно

productive – продуктивный

overall mood – общее настроение

well-being – благополучие

radical changes – радикальные изменения

take steps – предпринимать шаги

regular schedule – регулярный график

take a break – делать перерыв

physical condition – физическое состояние

gradually – постепенно

energy level – уровень энергии

signals – сигналы

stress – стресс

notice – замечать

focused – сосредоточенный

require – требовать

extreme effort – чрезмерные усилия

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

Regular exercise has a positive (affect / effect) on your health.

She wants to (maintain / improve) her current weight.

He is very (sensible / sensitive) to criticism.

Lack of sleep can (affect / effect) your concentration.

Although she is healthy, she does not feel physically (fit / healthy).

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

maintain

improve

well-being

sensible

affect

a) to influence something

b) physical and mental health

c) to make something better

d) practical and reasonable

e) to keep something at the same level

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Mark decide to change his lifestyle?

What sensible steps did he take?

What was the effect of regular walks?

Why is it important to maintain a regular schedule?

What small change could improve your lifestyle?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

effect

maintain

sensitive

affect

fit

Exercise 2

1 – e

2 – c

3 – b

4 – d

5 – a

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Mark decided to change his lifestyle because his sedentary routine was affecting his productivity and mood. He realised that his habits had a negative effect on his well-being.

He decided to maintain a regular schedule and take short breaks during work. He also improved his physical condition by walking every evening.

Regular walks had a positive effect on his energy level and focus. He gradually became more productive and less stressed.

Maintaining a regular schedule helps organise daily activities and reduces stress. It also improves concentration and overall efficiency.

One small change that could improve my lifestyle is going to bed earlier. This would help me feel more energetic during the day.

Mini Advice

В теме здорового образа жизни в ЕГЭ часто проверяются:

affect (v) / effect (n)

healthy / fit

maintain / improve

sensible / sensitive

Учите слова в устойчивых сочетаниях:

have an effect on, affect performance, maintain a routine, improve health, be sensitive to, make a sensible decision.

Лексическая точность и правильная сочетаемость – это то, что отличает высокий балл от среднего.

Vocabulary Focus

1. spend vs waste (time)

Spend time (on / doing something) – тратить время (нейтрально или положительно).

Waste time (on / doing something) – тратить время впустую.

She spends two hours on homework every evening.

Она тратит два часа на домашнюю работу каждый вечер.

He wasted time scrolling through his phone.

Он потратил время впустую, листая телефон.

Ошибка: нельзя сказать waste time for something. Только waste time on или waste time doing.

2. on time vs in time

On time – вовремя (по расписанию).

In time – вовремя (успеть до дедлайна).

The meeting started on time.

Встреча началась вовремя (по расписанию).

She finished the report in time for the deadline.

Она закончила отчёт вовремя (успела к дедлайну).

Ошибка: не путать значения. Поезд приходит on time, а работу нужно закончить in time.

3. deadline vs schedule

Deadline – крайний срок.

Schedule – график, расписание.

The project deadline is next Friday.

Крайний срок проекта – следующая пятница.

He has a busy schedule this week.

У него плотный график на этой неделе.

Ошибка: нельзя сказать busy deadline. Busy относится к schedule.

4. manage vs cope with

Manage (time / tasks) – организовать, справиться (контролируя процесс).

Cope with (stress / pressure / problems) – справляться (в сложной ситуации).

She manages her time effectively.

Она эффективно управляет своим временем.

He finds it hard to cope with stress.

Ему трудно справляться со стрессом.

Story

A Week Without a Plan

Olga used to believe that she was simply too busy to rest. Her schedule was full of meetings, online courses and family responsibilities. However, she often felt that she wasted time and still failed to meet important deadlines. She sometimes arrived at work on time but submitted reports at the last minute, hoping to finish them in time.

One day she decided to analyse how she spent her day. She realised that she spent several hours checking emails and replying to messages that were not urgent. As a result, she had to cope with stress in the evening when the deadline was approaching.

Olga understood that she needed to manage her time more effectively. She created a clear schedule and divided tasks into priorities. She also set realistic deadlines for herself. Instead of trying to do everything at once, she focused on one task at a time.

Within a few weeks, she noticed a positive effect. She no longer wasted time on minor activities and was able to complete her tasks on time. Most importantly, she learned how to cope with pressure without feeling exhausted.

Useful Words and Expressions

responsibilities – обязанности

fail to – не суметь

submit a report – сдавать отчёт

at the last minute – в последний момент

analyse – анализировать

urgent – срочный

approach (a deadline) – приближаться

effectively – эффективно

divide into – делить на

priority – приоритет

realistic – реалистичный

focus on – сосредоточиться на

complete a task – завершить задачу

minor activities – незначительные дела

pressure – давление

exhausted – измотанный

time management – управление временем

productive – продуктивный

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

She arrived (on time / in time) for the meeting.

He couldn’t finish the task (on time / in time) for the deadline.

Don’t (spend / waste) time on unimportant details.

Her (deadline / schedule) is extremely busy this week.

It is difficult to (manage / cope with) stress before exams.

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

deadline

schedule

waste time

manage

cope with

a) to deal successfully with a difficult situation

b) to organise or control something

c) a plan of activities and events

d) to use time in an ineffective way

e) the latest time something must be done

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Olga feel stressed at the end of the day?

What mistake did she make in managing her time?

How did she improve her time management skills?

Why is it important not to waste time on minor activities?

What helps you meet deadlines in time?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

on time

in time

waste

schedule

cope with

Exercise 2

1 – e

2 – c

3 – d

4 – b

5 – a

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Olga felt stressed because she often postponed important tasks and had to finish them at the last minute. As the deadline approached, she struggled to cope with pressure.

She wasted time on minor and non-urgent activities. As a result, she did not manage her schedule effectively.

She created a clear schedule and divided tasks into priorities. This helped her complete assignments on time.

Minor activities reduce productivity and prevent people from focusing on essential tasks. This can lead to missed deadlines.

Setting realistic deadlines and planning tasks in advance help me meet deadlines in time. Good time management reduces stress and improves results.

Mini Advice

В теме управления временем в ЕГЭ часто проверяются:

on time / in time

spend / waste (time)

deadline / schedule

manage / cope with

Учите устойчивые сочетания:

meet a deadline, stick to a schedule, waste time on, manage tasks, cope with pressure, submit a report on time.

Экзамен проверяет не просто знание слов, а умение правильно их сочетать. Лексическая точность напрямую влияет на балл за письменную часть.

Vocabulary Focus

1. job vs work vs career

Job – конкретная работа, должность.

Work – работа как процесс (неисчисляемое).

Career – карьера, профессиональный путь.

She found a new job in marketing.

Она нашла новую работу (должность) в маркетинге.

He has a lot of work to do today.

У него сегодня много работы.

She is planning a career in law.

Она планирует карьеру в юриспруденции.

Ошибка: нельзя сказать a work (если речь не о произведении искусства).

2. earn vs gain

Earn (money / salary / respect) – зарабатывать (деньги, уважение).

Gain (experience / skills / knowledge) – приобретать (опыт, навыки).

He earns a competitive salary.

Он зарабатывает конкурентную зарплату.

She gained valuable experience during the internship.

Она приобрела ценный опыт во время стажировки.

Ошибка: не говорите gain money (если речь о зарплате).

3. responsible for vs in charge of

Responsible for – отвечать за результат.

In charge of – руководить, быть ответственным за организацию.

She is responsible for customer service.

Она отвечает за обслуживание клиентов.

He is in charge of the sales department.

Он руководит отделом продаж.

Ошибка: формы часто путают в письменной части.

4. achieve vs succeed (in)

Achieve (a goal / success / results) – достигать (конкретную цель).

Succeed in (doing something) – успешно справляться, преуспевать.

She achieved her professional goals.

Она достигла своих профессиональных целей.

He succeeded in finding a better position.

Ему удалось найти лучшую должность.

Story

Finding the Right Balance

For several years, Daniel focused entirely on his career. He wanted to achieve professional success as quickly as possible. He worked overtime, accepted every new project and rarely took days off. Although he earned a high salary and gained valuable experience, his personal life began to suffer.

Daniel was in charge of a large team and was responsible for important decisions. The pressure at work increased, and he found it difficult to succeed in managing both his job and his family responsibilities. He often brought work home and continued answering emails late at night.

Eventually, he realised that success at work does not automatically guarantee happiness. He had achieved many goals, but he felt exhausted and disconnected from his family. Daniel decided to change his priorities. He reduced his working hours and learned to delegate tasks.

Over time, he discovered that a balanced lifestyle helped him perform better at work. By maintaining clear boundaries between his job and personal life, he managed to achieve not only professional results but also emotional stability.

Useful Words and Expressions

focus on – сосредоточиться на

professional success – профессиональный успех

overtime – сверхурочная работа

accept a project – брать проект

take days off – брать выходные

personal life – личная жизнь

suffer – страдать

be in charge of – руководить

be responsible for – отвечать за

pressure – давление

manage responsibilities – справляться с обязанностями

bring work home – брать работу домой

eventually – в итоге

achieve a goal – достигать цели

delegate tasks – делегировать задачи

balanced lifestyle – сбалансированный образ жизни

maintain boundaries – поддерживать границы

emotional stability – эмоциональная стабильность

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

She wants to build a successful (career / work).

He (earned / gained) a lot of experience abroad.

She is (responsible for / in charge of) organising the event.

He managed to (achieve / succeed) his main goal.

She (earns / gains) enough money to support her family.

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

career

earn

gain

in charge of

achieve

a) to receive money for work

b) to reach a goal

c) to obtain something useful

d) a long-term professional path

e) having control or authority over something

Exercise 3. Answer the questions (2—3 sentences each).

Why did Daniel focus entirely on his career?

What problems did he face because of his lifestyle?

What changes did he make to improve his work—life balance?

Why is it important to maintain boundaries between work and personal life?

What does work—life balance mean to you?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

career

gained

responsible for

achieve

earns

Exercise 2

1 – d

2 – a

3 – c

4 – e

5 – b

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Daniel focused on his career because he wanted to achieve professional success quickly. He was highly motivated and ambitious.

His personal life began to suffer because he worked overtime and rarely rested. He felt exhausted and emotionally disconnected from his family.

He reduced his working hours and delegated tasks to colleagues. He also set clearer boundaries between work and personal life.

Maintaining boundaries helps prevent burnout and reduces stress. It also improves relationships and overall well-being.

In my opinion, work—life balance means being able to achieve professional goals without sacrificing personal happiness and health.

Mini Advice

В теме работы и карьеры на ЕГЭ часто проверяются:

job / work / career

earn / gain

responsible for / in charge of

achieve / succeed in

Учите устойчивые сочетания:

build a career, earn a salary, gain experience, be responsible for results, succeed in doing something, achieve a goal, work overtime, maintain a balance.

Vocabulary Focus

1. habit vs routine

Habit – привычка (часто автоматическое действие, может быть хорошей или плохой).

Routine – установленный порядок действий, регулярная последовательность.

Checking your phone every five minutes is a bad habit.

Проверять телефон каждые пять минут – плохая привычка.

She follows a strict morning routine.

Она придерживается строгого утреннего распорядка.

Ошибка: habit – это не расписание. Routine – более организованная система действий.

2. used to vs be used to

Used to + verb – раньше делал, но сейчас нет.

Be used to + noun / -ing – быть привыкшим к чему-то.

I used to go to bed late.

Раньше я ложился спать поздно.

I am used to getting up early.

Я привык рано вставать.

Ошибка: после be used to всегда существительное или форма -ing.

3. give up vs avoid

Give up – бросить (привычку, деятельность).

Avoid – избегать.

He gave up eating fast food.

Он перестал есть фастфуд.

She tries to avoid unhealthy snacks.

Она старается избегать вредных перекусов.

Ошибка: give up to do – неверно. Правильно: give up doing.

4. prevent vs protect

Prevent (something from happening) – предотвращать.

Protect (someone/something from) – защищать.

Regular exercise can prevent health problems.

Регулярные упражнения могут предотвратить проблемы со здоровьем.

Sunscreen protects your skin from damage.

Крем защищает кожу от повреждений.

Story

Breaking an Old Habit

For many years, Alex used to start his day by checking social media in bed. What seemed like a simple habit gradually became a serious problem. Instead of following a productive morning routine, he wasted time scrolling through news and messages. As a result, he often felt stressed before his day had even begun.

Eventually, Alex realised that he needed to give up this habit. At first, it was difficult because he was used to reaching for his phone immediately after waking up. However, he understood that small changes could prevent larger problems in the future.

He decided to avoid using his phone during the first hour of the day. Instead, he created a simple routine: stretching exercises, a healthy breakfast and planning his tasks. This new structure helped protect his time and energy from unnecessary distractions.

After several weeks, Alex noticed significant improvements. He felt calmer and more focused at work. Although breaking a bad habit required effort, he discovered that consistent actions can prevent stress and improve overall productivity.

Useful Words and Expressions

follow a routine – придерживаться распорядка

productive – продуктивный

waste time – тратить время впустую

as a result – в результате

eventually – в итоге

reach for – тянуться к

wake up – просыпаться

small changes – небольшие изменения

in the future – в будущем

avoid distractions – избегать отвлекающих факторов

stretching exercises – упражнения на растяжку

plan tasks – планировать задачи

significant improvements – значительные улучшения

focused – сосредоточенный

consistent actions – последовательные действия

break a habit – избавиться от привычки

require effort – требовать усилий

overall productivity – общая продуктивность

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct option.

She (used to / is used to) drink coffee late at night, but now she doesn’t.

I am (used to / used to) working under pressure.

He decided to (give up / avoid) smoking completely.

This vaccine can (protect / prevent) people from serious illness.

She follows a strict morning (habit / routine).

Exercise 2. Match the words with their definitions.

habit