Английская лексика уровня B1. Тексты для чтения, словарь и упражнения

1. STORY

I often cook at home because I believe it is healthier and more economical than eating outside. Cooking also helps me relax after a long day and gives me a sense of control over what I eat.

Before I start cooking, I usually decide what I want to prepare. Sometimes I follow a recipe, and other times I cook simple dishes that I already know well. I also check the ingredients I have at home and make a short shopping list if something is missing.

When I am ready to cook, I first clean the kitchen and prepare all the necessary tools. I take out pots, pans, knives, and cutting boards. I also wash vegetables and meat if I am using them. I believe that good preparation makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

One of my favorite meals to cook is pasta with vegetables. First, I boil water in a pot and add salt. Then I put the pasta into the boiling water and cook it for about ten minutes. While the pasta is cooking, I prepare the vegetables. I chop onions, tomatoes, and peppers into small pieces.

In a frying pan, I heat a little oil and add the vegetables. I cook them slowly until they become soft and smell good. Sometimes I add garlic or spices to improve the taste. Cooking smells always make the kitchen feel warm and comfortable.

When the pasta is ready, I drain the water and mix it with the vegetables. I stir everything carefully so that the flavors combine well. At this stage, I sometimes add cheese or sauce to make the dish richer.

After cooking, I clean the kitchen again. I wash the dishes, wipe the table, and put everything back in its place. I think cleaning after cooking is very important because it keeps the kitchen organized and pleasant.

Finally, I sit down and enjoy my meal. I usually eat slowly and without distractions. I appreciate the effort I made and feel satisfied when the food tastes good. Cooking at home not only saves money but also helps me develop useful life skills.

Over time, I have become more confident in the kitchen. I can prepare different dishes and experiment with new recipes. Cooking has become an important and enjoyable part of my daily routine.

2. USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

cook — готовить

recipe — рецепт

ingredients — ингредиенты

prepare — готовить, подготавливать

chop — нарезать

boil — кипятить

fry — жарить

pan — сковорода

pot — кастрюля

salt — соль

oil — масло

spices — специи

garlic — чеснок

stir — перемешивать

drain — сливать воду

flavor — вкус

meal — приём пищи

healthy — здоровый

economical — экономичный

clean — убирать

kitchen — кухня

dish — блюдо

sauce — соус

confident — уверенный

experiment — экспериментировать

3. EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

I often ______ at home because it is healthier.

I sometimes follow a ______ when I cook.

I chop vegetables into small ______.

I boil water in a ______.

I add salt and ______ when cooking.

I mix pasta with ______ after cooking.

I always clean the ______ after cooking.

Cooking helps me develop useful life ______.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Why does the writer prefer cooking at home?

A) It is more expensive

B) It is healthier and economical

C) It is faster only

What is done before cooking?

A) Cleaning and preparing tools

B) Eating immediately

C) Going outside

What is added to boiling water?

A) Sugar

B) Salt

C) Milk

What does the writer do while pasta is cooking?

A) Sleeps

B) Prepares vegetables

C) Leaves the kitchen

What happens after cooking?

A) The kitchen is cleaned

B) Everything is left dirty

C) Food is thrown away

Exercise 3: Questions

Why does the writer prefer cooking at home?

What is the first step before cooking begins?

How is the pasta prepared in the story?

Why is cleaning after cooking important?

How does cooking help the writer in daily life?

4. ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1

cook

recipe

pieces

pot

oil

sauce

kitchen

skills

Exercise 2

B

A

B

B

A

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

The writer prefers cooking at home because it is healthier and more economical than eating outside. It also helps them relax.

The first step is cleaning the kitchen and preparing all necessary tools. This makes cooking easier and more organized.

The pasta is boiled in water with salt for about ten minutes. Then it is mixed with cooked vegetables and sometimes sauce or cheese.

Cleaning is important because it keeps the kitchen organized and pleasant. It also makes future cooking easier.

Cooking helps the writer develop useful life skills and become more confident. It also improves independence and healthy habits.

1. STORY

Cleaning and household chores are an important part of my weekly routine. Even though I do not always enjoy doing them, I understand that they help keep my home clean, organized, and comfortable. A tidy environment also improves my mood and productivity.

I usually choose one or two days a week for cleaning. On these days, I start by making a simple plan of what needs to be done. I divide tasks into smaller parts, such as cleaning the kitchen, vacuuming the rooms, washing clothes, and organizing personal items.

First, I begin with the bedroom. I open the windows to let in fresh air and then make my bed. After that, I put away clothes and organize things on my desk. I try not to leave unnecessary items on surfaces because it makes the room look messy.

Next, I clean the living room. I dust the furniture, vacuum the floor, and arrange cushions on the sofa. Sometimes I also clean electronic devices like the TV or remote controls because they collect dust easily.

After that, I move to the kitchen. This is usually the most important part of cleaning because the kitchen is used every day. I wash the dishes, clean the sink, wipe the table, and check that all food is stored properly in the fridge or cupboards. I also take out the trash if it is full.

Laundry is another important task. I sort clothes by color and fabric, then put them in the washing machine. After washing, I hang or dry the clothes and later fold them carefully. Clean clothes always make me feel more organized and comfortable.

Sometimes I also clean the bathroom. I wash the sink, clean the mirror, and disinfect surfaces. It is important to use cleaning products carefully and make sure the room is well ventilated.

When I finish all the chores, I usually feel tired but satisfied. The house looks fresh and clean, and everything is in order. I believe that regular cleaning helps create a peaceful living space.

Even though household chores can take time, I try to do a little bit every day instead of leaving everything for one day. This makes the work easier and less stressful. Over time, cleaning has become a habit that helps me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

2. USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

household chores — домашние дела

clean — убирать

tidy — аккуратный

organize — организовывать

vacuum — пылесосить

dust — вытирать пыль

mop — мыть пол

laundry — стирка

washing machine — стиральная машина

fold — складывать (одежду)

disinfect — дезинфицировать

surface — поверхность

trash — мусор

bin — мусорное ведро

kitchen sink — кухонная раковина

cupboard — шкаф

fridge — холодильник

cushion — подушка

furniture — мебель

surface — поверхность

ventilated — проветриваемый

routine — рутина

productive — продуктивный

messy — грязный, неаккуратный

habit — привычка

3. EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Household ______ are an important part of my routine.

I open the windows to let in fresh ______.

I ______ the floor in the living room.

I wash the dishes in the kitchen ______.

I sort clothes before doing ______.

I use a washing ______ for clothes.

I take out the ______ when it is full.

Cleaning helps me maintain a healthy ______.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Why does the writer do household chores?

A) To waste time

B) To keep the home clean and organized

C) To avoid studying

What does the writer do first when cleaning the bedroom?

A) Watches TV

B) Opens the window and makes the bed

C) Cooks food

What is done in the kitchen?

A) Only sleeping

B) Washing dishes and cleaning surfaces

C) Painting walls

How is laundry handled?

A) Clothes are thrown away

B) Clothes are sorted, washed, and folded

C) Clothes are ignored

How does the writer feel after cleaning?

A) Angry

B) Tired but satisfied

C) Confused

Exercise 3: Questions

Why are household chores important for the writer?

What tasks are included in the bedroom cleaning routine?

What makes the kitchen cleaning especially important?

How is laundry done step by step?

How does cleaning affect the writer’s home and mood?

4. ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1

chores

air

vacuum

sink

laundry

machine

trash

lifestyle

Exercise 2

B

B

B

B

B

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Household chores are important because they help keep the home clean, organized, and comfortable. They also improve mood and productivity.

In the bedroom, the writer opens the window, makes the bed, and organizes clothes and personal items. This keeps the room tidy.

The kitchen is important because it is used every day. It requires regular cleaning of dishes, surfaces, and food storage areas.

Laundry is done by sorting clothes, washing them in a machine, drying them, and then folding them. This keeps clothes clean and organized.

Cleaning makes the home fresh, tidy, and comfortable. It also helps the writer feel more satisfied and relaxed.

1. STORY

My weekends are usually a time when I can rest, recover, and spend time doing things I enjoy. After a busy week of work or study, I try to use weekends in a balanced and productive way.

On Saturday morning, I usually wake up a bit later than on weekdays. I do not set an alarm unless I have important plans. After waking up, I take my time to stretch, wash, and have breakfast. I like slow mornings because they help me feel relaxed.

After breakfast, I often plan my weekend. I think about what I need to do and what I want to enjoy. Sometimes I have household tasks such as cleaning, laundry, or shopping. I try to finish these tasks early so that I can enjoy the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, I usually go outside. I may meet friends, go for a walk, or visit a café. If the weather is good, I prefer spending time in a park. Being outside helps me relax and clear my mind after a busy week.

Sometimes I also use Saturday afternoons for hobbies. I read books, watch educational videos, or practice a skill such as writing or learning English. I believe that weekends are a good opportunity for personal development.

On Saturday evening, I usually stay at home. I watch a movie, listen to music, or simply relax. I do not like to make my evenings too busy because I want to feel rested before Sunday.

Sunday is usually a quieter day. I wake up naturally and start my morning slowly. I often use Sunday to prepare for the next week. I check my schedule, organize my tasks, and make a to-do list for Monday.

In the afternoon, I sometimes visit my family or go shopping for the week. I also try to cook meals in advance so that I do not feel rushed during weekdays. This helps me feel more organized and ready for Monday.

In the evening, I usually reflect on my weekend. I think about what I did well and what I could improve. I also try to go to bed early so that I can start the new week with energy.

Overall, my weekend plans are a mix of rest, responsibilities, and enjoyable activities. I try to find a good balance so that I feel both productive and relaxed.

2. USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

weekend — выходные

rest — отдых

recover — восстанавливаться

balanced — сбалансированный

productive — продуктивный

relax — расслабляться

schedule — расписание

plan — план

household tasks — домашние дела

laundry — стирка

to-do list — список дел

free time — свободное время

hobby — хобби

walk — прогулка

café — кафе

park — парк

personal development — личное развитие

educational — образовательный

organize — организовывать

reflect — размышлять

energy — энергия

weekend routine — выходной распорядок

visit — посещать

meal — приём пищи

prepare — готовить

3. EXERCISES

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

My weekends are a time to rest and ______.

I usually wake up without an ______ on Saturday.

I make a ______ for my weekend.

I often meet friends or go for a ______.

I use weekends for personal ______.

On Sunday, I check my ______ for the new week.

I prepare meals in ______.

I try to find a good ______ between rest and work.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

What does the writer usually do on Saturday morning?

A) Wakes up early with an alarm

B) Wakes up later and relaxes

C) Works immediately

Why does the writer plan the weekend?

A) To feel stressed

B) To organize tasks and activities

C) To avoid rest

What does the writer do in the afternoon?

A) Sleeps all day

B) Goes outside or meets friends

C) Works without breaks

What is Sunday used for?

A) Only entertainment

B) Preparing for the next week

C) Traveling abroad

How does the writer describe weekends overall?

A) Only busy

B) A mix of rest and productivity

C) Completely unplanned

Exercise 3: Questions

Why are weekends important for the writer?

What does the writer usually do on Saturday mornings?

How does the writer spend Saturday afternoons?

What is the purpose of Sunday planning?

How does the writer balance rest and productivity?

4. ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1

recover

alarm

plan

walk

development

schedule

advance

balance

Exercise 2

B

B

B

B

B

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

Weekends are important because they allow the writer to rest, recover, and prepare for the next week. They also provide time for personal activities.

On Saturday mornings, the writer wakes up later, stretches, washes, and has a slow breakfast. This helps them feel relaxed.

In the afternoon, the writer meets friends, goes for walks, visits cafés, or works on hobbies and personal development.

Sunday planning helps the writer organize tasks, check their schedule, and prepare for the upcoming week. It improves productivity and reduces stress.

The writer balances rest and productivity by combining relaxation, social activities, and essential tasks during the weekend.

1. STORY

Sometimes I have very busy days when I need to complete many tasks in a short amount of time. On these days, I feel active but also a little tired by the end of the day. However, I try to stay organized and manage my time carefully.