Practical English: Real Life Communication

Дизайнер обложки Андрей Маккензи

© Anastasia McKenzie, 2025

© Andrey McKenzie, 2025

© Андрей Маккензи, дизайн обложки, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0067-6731-7

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Предисловие

Настоящее учебное пособие предназначено для старших школьников, студентов и взрослых с уровнем владения английским языком не ниже среднего. Оно может использоваться в качестве дополнительного материала в различных формах обучения. Основная цель пособия – развитие умений устного повседневного общения на современном английском языке нейтрального и разговорного регистра.

В книге представлены практические задания, направленные на формирование лексических навыков и развитие речевых умений в типичных ситуациях повседневного общения. Пособие рассчитано на широкий круг читателей, уже знакомых с основными лексико-грамматическими явлениями английского языка. В нем отсутствуют устаревшие и сугубо литературные выражения.

Учебное пособие состоит из 15 тематических блоков с упражнениями, способствующими развитию устной речи в различных сферах повседневного общения.

This textbook is intended for high school students, university students, and adults with at least an intermediate level of English. It can be used as supplementary material in various learning environments. The main goal of the book is to develop oral communication skills for everyday situations in modern, neutral, and conversational English.

The book offers practical exercises aimed at building vocabulary and improving speaking skills in typical daily contexts. It is designed for a wide range of learners who are already familiar with the basic lexical and grammatical structures of English. The textbook does not include outdated or strictly literary expressions.

The material is organized into 15 thematic units, each containing exercises to help develop oral communication skills for everyday life.

1. Socializing and Making Friends

to get acquainted with someone – познакомиться с кем-л.

to know someone / to get to know someone – знать / узнать кого-л.

to be friends with someone – дружить с кем-л.

to become / to make friends with someone – подружиться с кем-л.

to meet (with) someone – встретиться с кем-л., познакомиться

to shake hands / to shake someone’s hand – жать руку

to spend time with someone – проводить время с кем-л.

to introduce oneself – представиться

to introduce someone to someone – представить кого-л. кому-л.

to address someone – обращаться к кому-л.

to talk to someone – говорить, заговаривать с кем-л.

to chat with someone – болтать с кем-л.

to invite someone – пригласить кого-л.

to break the ice – разрядить обстановку

to strike up a conversation – завести разговор

to get along with someone – ладить с кем-то

to keep in touch – поддерживать связь

to make a good impression – произвести хорошее впечатление

to invite someone out – пригласить кого-то на встречу

to hang out with friends – проводить время с друзьями

to share interests – делиться интересами

to have a lot in common – иметь много общего

to be open-minded – быть открытым к новым идеям

to offer support – предложить поддержку

to express gratitude – выразить благодарность

to be a good listener – быть хорошим слушателем

to plan a get-together – запланировать встречу

to attend an event – посетить мероприятие

to share – делиться

to listen – слушать

to compliment – делать комплимент

to apologize – извиняться

to resolve conflicts – разрешать конфликты

friendship – дружба

acquaintance – знакомый, ая

colleague – коллега

conversation – разговор

small talk – светская беседа

gathering – встреча

event – мероприятие

common interests – общие интересы

trust – доверие

support – поддержка

Example: This is my girlfriend, we got to know each other at University. 1) Who is it? Where did you meet? 2) They started dating after the first year at University. They are planning to get married.

1. To break the ice, I told a funny story at the beginning of the meeting.

2. I always try to strike up a conversation with new classmates to make them feel welcome.

3. It’s important to get along with someone if you’re going to work together on a project.

4. I make an effort to keep in touch with my friends from high school, even though we live in different cities.

5. I wanted to make a good impression during my job interview, so I dressed professionally and prepared my answers.

6. I decided to invite my colleague out for coffee to discuss our project in a more relaxed setting.

7. On weekends, I love to hang out with friends and explore new places in the city.

8. It’s great to share interests with someone; it makes conversations much more enjoyable.

9. We have a lot in common, which is why we became friends so quickly.

10. Being open-minded helps me appreciate different perspectives and ideas from others.

11. I always try to offer support to my friends when they are going through tough times.

12. It’s important to express gratitude to those who help you along the way.

13. To be a good listener, I make sure to give my full attention when someone is speaking to me.

214. I’m planning a get-together at my house next weekend, and I hope everyone can come.

15. I’m excited to attend an event next month that focuses on environmental conservation.

Questions:

1. What do you enjoy most when you meet new people for the first time?

2. Can you describe how you usually make new friends? Is it easy or difficult for you?

3. In what places do you usually prefer to meet new friends, and why?

4. Have you ever made friends online? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of that?

5. How do you feel about talking to strangers in public places like buses or subways? Can you explain your opinion?

6. Do you have close friends at work or school? How did you become good friends?

7. How often do you meet your friends or coworkers outside of work or school? What do you usually do together?

8. Can you tell me about a favorite place where you like to go with your friends during free time?

9. Are you currently in a romantic relationship? If yes, how did you meet your partner?

10. What do you remember about your first meeting with your boyfriend or girlfriend?

11. Have you experienced breaking up with someone? What were the reasons, and how did you feel?

12. In your opinion, what are some common reasons why people decide to end a relationship?

13. What kind of activities or places do you think are good for a first date? Why?

14. Do you know how your parents met each other? Can you tell that story?

Answers:

a. If someone smokes too much, drinks too much alcohol, fights, or cheats on me.

b. I have a boyfriend; he’s my soulmate.

c. I broke up with my boyfriend/girlfriend because my parents didn’t like him/her.

d. I like to go to a cozy coffee shop and have a lovely chat.

e. I make friends on the Internet, but I never meet them in person.

f. Not at all; I can easily start a conversation with a stranger anywhere.

g. I’m friends with everybody at the office/school. My best friend lives abroad now. We don’t communicate often, but sometimes I call her and we chat on WhatsApp.

h. I prefer to meet new people in person, for example, at a party, at school, at work, or on vacation.

i. I rarely see my friends; I chat with them online.

j. They met at work. They used to work at the university. After they got married, my dad went to the army, and my mom kept working at the same place.

k. I like to meet new people because I’m very outgoing.

l. It’s easy for me to make friends.

m. We met at our friend’s party.

n. Sometimes we meet at the gym or in the swimming pool.

1. Friend – acquaintance – colleague – stranger.

2. Bye – what’s up – see you later – good bye.

3. To talk – to chat – to meet – to communicate.

4. To get to know somebody – to invite somebody – to make friends – to meet somebody

1. You can’t meet new people on the Internet.

2. It’s possible to meet in a coffee shop.

3. It’s necessary to say hello to people.

4. It’s unnecessary to say good bye.

5. You can chat on the phone all day long.

6. It’s impossible to meet new people on the Internet.

7. You can order anything you want in the restaurant if your friend invited you.

8. You can chat, laugh and be loud in the restaurant.

9. Men and women can’t be just friends.

10. It’s useless to spend time with friends.

Dialogue 1:

– Nice to meet you, Alex! I’m Jamie.

– Hi! I’m Alex. What’s your name?

– What do you like to do in your free time?

– I enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with friends.

Dialogue 2:

– Yes, I am! What do you have in mind?

– That sounds great! I can bring some snacks.

– Are you free this weekend?

– I was thinking of having a small gathering at my place.

Dialogue 3:

– Oh, that’s cool! I love meeting new people at parties.

– We met at university. We were in the same study group.

– How do you know the host?

– Me too! It’s a great way to socialize.

Dialogue 4:

– I’d like to make it up to you. Can we go out for coffee?

– It’s okay! I understand you were busy.

– I’m really sorry for missing your birthday party.

– That would be nice! Let’s plan it for next week.

Dialogue 5:

– Hey Jeff!

– Let’s grab something to eat! Are you with me?

– What’s up?

– Oh nothing! And you?

– Me neither!

– Hey Dan!

– Yeah, I definitely need some coffee.

Dialogue 6:

– Hello! Are you a student here?

– My name is Nina, nice to meet you! What’s yours?

– What’s your name?

– Nice to meet you too! My name is Nicolas.

– Do you know where the dining-hall is?

– Hello! Yes, I’m a first year student, and you?

– Me too!

– Sure, let me show you. I was going there to get something to eat.

Example: I am currently studying at the university to improve my skills.

1. Write a sentence about where you are currently studying or your future plans.

2. Make a sentence talking about your origins or nationality.

3. Say a full sentence about your nationality.

4. Write about your main subject or field of study.

5. Describe where and when you study English.

6. Write a sentence about your desire to improve your English speaking skills.

7. Make a sentence about where you met someone.

8. Write about how you keep in touch with friends.

9. Describe your feelings about talking or communicating with others.

Invite, meet, get, chat, spend, talk, make

1. This is my friend. We first… on the Internet. 2. These are my friends. I… to know them many years ago. 3. I’m a student, I’ve got 20 classmates in my group. I… friends with all of them. 4. I have a girlfriend / boyfriend. We… time at coffee shops. 5. My parents live far away. We often… online. 6. Sometimes we… with my dad on the phone. 7. He met a girl. He wants to… her to the restaurant.

to bond, gathering, acquaintance, to get to know, to invite, to hang out, to express an opinion, socialize, to keep in touch, common interests

1. It’s important to… with others to build strong relationships.

2. I met an… at the party last week, and we exchanged phone numbers.

3. We are planning a small… at my house this weekend.

4. Finding… can help you connect with new friends.

5. I would like… with you better; let’s grab coffee sometime.

6. It’s great to… with people who share similar hobbies.

7. Don’t forget… your friends to the event next week.

8. I love to… with my friends at the park on weekends.

9. It’s important… respectfully during discussions.

10. I try… with my old friends, even if we live far apart.

1. We first met during our time at university while attending the same courses.

2. Yes, I have quite a few close friends from different parts of my life, including school and my neighborhood.

3. I got to know my classmates gradually by working on group projects and spending time together outside of class.

4. No, I’m currently single and focusing on my studies and personal goals.

5. No, I’m not married at the moment, but I hope to settle down in the future.

6. Yes, I’m free this evening and would love to catch up or relax after a busy day.

7. I’m really tied up at the moment with some urgent tasks, but I’ll give you a call as soon as I’m free.

8. No, that’s not my husband; he’s actually a coworker from my department.

1. We decided to organize a gathering to celebrate our friendship.

2. I enjoy socializing with people who share my interests in music and art.

3. It’s important to keep in touch with friends, even if we live far apart.

4. I often invite my friends over for movie nights at my place.

5. We like to hang out at the local café after school.

6. I believe it’s essential to express an opinion during group discussions.

7. Finding common interests helps to strengthen friendships.

8. I try to bond with my colleagues by joining them for lunch.

9. Making new friends can sometimes be challenging, but it’s worth the effort.

At John’s birthday party.

Brian: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Brian.

Natasha: Nice to meet you. My name is Natasha.

Brian: Are you a friend of John’s?

Natasha: Yes. What about you?

Brian: Yeah. Actually, we went to college together in the U.S. How do you guys know each other?

Natasha: We play tennis together on weekends.

Brian: That’s cool. So, where are you from?

Natasha: Well, I was born in Moscow but I grew up in Saint-Petersburg. Have you ever been to Moscow?

Brian: Yes. I used to teach there at Language Plus Academy.

Natasha: No way! My cousin Diana studied English at Language Plus Academy with a teacher named Brian last year.

Brian: That’s me. I remember Diana. What a small world! How is she?

Natasha: She’s great. I ran into her last month. So, where do you work now?

Brian: I work at ABC Academy in Saint-Petersburg. What do you do?

Natasha: I’m a designer. I work for an interior design company. Hey, do you want to get some food before it runs out?

Brian: Sounds great. Let’s go.

Language notes. Примечания

College – When Americans talk about going to college, the word «college» is often used interchangeably with «university». For example, «Where did you go to college?» «I went to the University of Arizona».

What a small world! – This expression shows surprise when two people who have never met before realize that they know someone or have something in common or when two old friends see each other unexpectedly in a place far from home.

Run into – To see them by chance (to run across, to bump into, to crash into).

No way! – I can’t believe it. Or, what a surprise!

Run out – When something has been completely used, the food has been eaten (to be used up, to be finished, to expire, to terminate, to end).

1. How did Brian and Natasha meet?

2. How did Brian and John meet?

3. What does Natasha do on weekends?

4. Where is Natasha from?

5. What does Natasha do?

Appropriate and Inappropriate Questions for First Meetings.

1. Acceptable questions: Write down questions that are friendly and appropriate to ask when meeting someone for the first time.

2. Inappropriate Questions: Write down questions that are considered rude or too personal to ask during a first meeting.

– What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

– What kind of music do you like?

…

…

…

– How much do you earn?

– Why are you still single?

…

…

…

A gossip

Jane: Oh, my gosh. Did you hear the big news about Jake and Jill?

Amber: No. What’s going on?

Jane: They are going out! They’re dating each other now.

Amber: I thought they were just friends. Doesn’t Jake have a girlfriend?

Jane: Well, he broke up with his girlfriend and then asked Jill out on a date.

Amber: How do you know?

Jane: I saw the post on Fbook. It’s juicy gossip, isn’t it?

Amber: I think it’s good news. Jake and Jill are a good match.

Jane: I don’t think she’s his type. He’s really outgoing and she’s quite a mouse.

Amber: Sometimes opposites attract. Anyway, how is his ex-girlfriend?

Jane: She’s really depressed because Jake dumped her.

Amber: She shouldn’t be too sad. There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Gossip – talking about people’s personal lives and spreading rumors (to discuss things, to shoot the breeze. A gossip – a scandal, rumors, a goss)

Oh, my gosh! – a version of «Oh, my God» which many people find offensive.

Going out – the meaning is similar to Dating but a little less serious (to be someone’s boyfriend/girlfriend, to be in a relationship with) /

Broke up – finished the relationship (to break up – to split up, to separate, to divorce).

Ask someone on a date – to ask someone to go out for dinner, movies, etc.

Juicy gossip – shocking or scandalous rumors about someone.

A good match – a good couple, made for each other, fit well together (a soul mate, a sweetheart).

She’s his type – she has the kind of personality, character or looks that he wants in his girlfriend.

Outgoing – communicative, sociable, lively, talkative, friendly.

Quite a mouse – a very shy person who doesn’t like to talk.

He dumped her – he broke up with her (to dump – to throw away/out, to get rid of).

Plenty of fish in the sea – there are many other men and women in the world that a person can meet.

1. What’s big news about Jake and Jill?

2. What happened to Jake’s ex-girlfriend?

3. How did Jane hear about it?

4. Why doesn’t Jane think they are a good match?

5. Why shouldn’t Jake’s ex-girlfriend be sad?

One of my friends invited me to a café. He went to get our drinks while I sat at the table. After about 15 minutes, he came back and said, «I got myself a drink; now it’s your turn to order!»

1. What did the guy go for?

2. When did he come back?

3. Who did he buy the drinks to?

4. Did he buy a drink to his girlfriend?

5. What is your opinion, did he do the right thing?

6. Who has to pay in coffee shops, a man, a woman or both?

We got acquainted on Fbook and decided to meet that same day. I was standing on the street, waiting for him, when I received a text message: «Well, where are you?» It turned out we both lived on Sovetskaya Street, but in different cities!

1. Where did they get acquainted?

2. When did they decide to meet?

3. Did they meet?

To impress a girl, I borrowed my brother’s car, even though I didn’t have a driver’s license or any experience. I spent 40 minutes trying to park and ended up bumping into another car. The date was ruined! The only silver lining was that the girl stayed by my side the whole time.

1. Why did he take his brother’s car?

2. Did he have driver’s license?

3. Is he an experienced driver?

4. Did he park his car?

5. Was the date successful?

6. Did the girl go home?

7. Do you have a driver’s license? Do you remember your first driving experience? Can you park your car?

1) Date ……

To ask someone out on a date, to go out on a date, who is your date tonight?

2) To return …….

To return home, to return books to the library, to return someone’s love, to return to old habit.

3) To order ………………………….

To take an order, to cancel an order; to order the dog to sit; to order (=to prescribe) a medicine.

4) To decide…

To decide for / in favor of someone / against someone / between something; it’s up to you to decide!

5) Experience…

To gain experience, wide experience, practical experience, by / from experience; to share an experience.