Читаем и говорим по-английски. Тексты и упражнения для устойчивых навыков
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«Is this seat free?» someone asked.
Lena turned and saw a girl with a friendly smile.
«Yes, of course,» Lena said.
«I’m Maya,» the girl said, sitting down.
«I’m Lena,» she replied.
«First day?» Maya asked.
Lena nodded. «Is it that obvious?»
Maya laughed. «A little. Don’t worry, I felt the same last year.»
That made Lena feel better. They started talking about their courses, teachers, and schedules. The conversation was simple, but it helped Lena relax.
Soon, more students came into the room, and the class began. The teacher introduced himself and explained what they would study this semester. Lena tried to listen carefully, but it was not easy to focus. There were too many new names, new ideas, and new rules.
After the class, Lena packed her things slowly. She didn’t want to rush, but she also didn’t know where to go next.
«Do you have another class now?» Maya asked.
«No, I have a break,» Lena said.
«Same here. Do you want to get a coffee?»
Lena smiled. «Yes, that sounds nice.»
They walked to a small café on campus. It was busy, but they found a table in the corner. The smell of coffee and the sound of quiet conversations made the place feel comfortable.
As they talked, Lena started to forget how nervous she had been in the morning. She was still surrounded by new faces, but now it didn’t feel so strange. One of those faces was already becoming familiar.
When they finished their coffee, Lena checked her schedule again. She still had a lot to figure out, but she didn’t feel alone anymore.
As she walked back through the busy corridor, she noticed something had changed. The faces around her were still new, but now they didn’t seem so distant. Some people smiled, others looked just as nervous as she had felt earlier.
Lena adjusted her bag and walked a little more confidently, thinking that maybe, with time, these new faces would turn into something more.
Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:
look around — осматриваться
new faces — новые лица
recognize someone — узнавать кого-то
first day at university — первый день в университете
feel bigger than expected — казаться больше, чем ожидалось
check the time — проверять время
look for something — искать что-то
make sense — иметь смысл
hesitate for a second — колебаться на секунду
choose a seat — выбрать место
feel calmer — чувствовать себя спокойнее
start talking — начать разговор
feel the same — чувствовать то же самое
listen carefully — внимательно слушать
not easy to focus — трудно сосредоточиться
have a break — иметь перерыв
get a coffee — взять кофе
feel comfortable — чувствовать себя комфортно
forget how nervous you were — забыть, как сильно нервничал
not feel alone — не чувствовать себя одиноко
with time — со временем
turn into something more — превратиться во что-то большее
You can use patterns like these in your own speech:
There were people everywhere, but I didn’t recognize anyone. — Люди были повсюду, но я никого не узнавал.
At first, everything felt strange, but then I relaxed. — Сначала всё казалось странным, но потом я расслабился.
I didn’t know where to go, so I checked the map. — Я не знал, куда идти, поэтому посмотрел карту.
Although I was nervous, I tried to stay calm. — Хотя я нервничал, я пытался сохранять спокойствие.
Someone started talking to me, and it helped a lot. — Кто-то заговорил со мной, и это сильно помогло.
It was not easy to focus because everything was new. — Было трудно сосредоточиться, потому что всё было новым.
With time, things started to feel more familiar. — Со временем всё стало казаться более знакомым.
Now think about your own experience:
Have you ever been in a place where you didn’t know anyone?
How do you feel when you see many new faces around you?
What helps you feel more comfortable in a new group?
Do you usually start conversations or wait for others?
How do you remember new names and faces?
What was your first day at school or university like?
Here are some possible answers:
Yes, I have been in a place where I didn’t recognize anyone. At first, I felt nervous, but I tried to stay calm and look around.
When I see many new faces, I feel a bit uncomfortable. However, with time, I start to feel more relaxed and confident.
Talking to someone helps me feel more comfortable. For example, if I start talking about simple things, I can relax.
I usually wait for others to start talking because I feel shy. But sometimes I try to start a conversation myself.
I try to listen carefully and repeat the name in my head. It helps me remember better.
My first day was stressful because everything felt new. But by the end of the day, I didn’t feel so nervous anymore.
Complete the sentences:
There were people everywhere, but ________
At first, everything felt strange, but ________
I didn’t know where to go, so ________
It was not easy to focus because ________
With time, ________
A Friendly Conversation
It was a quiet afternoon, and Mark decided to take a break from work. He closed his laptop, stretched a little, and walked to a small café near his office. He didn’t have a plan. He just wanted a cup of coffee and a few minutes to relax.
The café wasn’t very busy. Soft music was playing, and a few people were sitting by the window. Mark ordered a coffee and looked around for a place to sit. Most tables were empty, but one table near the window had a single chair left.
«Is this seat free?» he asked.
A woman looked up from her book and smiled. «Yes, of course.»
«Thanks,» Mark said and sat down.
For a few minutes, they sat in silence. Mark checked his phone, then put it away. The woman turned a page in her book, but then she looked up again.
«Do you come here often?» she asked.
«Not really,» Mark replied. «Only when I need a break.»
She nodded. «Same here. It’s a nice place to relax.»
There was a short pause, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Mark took a sip of his coffee and looked outside. People were walking slowly, enjoying the warm weather.
«I’m Mark, by the way,» he said.
«I’m Sofia,» she replied.
«Nice to meet you.»
«You too.»
The conversation continued naturally. They talked about work, daily routines, and their favorite places in the city. Sofia told him about a small park she liked to visit, and Mark shared a story about a busy morning at the office.
At first, Mark didn’t expect much from this conversation. It was just a simple question about a free seat. But now, he found himself enjoying the moment.
«It’s funny,» Sofia said. «Sometimes you just start talking to someone, and the time passes so quickly.»
Mark smiled. «Yeah, I didn’t even notice how long I’ve been here.»
They both laughed softly.
After a while, Mark checked the time again. «I should probably go back to work,» he said.
«Me too,» Sofia replied, closing her book.
They stood up and got ready to leave.
«It was nice talking to you,» Mark said.
«Same here,» Sofia answered. «Maybe I’ll see you here again.»
«Maybe,» Mark said with a smile.
They walked out of the café and went in different directions. It was a short conversation, nothing special at first, but it made the day feel lighter.
As Mark returned to his office, he realized that sometimes a simple, friendly conversation can change your mood more than you expect.
Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:
take a break — сделать перерыв
close a laptop — закрыть ноутбук
walk to a café — пойти в кафе
have a plan — иметь план
not very busy — не очень занято
look around — осматриваться
is this seat free — это место свободно
sit in silence — сидеть в тишине
check your phone — проверять телефон
put something away — убрать что-то
turn a page — перевернуть страницу
come here often — часто сюда приходить
a short pause — короткая пауза
not feel uncomfortable — не чувствовать себя неловко
take a sip — сделать глоток
by the way — кстати
continue naturally — продолжаться естественно
enjoy the moment — наслаждаться моментом
time passes quickly — время проходит быстро
go back to work — вернуться к работе
it was nice talking to you — было приятно поговорить
change your mood — изменить настроение
You can use patterns like these in your own speech:
I didn’t have a plan, I just wanted to relax. — У меня не было плана, я просто хотел отдохнуть.
At first, we didn’t talk much, but then the conversation started. — Сначала мы мало разговаривали, но потом разговор начался.
It didn’t feel uncomfortable, so I stayed. — Это не было неловко, поэтому я остался.
We started talking about simple things. — Мы начали говорить о простых вещах.
I didn’t expect much, but I enjoyed it. — Я не ожидал многого, но мне понравилось.
Time passed quickly, and I didn’t notice. — Время прошло быстро, и я не заметил.
It was a short moment, but it changed my mood. — Это был короткий момент, но он изменил моё настроение.
Now think about your own experience:
Do you like starting conversations with strangers? Why or why not?
Have you ever had a friendly conversation in a café or public place?
What helps you feel comfortable when talking to someone new?
Do you prefer short conversations or long ones? Why?
How do you usually start a conversation?
Can a simple conversation change your mood? How?
Here are some possible answers:
I don’t always like starting conversations with strangers because I feel a bit uncomfortable. But sometimes I try, and it can change my mood in a good way.
Yes, I once had a friendly conversation in a café. At first, it was a short pause, but then we started talking and time passed quickly.
A friendly smile helps me feel comfortable. Also, if the conversation continues naturally, I can relax and enjoy the moment.
I prefer short conversations because they are easier and less stressful. However, sometimes a longer conversation can be more interesting.
I usually start with a simple question, like «Is this seat free?» or «Do you come here often?» It helps to begin naturally.
Yes, a simple conversation can change my mood. For example, if I feel tired, a short talk can make me feel better.
Complete the sentences:
I didn’t have a plan, I just wanted to ________
At first, we didn’t talk much, but ________
It didn’t feel uncomfortable, so ________
Time passed quickly, and ________
It was a short moment, but ________
The Right Choice
Nina stood in the middle of the store, holding two jackets in her hands. One was simple and comfortable. The other was more stylish, but also more expensive. She looked at them again and sighed.
«I just need to make a decision,» she said quietly.
She had come to the shopping mall to buy something for her new job. It was her first week at the office, and she wanted to look professional. At the same time, she didn’t want to spend too much money.
At first, the choice seemed easy. She picked the simple jacket and went to the mirror. It looked fine. Not perfect, but okay.
Then she tried on the other one. It fit better, and she liked the way it looked. She smiled at her reflection.
«Of course,» she said. «It’s always the more expensive one.»
Nina checked the price again and felt unsure. «Do I really need this?» she thought.
She walked around the store for a few minutes, still holding both jackets. There were other people shopping, talking, trying things on. Some of them looked confident. Nina didn’t feel the same.
«Excuse me, can I help you?» a shop assistant asked.
Nina smiled politely. «I’m trying to choose between these two.»
The assistant looked at the jackets. «Both are nice, but it depends on what you need. Do you want something more practical or something more formal?»
Nina thought for a moment. «I need something for work, but also something I can wear every day.»
«In that case,» the assistant said, «the simpler one might be a better choice. You can wear it in different situations.»
Nina nodded. That made sense. Still, she looked at the second jacket again.
«It looks really good on you,» the assistant added.
Now Nina felt even more confused.
She thanked the assistant and went back to the mirror. She put on the simple jacket again and looked carefully. Then she changed into the other one.
«It’s not just about the price,» she thought. «It’s about how I feel.»
She took a deep breath and tried to imagine her first meeting at work. Which jacket would make her feel more confident?
After a moment, she smiled.
«Okay,» she said quietly. «I know what to do.»
A few minutes later, Nina was standing at the cashier with one jacket in her hands. She felt calm and sure about her decision.
As she left the store, she looked at the shopping bag and smiled again. Maybe it wasn’t a perfect choice, but it felt like the right one for her.
Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:
make a decision — принять решение
at the same time — в то же время
spend too much money — тратить слишком много денег
at first — сначала
try on clothes — примерять одежду
look at your reflection — смотреть на своё отражение
feel unsure — чувствовать неуверенность
walk around the store — ходить по магазину
choose between — выбирать между
it depends on — это зависит от
more practical — более практичный
more formal — более формальный
a better choice — лучший выбор
wear every day — носить каждый день
look good on someone — хорошо смотреться на ком-то
Конец ознакомительного фрагмента.
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