Тематический курс английского языка для подростков. Чтение, лексика и развитие речи

© Том Сториз, 2026

ISBN 978-5-0070-4270-3

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Введение

Данная книга предназначена для подростков и изучающих английский язык на уровне B1—B2. Её основная цель заключается в развитии навыков чтения, расширении активного словарного запаса и формировании устойчивых речевых моделей, используемых в повседневной коммуникации.

Материалы книги построены вокруг актуальных для подростковой аудитории тем, связанных с личным опытом, социальными ситуациями, обучением, цифровой средой и межличностными отношениями. Такой тематический подход позволяет учащимся легче соотносить содержание текстов с собственной жизнью, что способствует более осознанному усвоению языкового материала.

Каждая глава включает аутентичный по стилю текст, написанный в разговорно-описательной форме с элементами рефлексии. После основного текста предлагается систематизированный языковой материал: устойчивые выражения, речевые конструкции с переводом, а также практические задания, направленные на закрепление лексики и развитие навыков самостоятельного высказывания.

Отдельное внимание уделяется формированию навыков продуктивной речи. Вопросы и задания в каждой главе ориентированы на личный опыт учащегося и стимулируют развернутые ответы с использованием изученного материала. Это позволяет перейти от пассивного восприятия языка к его активному применению.

Структура книги разработана с учетом постепенного усложнения языковых конструкций и расширения тематического диапазона. Материалы могут использоваться как для самостоятельного изучения, так и в рамках учебного процесса под руководством преподавателя.

В результате работы с книгой учащиеся смогут улучшить понимание английского языка в контексте реальных ситуаций, повысить уверенность в использовании изученной лексики и развить навыки устной и письменной речи на уровне, соответствующем B1—B2.

When your best friend starts changing

It’s weird how someone can feel like your «person» for years, and then slowly become someone you don’t really know how to talk to anymore. Not suddenly. Not dramatically. Just small changes that you don’t notice at first.

It started with simple things. My best friend used to text me all the time — random thoughts, memes, voice messages about nothing important. Then the messages became shorter. Then less frequent. At first, I didn’t think much about it. People get busy, school gets harder, life happens, so I told myself it was normal.

But something still felt different.

She started hanging out with a new group of people. I saw it first on social media — photos, inside jokes, places I wasn’t part of. I tried not to overthink it, because I didn’t want to seem jealous or dramatic. Although deep down, I felt a bit left out.

One day we were sitting together at lunch, and I realized we were talking less and less. I tried to bring up something funny that happened in class, but she only smiled and checked her phone. It wasn’t rude, just… distant.

I remember thinking: When did we become like this?

Later, I asked her if everything was okay between us. She said, «Yeah, of course, nothing’s wrong.» And I believed her — or at least I wanted to. But actions sometimes say more than words. So I started noticing everything: tone of voice, pauses, who she walked with after school.

It felt like I was trying to solve a puzzle that kept changing shape.

What was hardest was not losing her completely, but realizing that I was still expecting the old version of our friendship. The one where we shared everything, talked for hours, and didn’t need to «check» if everything was fine.

People grow. Interests change. New friendships appear. I understand that now. But understanding something doesn’t always make it easier to feel it.

We didn’t have a fight. There was no big ending. Just fewer conversations, fewer shared moments, and more silence in between.

And maybe that’s how some friendships end — not with a clear break, but with distance that slowly becomes normal.

I still care about her. That hasn’t changed. But I also stopped trying to force things to be the same. Because sometimes people don’t stay in the same place in your life forever, even if they were once very important.

Now I just wonder: maybe we didn’t lose each other completely… maybe we just stopped meeting at the same point in our lives.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

someone can feel like your «person» — человек, который тебе очень близок

small changes you don’t notice — маленькие изменения, которые не замечаешь

at first, I didn’t think much about it — сначала я не придавал (а) этому значения

people get busy — люди становятся занятыми

felt different — чувствовалось по-другому

hanging out with a new group — проводить время с новой компанией

I didn’t want to seem jealous — я не хотел (а) выглядеть ревнивым (ой)

deep down — в глубине души

feel left out — чувствовать себя лишним

bring up something — поднять тему

checked her phone — посмотрела в телефон

became distant — стало более отстранённым

actions say more than words — действия говорят больше, чем слова

solve a puzzle — решать загадку

changed shape — меняло форму

still expecting — всё ещё ожидал (а)

old version of friendship — старая версия дружбы

shared everything — делились всем

talk for hours — разговаривать часами

fewer conversations — меньше разговоров

silence in between — тишина между

didn’t have a fight — не было ссоры

slow distance — медленное отдаление

stop trying to force things — перестать пытаться что-то навязывать

meet at the same point — встречаться в одной точке жизни

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I didn’t notice it at first, but later I realized that… — Сначала я не заметил (а), но потом понял (а), что…

It started with small things like… — Всё началось с мелочей, таких как…

I told myself it was normal because… — Я говорил (а) себе, что это нормально, потому что…

I felt left out when… — Я чувствовал (а) себя лишним (ей), когда…

I tried to talk about it, but… — Я пытался (лась) поговорить об этом, но…

What was hardest was… — Самым трудным было…

Even though I understand it, I still feel… — Хотя я это понимаю, я всё равно чувствую…

We didn’t have a fight, it just… — У нас не было ссоры, просто…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Have you ever felt that your best friend was changing?

Yes, I have. I noticed it when we started talking less and spending more time with different people. It didn’t happen suddenly, but slowly I felt that our conversations were not the same anymore.

2. What small signs made you notice this change?

Small signs like slower replies, less interest in my stories, and more time spent with new friends. At first, I ignored it, but later I realized these details were important.

3. Did you try to talk to them about it? What happened?

Yes, I tried once to ask if everything was okay. They said nothing was wrong, but after that conversation nothing really changed between us.

4. Do you think people naturally grow apart sometimes? Why?

Yes, I think so. People change their interests, goals, and environment. Because of that, even close friends can slowly move in different directions.

5. Can a friendship survive big changes between people?

Sometimes yes, but it depends on effort from both sides. If both people still care and communicate honestly, friendship can adapt and stay strong.

6. How do you usually react when someone becomes distant?

At first, I try to understand what is happening and give them space. But if distance continues, I start to step back emotionally to protect myself.

7. Is it better to talk honestly or let things fade slowly?

I think honesty is better because it gives clarity. Even if the conversation is uncomfortable, it helps both people understand what is really going on.

Complete the sentences:

It started with small things like fewer messages and longer __________ between conversations.

I told myself it was normal because people get __________ and life changes.

I felt left out when my friend started hanging out with a new __________.

What was hardest was holding on to the old __________ of our friendship.

We didn’t have a fight, things just slowly __________ over time.

A secret you were told not to share

It started as an ordinary after-school day. Nothing special, nothing unusual. We were walking slowly behind the school, trying to avoid the noisy crowd near the entrance. My friend seemed quieter than usual, but I didn’t think much of it at first. Sometimes people just get tired after lessons, so I didn’t ask questions.

We sat on a bench near the playground. It was almost empty, just the sound of distant voices and wind moving through the trees. I remember she kept looking around, like she was checking if anyone was nearby. That already made me feel a bit nervous, although I didn’t know why.

Then she said something that changed the whole atmosphere.

«I need to tell you something, but you have to promise not to tell anyone.»

That sentence stayed in the air for a second, like everything paused. I asked, «What is it?» but my voice sounded different even to myself — softer, more careful.

She hesitated for a moment and then told me the secret.

It wasn’t something dramatic like in films, but it was serious enough to matter. It was about something happening in her family — something she was clearly struggling with but didn’t want others to know. I could see it wasn’t easy for her to talk about it. Her hands were shaking slightly, and she avoided eye contact.

At that moment, I realized she wasn’t just telling me information. She was trusting me with something personal.

I said, «Of course I won’t tell anyone.» And I meant it.

But right after that, I didn’t know what to do with what I had just heard. I felt a strange mix of emotions — surprise, concern, and responsibility. It felt like I was carrying something heavy that didn’t belong to me.

We didn’t talk much after that. We just walked back in silence. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but it wasn’t normal either. It was the kind of silence where both people are thinking too much.

That evening, I kept replaying the conversation in my head. I realized how easy it is to say «I won’t tell anyone,» but much harder to actually live with it. Because suddenly every normal conversation with other friends felt different. I had to be careful with my words, even when I didn’t want to think about it.

At some point, I even thought about telling someone else — not to betray her, but just to ask for advice. But every time I thought about it, I remembered her face when she said the secret out loud. That stopped me.

Days passed. Everything looked normal on the outside. We still talked at school, still shared small jokes, still sat together sometimes. But I noticed something had changed between us. Not in a bad way exactly — more like a quiet understanding that only we had.

I started to realize that keeping a secret is not just about silence. It’s about carrying someone else’s trust without changing it, without reshaping it, without letting it turn into gossip or confusion.

And maybe the hardest part was not the secret itself, but the feeling of being responsible for something I didn’t fully understand.

Even now, I sometimes think about that moment on the bench. Not because of what was said, but because of what it meant — that someone chose me to know something they couldn’t tell the world.

And I still wonder how many people carry things like that every day, without anyone noticing.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

nothing special, nothing unusual — ничего особенного

behind the school — за школой

avoid the noisy crowd — избегать шумной толпы

felt quieter than usual — казался тише, чем обычно

check if anyone was nearby — проверять, есть ли кто-то рядом

changed the whole atmosphere — изменило всю атмосферу

stayed in the air — повисло в воздухе

sounded careful — звучал (а) осторожно

hesitate for a moment — немного сомневаться

something happening in her family — что-то, происходящее в её семье

struggling with something — с чем-то бороться/переживать

avoid eye contact — избегать зрительного контакта

trust someone with something — доверить кому-то что-то

mix of emotions — смесь эмоций

feel responsible — чувствовать ответственность

carrying something heavy — нести что-то тяжёлое

replay the conversation — прокручивать разговор в голове

live with it — жить с этим

be careful with words — осторожно подбирать слова

ask for advice — попросить совета

quiet understanding — тихое понимание

on the outside — снаружи, внешне

small jokes — небольшие шутки

changed between us — изменилось между нами

carry someone’s trust — нести чьё-то доверие

without changing it — не изменяя это

being responsible for something — быть ответственным за что-то

chose me — выбрала меня

without anyone noticing — чтобы никто не заметил

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

It started as a normal day, but then… — Это началось как обычный день, но потом…

I didn’t think much about it at first because… — Сначала я не придал (а) этому значения, потому что…

She asked me to promise not to tell anyone, so I… — Она попросила не рассказывать, поэтому я…

I didn’t know how to react because… — Я не знал (а), как реагировать, потому что…

It felt like I was carrying… — Мне казалось, что я несу…

Even though I said nothing, I felt… — Хотя я ничего не сказал (а), я чувствовал (а)…

Over time, I realized that… — Со временем я понял (а), что…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Have you ever been told a secret you had to keep?

Yes, I have. A friend once told me something personal and asked me not to share it with anyone. It made me realize that trust is a serious responsibility.

2. How did you feel when someone trusted you with a secret?

I felt important but also a bit nervous. I understood that I had to be careful because my words could affect someone else’s life.

3. Was it difficult not to tell anyone else? Why?

Yes, sometimes it was difficult because I wanted to talk about it or ask for advice. But I remembered my promise, so I stayed silent.

4. Do you think keeping secrets makes friendships stronger or more complicated?

I think it can do both. It can make friendships stronger because of trust, but also more complicated because of pressure and responsibility.

5. What would you do if keeping a secret made you feel uncomfortable?

I would try to think carefully before acting. If it was really serious, I might suggest that the person talks to someone who can help, but I wouldn’t break the trust easily.

6. Have you ever regretted telling or not telling something important?

Yes, I once regretted not speaking up when I could have helped someone. It taught me that silence can also have consequences.

7. Can you completely trust someone after they share a secret with you?

I think trust depends not only on secrets but on overall behavior. Sharing a secret can build trust, but actions over time matter more.

Complete the sentences:

It started as a normal day, but then my friend asked me to keep a __________.

She looked around to check if anyone was __________ before speaking.

I felt a mix of emotions because I was carrying something very __________.

I promised not to tell anyone, so I stayed __________ even when it was hard.

Over time, I realized that trust is about carrying someone’s __________ carefully.

Fake friends and real ones

At school, it’s not always easy to understand who is actually your friend and who is just around because it’s convenient. Sometimes people laugh with you, sit with you at lunch, send you messages every day — and still, something feels a bit off. You don’t notice it immediately. It usually takes time.

I used to think friendship was simple. If someone talks to you a lot, shares jokes, and spends time with you, then they’re your friend. But life is a bit more complicated than that.

There was a group I spent a lot of time with last year. We always sat together, shared snacks, joked during lessons, and walked home in a big group. It felt like I belonged somewhere. I didn’t really question it because everything looked fine on the surface.

But slowly, small things started to change.

For example, when I made a mistake in class and felt embarrassed, some of them laughed a little too loudly. At first, I laughed with them, trying not to make it awkward. But later I started noticing that the jokes were often about someone — not just harmless fun, but sometimes a bit sharp.

Still, I ignored it. I told myself, «They don’t mean it badly. It’s just how they are.»

But one situation changed how I saw everything.

We were planning to meet after school. I arrived at the place we agreed on, but no one showed up. I waited for almost an hour. Later I saw pictures online — they had met without me. No message, no explanation.

When I asked about it, someone said, «Oh, we thought you weren’t coming.» It didn’t feel like a real reason. It felt like an excuse.

That was the moment I started thinking differently.

Because real friends don’t just include you when it’s easy. They don’t forget you on purpose. And they don’t make you feel like you’re replaceable.

After that, I started stepping back a little. Not in a dramatic way, just quietly. I stopped trying so hard to be part of conversations where I didn’t feel valued. I spent more time with one or two people who felt more honest, even if the group was smaller.

And I noticed something important: real friendship doesn’t always look loud or exciting. Sometimes it’s calm. It’s someone checking if you got home safely. It’s someone remembering small details you said weeks ago. It’s someone who doesn’t change their behavior when other people are watching.

Fake friendships are often the opposite. They can look fun, but they feel unstable. One day you’re included, the next day you’re not. One moment you’re important, the next moment you’re forgotten.

I’m not saying people are completely «fake» or «real» in a simple way. It’s not black and white. People can act differently depending on situations. But I think real friends are the ones who stay consistent when it actually matters.

Now I try to pay attention to how I feel around people, not just how they act in a group. Because sometimes laughter is easy, but trust is not.

And I’ve learned that it’s better to have a few real connections than many uncertain ones.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

not always easy to understand — не всегда легко понять

just around because it’s convenient — рядом, потому что так удобно

something feels off — что-то кажется не так

on the surface — на поверхности / внешне

belong somewhere — чувствовать, что ты «свой»

make a mistake — совершить ошибку

feel embarrassed — чувствовать себя неловко

laugh too loudly — смеяться слишком громко

harmless fun — безобидное веселье

a bit sharp — немного обидный/резкий

make it awkward — сделать неловко

step back — отойти, дистанцироваться

show up — появиться, прийти

make excuses — оправдываться

be replaceable — быть заменяемым

spend more time with — проводить больше времени с

feel valued — чувствовать, что тебя ценят

check if you got home safely — проверить, дошёл ли ты домой

small details — маленькие детали

when it actually matters — когда это действительно важно

black and white — всё однозначно

how I feel around people — как я чувствую себя рядом с людьми

uncertain connections — нестабильные связи

real friendship — настоящая дружба

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

At first, I thought that… — Сначала я думал (а), что…

I didn’t notice it, but later I realized… — Я не замечал (а), но потом понял (а)…

It felt like I didn’t belong because… — Мне казалось, что я не подхожу, потому что…

I started to feel uncomfortable when… — Я начал (а) чувствовать себя некомфортно, когда…

What changed everything was… — Всё изменило то, что…

I decided to step back because… — Я решил (а) отойти, потому что…

I realized that real friendship is… — Я понял (а), что настоящая дружба — это…

Now think about your own experience:

1. Have you ever had friends who made you feel uncomfortable in a group?

Yes, I have. Sometimes I felt like I had to act differently just to fit in. It made me realize that not every group is a healthy environment.

2. What small signs help you understand if someone is a real friend?

Small signs like honesty, consistency, and support when something goes wrong. Real friends don’t disappear when things become difficult.

3. Have you ever felt left out by people you trusted?

Yes, I have. It happened when I wasn’t invited somewhere important. At first I tried to ignore it, but later I understood it meant something.

4. Do you think people can be both «fake» and «real» at different times?

Yes, I think so. People can behave differently depending on situations, stress, or social pressure. That’s why it’s important to look at patterns, not single moments.

5. What do you prefer: a big group of friends or a few close ones?

I prefer a few close friends because it feels more honest and stable. In small groups, it’s easier to build trust and have deeper conversations.