Топики и рассказы для практики английской речи. Тексты и задания уровня B1

© Том Сториз, 2026

ISBN 978-5-0070-4281-9

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Введение

Данный учебный материал предназначен для учащихся уровня B1 и направлен на развитие навыков чтения, понимания и использования английского языка в контексте повседневных ситуаций. Основная цель книги заключается в расширении словарного запаса, закреплении базовых грамматических конструкций и формировании умения выражать свои мысли на английском языке более свободно и уверенно.

Материал организован в виде тематических глав, каждая из которых посвящена отдельной жизненной ситуации, знакомой школьникам. Такой подход позволяет изучать язык не изолированно, а в контексте реальных событий, что способствует более эффективному усвоению лексики и грамматики. Темы охватывают школьную жизнь, общение с друзьями и семьёй, повседневные привычки, а также личный опыт учащихся.

Каждая глава включает связный текст, построенный на естественном языке, с постепенным усложнением структуры предложений. После текста предлагаются словарные выражения с переводом на русский язык, речевые модели для практического использования, вопросы для обсуждения личного опыта, а также задания на закрепление материала. Такой формат позволяет не только понимать прочитанное, но и активно использовать изученные конструкции в собственной речи.

Особое внимание уделяется развитию навыков самостоятельного выражения мыслей. Вопросы и задания ориентированы на личный опыт учащегося, что способствует формированию устойчивых языковых навыков и повышению уверенности при использовании английского языка в устной и письменной форме.

Представленный материал может использоваться как в рамках учебного процесса под руководством преподавателя, так и для самостоятельного изучения. Структура книги позволяет последовательно работать с каждой темой, возвращаться к изученному материалу и постепенно расширять языковые компетенции.

A Busy School Morning

The alarm rings at 7:00, and for a moment I don’t understand where I am. It feels too early, and my room is still dark. I close my eyes again, but then I remember — it’s a school day. I quickly turn off the alarm and sit up. My morning has already started.

I usually try to wake up slowly, but today I don’t have that luxury. I look at my phone and realize I pressed «snooze» three times. Now I’m running late. I jump out of bed and rush to the bathroom. The floor is cold, and that wakes me up better than any alarm.

While I brush my teeth, I think about my schedule. We have math first, and I didn’t finish all my homework. That thought makes me nervous, but I tell myself I’ll manage somehow. Maybe the teacher won’t check it today… although that almost never happens.

I go back to my room and open my wardrobe. I stand there for a few seconds, just staring. I feel like I have nothing to wear, even though my clothes are right in front of me. Finally, I grab a hoodie and my favorite jeans. Comfort is more important than style this early in the morning.

In the kitchen, my mom is already making breakfast. The smell of toast and tea fills the room. I don’t have much time, so I eat quickly. I take a few bites, sip my tea, and check my messages at the same time. My friend has already written: «Did you do the math homework?» I smile and type back, «Not really.»

After breakfast, I pack my bag. Or at least I try to. My books are everywhere — on the desk, on the chair, even under the bed. I rush around the room, looking for everything I need. Math book, English notebook, pens… where are my pens? I finally find one in my hoodie pocket. That will have to be enough.

Just when I think I’m ready, I remember something important — my homework paper. I search for it quickly and find it between two old notebooks. It’s not perfect, but at least I have something to show.

I put on my shoes, grab my bag, and head for the door. «Have a good day!» my mom says. I nod and rush outside. The air is fresh and a bit cold, but it helps me feel more awake.

On the way to school, I see other students walking quickly, just like me. Some are laughing, others look sleepy. Everyone seems to be in a hurry, but in a quiet, familiar way.

When I finally arrive at school, I take a deep breath. I made it. Maybe I didn’t have a perfect morning, but I’m here, and the day is just beginning.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

alarm rings — звонит будильник

press snooze — нажимать «отложить»

run late — опаздывать

jump out of bed — резко встать с кровати

rush to the bathroom — бежать в ванную

wake up — просыпаться

think about — думать о

manage somehow — как-нибудь справиться

stand there — стоять там

nothing to wear — нечего надеть

grab a hoodie — схватить худи

have no time — не иметь времени

eat quickly — быстро есть

check messages — проверять сообщения

pack my bag — собирать сумку

look for — искать

rush around — бегать туда-сюда

find something — найти что-то

put on shoes — надевать обувь

head for the door — направляться к двери

take a deep breath — сделать глубокий вдох

feel awake — чувствовать себя бодрым

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

I don’t have time to… — У меня нет времени, чтобы…

I try to…, but… — Я стараюсь…, но…

I feel like I have nothing to… — Мне кажется, что у меня нет…

Maybe… will happen — Может быть, … произойдет

I remember that… — Я вспоминаю, что…

I rush to… — Я спешу к…

At least I have… — По крайней мере, у меня есть…

When I finally…, I… — Когда я наконец…, я…

Now think about your own experience:

What time do you usually wake up on school days?

Do you often run late in the morning? Why or why not?

What do you usually eat for breakfast?

How do you feel in the morning — sleepy or energetic?

Do you prepare your school bag the night before?

What is the most stressful part of your morning?

Do you check your phone in the morning? What for?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What time do you usually wake up on school days?

I usually wake up at 7:00 when my alarm rings. Sometimes I press snooze once, but I try not to run late. It helps me start the day calmly.

2. Do you often run late in the morning? Why or why not?

Yes, I sometimes run late because I don’t plan my time well. For example, I check messages and forget about breakfast. Then I have to rush around.

3. What do you usually eat for breakfast?

I usually eat something quick because I don’t have much time. For example, I grab a sandwich and drink tea. It’s simple but enough.

4. How do you feel in the morning — sleepy or energetic?

I feel sleepy at first, especially when the alarm rings early. But after I wash my face and move around, I feel more awake.

5. Do you prepare your school bag the night before?

Sometimes I do, and it really helps. When I pack my bag in the evening, I don’t need to rush in the morning.

6. What is the most stressful part of your morning?

The most stressful part is when I can’t find something. For example, I look for my notebook and waste time.

7. Do you check your phone in the morning? What for?

Yes, I usually check my messages. I want to know if my friends wrote something important, like homework or plans.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

I usually wake up when my alarm rings, but I sometimes press snooze. Then I don’t have much time, so I rush around and eat quickly. For example, I often check messages instead of getting ready.

Complete the sentences:

I usually press snooze because __________.

In the morning, I don’t have time to __________.

I often rush around when __________.

Before I leave home, I always __________.

I feel more awake after __________.

My Favorite Place in the City

There are many interesting places in my city, but one of my favorites is a small park not far from my home. It’s not very famous, and tourists usually don’t go there, but for me, it’s special. I often go there when I need to relax or clear my mind.

The park is about a ten-minute walk from my house, so it’s easy to get there. I usually go in the afternoon after school, especially when the weather is nice. The path to the park goes through a quiet street with tall trees and small shops. Sometimes I stop to buy a snack on the way, but most of the time I just enjoy the walk.

When I enter the park, I immediately feel calmer. There are a lot of green trees, and you can hear birds singing. In the middle of the park, there is a small lake. The water is not very clear, but it reflects the sky and the trees, and it looks beautiful, especially in the evening.

There are also several benches around the lake. I have my «usual» bench, where I like to sit and think. Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I read a book, and sometimes I just watch people. It’s interesting to see how different everyone is. Some people walk their dogs, others run or talk on the phone, and some just sit quietly like me.

One of the things I like most about this place is the atmosphere. It’s peaceful, but not boring. There is always something happening, but it’s never too loud or stressful. Even when the park is full of people, it still feels comfortable.

I often go there with my friends, too. We sit on the grass, talk about school, and laugh about small things. Sometimes we bring snacks and spend a few hours there without even noticing how time passes. It’s a simple way to have a good time.

In autumn, the park looks completely different. The leaves turn yellow, orange, and red, and everything feels warm and quiet. In winter, it’s cold and almost empty, but that also has its charm. The snow covers the ground, and the park becomes very calm and clean. Each season gives this place a new feeling.

This park may not be the most exciting place in the city, but it’s the one I return to again and again. It’s where I can slow down, think, and just be myself for a while.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

not far from — недалеко от

clear my mind — очистить мысли / отвлечься

easy to get there — легко добраться

enjoy the walk — наслаждаться прогулкой

feel calmer — чувствовать себя спокойнее

in the middle of — в середине

reflect the sky — отражать небо

look beautiful — выглядеть красиво

around the lake — вокруг озера

usual bench — любимая / привычная скамейка

listen to music — слушать музыку

watch people — наблюдать за людьми

walk their dogs — выгуливать собак

talk on the phone — разговаривать по телефону

peaceful atmosphere — спокойная атмосфера

not too loud — не слишком шумно

spend time — проводить время

have a good time — хорошо проводить время

without noticing — не замечая

turn yellow/red — становиться жёлтым/красным

has its charm — имеет свою прелесть

slow down — замедлиться

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

One of my favorite places is… — Одно из моих любимых мест — это…

I often go there when… — Я часто хожу туда, когда…

It’s easy to… — Легко…

When I…, I feel… — Когда я…, я чувствую…

Sometimes I…, sometimes I… — Иногда я…, иногда я…

One of the things I like most is… — Одна из вещей, которые мне нравятся больше всего — это…

I often go there with… — Я часто хожу туда с…

It may not be…, but… — Возможно, это не…, но…

Now think about your own experience:

What is your favorite place in your city?

How often do you go there?

Why do you like this place?

Do you go there alone or with friends?

What do you usually do there?

How does this place change in different seasons?

Is it a popular place or a quiet one?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What is your favorite place in your city?

One of my favorite places is a small park not far from my home. It’s easy to get there, and I go there to clear my mind. It’s not very famous, but it has a peaceful atmosphere.

2. How often do you go there?

I often go there after school, especially when the weather is good. Sometimes I go with friends, and sometimes alone. It depends on my mood.

3. Why do you like this place?

I like it because I feel calmer there. For example, I can sit on a bench and listen to music without stress. It helps me relax.

4. Do you go there alone or with friends?

I do both. Sometimes I go alone to slow down and think, but I also like to spend time there with friends and have a good time.

5. What do you usually do there?

I usually sit, watch people, and listen to music. Sometimes I read a book or talk with my friends.

6. How does this place change in different seasons?

In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and red, and it looks beautiful. In winter, it becomes very quiet and has its charm.

7. Is it a popular place or a quiet one?

It’s not too crowded, so it feels comfortable. Even when there are people, it’s not too loud.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

One of my favorite places is a park not far from my home. I often go there to clear my mind and enjoy the walk. For example, I sit on my usual bench, listen to music, and watch people.

Complete the sentences:

I like to go there when I want to __________.

It is easy to get there because __________.

I usually spend time there with __________.

When I am there, I feel __________.

One of the things I like most about this place is __________.

After-School Routine

When the last lesson ends, I don’t always feel free right away. Sometimes I feel tired, sometimes hungry, and sometimes I just want to go home as quickly as possible. Still, my day doesn’t end at school — it just changes.

I usually walk home with a few classmates. We talk about our lessons, laugh about small mistakes, or complain about homework. The walk takes about fifteen minutes, and it helps me relax after a long day. By the time I get home, I already feel a bit better.

The first thing I do when I arrive is drop my bag near the door. I don’t even take off my shoes immediately — I just need a short break. Then I go to the kitchen to see what’s for lunch. I’m almost always hungry after school, so food is my priority.

While I eat, I often scroll through my phone or watch a short video. It’s my way to switch off and stop thinking about school for a while. My parents sometimes tell me to rest without my phone, but I feel like it helps me relax faster.

After lunch, I usually take a short break. Sometimes I lie on the bed and listen to music, and sometimes I just sit and do nothing. It may look like I’m wasting time, but this small pause gives me energy for the rest of the day.

Then comes the part I don’t always enjoy — homework. I try to start early, but it doesn’t always happen. Sometimes I check messages again or find other things to do. Still, I know I have to finish my tasks, so I sit at my desk and begin.

I usually start with the easiest subject because it helps me get into the rhythm. When I finish something quickly, I feel more motivated. The difficult tasks take more time, and sometimes I need help. I may ask my friends or search for explanations online.

If I have too much homework, I take short breaks. For example, I stand up, walk around the room, or get a snack. It helps me stay focused and not feel too tired.

In the evening, I finally feel more relaxed. If everything is done, I can enjoy my free time. I might watch a movie, play a game, or talk to my friends. Sometimes I help at home or spend time with my family.

Before going to bed, I often think about the next day. I check my schedule, prepare my bag, and try not to forget anything important. It doesn’t always go perfectly, but at least I feel more prepared.

My after-school routine is not always the same, but it gives structure to my day. Even small habits make things easier, and step by step, I learn how to manage my time better.

Here are some useful expressions you might have noticed:

last lesson ends — заканчивается последний урок

feel tired/hungry — чувствовать усталость/голод

go home — идти домой

walk home — идти домой пешком

relax after a long day — расслабиться после долгого дня

drop my bag — бросить сумку

take a break — сделать перерыв

what’s for lunch — что на обед

scroll through my phone — листать телефон

switch off — отключиться, отвлечься

for a while — на некоторое время

waste time — тратить время

start early — начать рано

get into the rhythm — войти в ритм

feel motivated — чувствовать мотивацию

take short breaks — делать короткие перерывы

stay focused — оставаться сосредоточенным

enjoy free time — наслаждаться свободным временем

prepare my bag — собирать сумку

feel prepared — чувствовать себя готовым

manage my time — управлять временем

You can use patterns like these in your own speech:

The first thing I do is… — Первое, что я делаю — это…

I usually…, but sometimes… — Обычно я…, но иногда…

It helps me… — Это помогает мне…

I try to…, but… — Я стараюсь…, но…

When I…, I feel… — Когда я…, я чувствую…

If I have time, I… — Если у меня есть время, я…

I know I have to… — Я знаю, что должен…

Step by step, I… — Шаг за шагом, я…

Now think about your own experience:

What do you usually do after school?

Do you walk home or use transport?

What is the first thing you do at home?

Do you take a break before doing homework?

Which subjects are easiest or most difficult for you?

How do you stay focused when you study?

What do you do in the evening after homework?

Here are some possible answers:

1. What do you usually do after school?

I usually walk home and relax after a long day. Then I eat and take a short break before homework. It helps me feel better.

2. Do you walk home or use transport?

I usually walk home because it’s not far. It helps me switch off and talk with friends on the way.

3. What is the first thing you do at home?

The first thing I do is drop my bag and go to the kitchen. I feel hungry, so I eat first.

4. Do you take a break before doing homework?

Yes, I take a short break. For example, I listen to music or scroll through my phone for a while.

5. Which subjects are easiest or most difficult for you?

English is easier for me, but math is more difficult. I try to start with easy tasks to get into the rhythm.

6. How do you stay focused when you study?

I take short breaks and remove distractions. It helps me stay focused and not waste time.

7. What do you do in the evening after homework?

I enjoy my free time. For example, I watch videos or talk to my friends.

Try to give a more detailed answer:

After school, I usually walk home and relax after a long day. Then I take a break and scroll through my phone for a while. After that, I start homework and try to stay focused.

Complete the sentences:

After school, I usually feel __________.

The first thing I do at home is __________.

I take a break because __________.

I try to start homework with __________.

In the evening, I enjoy __________.

A Day Without My Phone

It started as a small problem. I woke up, reached for my phone, and realized it wasn’t on my bedside table. At first, I thought I just couldn’t see it clearly because I was still sleepy. I looked again. Nothing. Then I checked under the bed, in my bag, and even in the kitchen. Still nothing.

For a moment, I just stood there and tried to remember the last time I used it. I had it the night before, I was sure. I watched a few videos and answered some messages, then went to sleep. So where could it be?

I didn’t have much time to think because I had to get ready for school. But everything felt different without my phone. I couldn’t check the time easily, couldn’t look at my messages, and couldn’t listen to music while getting ready. The morning felt strangely quiet.

On the way to school, I noticed something unusual. I usually walk with my headphones on, but now I could hear everything — cars, people talking, birds. At first, it felt uncomfortable, like something was missing. But after a few minutes, I got used to it.

At school, things became more difficult. My friends asked me why I didn’t reply to their messages, and I had to explain that I lost my phone. They were surprised. One of them said, «I can’t imagine a day without my phone!» I laughed, but I kind of agreed.

During breaks, I didn’t know what to do. Usually, I scroll through social media or watch short videos. Now I just stood there or talked more with my classmates. It was a bit awkward at first, but then it became more natural. We actually had longer conversations than usual.

After school, I walked home alone. Without music or messages, the walk felt longer, but also calmer. I started to notice small things — the color of the sky, the sound of the wind, even the way people moved around me.

When I got home, I decided to look for my phone again. I checked every room carefully. Finally, I found it in the most unexpected place — inside my backpack, in a small pocket I almost never use. I laughed when I saw it. It was there the whole time.

I picked it up and looked at the screen. There were many notifications — messages, updates, missed calls. For a second, I felt the usual urge to check everything at once. But then I stopped.

That day without my phone felt strange, but also interesting. I realized how often I use it without thinking. Maybe I don’t need it every minute. Maybe it’s okay to be offline sometimes, just to see what’s around me.