Английский в повседневных историях
10 историй для лёгкого старта
Джимми Теллинг

© Джимми Теллинг, 2026

ISBN 978-5-0071-2937-4

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Предисловие

Эта книга создана для тех, кто начинает изучать английский язык и хочет не просто запоминать отдельные слова и правила, а постепенно учиться понимать живой английский в контексте.

В книге вас ждут 10 коротких историй на повседневные темы. Герои работают, встречаются с друзьями, теряют вещи, опаздывают на автобус, готовят ужин, устраивают сюрпризы и попадают в небольшие забавные ситуации. Все истории написаны простым и понятным языком и постепенно становятся немного сложнее.

Каждая глава построена так, чтобы вы могли развивать сразу несколько навыков. Перед чтением вы познакомитесь с ключевой лексикой, затем прочитаете историю, разберёте полезные слова и выражения и выполните задания на понимание текста, грамматику, письмо и устную речь.

Грамматика в книге изучается постепенно и всегда связана с сюжетом. Вы встретите конструкции с to be, Present Simple, Present Continuous, there is / there are, some / any, can / can’t, а затем начнёте знакомство с прошедшим временем.

Не стремитесь понимать каждое слово с первого раза. Сначала попробуйте уловить общий смысл истории, а уже затем возвращайтесь к незнакомой лексике и упражнениям. Если какая-то глава кажется сложной, её всегда можно перечитать ещё раз через несколько дней.

Лучше заниматься регулярно и понемногу, чем пытаться пройти несколько глав за один раз. Читайте вслух, отвечайте на вопросы полными предложениями, повторяйте новые выражения и старайтесь использовать их в речи.

И главное — не бойтесь ошибок. Они являются естественной частью изучения языка.

Пусть эти 10 историй станут вашим первым шагом к тому, чтобы читать на английском свободнее, понимать больше и чувствовать себя увереннее.

Приятного чтения и успешного изучения английского!

LESSON 1

The New Neighbour

Before You Read

Learn these words before you read the story.

neighbour — сосед / соседка

building — здание, дом

floor — этаж

move — переезжать

box — коробка

heavy — тяжёлый

friendly — дружелюбный

alone — один, в одиночестве

The New Neighbour

Anna is twenty-eight years old. She lives in a small apartment in Manchester. Her apartment is on the third floor of an old building. It is not very big, but Anna likes it. There is a small kitchen, a bedroom and a living room with two large windows.

Anna lives alone, but she is not lonely. She has a lot of friends, and her sister lives only ten minutes away. Anna also has a cat. His name is Charlie. He is big, grey and very lazy.

It is Saturday morning. Anna is at home. She is in the kitchen with a cup of coffee when she hears a noise outside her apartment.

She opens the door.

There are several boxes in the hall. A young man is standing next to them. He has a large box in his hands.

«Hello,» Anna says.

The man looks at her and smiles.

«Hi! Sorry about the noise.»

«That’s okay,» Anna says. «Are you moving in?»

«Yes. I’m your new neighbour.»

«Oh! Welcome to the building. I’m Anna.»

«I’m Daniel. Nice to meet you.»

«Nice to meet you too.»

Daniel puts the box on the floor.

«Is that heavy?» Anna asks.

«Very heavy,» Daniel says and laughs. «I have too many books.»

Anna looks at all the boxes.

«Do you need help?»

«No, thank you. My brother is downstairs. He’s bringing more boxes.»

At that moment, Charlie comes out of Anna’s apartment. He walks slowly towards Daniel and sits next to his feet.

«Oh, hello!» Daniel says. «Is this your cat?»

«Yes. His name is Charlie.»

Daniel sits down and touches Charlie’s head. Charlie immediately closes his eyes.

«He likes you,» Anna says. «That’s unusual. He doesn’t like many people.»

«Really? I love cats.»

«Then you’re a good neighbour already,» Anna says.

Daniel laughs.

«Do you live here alone?» he asks.

«Yes, just me and Charlie. What about you?»

«I live alone too. I’m new to Manchester.»

«Where are you from?»

«I’m from Bristol, but I have a new job here.»

«What do you do?»

«I’m a photographer.»

«That sounds interesting!»

«And you?»

«I’m an English teacher.»

Daniel smiles.

«Perfect. Maybe you can help me with my grammar.»

«Maybe,» Anna says. «But lessons aren’t free.»

They both laugh.

A man appears at the end of the hall with two more boxes.

«Daniel!» he calls. «Are you going to help me?»

«That’s my brother,» Daniel says. «I should go.»

«Of course.»

«Thanks for the welcome, Anna.»

«You’re welcome. See you later.»

«See you!»

Anna goes back into her apartment. Charlie stays in the hall.

«Charlie!» Anna calls.

The cat looks at her but doesn’t move. He is still sitting next to Daniel.

Daniel smiles.

«I think I already have my first friend in Manchester.»

Anna laughs.

«I think you do.»

Vocabulary

Learn these words and expressions from the story.

apartment — квартира

neighbour — сосед / соседка

move in — въехать, заселиться

live alone — жить одному

noise — шум

heavy — тяжёлый

downstairs — внизу, на нижнем этаже

need help — нуждаться в помощи

be new to a city — быть новым в городе

What do you do? — Кем вы работаете? / Чем вы занимаетесь?

That sounds interesting! — Звучит интересно!

See you later! — Увидимся позже!

EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Answer the questions

Answer the questions about the story.

How old is Anna?

Where does she live?

Who does Anna live with?

What is Anna doing when she hears a noise?

Who is Daniel?

Why does Daniel have so many boxes?

What is the name of Anna’s cat?

Where is Daniel from?

Why is Daniel in Manchester?

What does Daniel do?

What does Anna do?

Who becomes Daniel’s first friend in Manchester?

Exercise 2. True or False?

Read the sentences and decide if they are true or false. Correct the false sentences.

Anna lives in London.

Her apartment is on the third floor.

Anna lives with her sister.

Charlie is Anna’s cat.

Daniel is Anna’s new neighbour.

Daniel has a lot of books.

Daniel is from Manchester.

Daniel is a photographer.

Anna is an English teacher.

Charlie doesn’t like Daniel.

Exercise 3. Choose the correct word

Choose the correct option.

Anna lives alone / downstairs / heavy.

Daniel is Anna’s new teacher / neighbour / brother.

Daniel has a lot of books / cats / coffee.

Charlie is a big grey dog / cat / rabbit.

Daniel is from Bristol / London / Manchester.

Daniel has a new friend / apartment / job in Manchester.

Anna is an English photographer / teacher / student.

Daniel’s brother is downstairs / alone / new.

Exercise 4. Complete the sentences

Complete the sentences with the words from the box.

neighbour • alone • heavy • friendly • floor • help • job • building

Anna lives on the third __________.

Daniel is her new __________.

Anna lives __________ with her cat.

The box is very __________.

Anna asks Daniel if he needs __________.

Daniel has a new __________ in Manchester.

Anna lives in an old __________.

Daniel seems nice and __________.

Exercise 5. Grammar — am, is or are?

Complete the sentences with am, is or are.

Anna ______ twenty-eight years old.

She ______ an English teacher.

Daniel ______ her new neighbour.

«I ______ from Bristol,» Daniel says.

The boxes ______ in the hall.

Charlie ______ a grey cat.

Anna and Daniel ______ neighbours.

«______ you new to Manchester?»

«Yes, I ______.»

Daniel’s brother ______ downstairs.

Exercise 6. Make negative sentences

Make the sentences negative. Use am not, isn’t or aren’t.

Example:

Anna is from London. → Anna isn’t from London.

Daniel is from Manchester.

Anna is a photographer.

Charlie is a dog.

The boxes are light.

Anna and Daniel are brother and sister.

Daniel is an English teacher.

Exercise 7. Make questions

Put the words in the correct order.

you / are / new / here /?

from / where / you / are /?

a photographer / Daniel / is /?

Anna / is / teacher / a /?

Charlie / is / your cat /?

the boxes / heavy / are /?

Exercise 8. About You

Answer the questions about yourself. Try to write full sentences.

What is your name?

How old are you?

Where are you from?

Where do you live?

Do you live alone?

Do you have a pet?

What do you do?

Are you new to your city?

Are your neighbours friendly?

What is important for you in a good neighbour?

Speaking Practice

Imagine that you meet a new neighbour for the first time.

Introduce yourself and ask them some questions.

You can use these phrases:

Hi! I’m…

Nice to meet you.

Are you new here?

Where are you from?

Do you live alone?

What do you do?

Do you have any pets?

Welcome to the building!

See you later!

ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1

Anna is twenty-eight years old.

She lives in Manchester.

She lives with her cat, Charlie.

She is drinking/having coffee in the kitchen.

Daniel is Anna’s new neighbour.

He has many books.

His name is Charlie.

Daniel is from Bristol.

He has a new job in Manchester.

He is a photographer.

Anna is an English teacher.

Charlie becomes Daniel’s first friend in Manchester.

Exercise 2

False. Anna lives in Manchester.

True.

False. Anna lives alone with her cat.

True.

True.

True.

False. Daniel is from Bristol.

True.

True.

False. Charlie likes Daniel.

Exercise 3

alone

neighbour

books

cat

Bristol

job

teacher

downstairs

Exercise 4

floor

neighbour

alone

heavy

help

job

building

friendly

Exercise 5

is

is

is

am

are

is

are

Are

am

is

Exercise 6

Daniel isn’t from Manchester.

Anna isn’t a photographer.

Charlie isn’t a dog.

The boxes aren’t light.

Anna and Daniel aren’t brother and sister.

Daniel isn’t an English teacher.

Exercise 7

Are you new here?

Where are you from?

Is Daniel a photographer?

Is Anna a teacher?

Is Charlie your cat?

Are the boxes heavy?

LESSON 2

A Very Busy Morning

Before You Read

Learn these words before you read the story.

alarm clock — будильник

wake up — просыпаться

get dressed — одеваться

hurry — спешить

usually — обычно

forget — забывать

leave — уходить, уезжать

late — опоздавший, поздно

A Very Busy Morning

Emma works in a small travel agency in Leeds. She likes her job, but she doesn’t like mornings.

Every weekday, Emma gets up at seven o’clock. She usually stays in bed for five more minutes and checks her phone. Then she gets up, takes a shower and gets dressed.

At half past seven, she goes into the kitchen. She makes a cup of coffee and usually has toast with cheese for breakfast. Sometimes she has an egg or some fruit too.

Emma leaves home at eight o’clock. She walks to the bus stop and takes the number 16 bus to work. The journey takes about twenty minutes. Her work starts at nine, so she usually has plenty of time.

But today is different.

Emma opens her eyes and looks at her phone.

8:17.

«What?!»

She sits up quickly.

Her alarm clock is silent.

«Oh no!»

Emma usually needs an hour to get ready in the morning. Today she has less than fifteen minutes.

She jumps out of bed and runs to the bathroom.

There is no time for a shower. She washes her face, brushes her teeth and quickly gets dressed.

«Coffee,» she says to herself. «I need coffee.»

She runs into the kitchen and turns on the coffee machine. While she waits, she looks for something to eat.

There is some bread on the table, but there is no cheese.

«No breakfast today.»

Her coffee is ready. Emma takes one quick drink.

«Ouch! Too hot!»

She puts the cup down and looks at the time.

8:28.

«I have to go!»

Emma puts on her coat, takes her bag and runs out of the apartment.

She is halfway down the street when she suddenly stops.

«My phone!»

She looks inside her bag.

No phone.

Emma runs back home, opens the door and finds her phone on the bed.

«Okay. Now I can go.»

She runs downstairs again.

At the bus stop, she sees the number 16 bus.

«Wait!»

Emma runs towards it, but the doors close.

The bus leaves.

«No, no, no!»

The next bus comes in fifteen minutes. Emma looks at the time again. She knows she is going to be late.

She takes out her phone and calls her colleague, Lucy.

«Hi, Lucy.»

«Morning! Where are you?»

«That’s the problem. I’m still at the bus stop.»

Lucy laughs.

«Did you sleep too long again?»

«Again? This never happens!»

«Emma, it happened last month.»

«That was different.»

«How?»

Emma thinks for a moment.

«I don’t remember.»

Lucy laughs again.

«Don’t worry. The office is quiet this morning. Just get here safely.»

«Thanks, Lucy.»

Emma puts her phone back in her bag.

Then she notices something strange.

People at the bus stop are looking at her feet.

Emma looks down.

On her left foot, she is wearing a black shoe.

On her right foot, she is wearing a white trainer.

Emma closes her eyes.

«Perfect.»

An old woman next to her smiles.

«Busy morning?»

«You have no idea,» Emma says.

Finally, the next bus arrives.

Emma gets on and finds a seat near the window. For the first time that morning, she relaxes.

Then her phone rings.

It is Lucy.

«Emma?»

«Yes?»

«Before you come to the office, can you buy some milk? We don’t have any.»

Emma looks out of the window and starts laughing.

«Of course. Why not?»

Vocabulary

Learn these words and expressions from the story.

weekday — будний день

get up — вставать

take a shower — принимать душ

brush your teeth — чистить зубы

get ready — собираться

bus stop — автобусная остановка

journey — поездка, путь

plenty of time — много времени, достаточно времени

run out of the apartment — выбежать из квартиры

be late — опаздывать

sleep too long — проспать

get on a bus — садиться в автобус

for the first time — впервые

You have no idea! — Ты даже не представляешь!

EXERCISES

Exercise 1. Answer the Questions

Answer the questions about the story.

Where does Emma work?

What time does she usually get up?

What does Emma usually do after she gets up?

What does she usually have for breakfast?

How does Emma get to work?

What time does her work start?

What time does Emma wake up today?

Why doesn’t she have breakfast?

What does Emma forget at home?

Why does she miss the bus?

Who does Emma call?

What is unusual about Emma’s shoes?

What does Lucy ask Emma to buy?

Exercise 2. True or False?

Decide if the sentences are true or false. Correct the false sentences.

Emma works in a travel agency.

She usually gets up at eight o’clock.

Emma usually drinks coffee in the morning.

She drives to work every day.

Emma wakes up late today.

She has a long shower before she leaves home.

Emma forgets her phone.

She catches the first bus.

Lucy is Emma’s colleague.

Emma is wearing two different shoes.

Lucy is angry with Emma.

Lucy asks Emma to buy some milk.

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Word

Choose the correct option.

Emma usually gets up / goes to bed / leaves work at seven o’clock.

She works in a school / travel agency / hospital.

Emma usually goes to work by bus / train / car.

Today she wakes up / arrives / eats breakfast at 8:17.

She forgets her bag / phone / coat at home.

Emma catches / misses / drives the first bus.

She calls her sister / manager / colleague.

Emma is wearing two different coats / shoes / socks.

Exercise 4. Complete the Sentences

Complete the sentences with the words below.

usually • breakfast • late • bus stop • forgets • starts • gets up • journey

Emma __________ at seven o’clock on weekdays.

She __________ has coffee in the morning.

She has toast for __________.

Her __________ to work takes about twenty minutes.

Emma’s work __________ at nine o’clock.

She walks to the __________ every morning.

Today Emma __________ her phone at home.

She knows she is going to be __________ for work.

Exercise 5. Present Simple

Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

Emma __________ at a travel agency. (work)

She __________ up at seven o’clock. (get)

Emma __________ coffee every morning. (drink)

She __________ home at eight o’clock. (leave)

Her work __________ at nine. (start)

Emma __________ the bus to work. (take)

Lucy __________ with Emma. (work)

Emma __________ mornings. (not like)

She __________ to work by car. (not go)

Lucy __________ angry with Emma. (not get)

Exercise 6. Make the Sentences Negative

Make the sentences negative using don’t or doesn’t.

Example:

Emma likes mornings. → Emma doesn’t like mornings.

Emma drives to work.

She gets up at eight o’clock every day.

Lucy works at a hospital.

Emma eats a big breakfast every morning.

She takes the train to work.

Emma and Lucy work at a school.

Exercise 7. Make Questions

Put the words in the correct order.

Emma / where / work / does /?

get up / she / what time / does /?

coffee / Emma / drink / does /?

how / she / get to work / does /?

Lucy / with Emma / work / does /?

Emma / like / mornings / does /?

start / what time / work / does /?

usually / you / what time / get up / do /?

Exercise 8. Complete with Do or Does

Complete the questions with do or does.

__________ Emma work in Leeds?

__________ she like mornings?

__________ Emma and Lucy work together?

__________ Emma drink coffee every morning?

__________ you drink coffee in the morning?

__________ your work or school start early?

__________ your friends live near you?

__________ your best friend like mornings?

Exercise 9. My Morning Routine

Complete the sentences about yourself.

I usually wake up at __________.

I get up at __________.

For breakfast, I usually __________.

In the morning, I drink __________.

I leave home at __________.

I usually go to work / school by __________.

My work / classes start at __________.

I usually feel __________ in the morning.

Speaking Practice

Talk about your usual morning.

Use these questions to help you:

What time do you usually wake up?

Do you get up immediately?

What do you usually have for breakfast?

Do you drink tea or coffee?

What do you do before you leave home?

How do you get to work or school?

What time does your work or school start?

Do you like mornings? Why or why not?

Then imagine that you have a terrible morning like Emma.

What can go wrong?

Try to use:

First,…

Then,…

After that,…

Finally,…

ANSWER KEY

Exercise 1

She works in a small travel agency in Leeds.

She usually gets up at seven o’clock.

She takes a shower and gets dressed.

She usually has toast with cheese and coffee.

She goes to work by bus.

Her work starts at nine o’clock.

She wakes up at 8:17.

She doesn’t have enough time.

She forgets her phone.

She goes back home for her phone, so she misses the bus.

She calls her colleague, Lucy.

She is wearing a black shoe on one foot and a white trainer on the other.

Lucy asks her to buy some milk.

Exercise 2

True.

False. She usually gets up at seven o’clock.

True.

False. She goes to work by bus.

True.

False. She doesn’t take a shower.

True.

False. She misses the first bus.

True.

True.

False. Lucy isn’t angry with Emma.

True.

Exercise 3

gets up

travel agency

bus

wakes up

phone

misses

colleague

shoes

Exercise 4

gets up

usually

breakfast

journey

starts

bus stop

forgets

late

Exercise 5

works

gets

drinks

leaves

starts

takes

works

doesn’t like

doesn’t go

doesn’t get

Exercise 6

Emma doesn’t drive to work.

She doesn’t get up at eight o’clock every day.

Lucy doesn’t work at a hospital.

Emma doesn’t eat a big breakfast every morning.

She doesn’t take the train to work.

Emma and Lucy don’t work at a school.

Exercise 7

Where does Emma work?

What time does she get up?

Does Emma drink coffee?

How does she get to work?

Does Lucy work with Emma?

Does Emma like mornings?

What time does work start?

What time do you usually get up?

Exercise 8

Does

Does

Do

Does

Do

Does

Do

Does

LESSON 3

The Cat at the Window

Before You Read

Learn these words before you read the story.

window — окно

garden — сад

owner — хозяин

collar — ошейник

hungry — голодный

worried — обеспокоенный

belong to — принадлежать

follow — следовать за кем-либо

The Cat at the Window

Sophie lives in a quiet street in York. She has a small house with a blue door and a little garden.

Sophie works from home. She is a graphic designer, so she spends a lot of time at her computer.

She likes working from home because her mornings are quiet. She makes coffee, turns on her computer and starts work at nine o’clock.

But this Monday morning is different.

At about ten o’clock, Sophie hears a strange sound.

«Meow.»

She stops typing.

«Meow.»

Sophie looks around the room.

«What is that?»

She gets up and walks to the window.

There is a cat outside.

The cat is sitting on the other side of the window and looking directly at her.

«Well, hello,» Sophie says.

The cat is small and orange. It has green eyes, white paws and a long tail. It also has a red collar.

Sophie opens the window a little.

«Are you lost?»

«Meow.»

«That isn’t very helpful.»

The cat looks at her.

Sophie laughs.

«Okay. Wait there.»

She goes into the kitchen. Sophie doesn’t have a cat, but she has some chicken in the fridge.

She puts a little chicken on a plate and takes it outside.

The cat immediately runs towards her.

«You are hungry!»

The cat eats all the chicken in less than a minute.

Then it follows Sophie back to the house.

«No, no,» Sophie says. «You can’t come inside. You have an owner.»

The cat sits in front of the door.

Sophie looks at its red collar.

«Maybe you have an address on your collar.»

She carefully looks at it.

There is a small silver tag.

It says:

MILO

22 Green Street

07700 315 824

«Milo! So that’s your name.»

Milo looks at her.

«And you live on Green Street.»

Sophie knows Green Street. It is only five minutes from her house.

She takes her phone and calls the number on the tag.

A woman answers almost immediately.

«Hello?»

«Hi. Is this Milo’s owner?»

There is a short silence.

«Milo? Do you have Milo?»

«Yes. He’s in my garden.»

«Oh, thank goodness! Is he okay?»

«Yes, he’s fine. And he’s definitely not hungry anymore.»

The woman laughs.

«I’m so sorry. Milo is always hungry.»

«My name is Sophie. I live on King Street.»

«I’m Rachel. I live very close to you. I can come and get him now.»

«Great. We’ll wait for you.»

Sophie ends the call and looks at Milo.

«Your owner is coming.»

Milo walks to the door again.

«No. You’re staying outside.»

Milo looks up at her with his big green eyes.

Five minutes later, Sophie is sitting at her desk again.

Milo is sitting next to her computer.

Sophie looks at him.

«You are very good at getting what you want.»

Milo closes his eyes and starts to sleep.

A few minutes later, the doorbell rings.

Sophie opens the door.

A young woman is standing outside. She has long dark hair and a worried face.

«Milo!»

Milo comes to the door.

Rachel picks him up.

«I’m so happy to see you! Where were you?»

Milo says nothing.

«He was at my window,» Sophie explains.

Rachel looks at the cat.