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Лексика и выражения английского языка. Практическое пособие для уровня B1–B2
Она была оскорблена его комментарием.
He did not mean to offend anyone.
Он не хотел никого обидеть.
Upset – общее состояние расстройства.
Offended – реакция на слова или поведение, которые воспринимаются как неуважительные.
Story
Elena works in a professional environment where communication plays a central role. She considers herself a sensitive person, especially when it comes to feedback. In the past, she sometimes felt upset after meetings, even when the comments were constructive.
Over time, she realised that being sensitive is not necessarily a weakness. However, she also understood the importance of being sensible. Instead of reacting emotionally, she learned to analyse the situation calmly and objectively.
Before important presentations, Elena still feels nervous. This reaction is natural and usually disappears once she begins speaking. Occasionally, she feels anxious about long-term projects, particularly when the results are uncertain. In such situations, she focuses on preparation and clear planning.
There was a time when she felt offended by a colleague’s remark. Later, she understood that the comment was not intended to cause harm. Since then, she has tried to clarify misunderstandings before drawing conclusions.
Elena believes that emotional awareness and sensible behaviour are equally important. The ability to manage feelings without ignoring them is a valuable professional skill.
Useful Words and Expressions
sensitive to criticism – чувствительный к критике
sensible decision – разумное решение
sensible advice – разумный совет
to feel nervous – испытывать волнение
to feel anxious about – испытывать тревогу по поводу
to be anxious to do something – стремиться сделать что-либо
to feel upset – чувствовать расстройство
to feel offended – чувствовать себя оскорблённым
constructive feedback – конструктивная обратная связь
professional environment – профессиональная среда
to react emotionally – реагировать эмоционально
to analyse objectively – анализировать объективно
to clarify a misunderstanding – прояснить недоразумение
to draw conclusions – делать выводы
emotional awareness – эмоциональная осознанность
to manage feelings – управлять эмоциями
long-term project – долгосрочный проект
uncertain results – неопределённые результаты
Exercises
Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.
She is very ______ (sensitive / sensible) to criticism.
It was a ______ (sensitive / sensible) solution to the problem.
He felt ______ (nervous / anxious) before the interview.
She is ______ (nervous / anxious) about the future of the project.
He was ______ (upset / offended) by the unexpected delay.
She felt ______ (upset / offended) by the inappropriate remark.
Try to remain ______ (sensitive / sensible) in difficult situations.
I am ______ (anxious / nervous) to hear the final decision.
Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.
a) sensible reaction
b) sensitive reaction (when meaning «rational»)
a) feel nervous about a presentation
b) feel anxious about a presentation (light temporary stress)
a) be offended by a comment
b) be upset by a comment (when meaning «feel insulted»)
a) sensitive advice
b) sensible advice
a) anxious to improve
b) nervous to improve
Exercise 3. Answer the questions.
In what situations do you usually feel nervous?
How do you remain sensible when you receive criticism?
Have you ever felt offended by a misunderstanding?
What helps you manage anxiety about long-term goals?
Do you consider yourself more sensitive or more sensible?
Answer Key
Exercise 1
sensitive
sensible
nervous
anxious
upset
offended
sensible
anxious
Exercise 2
a
a
a
b
a
Exercise 3 – Sample Answers
I usually feel nervous before important public events or presentations. This feeling motivates me to prepare more carefully.
I try to analyse feedback objectively and focus on improvement rather than emotion. This approach helps me remain sensible.
Yes, I have experienced misunderstandings that made me feel offended. Later, I clarified the situation and resolved the issue.
Careful planning and realistic goal-setting help me manage anxiety. Clear structure reduces uncertainty.
I believe I am relatively sensitive to feedback, but I try to act sensibly in professional situations.
Vocabulary Tip
Pay attention to false friends and similar-looking words.
Sensitive and sensible look similar but express completely different ideas.
Communication and Misunderstandings
Vocabulary Focus
1. Say vs Tell vs Speak vs Talk
Эти глаголы связаны с процессом общения, но используются по-разному.
Say
Say – сказать что-либо.
Фокус на содержании сообщения.
Обычно не требует указания получателя.
Structure:
say + something
say + that + clause
Examples:
She said that the meeting was postponed.
Она сказала, что встреча перенесена.
He said nothing.
Он ничего не сказал.
Нельзя: say me.
Tell
Tell – сказать кому-то, сообщить.
Требует указания получателя.
Structure:
tell + someone + something
tell + someone + to + verb
Examples:
She told me the details.
Она рассказала мне детали.
He told us to wait.
Он сказал нам подождать.
Нельзя использовать tell без объекта: «He told that…» – ошибка.
Speak
Speak – говорить (формально), владеть языком.
Examples:
She speaks English fluently.
Она свободно говорит по-английски.
May I speak to the manager?
Могу я поговорить с менеджером?
Speak часто используется в официальном контексте.
Talk
Talk – разговаривать, общаться (неформально).
Structure:
talk to someone
talk about something
Examples:
We talked about the project.
Мы поговорили о проекте.
I need to talk to you.
Мне нужно с тобой поговорить.
Talk звучит менее формально, чем speak.
2. Hear vs Listen
Hear – слышать (непроизвольно).
Listen – слушать (с намерением, активно).
Examples:
I heard a noise outside.
Я услышал шум снаружи.
Did you hear the announcement?
Ты слышал объявление?
Please listen carefully.
Пожалуйста, слушайте внимательно.
She listened to his explanation.
Она слушала его объяснение.
Важно:
listen to someone
hear something
Hear – процесс восприятия звука.
Listen – осознанное внимание.
Story
Clear communication is essential in any professional environment. However, misunderstandings often occur not because people lack information, but because they use language inaccurately.
Last month, during a team meeting, a manager said that the deadline might change. Some employees later told their colleagues that the project had already been postponed. As a result, confusion spread throughout the department.
The manager was surprised and explained that he had only said there was a possibility of adjustment. He had not told anyone to stop working. The misunderstanding developed because people did not listen carefully to the exact wording.
In addition, some team members preferred to talk informally rather than speak directly to the manager for clarification. Instead of asking precise questions, they relied on assumptions.
Later, the team analysed the situation. They realised that effective communication requires both accuracy and attention. It is important not only to speak clearly, but also to listen actively. Hearing information is not the same as understanding it.
Since then, the team has made an effort to confirm details in writing and avoid unnecessary confusion.
Useful Words and Expressions
to say something clearly – ясно сказать что-либо
to tell someone the truth – сказать кому-то правду
to speak fluently – говорить свободно
to talk about a problem – обсуждать проблему
to listen carefully – внимательно слушать
to hear a noise – услышать шум
misunderstanding – недоразумение
to clarify details – уточнить детали
accurate information – точная информация
to confirm in writing – подтвердить письменно
to rely on assumptions – полагаться на предположения
professional environment – профессиональная среда
team meeting – командная встреча
to explain a situation – объяснить ситуацию
to avoid confusion – избегать путаницы
exact wording – точная формулировка
to spread information – распространять информацию
active listening – активное слушание
Exercises
Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.
She ______ (said / told) that the meeting was cancelled.
He ______ (said / told) me the results.
May I ______ (speak / talk) to you for a moment?
We ______ (spoke / talked) about the new strategy.
Did you ______ (hear / listen) the announcement?
Please ______ (hear / listen) carefully to the instructions.
She ______ (speaks / talks) three languages.
He ______ (told / said) us to wait outside.
Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.
a) say me the answer
b) tell me the answer
a) listen the manager
b) listen to the manager
a) speak about the issue (informal discussion)
b) talk about the issue
a) hear carefully
b) listen carefully
a) tell that the report is ready
b) say that the report is ready
Exercise 3. Answer the questions.
How do you make sure that people understand what you say?
Do you prefer to talk informally or speak formally in professional situations?
How do you react when someone does not listen carefully?
Have you ever experienced a misunderstanding at work or in study?
What is the difference between hearing information and listening actively?
Answer Key
Exercise 1
said
told
speak
talked
hear
listen
speaks
told
Exercise 2
b
b
b
b
b
Exercise 3 – Sample Answers
I try to express my ideas clearly and provide specific examples. I also confirm that the listener has understood the main points.
In professional situations, I usually prefer to speak more formally. However, informal conversation is appropriate in certain contexts.
If someone does not listen carefully, I repeat the information and clarify the key details. Clear communication prevents further misunderstandings.
Yes, I have experienced misunderstandings caused by unclear wording. After clarification, the situation was resolved.
Hearing is a passive process of perceiving sound, while listening involves active attention and interpretation. Active listening improves understanding.
Vocabulary Tip
Pay attention to sentence structure:
say something
tell someone something
listen to someone
speak to someone
talk about something
Memorising structures, not just individual words, improves accuracy and fluency.
Friends and Social Circles
Vocabulary Focus
1. Friend vs Acquaintance
Friend – друг, человек, с которым у вас близкие и доверительные отношения.
Acquaintance – знакомый, человек, которого вы знаете, но не близко.
Friend implies emotional connection and regular communication.
Acquaintance refers to someone you know, but not well.
Examples:
She is a close friend of mine.
Она моя близкая подруга.
We have been friends for many years.
Мы дружим много лет.
He is an acquaintance from work.
Он мой знакомый с работы.
I met her through a mutual acquaintance.
Я познакомился с ней через общего знакомого.
Важно не использовать friend, если речь идёт просто о знакомом человеке.
2. Close vs Near
Оба слова переводятся как «близкий», но используются в разных контекстах.
Close – близкий эмоционально или по расстоянию (чаще о людях и отношениях).
Near – рядом, недалеко (о физическом расстоянии).
Examples:
We are very close friends.
Мы очень близкие друзья.
She feels close to her family.
Она чувствует близость к своей семье.
I live near the city centre.
Я живу рядом с центром города.
The office is near the station.
Офис находится рядом со станцией.
Close часто описывает отношения.
Near описывает физическое расположение.
3. Support vs Help
Help – помогать в конкретной ситуации или задаче.
Support – поддерживать (эмоционально или систематически).
Help is often practical and short-term.
Support can be emotional, financial, or long-term.
Examples:
She helped me prepare for the interview.
Она помогла мне подготовиться к собеседованию.
Can you help me with this task?
Ты можешь помочь мне с этой задачей?
My family supports my decisions.
Моя семья поддерживает мои решения.
He received strong support from his colleagues.
Он получил серьёзную поддержку от коллег.
Help – конкретное действие.
Support – более широкая и длительная поддержка.
Story
Social connections play an important role in personal and professional life. However, not every person we know can be described as a friend. Some people remain acquaintances, while others become close friends over time.
Irina values quality over quantity in her social circle. She has a few close friends whom she trusts completely. They support her decisions and provide honest feedback. At the same time, she maintains positive relationships with many acquaintances from work and university.
Irina understands the difference between help and support. When she moved to a new apartment, her friends helped her organise the process. However, during more challenging periods, they offered emotional support and regular communication.
She also believes that physical distance does not always affect emotional closeness. Although one of her closest friends lives in another city, they remain close and speak regularly. Meanwhile, some acquaintances live near her office, but their relationship remains professional.
Irina considers strong social connections an essential part of a balanced life. True friendship is based not only on proximity, but also on trust, consistency, and mutual support.
Useful Words and Expressions
close friend – близкий друг
mutual acquaintance – общий знакомый
social circle – круг общения
to maintain a relationship – поддерживать отношения
to trust someone – доверять кому-либо
emotional support – эмоциональная поддержка
to offer help – предлагать помощь
to provide support – оказывать поддержку
to stay in touch – поддерживать связь
physical distance – физическое расстояние
professional relationship – профессиональные отношения
to value quality over quantity – ценить качество больше количества
to organise a process – организовать процесс
balanced life – сбалансированная жизнь
regular communication – регулярное общение
to rely on someone – полагаться на кого-либо
mutual trust – взаимное доверие
long-term friendship – долгосрочная дружба
Exercises
Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.
He is not a close friend, just an ______ (friend / acquaintance).
We have been ______ (close / near) friends for many years.
The office is ______ (close / near) the main square.
She ______ (helped / supported) me with the report.
My colleagues ______ (help / support) my professional development.
We met through a mutual ______ (friend / acquaintance).
She lives ______ (close / near) the university.
He offered emotional ______ (help / support).
Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.
a) near friend
b) close friend
a) help someone emotionally (long-term encouragement)
b) support someone emotionally
a) acquaintance from work
b) friend from work (when not close)
a) live close the station
b) live near the station
a) provide support
b) make support
Exercise 3. Answer the questions.
How do you define a close friend?
What is the difference between help and support in your experience?
Do you prefer a large social circle or a small group of close friends?
How do you stay in touch with friends who live far away?
How important is mutual support in long-term relationships?
Answer Key
Exercise 1
acquaintance
close
near
helped
support
acquaintance
near
support
Exercise 2
b
b
a
b
a
Exercise 3 – Sample Answers
A close friend is someone I trust and communicate with regularly. Such a person understands my values and provides honest feedback.
Help is usually connected with a specific task, while support is more emotional and long-term. Both are important in strong relationships.
I prefer a small group of close friends. This allows for deeper and more meaningful connections.
I stay in touch through regular communication and scheduled conversations. Consistency helps maintain closeness despite physical distance.
Mutual support is essential in long-term relationships. It creates stability, trust, and emotional security.
Vocabulary Tip
Distinguish between emotional and physical meaning.
Close friend refers to emotional closeness, while near describes physical distance.
Problems and Challenges
Vocabulary Focus
1. Problem vs Issue
Problem – ситуация, требующая решения; обычно более серьёзная.
Issue – вопрос, тема для обсуждения или незначительная трудность; может быть менее критичной.
Examples:
The company faced a serious problem with its software.
Компания столкнулась с серьёзной проблемой в программном обеспечении.
We need to discuss some issues related to the project.
Нам нужно обсудить несколько вопросов, связанных с проектом.
Solving this problem will take time.
Решение этой проблемы займёт время.
There are several issues to address before the meeting.
Есть несколько вопросов, которые нужно обсудить перед встречей.
Problem – чаще о конкретной трудности.
Issue – может быть вопросом для обсуждения или менее критичной ситуацией.
2. Difficult vs Complicated
Difficult – трудный для выполнения или понимания.
Complicated – сложный, многоэтапный или запутанный.
Examples:
Learning a new language is difficult.
Учить новый язык трудно.
The instructions were complicated and hard to follow.
Инструкции были сложными и трудными для понимания.
He solved a difficult task quickly.
Он быстро решил трудное задание.
The process of applying for a visa is complicated.
Процесс получения визы сложен.
Difficult – про уровень сложности или усилий.
Complicated – про количество шагов, деталей и запутанность.
3. Avoid vs Prevent
Avoid – избегать чего-либо; действовать заранее, чтобы не столкнуться с проблемой.
Prevent – предотвращать; предпринимать меры, чтобы что-то не произошло.
Examples:
She avoided mistakes by double-checking her work.
Она избегала ошибок, проверяя работу дважды.
You should avoid conflicts at work.
Тебе следует избегать конфликтов на работе.
Vaccinations prevent serious diseases.
Вакцинация предотвращает серьёзные болезни.
Good planning can prevent misunderstandings.
Хорошее планирование может предотвратить недоразумения.
Avoid – личное действие или выбор.
Prevent – мера или система, снижающая вероятность проблемы.
Story
Alex is a project manager who often faces problems and challenges at work. One day, he encountered a serious problem: the software update caused unexpected errors. It was a difficult situation because the deadline was approaching, and the client was expecting results.
He first analysed the issue carefully. Although some aspects were complicated, he identified the main problem and prioritised tasks. By doing this, he avoided unnecessary stress for the team and prevented further delays.
Alex understands that not every difficulty is a real problem. Some issues, such as minor inconsistencies in reports, can be addressed later without affecting the overall project. However, complicated technical issues require structured planning and careful execution.
He also believes in proactive measures. Regular checks, clear communication, and risk analysis prevent problems from escalating. While challenges are inevitable, proper preparation allows him and his team to handle them effectively and calmly.
Reflecting on the experience, Alex concludes that differentiating between a problem and an issue, understanding the difference between difficult and complicated tasks, and taking steps to avoid or prevent errors are essential skills in professional life.
Useful Words and Expressions
problem-solving – решение проблем
technical issue – технический вопрос
difficult task – трудное задание
complicated process – сложный процесс
to prioritise tasks – расставлять приоритеты задач
to avoid stress – избегать стресса
to prevent delays – предотвращать задержки
unexpected error – неожиданная ошибка
risk analysis – анализ рисков
proactive measures – профилактические меры
structured planning – структурированное планирование
minor inconsistency – небольшое несоответствие
overall project – общий проект
to escalate a problem – усугубить проблему
regular checks – регулярные проверки
clear communication – ясное общение
professional life – профессиональная жизнь
Exercises
Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.
The team faced a serious ______ (problem / issue) with the new software.
Some minor ______ (problems / issues) can be discussed later.
This task is very ______ (difficult / complicated).
The instructions are ______ (difficult / complicated) to understand.
She avoided mistakes by double-checking her report.
Vaccinations ______ (avoid / prevent) serious illnesses.
Good planning can help ______ (avoid / prevent) misunderstandings.
Some ______ (problems / issues) are not urgent but need attention.
Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.
a) a complicated decision
b) a difficult decision (when about effort)
