Лексика и выражения английского языка. Практическое пособие для уровня B1–B2

a) avoid the consequences (personal choice)

b) prevent the consequences (through measures)

a) a difficult route (hard to walk)

b) a complicated route (many turns and intersections)

a) prevent conflicts by planning

b) avoid conflicts by planning

a) minor problem

b) minor issue (not urgent)

Exercise 3. Answer the questions.

How do you differentiate between a problem and an issue?

Describe a difficult or complicated task you have completed recently.

What steps do you take to avoid mistakes at work or in study?

Can you give an example of how planning prevents problems?

How do you stay calm when facing unexpected challenges?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

problem

issues

difficult

complicated

avoided

prevent

prevent

issues

Exercise 2

a

a

a / b (depending on context; difficult = effort, complicated = structure)

b

b

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

A problem is usually serious and needs immediate resolution, while an issue may be minor or less urgent.

I completed a complicated project report that required collecting data from multiple sources and analysing them. It was difficult because of time constraints.

I double-check my work, follow instructions carefully, and ask for clarification when needed.

Planning a presentation in advance prevents last-minute errors and ensures smooth delivery.

I stay calm by breaking tasks into smaller steps and focusing on solutions rather than stress.

Vocabulary Tip

Pay attention to nuance:

Problem = serious difficulty

Issue = minor or discussable point

Difficult = effort required

Complicated = complex structure

Avoid = personal action

Prevent = preventive measure

Understanding these subtle differences improves precision in professional and everyday communication.

Success and Failure

Vocabulary Focus

1. Fail vs Lose

Fail – не справиться с задачей, потерпеть неудачу.

Lose – потерять что-либо (материальное, статус, соревнование) или проиграть.

Examples:

She failed the exam because she did not study enough.

Она провалила экзамен, потому что недостаточно учила.

He fears failing in his new role.

Он боится потерпеть неудачу на новой должности.

Our team lost the match yesterday.

Наша команда проиграла матч вчера.

I lost my wallet on the train.

Я потерял кошелёк в поезде.

Fail = неспособность достичь цели.

Lose = утрата чего-либо или проигрыш.

2. Mistake vs Fault

Mistake – ошибка, неправильное действие или решение.

Fault – вина, ответственность за ошибку.

Examples:

I made a mistake in the report.

Я сделал ошибку в отчёте.

Everyone makes mistakes from time to time.

Каждый время от времени делает ошибки.

It was not my fault that the meeting was delayed.

Это не была моя вина, что встреча задержалась.

She admitted her fault and apologised.

Она признала свою вину и извинилась.

Mistake = действие, которое неверно.

Fault = ответственность за неправильное действие.

3. Experience vs Experiment

Experience – опыт, знания или навыки, полученные через практику.

Experiment – эксперимент, проба или исследование, часто научное.

Examples:

I gained valuable experience during my internship.

Я получил ценный опыт во время стажировки.

Traveling abroad is a good way to gain experience.

Путешествия за границей – хороший способ получить опыт.

The scientists conducted an experiment in the lab.

Учёные провели эксперимент в лаборатории.

We tried a new approach as an experiment.

Мы попробовали новый подход в качестве эксперимента.

Experience = результат практики.

Experiment = проверка идеи или гипотезы.

Story

Daniel is an entrepreneur who understands that success and failure are part of professional growth. Early in his career, he failed to secure a major client. Although he felt disappointed, he realised that failure is not the same as losing everything. Failure is a step in learning, while losing something is often temporary.

One of his mistakes was underestimating the project timeline. He took responsibility for his fault and analysed what went wrong. By doing so, he avoided repeating the same errors in future projects.

Over time, Daniel gained experience in managing teams, budgets, and client expectations. He also experimented with new marketing strategies. Some experiments were successful, while others failed, but each provided valuable lessons.

He learned that mistakes are inevitable, but acknowledging faults, gaining experience, and experimenting wisely lead to long-term success. Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the process. By viewing challenges as opportunities to learn, Daniel developed resilience and confidence.

Useful Words and Expressions

to fail a task – провалить задание

to lose a game – проиграть игру

to make a mistake – совершить ошибку

to admit a fault – признать вину

to gain experience – получать опыт

to conduct an experiment – проводить эксперимент

professional growth – профессиональный рост

project timeline – сроки проекта

to analyse what went wrong – анализировать ошибки

to repeat mistakes – повторять ошибки

to take responsibility – брать на себя ответственность

valuable lessons – ценные уроки

to develop resilience – развивать устойчивость

client expectations – ожидания клиента

to experiment with ideas – пробовать идеи

long-term success – долгосрочный успех

opportunities to learn – возможности для обучения

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

She ______ (failed / lost) the exam because she did not prepare.

I ______ (failed / lost) my keys yesterday.

He made a ______ (mistake / fault) in the report.

It was not my ______ (mistake / fault) that the computer crashed.

I gained valuable ______ (experience / experiment) during my internship.

The scientists conducted an ______ (experience / experiment) in the lab.

Our team ______ (lost / failed) the match last week.

Taking responsibility for your ______ (mistakes / faults) is important.

Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.

a) failed the opportunity

b) lost the opportunity

a) made a fault

b) made a mistake

a) gain an experience

b) gain experience

a) experiment in the project

b) conduct an experiment

a) losing confidence

b) failing confidence (when meaning «losing belief in yourself»)

Exercise 3. Answer the questions.

Can you describe a situation where you failed at something and what you learned?

How do you differentiate between a mistake and a fault?

Have you ever conducted an experiment in study or work? What was the outcome?

How does experience help you avoid repeating mistakes?

Do you believe failure is necessary for success? Why or why not?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

failed

lost

mistake

fault

experience

experiment

lost

mistakes

Exercise 2

b

b

b

b

a

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

I failed to meet a deadline at work once, but I learned to prioritise tasks and plan better.

A mistake is an action that is incorrect, while a fault is taking responsibility for a wrong action.

Yes, I conducted a small experiment to test a new study method. It helped me find a more effective approach.

Experience helps me recognise patterns, anticipate problems, and act wisely to prevent errors.

Yes, failure teaches lessons that success cannot. It builds resilience and provides opportunities to improve.

Vocabulary Tip

Remember subtle distinctions:

Fail = not succeed

Lose = misplace or be defeated

Mistake = error made

Fault = responsibility for error

Experience = gained knowledge

Experiment = trial or test

Jobs and Careers

Vocabulary Focus

1. Job vs Work vs Career

Job – конкретная работа или должность, которую человек выполняет.

Work – деятельность или процесс выполнения задач, может быть любым видом работы.

Career – профессиональная деятельность в течение жизни; путь развития и опыта.

Examples:

She has a part-time job at a bookstore.

У неё есть подработка в книжном магазине.

I have a lot of work to finish today.

У меня сегодня много работы.

He is building a career in medicine.

Он строит карьеру в медицине.

Job = конкретная позиция.

Work = процесс выполнения задач.

Career = долгосрочное развитие в профессии.

2. Earn vs Gain

Earn – получать вознаграждение, деньги, чаще за труд или работу.

Gain – приобретать опыт, навыки или достижения, не обязательно деньги.

Examples:

She earns a good salary at her job.

Она хорошо зарабатывает на своей работе.

I earned respect from my colleagues.

Я заслужил уважение коллег.

He gained valuable experience during the internship.

Он получил ценный опыт во время стажировки.

You can gain knowledge by reading regularly.

Можно получить знания, читая регулярно.

Earn = материальная или социальная награда.

Gain = приобретение навыков, опыта или ценностей.

3. Employer vs Employee

Employer – работодатель, компания или человек, нанимающий сотрудников.

Employee – работник, человек, который выполняет работу и получает за это оплату.

Examples:

The employer offered additional training to all employees.

Работодатель предложил дополнительное обучение всем сотрудникам.

Employees are expected to follow company rules.

От сотрудников ожидается соблюдение правил компании.

The employer is responsible for providing a safe working environment.

Работодатель отвечает за безопасные условия труда.

Employees should communicate any issues to their employer.

Сотрудники должны сообщать о проблемах работодателю.

Employer = сторона, дающая работу.

Employee = сторона, выполняющая работу.

Story

Maria recently graduated and started her career in marketing. She found a part-time job to gain practical experience while continuing her studies. The job allowed her to earn money and develop professional skills simultaneously.

Her employer emphasised the importance of teamwork and communication. Maria, as an employee, made every effort to meet deadlines and contribute to the projects. She gained confidence and knowledge, which became the foundation of her career.

Over time, she realised that a job is only one aspect of professional life. True career development requires learning, networking, and taking on challenging tasks. By observing her employer and experienced colleagues, Maria learned to approach tasks systematically and gain practical insights.

She also noticed the difference between earning money and gaining experience. While her salary was important, the professional knowledge and skills she acquired were invaluable. Maria understood that career growth is a long-term process that requires patience, dedication, and continuous learning.

Useful Words and Expressions

part-time job – работа неполный день

full-time job – работа полный день

career development – развитие карьеры

professional skills – профессиональные навыки

to earn a salary – получать зарплату

to gain experience – получать опыт

employee benefits – льготы для сотрудников

teamwork – командная работа

to meet deadlines – выполнять задачи в срок

to contribute to a project – вносить вклад в проект

employer responsibilities – обязанности работодателя

safe working environment – безопасные условия труда

career path – карьерный путь

to acquire knowledge – приобретать знания

job satisfaction – удовлетворение работой

long-term process – долгосрочный процесс

continuous learning – непрерывное обучение

Exercises

Exercise 1. Choose the correct word.

She has a part-time ______ (job / career / work) at the library.

I have a lot of ______ (job / work / career) to do today.

He is building a ______ (job / work / career) in finance.

She ______ (earned / gained) a promotion after months of effort.

During the internship, I ______ (earned / gained) valuable skills.

The ______ (employer / employee) provides training for new staff.

Each ______ (employer / employee) must follow the company rules.

Maria’s job allowed her to ______ (earn / gain) money and experience.

Exercise 2. Choose the more natural option.

a) earn experience

b) gain experience

a) job in medicine (position)

b) career in medicine (long-term development)

a) employees should report to the employer

b) employers should report to the employee

a) earn a salary

b) gain a salary

a) full-time career

b) full-time job

Exercise 3. Answer the questions.

What is the difference between a job and a career?

How do you earn money and gain experience at the same time?

What qualities are important for employees in any workplace?

How can an employer support employees’ career development?

Have you ever gained important skills through a job or internship?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

job

work

career

earned

gained

employer

employee

earn / gain

Exercise 2

b

b

a

a

b

Exercise 3 – Sample Answers

A job is a specific position or role, while a career is long-term professional development.

By working part-time while studying or volunteering, I can earn money and gain practical experience.

Important qualities include responsibility, communication skills, teamwork, and the ability to meet deadlines.

An employer can offer training, mentoring, clear guidance, and opportunities for challenging projects.

Yes, during my internship I gained skills in project management and professional communication that will help in my career.

Vocabulary Tip

Distinguish between tangible and intangible outcomes:

Earn = receive money or reward

Gain = acquire skills, knowledge, or experience

Remember: a job is short-term, career is long-term, work is the process. Writing short sentences using these words helps reinforce their correct usage.

Responsibilities and Duties

Vocabulary Focus

1. Responsible for vs In charge of

Responsible for – отвечать за выполнение задачи, обязанность, за которую человек несёт ответственность.

In charge of – быть главным, руководить чем-либо; управлять процессом или людьми.

Examples:

She is responsible for preparing the monthly reports.

Она отвечает за подготовку ежемесячных отчётов.

I am in charge of the marketing department.

Я руковожу отделом маркетинга.

He is responsible for submitting the project on time.

Он отвечает за своевременную сдачу проекта.

Who is in charge of the new project?

Кто отвечает за новый проект?

Responsible for = личная обязанность.

In charge of = формальная роль руководства или управления.

2. Duty vs Responsibility

Duty – обязанность, формальная или моральная, то, что человек должен делать.

Responsibility – ответственность за выполнение задачи и её последствия; более широкий термин.

Examples:

It is my duty to inform the team about changes.

Мой долг – информировать команду об изменениях.

Teachers have a duty to protect their students.

У учителей есть обязанность защищать своих учеников.