Современный английский для подростков. Лексика, грамматика и общение

New Words and Expressions

upload — загружать файл в интернет

Ben uploads the presentation to the group chat.

reply — отвечать

Ben stops replying to the messages.

notification — уведомление

A new notification appears on Mia’s phone.

get involved in an argument — вмешиваться в спор

Mia does not want to get involved in an argument.

unfair — несправедливый

She thinks Leo’s comment is unfair.

rude — грубый

The short message sounds rude.

upset somebody — расстроить кого-либо

Leo does not mean to upset Ben.

react strongly — остро реагировать

Ben admits that he reacted too strongly.

tone of voice — тон голоса

A person’s tone of voice can show that they are joking.

facial expression — выражение лица

We cannot see facial expressions in written messages.

clear communication — понятное общение

Teamwork requires clear communication.

think before doing something — думать перед совершением действия

People should think before posting a message.

Grammar Focus

Past Simple

Используем Past Simple для завершённых действий в прошлом.

Ben uploaded the presentation.

Leo wrote an unfriendly comment.

Ben left the group chat.

Leo apologised to Ben.

Правильные глаголы получают окончание -ed:

work — worked;

apologise — apologised;

reply — replied.

Некоторые неправильные глаголы:

send — sent;

write — wrote;

leave — left;

feel — felt;

think — thought;

say — said.

Past Continuous

Используем Past Continuous для действий, которые происходили в определённый момент в прошлом.

Sofia was working on the presentation.

Mia was choosing photographs.

Ben was sitting by the window.

The students were discussing the project.

Past Continuous + Past Simple

Продолжительное действие часто служит фоном для короткого завершённого действия.

While Mia was writing a message, a notification appeared.

Ben was reading a book when Leo entered the classroom.

The students were having lunch when Leo apologised.

Exercise 1. Reading Comprehension

Ответьте на вопросы.

What were the four students preparing?

What job was each student doing?

Why did Leo criticise Ben’s presentation?

Why did Sofia think Leo should apologise?

Why did Mia hesitate to join the discussion?

What did Ben do after reading the messages?

What did the teacher say about online messages?

Why did Leo’s joke sound rude?

How did Leo sort out the problem?

What rule did he add to the group chat?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения.

Sofia’s group was preparing a science presentation.

Ben spent two hours designing the slides.

Sofia thought that Leo’s message was friendly.

Mia immediately joined the argument.

Ben left the group chat.

The teacher explained why online messages can be misunderstood.

Leo wanted to upset Ben.

Ben returned to the chat after Leo apologised.

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Word

Ben uploaded the first version / notification of the presentation.

Leo’s message sounded rude / careful.

Mia did not want to get involved in an argument / expression.

Written messages do not show a person’s tone of voice / chat.

Leo did not mean to upset / upload Ben.

Ben admitted that he had reacted too strongly / clearly.

Leo gave Ben a sincere apology / reply rule.

Clear communication can prevent a misunderstanding / presentation.

Exercise 4. Complete the Expressions

Используйте слова из списка.

argument, before, communication, feelings, problem, strongly, voice, twice

hurt somebody’s __________

get involved in an __________

clear __________

tone of __________

react too __________

sort out a __________

think __________ sending a message

read a message __________

Exercise 5. Past Simple or Past Continuous

Раскройте скобки.

Sofia __________ on the presentation when Ben uploaded the slides.

WORK

The students __________ the project in their group chat.

DISCUSS

Leo __________ an unkind message.

WRITE

Ben __________ replying after he read the comment.

STOP

While Mia __________ to write a careful reply, a notification appeared.

TRY

Ben __________ by the window when Leo entered the room.

SIT

Leo __________ to Ben during lunchtime.

APOLOGISE

After their conversation, Ben __________ to the group chat.

RETURN

Exercise 6. Complete the Text

Используйте слова из списка.

apologise, expressions, feelings, jokes, messages, misunderstanding, rude, voice

Online communication is fast and convenient, but written (1) __________ can sometimes cause problems. When we communicate online, we cannot hear a person’s tone of (2) __________ or see their facial (3) __________.

For this reason, friendly (4) __________ may sound serious or even (5) __________. A small (6) __________ can hurt somebody’s (7) __________. People should read their words carefully before sending them. If a message causes a problem, it is important to explain what you meant and (8) __________ sincerely.

Exercise 7. Translate into English

Ученики обсуждали проект в групповом чате.

Бен два часа работал над презентацией.

Сообщение Лео прозвучало грубо.

Мия не хотела вмешиваться в спор.

Пока она писала ответ, Бен вышел из чата.

Письменные сообщения легко понять неправильно.

Лео не хотел расстраивать своего друга.

Он извинился, и друзья уладили проблему.

Speaking Practice

Ответьте на вопросы.

Why are written messages sometimes misunderstood?

Should people discuss serious problems in group chats?

How can someone apologise sincerely?

What rules should students follow when communicating online?

Is it acceptable to joke about another person’s work?

What should you do if a friend sends you an upsetting message?

Useful Speaking Phrases

Written messages can be misunderstood because…

Before sending a message, people should…

If somebody’s words upset me, I would…

A sincere apology should…

The best way to sort out the problem is…

People should respect other users’ feelings.

Writing Practice

Напишите сообщение однокласснику объёмом 80—100 слов.

Представьте, что вы написали неудачную шутку в групповом чате. В сообщении:

извинитесь;

объясните, что вы хотели сказать;

признайте, почему сообщение прозвучало обидно;

предложите уладить ситуацию.

Answers

Exercise 1

They were preparing a history presentation about Brighton’s old cinema.

Sofia was organising the project, Mia was choosing photographs, Leo was looking for facts, and Ben was designing the slides.

He was trying to make a joke.

His message sounded rude and Ben had worked hard on the slides.

She was new to the group and did not want to get involved in an argument.

He left the group chat.

She said that messages can be misunderstood because people cannot hear the tone of voice or see facial expressions.

Ben could only see Leo’s words and could not see that he was smiling.

He spoke to Ben and apologised sincerely.

«Read your message twice before you send it.»

Exercise 2

False

True

False

False

True

True

False

True

Exercise 3

version

rude

argument

voice

upset

strongly

apology

misunderstanding

Exercise 4

feelings

argument

communication

voice

strongly

problem

before

twice

Exercise 5

was working

were discussing

wrote

stopped

was trying

was sitting

apologised

returned

Exercise 6

messages

voice

expressions

jokes

rude

misunderstanding

feelings

apologise

Exercise 7. Возможные варианты ответа

The students were discussing the project in their group chat.

Ben worked on the presentation for two hours.

Leo’s message sounded rude.

Mia did not want to get involved in the argument.

While she was writing a reply, Ben left the chat.

Written messages can easily be misunderstood.

Leo did not mean to upset his friend.

He apologised, and the friends sorted out the problem.

Writing Practice. Возможный вариант ответа

Hi Ben,

I’m sorry about the message I sent yesterday. I was trying to make a joke, but I understand that my words sounded rude. You spent a lot of time working on the presentation, and I should not have criticised it in the group chat. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or suggest that your work was bad. The slides actually look great. Can we talk at school tomorrow and sort out the problem? I hope we can continue working together.

Leo

Lesson 3. A Weekend Without a Phone

Level: A2—B1

Topic: Digital habits and free time

Grammar Focus: Present Perfect

Before You Read

Изучите слова и ответьте на вопросы.

screen time — время перед экраном

social media — социальные сети

check notifications — проверять уведомления

digital habit — цифровая привычка

switch off a device — выключать устройство

spend time together — проводить время вместе

How much time do you spend using your phone every day?

Could you spend an entire weekend without it?

What activities can replace screen time?

A Weekend Without a Phone

It is Friday evening, and Leo is sitting on the sofa with his phone in his hand. He is watching short videos, replying to messages and checking the latest sports news. The television is on, but he is not paying attention to it.

His older sister, Emma, enters the room.

«You’ve been looking at that screen since dinner,» she says.

«No, I haven’t.»

«Yes, you have. I’ve walked past this room three times, and you haven’t moved.»

Leo looks at the time and is surprised. Nearly two hours have passed.

Their mother comes into the room carrying a small wooden box.

«I have an idea,» she says. «This weekend, we’re all going to take a break from our phones.»

Leo stares at her. «For the whole weekend?»

«Until Sunday evening. We’ll put our phones in this box.»

«What if someone needs to contact us?»

«We’ll keep one phone for emergencies. The others will remain switched off.»

Emma immediately agrees, but Leo is less enthusiastic. He has never spent an entire day without checking his messages. His basketball team is planning its next training session, and his classmates are discussing their history project.

«What am I supposed to do all weekend?» he asks.

His mother smiles. «You might discover something.»

On Saturday morning, Leo wakes up and automatically reaches for his phone. Then he remembers that it is downstairs in the box. He lies in bed for a few minutes, wondering whether anyone has sent him a message.

After breakfast, his father suggests going for a walk along the coast. At first, Leo is bored. He has walked this route many times, and he cannot take photographs or listen to music. However, after a while, he begins to notice things he has previously ignored: the sound of the waves, the birds above the water and the small boats near the beach.

The family stops at a café. Usually, everyone looks at their phone while waiting for food. Today, they talk instead. Emma tells them about a school play she has recently joined. Leo realises that she has mentioned it before, but he has never asked her about it.

In the afternoon, it starts raining. Leo expects the rest of the day to be terrible, but Emma finds an old board game in a cupboard. The family has not played it for years.

At first, nobody remembers the rules. Soon, they are arguing, laughing and trying to win. Their father loses three times and demands another game.

On Sunday, Leo helps his mother prepare lunch. He has never cooked a complete meal before, but he enjoys chopping vegetables and making a sauce. Later, he reads several chapters of a book he started months ago but never finished.

By Sunday evening, Leo is ready to get his phone back. He opens the box and immediately sees dozens of notifications. However, he does not check them straight away.

«Well?» Emma asks. «Have you survived?»

«Just,» Leo replies. «But the weekend wasn’t as bad as I expected.»

«What have you learned?»

Leo thinks for a moment.

«I’ve learned that I check my phone without thinking. I’ve also learned that Dad is terrible at board games.»

«I heard that!» their father calls from the kitchen.

Leo laughs. He has enjoyed the weekend, but he is not planning to give up his phone completely. Instead, he decides to switch it off during family meals and stop using it before bedtime.

A weekend without a phone has not changed his whole life, but it has changed one important habit.

New Words and Expressions

pay attention to something — обращать внимание на что-либо

Leo is not paying attention to the television.

take a break from something — сделать перерыв в чём-либо

The family takes a break from their phones.

emergency — чрезвычайная ситуация

They keep one phone for emergencies.

automatically — автоматически, не задумываясь

Leo automatically reaches for his phone.

ignore — не замечать, игнорировать

Leo notices things he has previously ignored.

coast — морское побережье

The family goes for a walk along the coast.

board game — настольная игра

Emma finds an old board game.

cupboard — шкаф

The game is inside a cupboard.

survive — пережить, выдержать

Emma asks whether Leo has survived the weekend.

give something up — отказаться от чего-либо

Leo does not want to give up his phone completely.

straight away — сразу

He does not check his notifications straight away.

without thinking — не задумываясь

Leo often checks his phone without thinking.

Grammar Focus

Present Perfect

Present Perfect описывает:

жизненный опыт;

результат действия, важный сейчас;

действие в незавершённый период;

событие, произошедшее недавно.

Формула:

have/has + V3

I have finished.

She has joined.

We have discovered.

He has not checked.

Примеры из рассказа

Leo has never spent an entire day without his phone.

Emma has recently joined a school play.

The family has not played the game for years.

Leo has learned something about his habits.

The weekend has changed one important habit.

Наречия Present Perfect

already — уже

I have already finished the book.

just — только что

She has just sent a message.

yet — уже, ещё

Have you finished yet?

I haven’t finished yet.

ever — когда-либо

Have you ever spent a day without your phone?

never — никогда

I have never tried this activity.

recently — недавно

He has recently started a new hobby.

Exercise 1. Reading Comprehension

Ответьте на вопросы.

What is Leo doing at the beginning of the story?

What challenge does his mother suggest?

Why does the family keep one phone?

What does Leo do immediately after waking up?

What does he notice during the walk?

What has Emma recently joined?

How does the family spend the rainy afternoon?

What new activity does Leo try on Sunday?

Why does he not check his notifications immediately?

What habits does Leo decide to change?

Exercise 2. True or False

Определите, верны ли утверждения.

Leo watches videos for nearly two hours.

The family switches off every phone in the house.

Leo is pleased about the challenge from the beginning.

The family goes for a walk along the coast.

Emma has recently joined a sports team.

The family regularly plays the old board game.

Leo prepares part of Sunday’s meal.

He decides to stop using a phone completely.

Exercise 3. Choose the Correct Word

Leo is not paying attention / emergency to the television.

The family decides to take a break / habit from its phones.

Leo reaches for his phone automatically / recently.

During the walk, he notices things he has previously ignored / survived.

Emma finds a board game in a cupboard / coast.

Leo does not check his notifications straight away / off.

He does not want to give his phone up / out completely.

Leo often checks his phone without thinking / paying.

Exercise 4. Complete the Expressions

Используйте слова из списка.

attention, away, break, emergency, habit, thinking, time, up

pay __________

take a __________

screen __________

digital __________

give something __________

straight __________

without __________

in an __________

Exercise 5. Complete the Sentences

Поставьте глаголы в Present Perfect.

Leo __________ never __________ a day without his phone before.

SPEND

Emma __________ recently __________ a school play.

JOIN

The family __________ not __________ the board game for years.

PLAY

Leo __________ several interesting things during the weekend.

NOTICE

He __________ a complete meal for the first time.

COOK

__________ you ever __________ a break from social media?

TAKE

Leo __________ not __________ his messages yet.

CHECK

The experience __________ one of his habits.

CHANGE

Exercise 6. Choose the Correct Word

Leo has already / yet put his phone in the box.

He has not checked his notifications already / yet.

Emma has recently / ever joined a school play.

Have you ever / never spent a weekend without the internet?

I have never / yet tried to switch off my phone for a whole day.

The family has just / yet finished another board game.

Leo has already / ever noticed a change in his habits.

His father has not won a game just / yet.

Exercise 7. Complete the Text

Используйте слова из списка.

attention, break, habits, notifications, offline, screen, together, without

Many people check their phones (1) __________ thinking. They look at new (2) __________, open social media applications and spend more time in front of a (3) __________ than they intended.

Taking a short (4) __________ from digital devices can help people understand their online (5) __________. During this time, they can pay more (6) __________ to their surroundings, enjoy activities (7) __________ and spend time with family or friends.

Living permanently (8) __________ is not necessary, but regular phone-free periods can be useful.

Exercise 8. Translate into English

Лео никогда раньше не проводил целый день без телефона.

Его семья решила сделать перерыв в использовании устройств.

Эмма недавно присоединилась к школьной театральной постановке.

Семья уже сыграла несколько настольных игр.