Practical English: Real Life Communication

Дизайнер обложки Андрей Маккензи

© Anastasia McKenzie, 2025

© Andrey McKenzie, 2025

© Андрей Маккензи, дизайн обложки, 2025

ISBN 978-5-0067-6731-7

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Предисловие

Настоящее учебное пособие предназначено для старших школьников, студентов и взрослых с уровнем владения английским языком не ниже среднего. Оно может использоваться в качестве дополнительного материала в различных формах обучения. Основная цель пособия – развитие умений устного повседневного общения на современном английском языке нейтрального и разговорного регистра.

В книге представлены практические задания, направленные на формирование лексических навыков и развитие речевых умений в типичных ситуациях повседневного общения. Пособие рассчитано на широкий круг читателей, уже знакомых с основными лексико-грамматическими явлениями английского языка. В нем отсутствуют устаревшие и сугубо литературные выражения.

Учебное пособие состоит из 15 тематических блоков с упражнениями, способствующими развитию устной речи в различных сферах повседневного общения.

Авторы

This textbook is intended for high school students, university students, and adults with at least an intermediate level of English. It can be used as supplementary material in various learning environments. The main goal of the book is to develop oral communication skills for everyday situations in modern, neutral, and conversational English.

The book offers practical exercises aimed at building vocabulary and improving speaking skills in typical daily contexts. It is designed for a wide range of learners who are already familiar with the basic lexical and grammatical structures of English. The textbook does not include outdated or strictly literary expressions.

The material is organized into 15 thematic units, each containing exercises to help develop oral communication skills for everyday life.

Authors

1. Socializing and Making Friends

to get acquainted with someone – познакомиться с кем-л.

to know someone / to get to know someone – знать / узнать кого-л.

to be friends with someone – дружить с кем-л.

to become / to make friends with someone – подружиться с кем-л.

to meet (with) someone – встретиться с кем-л., познакомиться

to shake hands / to shake someone’s hand – жать руку

to spend time with someone – проводить время с кем-л.

to introduce oneself – представиться

to introduce someone to someone – представить кого-л. кому-л.

to address someone – обращаться к кому-л.

to talk to someone – говорить, заговаривать с кем-л.

to chat with someone – болтать с кем-л.

to invite someone – пригласить кого-л.

to break the ice – разрядить обстановку

to strike up a conversation – завести разговор

to get along with someone – ладить с кем-то

to keep in touch – поддерживать связь

to make a good impression – произвести хорошее впечатление

to invite someone out – пригласить кого-то на встречу

to hang out with friends – проводить время с друзьями

to share interests – делиться интересами

to have a lot in common – иметь много общего

to be open-minded – быть открытым к новым идеям

to offer support – предложить поддержку

to express gratitude – выразить благодарность

to be a good listener – быть хорошим слушателем

to plan a get-together – запланировать встречу

to attend an event – посетить мероприятие

to share – делиться

to listen – слушать

to compliment – делать комплимент

to apologize – извиняться

to resolve conflicts – разрешать конфликты

friendship – дружба

acquaintance – знакомый, ая

colleague – коллега

conversation – разговор

small talk – светская беседа

gathering – встреча

event – мероприятие

common interests – общие интересы

trust – доверие

support – поддержка

Example: This is my girlfriend, we got to know each other at University. 1) Who is it? Where did you meet? 2) They started dating after the first year at University. They are planning to get married.

1. To break the ice, I told a funny story at the beginning of the meeting.

2. I always try to strike up a conversation with new classmates to make them feel welcome.

3. It’s important to get along with someone if you’re going to work together on a project.

4. I make an effort to keep in touch with my friends from high school, even though we live in different cities.

5. I wanted to make a good impression during my job interview, so I dressed professionally and prepared my answers.

6. I decided to invite my colleague out for coffee to discuss our project in a more relaxed setting.

7. On weekends, I love to hang out with friends and explore new places in the city.

8. It’s great to share interests with someone; it makes conversations much more enjoyable.

9. We have a lot in common, which is why we became friends so quickly.

10. Being open-minded helps me appreciate different perspectives and ideas from others.

11. I always try to offer support to my friends when they are going through tough times.

12. It’s important to express gratitude to those who help you along the way.

13. To be a good listener, I make sure to give my full attention when someone is speaking to me.

214. I’m planning a get-together at my house next weekend, and I hope everyone can come.

15. I’m excited to attend an event next month that focuses on environmental conservation.

Questions:

1. What do you enjoy most when you meet new people for the first time?

2. Can you describe how you usually make new friends? Is it easy or difficult for you?

3. In what places do you usually prefer to meet new friends, and why?

4. Have you ever made friends online? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of that?

5. How do you feel about talking to strangers in public places like buses or subways? Can you explain your opinion?

6. Do you have close friends at work or school? How did you become good friends?

7. How often do you meet your friends or coworkers outside of work or school? What do you usually do together?

8. Can you tell me about a favorite place where you like to go with your friends during free time?

9. Are you currently in a romantic relationship? If yes, how did you meet your partner?

10. What do you remember about your first meeting with your boyfriend or girlfriend?

11. Have you experienced breaking up with someone? What were the reasons, and how did you feel?

12. In your opinion, what are some common reasons why people decide to end a relationship?

13. What kind of activities or places do you think are good for a first date? Why?

14. Do you know how your parents met each other? Can you tell that story?

Answers:

a. If someone smokes too much, drinks too much alcohol, fights, or cheats on me.

b. I have a boyfriend; he’s my soulmate.

c. I broke up with my boyfriend/girlfriend because my parents didn’t like him/her.

d. I like to go to a cozy coffee shop and have a lovely chat.

e. I make friends on the Internet, but I never meet them in person.

f. Not at all; I can easily start a conversation with a stranger anywhere.

g. I’m friends with everybody at the office/school. My best friend lives abroad now. We don’t communicate often, but sometimes I call her and we chat on WhatsApp.

h. I prefer to meet new people in person, for example, at a party, at school, at work, or on vacation.

i. I rarely see my friends; I chat with them online.

j. They met at work. They used to work at the university. After they got married, my dad went to the army, and my mom kept working at the same place.

k. I like to meet new people because I’m very outgoing.

l. It’s easy for me to make friends.

m. We met at our friend’s party.

n. Sometimes we meet at the gym or in the swimming pool.

1. Friend – acquaintance – colleague – stranger.

2. Bye – what’s up – see you later – good bye.

3. To talk – to chat – to meet – to communicate.

4. To get to know somebody – to invite somebody – to make friends – to meet somebody

1. You can’t meet new people on the Internet.

2. It’s possible to meet in a coffee shop.

3. It’s necessary to say hello to people.

4. It’s unnecessary to say good bye.

5. You can chat on the phone all day long.

6. It’s impossible to meet new people on the Internet.

7. You can order anything you want in the restaurant if your friend invited you.

8. You can chat, laugh and be loud in the restaurant.

9. Men and women can’t be just friends.

10. It’s useless to spend time with friends.

Dialogue 1:

– Nice to meet you, Alex! I’m Jamie.

– Hi! I’m Alex. What’s your name?

– What do you like to do in your free time?

– I enjoy playing soccer and hanging out with friends.

Dialogue 2:

– Yes, I am! What do you have in mind?

– That sounds great! I can bring some snacks.

– Are you free this weekend?

– I was thinking of having a small gathering at my place.

Dialogue 3:

– Oh, that’s cool! I love meeting new people at parties.

– We met at university. We were in the same study group.

– How do you know the host?

– Me too! It’s a great way to socialize.

Dialogue 4:

– I’d like to make it up to you. Can we go out for coffee?

– It’s okay! I understand you were busy.

– I’m really sorry for missing your birthday party.

– That would be nice! Let’s plan it for next week.

Dialogue 5:

– Hey Jeff!

– Let’s grab something to eat! Are you with me?

– What’s up?

– Oh nothing! And you?

– Me neither!

– Hey Dan!

– Yeah, I definitely need some coffee.

Dialogue 6:

– Hello! Are you a student here?

– My name is Nina, nice to meet you! What’s yours?

– What’s your name?

– Nice to meet you too! My name is Nicolas.

– Do you know where the dining-hall is?

– Hello! Yes, I’m a first year student, and you?

– Me too!

– Sure, let me show you. I was going there to get something to eat.

Example: I am currently studying at the university to improve my skills.

1. Write a sentence about where you are currently studying or your future plans.

2. Make a sentence talking about your origins or nationality.

3. Say a full sentence about your nationality.

4. Write about your main subject or field of study.

5. Describe where and when you study English.

6. Write a sentence about your desire to improve your English speaking skills.

7. Make a sentence about where you met someone.

8. Write about how you keep in touch with friends.

9. Describe your feelings about talking or communicating with others.

Invite, meet, get, chat, spend, talk, make

1. This is my friend. We first… on the Internet. 2. These are my friends. I… to know them many years ago. 3. I’m a student, I’ve got 20 classmates in my group. I… friends with all of them. 4. I have a girlfriend / boyfriend. We… time at coffee shops. 5. My parents live far away. We often… online. 6. Sometimes we… with my dad on the phone. 7. He met a girl. He wants to… her to the restaurant.

to bond, gathering, acquaintance, to get to know, to invite, to hang out, to express an opinion, socialize, to keep in touch, common interests

1. It’s important to… with others to build strong relationships.

2. I met an… at the party last week, and we exchanged phone numbers.

3. We are planning a small… at my house this weekend.

4. Finding… can help you connect with new friends.

5. I would like… with you better; let’s grab coffee sometime.

6. It’s great to… with people who share similar hobbies.

7. Don’t forget… your friends to the event next week.

8. I love to… with my friends at the park on weekends.

9. It’s important… respectfully during discussions.

10. I try… with my old friends, even if we live far apart.

1. We first met during our time at university while attending the same courses.

2. Yes, I have quite a few close friends from different parts of my life, including school and my neighborhood.

3. I got to know my classmates gradually by working on group projects and spending time together outside of class.

4. No, I’m currently single and focusing on my studies and personal goals.

5. No, I’m not married at the moment, but I hope to settle down in the future.

6. Yes, I’m free this evening and would love to catch up or relax after a busy day.

7. I’m really tied up at the moment with some urgent tasks, but I’ll give you a call as soon as I’m free.

8. No, that’s not my husband; he’s actually a coworker from my department.

1. We decided to organize a gathering to celebrate our friendship.

2. I enjoy socializing with people who share my interests in music and art.

3. It’s important to keep in touch with friends, even if we live far apart.

4. I often invite my friends over for movie nights at my place.

5. We like to hang out at the local café after school.

6. I believe it’s essential to express an opinion during group discussions.

7. Finding common interests helps to strengthen friendships.

8. I try to bond with my colleagues by joining them for lunch.

9. Making new friends can sometimes be challenging, but it’s worth the effort.

At John’s birthday party.

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