Джонас Тичерман Лексика английского языка уровня B2. Учебное пособие для расширения словарного запаса

Story

Starting a new life in a different city can be both exciting and overwhelming. When I arrived in the city, everything felt unfamiliar: the streets, the buildings, and even the way people spoke. Although I had planned this move carefully, I still felt a mixture of confidence and uncertainty.

On my first morning, I woke up early and looked out of the window. The city was already alive. People were walking quickly to work, cars were moving through busy streets, and cafés were opening their doors. I realized that life here had a faster rhythm than in my hometown. I had to adapt quickly if I wanted to feel comfortable.

My first task was to find a small apartment. I had already booked a temporary place online, but I needed something permanent. I spent the whole day walking around different neighborhoods, visiting buildings, and talking to agents. Some apartments were too expensive, others were too far from the center. However, I did not give up. I reminded myself that every new beginning requires patience.

In the afternoon, I stopped at a small café to rest. The atmosphere was warm and calm, which was a contrast to the busy streets outside. While drinking coffee, I observed people around me. Some were reading books, others were working on laptops. I felt like I was slowly becoming part of this new environment.

Later that day, I met a local agent who showed me a small apartment near a park. It was not perfect, but it was clean, bright, and affordable. Most importantly, it felt like a place where I could start building my new routine. I decided to rent it immediately.

That evening, I walked back through the city. The lights were turning on, and the streets looked different from the morning. I felt tired, but also satisfied. I had completed my first important step in this new city.

Although I still missed my old home, I understood something important: a new city does not become home in one day. It becomes home through small actions, decisions, and experiences. And today was the beginning of that process.

Useful Words and Expressions

unfamiliar — незнакомый

overwhelming — подавляющий, вызывающий сильные эмоции

mixture — смесь

uncertainty — неопределённость

to adapt — адаптироваться

rhythm of life — ритм жизни

temporary — временный

permanent — постоянный

neighborhood — район

agent — агент, посредник

affordable — доступный по цене

to give up — сдаваться

patience — терпение

atmosphere — атмосфера

contrast — контраст

environment — окружение

routine — рутина, распорядок

to observe — наблюдать

satisfied — удовлетворённый

decision — решение

to settle in — обустроиться

to rent — арендовать

busy streets — оживлённые улицы

to feel at home — чувствовать себя как дома

experience — опыт

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Choose the correct word from the list:

(adapt, neighborhood, affordable, uncertainty, atmosphere)

Moving to a new city often causes a feeling of __________.

I need time to __________ to my new environment.

The apartment is nice and __________ for a student.

We walked through a quiet __________ near the park.

The café had a very calm __________.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Why did the narrator visit different apartments?

A) To meet friends

B) To find a permanent place to live

C) To work as an agent

D) To travel for fun

What was the main problem with some apartments?

A) They were too small

B) They were too expensive or far away

C) They were already rented

D) They had no furniture

Where did the narrator rest during the day?

A) In a park

B) In a hotel

C) In a café

D) In a library

Exercise 3: Open Questions (Answer in 2—3 sentences)

Why did the narrator feel both excited and nervous in the new city?

What difficulties did the narrator face when looking for an apartment?

Why did the narrator decide to rent the apartment near the park?

How did the city feel different at night compared to the morning?

What does the narrator learn about adapting to a new place?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

uncertainty

adapt

affordable

neighborhood

atmosphere

Exercise 2

B

B

C

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

The narrator felt excited because of new opportunities and nervous because everything was unfamiliar. The combination of hope and uncertainty created mixed emotions. This is typical for major life changes such as moving to a new city.

The narrator faced difficulties such as high prices, inconvenient locations, and limited availability. These factors made the search longer and more tiring than expected. However, persistence helped continue the search.

The apartment near the park was clean, bright, and affordable. It also provided a peaceful environment suitable for building a new routine. These qualities made it a practical and comfortable choice.

At night, the city felt calmer and visually different because of the lights. The atmosphere became more peaceful compared to the busy morning. This change created a sense of completion for the day.

The narrator learns that adapting to a new place takes time and consistent effort. Home is created gradually through experiences and daily actions. Patience and openness are essential in this process.

Story

I had not planned to change my job that year. In fact, I was relatively satisfied with my current position, even though it was not perfect. The work was stable, my colleagues were friendly, and I had developed a comfortable routine. However, life often introduces changes when we least expect them.

One ordinary afternoon, I received an email that immediately caught my attention. It was from a company I had never applied to directly. At first, I assumed it was a mistake or some kind of automated message. But as I read further, I realized they were offering me an interview for a position in their international department.

I was surprised. I had not actively looked for new opportunities, yet this offer seemed both professional and well-timed. The role involved communication with international clients, project coordination, and occasional travel. It sounded challenging, but also promising.

I spent the next few days thinking carefully about whether I should accept the interview. On one hand, I did not want to leave my comfort zone. On the other hand, I understood that growth usually requires risk. I discussed the situation with a close friend, who encouraged me to at least explore the opportunity.

Eventually, I decided to attend the interview. I prepared thoroughly, reviewing my experience and practicing answers to common questions. On the day of the interview, I felt nervous but determined. The office was modern and quiet, and the staff welcomed me politely.

The interview itself lasted about an hour. We talked about my previous experience, my skills, and how I would handle certain situations at work. I tried to remain calm and honest, even when I was unsure about some answers.

A few days later, I received another email. This time, it was not an invitation but an offer. They wanted to hire me. The position included better salary, more responsibility, and opportunities for professional development.

I was faced with a difficult decision. Accepting the offer meant leaving a familiar environment and starting over in a new workplace. Declining it meant staying in a safe but limited situation.

After careful reflection, I realized that I did not want to reject an opportunity that might not come again. I accepted the offer.

Looking back, I understood that important changes in life are often unexpected. What begins as a simple email can become a turning point. And sometimes, saying «yes» to uncertainty is the first step toward real progress.

Useful Words and Expressions

position — должность

satisfied — удовлетворённый

routine — рутина, распорядок

to introduce changes — вносить изменения

unexpected — неожиданный

to catch attention — привлечь внимание

automated message — автоматическое сообщение

opportunity — возможность

department — отдел

international clients — международные клиенты

coordination — координация

promising — многообещающий

comfort zone — зона комфорта

to require risk — требовать риска

to encourage — поощрять, поддерживать

to prepare thoroughly — тщательно готовиться

interview — собеседование

determined — решительный

responsibility — ответственность

salary — зарплата

professional development — профессиональное развитие

to decline — отклонять (предложение)

reflection — размышление

turning point — поворотный момент

uncertainty — неопределённость

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Choose the correct word:

(opportunity, determined, salary, interview, routine)

I was invited to a job __________ at a modern office.

My daily __________ was stable and predictable.

The company offered a higher __________ than my current job.

I felt __________ to do my best during the meeting.

This job is a great __________ for career growth.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Why was the email surprising?

A) It was from a friend

B) The company contacted the narrator without application

C) It was about a vacation

D) It was a rejection

What was one benefit of the new job?

A) Less responsibility

B) Better salary and development opportunities

C) Shorter working hours only

D) No communication required

What did the narrator ultimately decide?

A) To ignore the email

B) To decline the offer immediately

C) To accept the job offer

D) To move to another country

Exercise 3: Open Questions (Answer in 2—3 sentences)

Why did the narrator hesitate to leave their current job?

What role did the friend play in the decision-making process?

How did the narrator prepare for the interview?

What made the job offer attractive?

What lesson does the narrator learn from this experience?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

interview

routine

salary

determined

opportunity

Exercise 2

B

B

C

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

The narrator hesitated because the current job was stable and comfortable. Leaving it meant risking uncertainty and change. Comfort and stability made the decision difficult.

The friend encouraged the narrator to consider the opportunity seriously. They provided emotional support and a more objective perspective. This helped the narrator make a more confident decision.

The narrator prepared by reviewing past experience and practicing common interview questions. This helped increase confidence and reduce nervousness. Preparation played an important role in performance.

The offer was attractive because it included better salary, more responsibility, and professional growth. It also provided international exposure. These factors made it a significant opportunity.

The narrator learns that unexpected opportunities can lead to important life changes. Accepting uncertainty can result in personal and professional development. Growth often requires courage and openness.

Story

Some days begin like any other, without any signs that something important is about to happen. That is exactly how this day started for me. I woke up early, followed my usual routine, and left the house without expecting anything unusual.

The morning was calm and predictable. I went to work, checked my emails, attended a few meetings, and completed my tasks. Everything seemed normal, and there was no reason to think that this day would be different from any other.

Around midday, I received a phone call from an unknown number. At first, I hesitated to answer, but something made me pick up the phone. On the other side, a calm voice introduced themselves and asked if I had a few minutes to talk. It was a representative from a company I had previously worked with on a short-term project.

They explained that an important project I had contributed to had been selected for further development. However, due to unexpected circumstances, the original team could no longer continue. They wanted me to take part in leading the next phase of the project.

I was completely surprised. I had not expected to be contacted again, especially not with such responsibility. The project was large, complex, and required coordination with multiple departments and international partners.

At first, I felt uncertain. I was not sure if I had enough experience to handle such a role. I asked for time to think, and they agreed. The rest of the day, I could not focus on anything else. My mind kept returning to the same question: should I accept or refuse?

In the evening, I went for a long walk to clear my thoughts. The city was quieter than usual, and the cool air helped me think more clearly. I realized that this opportunity was both a challenge and a chance to grow professionally.

I thought about my past experiences and how I had gradually taken on more responsibility over time. Although I did not feel fully ready, I understood that readiness often comes during the process, not before it.

The next morning, I made my decision. I called back and agreed to take the role.

That day marked a turning point in my life. It was not dramatic or immediately visible to others, but internally, everything had changed. I had stepped into a new level of responsibility and self-trust.

Looking back, I understand that life-changing moments are not always loud or obvious. Sometimes, they arrive quietly through a phone call, a decision, or a simple yes.

Useful Words and Expressions

predictable — предсказуемый

usual routine — обычный распорядок

to attend meetings — посещать встречи

unknown number — неизвестный номер

representative — представитель

previously — ранее

short-term project — краткосрочный проект

to contribute — вносить вклад

selected — выбранный

further development — дальнейшее развитие

circumstances — обстоятельства

responsibility — ответственность

coordination — координация

multiple departments — несколько отделов

international partners — международные партнёры

uncertain — неуверенный

to handle — справляться (с задачей)

to clear thoughts — прояснить мысли

opportunity — возможность

challenge — вызов

readiness — готовность

self-trust — уверенность в себе

turning point — поворотный момент

to agree — соглашаться

to refuse — отказываться

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Choose the correct word:

(responsibility, opportunity, predictable, unknown, challenge)

The day started in a very __________ way.

I received a call from an __________ number.

The project was a big __________ for my career.

I was given more __________ than before.

This job is a great __________ for growth.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

What happened at midday?

A) The narrator resigned

B) The narrator received a phone call

C) The narrator went on vacation

D) The narrator had a meeting with friends

Why was the narrator contacted?

A) For a job interview

B) To continue a previous project

C) To cancel a contract

D) To travel abroad

What did the narrator do at the end of the story?

A) Refused the offer

B) Ignored the call

C) Accepted the role

D) Changed jobs immediately without thinking

Exercise 3: Open Questions (Answer in 2—3 sentences)

Why did the phone call surprise the narrator?

What problem did the company face with the project?

Why did the narrator go for a walk in the evening?

What helped the narrator make a final decision?

What does the narrator learn about life-changing moments?

Answer Key

Exercise 1

predictable

unknown

challenge

responsibility

opportunity

Exercise 2

B

B

C

Exercise 3 (Sample Answers)

The phone call was unexpected because the narrator did not anticipate being contacted again. It came from a previous work connection. The situation was surprising and unplanned.

The original team could no longer continue the project due to unforeseen circumstances. This created a need for a replacement leader. The project required urgent attention.

The narrator went for a walk to clear their thoughts and reduce stress. It helped create mental clarity. The quiet environment supported reflection.

The decision was influenced by previous experience and a sense of readiness to grow. The narrator also recognized the opportunity for development. Reflection helped finalize the choice.

The narrator learns that life-changing events often happen unexpectedly. They may appear in ordinary situations. Decisions at such moments can significantly influence the future.

Story

When I first started learning a foreign language seriously, I underestimated how much communication depends on more than just vocabulary and grammar. I believed that if I memorized enough words, I would be able to express myself clearly in any situation. However, my first real experience abroad quickly proved me wrong.

I arrived in a foreign country for a short business trip. Everything seemed manageable at first. I could read signs, recognize familiar words, and understand simple phrases. I felt confident enough to navigate the city on my own.

The problem began when I needed to solve practical issues that required more complex communication. On the second day, I went to a local office to confirm some documents related to my stay. I had prepared key phrases in advance and even wrote down important vocabulary in a notebook.

At the office, I explained my situation as clearly as I could. The staff member listened carefully but responded in fast, natural speech. Although I understood individual words, I struggled to grasp the full meaning. I nodded politely, pretending to understand more than I actually did.

Soon, I realized that something important had gone wrong. I had misunderstood a key instruction about submitting additional documents. As a result, I missed an important deadline. The situation became more complicated than I had expected.