Better English. Английский в историях для школьников

Александра Делизонас (2024)

Эта книга — ваш проводник в мир живого английского языка (уровень B1-B2) и увлекательных историй! Она идеально подойдет как для самостоятельного изучения, так и для занятий с преподавателем.Увлекательное чтение: Погрузитесь в историю Кайла, подростка, который переезжает в новый город и начинает учиться в новой школе. Вместе с ним вы пройдете через его взлеты и падения, порадуетесь его успехам и посочувствуете неудачам.Развитие разговорных навыков: Обогатите свою речь новыми словами, живыми выражениями и идиомами, которые используют носители американского английского в повседневной жизни.Проверка понимания и размышления: В конце каждой истории вас ждут вопросы, которые помогут проверить, насколько хорошо вы поняли прочитанное, а также поразмышлять над сюжетом и героями.Независимо от того, готовитесь ли вы к экзаменам или просто хотите улучшить свой английский, эта книга станет вашим надежным спутником в увлекательном путешествии по миру языка и подростковых переживаний.

Story 3 — The Stern-Bot 3000

The school day was going okay, just like any other day. JB and I were hanging out by our lockers, chatting and laughing.

"So, are you ready for the Robotics Club?"I asked, checking my backpack to make sure my robot prototype was safe inside.

"Ugh, I wish,"JB groaned."I haven't even started building mine yet. I'm such a procrastinator."

I chuckled."Yeah, we know."I pulled out a small, boxy contraption⁴¹."Check this out. It's a robot pencil sharpener. Never have to worry about messy shavings again."

The bell rang, and we shuffled into Mr. Stern's history class. As Mr. Stern droned ⁴²on about the Victorian factories, I pulled out a beat-up ⁴³lunchbox."My grandpa packed my lunch today,"I explained."He's kinda grumpy, but he's the best."

JB peeked inside."Wow, those look like fossils⁴⁴!"

I grinned."They're army biscuits. Grandpa's been saving them since the war. Bet you can't eat one in under a minute without drinking anything."

JB's eyes lit up with a challenge."You're on!"

Mr. Stern continued his lecture, oblivious ⁴⁵to the bet taking place in the back row. JB chomped down on the biscuit, his face contorting ⁴⁶as the dryness hit him. He chewed furiously, his eyes watering, but stubbornly refused to reach for his water bottle.

Suddenly, a loud choking sound erupted ⁴⁷from JB's throat. Mr. Stern whipped around, his eyebrows raised in disapproval."Mr. Simons, Mr. Williams,"he sneered⁴⁸."Would you care to share your fascinating culinary experience with the class?"

JB, gasping for air, managed to squeak out,"That’s a… biscuit."

Mr. Stern's lips tightened into a thin line."Detention⁴⁹, both of you."

“I wish you gave him one to try too,” whispered JB after a few gulps of water.

In detention, we found our place in the back of the classroom, since it was pretty full with other of Stern’s students. It was hot. Flies lazily buzzed in the air, tuning in to the humming of the air vent.

JB slumped in his chair, grumbling. “I can't even do this stupid homework, let alone build a robot.” He pushed an empty worksheet away in frustration⁵⁰.

Mr. Stern loomed over, his voice dripping with sarcasm."Is that your best effort, Mr. Simons? Your historical knowledge seems as lacking ⁵¹as your table manners."

JB's face flushed."But I tried, sir,"he muttered.

"Trying is for those who lack ability, Mr. Simons,"Mr. Stern retorted."Results are what matter. And your results are… pitiful⁵²."

I watched JB's shoulders drop."Don't listen to him, JB,"I whispered."Remember when he told Emily her essay was so boring it could put a zombie to sleep?"

JB chuckled weakly."Yeah, that was pretty harsh."

Suddenly, an idea seemed to spark in JB's eyes. He grabbed his phone and marched to Mr. Stern's desk.

"Mr. Stern,"he began, his voice dripping with false politeness,"I'm having a bit of trouble understanding the significance of the Industrial Revolution. Could you please elaborate⁵³?"

Mr. Stern, seemingly surprised by JB's sudden interest in history, launched into a lengthy explanation, his voice echoing through the room. Meanwhile, JB held his phone up secretly, recording every word.

On the next day, at the Robotics Club meeting, JB stood before the panel of judges, a triumphant grin plastered on his face."Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you… the Stern-Bot 3000!"

He held up a small, sleek device resembling a miniature loudspeaker."This little buddy,"JB explained,"is programmed to encourage the students who need an extra pat on the back."

He tapped a button on his phone, and Mr. Stern's voice boomed through the speaker.

"You are a brilliant young mind! Your creativity knows no bounds! You are destined ⁵⁴for greatness!"

The club members erupted in laughter. Even the teachers couldn't help but smile. Finally, the head judge announced,"We've decided to accept your project, Mr. Simons. It's… unconventional⁵⁵, but undeniably ⁵⁶creative and potentially beneficial ⁵⁷for students."

As club members gathered to congratulate him, I gave JB a sly wink."See? I told you that history stuff would come in handy⁵⁸."

JB grinned back."Yeah, you were right, as usual. Thanks, dude."

Примечания

41

contraption — устройство

42

to drone — жужжать

43

beat-up — потрепанный

44

fossil — окаменелость

45

oblivious — не замечая

46

to contort — кривить

47

to erupt — вырваться, разразиться

48

to sneer — ухмыляться

49

detention — наказание в виде задержания после уроков

50

frustration — раздражение

51

to lack — недоставать, отсутствовать

52

pitiful — жалкий

53

to elaborate — уточнить

54

you are destined — вам предназначено

55

unconventional — нетривиальный

56

undeniably — бесспорно

57

beneficial — благотворный

58

to come in handy — пригодиться