Я выбрала уровень языка B1-B2 по системе CEFR, соответствующий школьной программе старших классов, чтобы книга была полезна как тем, кто готовится к экзаменам, так и тем, кто хочет улучшить свой уровень разговорного английского. В книге вы не найдёте сложных грамматических конструкций или высокопарных фраз. Зато здесь вас ждёт новый словарный запас, множество живых разговорных выражений и идиом, которые используют носители американского английского в повседневной жизни. Например, вы узнаете, что значит "to hang out" (проводить время с друзьями), "to have a crush on someone" (испытывать симпатию к кому-то) или "to ace a test" (сдать экзамен на отлично). Чтобы вам было проще разобраться, самые важные слова и выражения выделены сносками с переводом.
В конце каждой истории вас ждут десять вопросов, которые помогут не только проверить понимание прочитанного, но и поразмышлять над сюжетом, высказать своё мнение о героях и событиях.
О сюжете
Главный герой книги – Кайл, мальчик, который переехал в новый город и начал учиться в новой школе. Вместе с ним вы переживёте его первые победы и поражения, порадуетесь его успехам и посочувствуете его неудачам. Кайл, как и многие его сверстники, ищет своё место в мире, учится выстраивать отношения с окружающими, преодолевать трудности и принимать важные решения. Его история наверняка найдёт отклик в вашем сердце и поможет вам по-новому взглянуть на многие вещи.
На последок, хочу выразить благодарность моей коллеге Лориэн Шерби за помощь в работе над книгой. От всей души желаю вам приятного и увлекательного чтения!
Story 1 – The First Day
"New school, new town, new me?" I asked myself as I clutched 1my backpack straps looking at the mirror. That 13-year-old kid with dark curly hair, and a confused expression 2is me. And today is my first day of school.
My name is Kyle, I am 13, and I just moved to Glendale because my parents both got jobs at the big hospital here. Leaving Westwood was tough, but hey, at least Glendale has a mall.
I'm not the most outgoing guy, so making friends in a new place was basically my worst nightmare. And now, I'm facing a whole new crowd, a whole new world. I just want to fit in, y'know? My dad says, that's the thing about being new—you're the mystery box, right? Everyone's curious. But that curiosity wears off 3fast if you don't have anything interesting inside.
I shuffled 4into my first class, my eyes darting around the room. It was a typical middle-school scene: rows of desks, bright posters taped to the walls, and a whiteboard gleaming under the fluorescent lights. I scanned the room for an empty desk and plopped into one at the back corner hoping to blend in.
Just as I thought I could maybe disappear, a whirlwind 5of energy burst through the door, nearly knocking it off its hinges6. "JB, you're late again!" a voice called from the hallway.
JB, a mop of sandy hair and a grin that could light up a stadium, practically crash-landed into the desk beside me. "Yo, new kid!" he exclaimed, his voice booming like a loudspeaker. "What's your name?”
"Kyle," I mumbled, trying not to shrink into my chair.
"Cool, Kyle! I'm JB, the one and only! Your partner for this mess we call a class. This place is wild, man. I'll show you the ropes7."
A group of students clustered 8around our desks, firing questions at JB. "Yo, dude, how was your summer?" "Catch any gnarly 9waves?" "Hear you got busted 10for skateboarding in the principal's office again."
JB's grin widened. "Summer was epic, bro! Almost finished a half-pipe 11in my backyard! And even managed to blow up my dad's lawnmower12. You know, the usual."
A few kids laughed, and I couldn't help but crack a smile. JB seemed like a magnet for trouble, but everyone clearly liked him.
Just then, a woman with kind eyes and a warm smile entered the classroom. "Good morning, everyone!" she chirped. "I'm Miss Gray, and I'll be your homeroom teacher this year."
She went around the room, introducing herself to each student. When she got to me, she paused, her eyes twinkling. "And you must be Kyle! It's so nice to have you here."
She turned to the rest of the class. "Everyone, let's give Kyle a warm welcome to Glendale Middle School."
A few murmurs of "Hi, Kyle " filled the room. It wasn't much, but it made me feel a bit less like an alien13.
Miss Gray went on to explain that this year, they were starting two new after-school clubs: a Robotics Club and a Creative Writing Club. She also reminded everyone about the new cafeteria rules – no food fights, no saving seats, and definitely no sneaking extra cookies from the dessert cart.
Then, she moved on to academics. "This year, you'll be tackling 14some exciting new subjects like algebra and Earth Science. We'll also be focusing on preparing you for standardized tests in the spring, so get ready to sharpen those pencils!"
To lighten the mood15, Miss Gray mentioned some upcoming school events. "We have an art exhibition 16planned for October, a winter dance in December, and, of course, our annual 17talent show in the spring. I encourage all of you to get involved and show off your amazing skills!"
I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension18. The new clubs sounded cool, but standardized tests? Ugh. And a talent show? No way was I going to sing in front of the whole school. Still, it was nice to have something to look forward to.
The rest of the day was a blur of classes, lockers, and trying not to get lost in the maze-like hallways. But the initial 19dread I felt had started to fade.
As I walked out of the school at the end of the day, JB skidded 20up beside me on his scooter. "Hey, Kyle! You live on Cedar Street, right? I'm just around the corner. Hop on, I'll give you a ride."
I hesitated for a second, then climbed on. As we zoomed down the street, the wind whipping through my hair, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope21. Maybe this new town,