Anna (Lesson 1)

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Part 1: Setting the Mood

1.1 Discover the Words

Click the cards to reveal the Russian translation and an example sentence. Read them out loud.

1.2 Match the Phrases

Match the English phrase on the left with its translation on the right.

1.3 Vocabulary in Context

Choose the correct word or phrase to complete the sentences.

Group 1: Life & Experiences

Group 2: Music & Feelings

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Part 2: Music & Memories

2.1 The Story of Elena

Read the text about a fictional pianist named Elena. Notice the highlighted verbs and time words.

The journey of Elena Valenti has been full of music. Music has always been the most important part of her life. She has listened to classical music since childhood, and hearing a piano always brings back nostalgic memories. She grew up in a small town in Italy, where she started playing the piano at the age of five.

When she was eighteen, she attended a prestigious masterclass in Paris. It was an incredibly inspiring experience. She met famous musicians and picked up many new skills. At that time, she was very nervous and suffered from stage fright, but she slowly overcame it.

Elena moved to London five years ago. Since then, she has performed live in many famous venues. She has practiced daily for a long time to perfect her technique. She hasn't written her own symphony yet, but she has composed several short pieces. For Elena, music is not just a job; it helps her find her rhythm in life.

2.2 Comprehension Check

2.3 Grammar Focus: Past Simple vs Present Perfect

Past Simple (V2 / did) Finished actions in the past. We know exactly when it happened. Time words: yesterday, in 2010, when I was 18, 5 years ago, at that time.
"She attended a masterclass in Paris." "She moved to London 5 years ago."

Present Perfect (have/has + V3) Actions that started in the past and continue to the present, OR life experiences without a specific time. Time words: ever, never, already, yet, since, for.
"Music has been a big part of her life." "She hasn't written a symphony yet."

Fixing a common mistake: "For" vs "Since"

❌ "I listened to music science childhood."
✅ "I have listened to music since childhood."

Use SINCE for a starting point (since 2010, since Monday, since childhood).
Use FOR for a period of time (for 5 years, for a long time, for two weeks).

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Part 3: Grammar Practice

Exercise 1: Choose the Tense

Select the correct verb tense based on the time context.

Exercise 2: For or Since?

Choose 'For' or 'Since' to complete the time phrases.

Exercise 3: Type the Verb

Type the correct form of the verb in brackets (Past Simple or Present Perfect). Use full forms (have played), not contractions.

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Part 4: The 30-Minute Conversation

Answer the questions. Try to use the target vocabulary and the correct grammar tense.

Question 1 of 16

Target Word