Understanding Grammar: New Year's Resolutions

In this week's Premier Skills English Podcast, Jack's makes his New Year's resolutions and Rich copies them for a different reason! The language focus is on 'going to' to talk about New Year's resolutions. Your task is to tell us about your New Year's resolutions. Don't forget to listen to the end of the podcast because we have a new football phrase for you to guess.

Transcript

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Understanding Grammar: New Year’s Resolutions

Introduction

Jack: Hello my name’s Jack

Rich: and I’m Rich and welcome to this week’s Premier Skills English podcast

Jack: Where we talk about football and help you with your English.

Rich: We recommend that you listen to this podcast on the Premier Skills English website because that is where we have the transcript, language examples, activities, quizzes and a discussion page to help you understand everything we talk about.

Jack: However, if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, you can leave answers to our questions in the review section. We do read all the reviews and would love to hear from you.

Rich: Remember that we are looking for people to interview in our podcasts.

Jack: If you want to practise your English skills and answer a few questions just email us at premierskills@britishcouncil.org and we’ll write back to you.

Rich: Don’t forget that we have our football English podcast called This Week that you can listen to at the start of every week. This week’s episode is all about the festive fixtures in the Premier League. There have been loads of Premier League matches over the holidays

Jack: Some of the football words and phrases we look at include to be in charge, to be in the hot seat and to lose ground.

Rich: It’s on the Premier Skills English homepage, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and lots of other places right now!

Jack: In this week’s podcast, we’re going to talk about the language of New Year’s resolutions.

Rich: Of course, it’s 2020. Happy New Year, Jack!

Jack: Happy New Year, Rich and Happy New Year to all our listeners. We hope 2020 is a great year for all of you.

Rich: New Year’s Resolutions. Many people make resolutions at the start of a new year. Resolutions are made on the first of January.

Jack: Resolutions are decisions to do something or not do something. It is often because people want to change something about their behaviour or actions.

Rich: Some common New Year’s resolutions are to do more exercise, to quit smoking or to learn a new language. I’m not sure what I’ll do in 2020 I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French. What about you, Jack?

Jack: I know what I’m going to do and I’ll tell you later. In this week’s podcast, we’re going to talk about New Year’s resolutions and the language you need to tell people about them.

Rich: We’re going to focus on the grammar you need to talk about resolutions.

Jack: And your task this week will be to tell us about a New Year’s Resolution you have made.

Rich: Before all that though, we need to look at last week’s football phrase.

Last week’s Football Phrase

Rich: If you didn’t hear our football phrase last week we’re going to give you one more chance to guess now. We’ll give you the correct answer at the end of the show when we give you a new football phrase.

Jack: Well done if you got it right last week and congratulations to those of you who wrote the correct answer on the Premier Skills English website.

Rich: Alex from Ukraine was the first to get the phrase right last week. Well done, Alex. And well done to Luibomyr from Ukraine, Lakerwang from China, Kwesimanifest from Ghana, Idzingirai from Zimbabwe, Rafael Robson from Brazil and Elghoul from Algeria who also got the right answer.

Jack: Remember you can also write your answers in the review section on Apple Podcasts if that’s where you listen to us.

Rich: Let’s hear last week’s phrase one more time. Do you know what the phrase is?

Jack: The football phrase is * ******** *******. The first word is the festival we spoke about in last week’s podcast and the second word is something we spoke about in the countdown. It’s the tube that is pulled open at the dinner table by people in the UK on Christmas Day. This word can also be used to describe something that is very good like a goal or a match. So, at this time of year, a match that finishes 4-3 or something like that can be described as * ********* *******.

Rich: We’ll give you the answer at the end of the show and we’ll have a new football phrase for you to guess.

Introduction to Roleplay

Jack: In this week’s roleplay, you are going to hear us talking about our New Year’s resolutions. Remember, a New Year’s resolution is a decision that is made on the first of January to do something or not do something.

Rich: While you are listening, we have a couple of questions for you to answer.

Jack: The questions are: What is Rich’s New Year’s resolution and What is my New Year’s resolution?

Roleplay

Rich: It’s 2020! A new year, a new decade. Have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Jack: I’m going to be healthier, cleverer, richer, funnier ...

Rich: But have you made any New Year’s resolutions?

Jack: Well, as it happens, I have.

Rich: Go on ...

Jack: Have you heard of all these environmental groups and all the climate issues in the news?

Rich: Yes. I have. Extinction Rebellion, Greta Thunberg ...

Jack: Well, I’ve been inspired to do more. I’ve decided to be more environmentally friendly.

Rich: But what are you going to do exactly? Start growing your own vegetables?

Jack: There’s nothing wrong with that, but ... no. I’ve actually made a list.

Rich: A list. Wow. You’re serious about this.

Jack: Yes - I am. There are loads of things you can do personally. I’ve made three resolutions. Would you like to hear them?

Rich: Go on then, what’s number 3.

Jack: At number three: I’m going to reduce the energy I use at home.

Rich: You’re going to sit in the dark in the cold.

Jack: Not quite, Rich. I’m going to work harder to turn off lights and to turn off my computer when I’m not working.

Rich: OK - that’s a good idea.

Jack: There are lots of other little things. For example, I’m not going to overfill the kettle when I’m making tea.

Rich: That’ll save you money as well. What else?

Jack: Well, the hardest one will be to try to use the car less.

Rich: But you work from home - that should be easy.

Jack: I know, but I’ll walk with the kids to school and try to use my bike more.

Rich: Even when it’s raining?

Jack: Well...

Rich: Alright. What’s next on your list?

Jack: At number two: I’m going to use less plastic.

Rich: That’s a good idea.

Jack: We need to use less plastic. Things like plastic straws - I will never buy or use them again.

Rich: I agree. I say no to straws. I can use my mouth to drink. I’m a grown-up.

Jack: There are loads of other ways to use less plastic, too. I’m going to take a bag to the shops then I won’t need to use plastic bags.

Rich: Also, if you only take one bag, you won’t buy too much. It will save you money.

Jack: You can think of the environment as well as your pocket, Rich! And, I’m going to have a cup in my bag, too.

Rich: Erm... OK. What’s the cup for?

Jack: You know, a coffee cup. For when I buy a coffee in town. I don’t need a plastic coffee cup.

Rich: Oh! Yes! I do that already. I get 20p off my triple, venti, half sweet, non-fat, caramel macchiato because I bring my own cup.

Jack: I’m also going to avoid over-packaged items. You know, single servings and small packs.

Rich: I always buy in bulk.

Jack: That’s the idea. It’s always better for the environment.

Rich: It’s always cheaper!

Jack: It seems that you do a lot of this stuff already.

Rich: What’s number one on your list?

Jack: At number one on my list is eating less meat.

Rich: Eating less meat? Why?

Jack: Because meat, especially meat like beef and lamb has an enormous impact on the environment.

Rich: Have you seen how much lamb costs? I can’t remember the last time I had lamb.

Jack: We’re having meat-free days at least twice a week in our house. Did you know that beef and lamb produces half of all carbon dioxide emissions that come from farms?

Rich: We have meat-free days in our house. We could have more. You should see the impact it has on my bank account. Vegetables are much cheaper than meat.

Jack: And it will have a big impact on our planet, too. Having meat-free days or becoming vegetarian is a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint but just changing the meat you eat can do that, too.

Rich: OK, so what are you going to do again to be more environmentally friendly?

Jack: I’m going to reduce the energy I use at home.

Rich: A 25% reduction that’s gotta be worth about £25 a month.

Jack: I’m going to use less plastic.

Rich: Using my own coffee cup. That’s 20p off... two coffees a day ... five days a week, that’s £8 a month.

Jack: I’m going to eat less beef and lamb.

Rich: Meat-free Tuesdays and Thursdays. Swap a kilo of lamb for a kilo of veg. That’ll save me £50 a month.

Jack: So, that’s my New Year’s resolution. What’s yours Rich?

Rich: To save money.

Language Focus

Jack: Did you get the answers to our questions about the roleplay? We asked you what our New Year’s resolutions are.

Rich: Well, Jack’s New Year’s resolution is to be more environmentally-friendly and mine is to save money by copying Jack’s New Year’s resolution!

Jack: In the roleplay, we were speaking about plans for 2020 and the future.

Rich: The most common form we use to talk about resolutions is ‘going to’. We use ‘going to’ to talk about intentions - things you would like or plan to do in the future.

Jack: We used going to a lot in the roleplay. I said I’m going to reduce the energy I use, I’m going to use less plastic and I’m going to eat less meat.

Rich: When we are speaking we sometimes say ‘gonna’ instead of ‘going to’. This is quite informal. Listen to these examples and repeat:

Jack: I’m going to use less plastic. I’m gonna use less plastic. I’m going to eat less meat. I’m gonna eat less meat.

Rich: We use ‘going to’ when we are quite confident about a plan. We believe it will happen.

Jack: If we are a little less confident, we might use ‘I think I’ll’ … or ‘maybe I’ll’. Listen to what Rich said at the beginning of the podcast:

Rich: I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.

Jack: Rich isn’t confident here. I’m sure if I ask him a few questions in French this time next year he won’t have learned anything.

Rich: Did you notice that I didn’t say ‘I will’ in these sentences I said ‘I’ll’. This is a tricky bit of pronunciation. Have a listen again and try to repeat: I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.

Jack: We can also use ‘will’ when we are very confident that we are going to something in the future. You can stress the word will in a sentence. Have a listen to this. I will use less plastic. I will eat less meat.

Rich: It’s not very common to speak like this in normal conversation. It’s a bit more like how politicians might talk when giving a speech to potential voters.

Jack: So, it’s probably best to use ‘going to’ when speaking about New Year’s resolutions as they should be things that you are confident about doing.

Task

Rich: This week’s task is to tell us about a New Year’s resolution.

Jack: Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are any of your resolutions connected to the environment? What do you think of my New Year’s resolutions? Do you think you could do them too?

Rich: Maybe your New Year’s resolutions are connected to different topics. Maybe they are connected to health and fitness or your career or studies or maybe to family, travel or money.

Jack: Let us know what you think about New Year’s resolutions and your New Year’s resolutions at the bottom of the page on the Premier Skills English website.

Football Phrase

Jack: OK, it’s time for this week’s football phrase. It’s your turn this week, Rich.

Rich: This week’s football phrase is the ******* ******** ******. The New Year is a busy time for football clubs because on the first day of the year the ******* ******** ****** opens. This gives a chance to clubs to buy and sell players. They have to be quick though because the ******* ******** ****** is only open for a month.

Jack: We should get quite a few right answers for this one. Before we leave you we need to tell you last week’s football phrase. The answer was a bargain buy.

Rich: Right, that’s all we have time for this week! Don’t forget to write your answers to our questions and make a guess at our football phrase in the comments below. If you get it right, we’ll announce your name on next week’s show.

Jack: If you have any questions or comments or suggestions for the podcast or anything football or English related, you can leave them on the website in the comments section, on social media - on facebook or twitter, on apple podcasts or you can email us at premierskills@britishcouncil.org.

Rich: Remember you can also email us if you want to practise your English skills and answer a few questions for a future podcast. That email address again is: premierskills@britishcouncil.org

Jack: Bye for now, enjoy your football and happy New Year!

Vocabulary

How much did you understand?

In the podcast, Rich and Jack used some words and phrases that might be new for you. Do you know the words in bold?

Have you made any New Year's resolutions?

I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.

I’ve decided to be more environmentally-friendly.

Meat, especially beef and lamb, has an enormous impact on the environment.

I always by in bulk.

Swap a kilo of lamb for a kilo of veg. That’ll save me £50 a month.

There were a few more tricky words in the podcast. Do you know what they all mean? Try the activity below, then, listen to the podcast again to hear how we used the words.

Activity 1

Activity 1: In this activity, try to match the words and phrases to their definitions.

Can you match the words to their definitions?

Language

Resolution: To be more environmentally-friendly

In the podcast, Jack spoke about his New Year's resolution to be more environmentally-friendly. He said he was going to do three things:

He's going to reduce the energy he uses at home.
He's going to use less plastic.
He's going to eat less beef and lamb.

The energy we consume, the materials we use and the food we eat all have an impact on our environment. Do you think it would be a good idea for everyone to do the same as Jack? What else could we do?

Rio welcomes 2020.

In the roleplay, Jack told Rich what action he's going to take. Look at the sentences below and match them to Jack's three New Year's resolutions. He used some words and phrases that are connected to the environment and consumption. Do you know the words in bold?

We need to use less plastic. Things like plastic straws - I will never buy or use them again.

I’m going to work harder to turn off lights and to turn off my computer when I’m not working.

I’m not going to overfill the kettle when I’m making tea.

I’ll walk with the kids to school and try to use my bike more.

I’m going to take a bag to the shops then I won’t need to use plastic bags.

I’m also going to avoid over-packaged items.

Having meat-free days or becoming vegetarian is a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint.

Language

Future plans and resolutions

Beijing welcomes 2020.

In the podcast, we used three future forms:

I think I will ...
I am going to ...
I will ...

We use I think I will ... or Maybe I will ... when we are talking about plans that we are not sure about.

I think I’ll take up a new hobby or maybe I’ll learn French.

We use I am going to when we have made a plan that we believe will happen.

I'm going to use less plastic.

We use I will ... to talk about plans we are making at the time of speaking. This is a spoken form and is almost always contracted: I will = I’ll

A: Oh no! I’m late. I’m going to miss my bus.
B: Don’t worry. I’ll give you a lift.

Another use is when we want to really emphasise a plan. This is the use that Jack and Rich discussed at the end of the language focus.

I will use less plastic. I will eat less meat.

It is not a very common or natural use and is used in political speeches and sounds a bit dramatic.

Activity 2

Activity 2: Look at the sentences and decide if they are correct or not.

How well do you know 'going to'?

Quiz

Please login to take this quiz.

Task

Your New Year's Resolutions

Sydney on New Year's Eve.

In this podcast, Jack told you about his New Year's resolutions. Do you think they are good New Year's resolutions? Do you think he will do what he says?

Your task this week is to tell us what you think about New Year's resolutions and tell us a New Year's resolution you have made.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are any of your resolutions connected to the environment?
Is your resolution connected to health and fitness, your career or studies or maybe to family, travel or money.

Write your answers in the comments section below and don't forget to make a guess at this week's football phrase!

Happy New Year from Rich and Jack!

Comments

JMANUEL
05/01/2021

50
points

Hello dears. My resolution for this new year are:
I’m going to try to practice more my learning English and try to practice it with the podcast of premier skill English.
I will to try do work out because is necessary for stay in good health.
I’m going to practice my skill at English like speaking, reading and pronunciation to try to lift my level.
Anyway, my best wishes for all the partners here.

JMANUEL
05/01/2021 01:33

Mexico
Manchester United
50

Rich
05/01/2021

594
points

Great resolutions, Jmanuel! I look forward to reading your comments on Premier Skills English!

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team

Rich
05/01/2021 10:09

Spain
Liverpool
594

wsanta
04/01/2021

5086
points

This year I'm not going to make any jokes, last year I said that my New Year's resolution was to sleep more and with the isolation due to the pandemic I have already slept too much.
Last year I have become a vegetarian and I feel healthier.
My New Year's resolutions are to train the same number of hours per week as before the pandemic and do meditation.
Happy New Year!!!

wsanta
04/01/2021 12:15

Argentina
Leeds United
5086

Happy New Year, Wsanta! Do you miss steaks now you are vegetarian? Argentina is famous for its beef all over the world!

Rich
05/01/2021 10:14

wsanta
05/01/2021

Hi Rich. It was terrible to see that everyone around me ate barbecue and I only ate vegetables at Christmas :). The change started several months ago, after not getting my gout medication due to the pandemic. My body doesn't eliminate the impurities of the meat well. It is something that I inherited from my father's family, Canarian immigrants, could it be that there were no cows in the Canary Islands? Not having pain and not taking medication is a great satisfaction.
Have a great 2021!

wsanta
05/01/2021 12:37

Yoshichika
04/01/2021

76
points

Hi all,
Happy New Year 2021, I wish that COVID-19 will be resolved in this year.
And I am going to use less plastic bag. I am going to use my "eco bag".
My New Year resolution is to reach TOEIC score 600.

# This week’s football phrase is the winter transfer market.

Yoshichika
04/01/2021 05:22

Japan
Liverpool
76

Hi Yoshichika. It's a great idea. Happy New Year to you too!.

wsanta
04/01/2021 12:34

elghoul
02/01/2021

3988
points

Hi, Happy New Year 2021.

I feel better with football guesses this new year. My guess is winter transfert window.

Best wishes and I hope every one stay fit and healthy.

elghoul
02/01/2021 15:15

Algeria
Manchester City
3988

Hi Elghoul. Best wishes to you too!.

wsanta
04/01/2021 12:36

mobeckham
02/01/2021

6539
points

Happy New Year 2021 for all my teachers and friends on this amazing website :)

mobeckham
02/01/2021 08:42

Turkey
Manchester United
6539

Hi Mobeckham. Thank you and happy new year to you too. Congratulations on the Pennines derby you've won!

wsanta
04/01/2021 12:24

mobeckham
11/01/2021

I really appreciate your kind words Wsanta and yeah it was an exciting game.
You guys played well too but there were lots of errors in the defence.

Sorry for the FA cup knockout yesterday. Wish you guys bounce back next week in the Premier League :)

mobeckham
11/01/2021 17:44

Alex_from_Ukraine
02/01/2021

6577
points

One of my recent decisions (not New Year's resolutions, but what prevents me from thinking so :-) ) is to learn Turkish on the level necessary to freely communicate being in Turkey.

Alex_from_Ukraine
02/01/2021 03:11

Ukraine
Liverpool
6577

hsn
24/12/2020

5558
points

I’ve made many New Year’s resolutions in order to find out a new way for solution of my problems-:) I don’t have to quit smoking because I’m non-smoker. However I work very stressfully in office like a workaholic. I decided to care about myself as to be more relax, to intensify exercise time. Not to worry about future is my another decision. As it’s said in a song “Let it flow” .
I'll take up a new hobby like to learn cooking. I 'm going to be more friendly to the environment. Not going to use my car as far as it isn't needed to avoid the impact on air-pollution. Never going to use plastic bags , I'm going to have a shopping bag. Less meat or instead of red meat white meat like fish and chicken and more vegetables. I 'm going to reduce energy consumption. Consequently, I’m going to reduce my carbon footprint.
P.S.
 I recommend this book to anybody who have made resolutions and want to transform her/his life style. The Power of Habit-Author: Charles Duhigg.
 I’m not sure that it’s a good idea becoming vegeterian.
 Researchs showed that kettle is an electrical appliance which consume most energy in the kitchen at the home.

hsn
24/12/2020 17:23

Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5558

Hi Hsn, thanks a million for your advice on reading this book. I've just downloaded it from the net. I believe it'll help me develop the habit of everyday learning some Turkish because I'm going to visit the country in the observable future.

Alex_from_Ukraine
02/01/2021 03:21

mobeckham
11/06/2020

This week's football phrase is ( transfer window )

mobeckham
11/06/2020 16:21

My New Year's resolutions are
1. To learn a new language
2. To use less transport
3. To be more tolerant

My resolutions are connected to my studies , fitness , environment and my personality qualities

mobeckham
11/06/2020 16:10

natureboy81
17/01/2020

60
points

Yes I have a New Year's Resolution, but it is not connected to the enviroment.
My resolution is connected to studies, I am going to improve my English.

natureboy81
17/01/2020 11:56

Italy
Liverpool
60

iceyms
13/01/2020

6
points

My guess for the football phrase "mid-season ******".

iceyms
13/01/2020 12:25

Turkey
Leicester City
6

Rafael Robson
08/01/2020

615
points

Great podcast again. About my New Year's resolution, I am going to take an official English exam this year, after a long time preparing myself for this task.
My resolution is connected to my studies because I desire to apply to foreign universities, and they require official scores to assess my English level.

My guess for the phrase is "******* ******** ******".
Happy New Year and greetings from Brazil.

Rafael Robson
08/01/2020 12:26

Brazil
Tottenham Hotspur
615

wsanta
07/01/2020

My only new year's resolution is that I'm going to sleep more :)

wsanta
07/01/2020 20:05

Rich
08/01/2020

Is that because you don't sleep enough or you enjoy sleeping? :)

Rich
08/01/2020 08:34

wsanta
08/01/2020

Hi Rich, because I don't sleep enough. I wish you and Jack have a great year, full of success. Regards

wsanta
08/01/2020 11:10

Ahmed Adam Mamado
07/01/2020

2903
points

My resolutions for this year are improving my English, visiting my relatives regularly, and once again, going jogging in the early morning. What do you think of them?

Regarding my English, I want to take it one step further in many aspects such as vocabulary, grammar, speaking skills, etc. For instance, I want to be able to easily understand, write and talk about everything in this language.

As far as exercise is concerned, it's only going to be a half-an-hour morning jogging 2 or 3 times a week. In theory, it should be easy to fulfil this time around, and yes, it certainly feels that way!

When it comes to visiting relatives, I've decided to dedicate the weekends for them. Every week on Friday or Saturday I have to pay some relatives a visit. This is the most unpredictable part though, as I may get some visitors myself since here in Sudan guests don't usually notify the host in advance.

The new year has just started, and so far, everything has pretty much gone to plan. However, it's too early to say that I'm going stick to these resolutions for all year round. Let's wait and see!

Ahmed Adam Mamado
07/01/2020 09:58

Sudan
Liverpool
2903

Correct me.

I haven't made many new year's resolutions -- only a handful of them. And I have to say that they weren't connected to the environment in any way. In fact, I only started making new year's resolutions a couple of years ago, unfortunately, all of them ended in frustration.

For example, last year I told myself that I was going to do more exercise including a 30-minute jogging in the morning, a bit of walking in the afternoon as well as pushups and other things in the evening. I was very excited about the idea, and for the first few days, it went quite well.

However, a week later, things started to look a little bit more demanding. As the second week began, I found myself completely shattered between having to stick to the exhausting commitments I'd made or having to get my normal, comfortable and less stressful lifestyle back, and by the end of January, I'd already given up.

When I look back to what'd happened, I realise that I just made it too difficult for myself by setting up a relatively tough challenge. I guess the morning exercise would've been enough.

Ahmed Adam Mamado
07/01/2020 08:20

Good to hear from you, Ahmed Adam.

Your English is excellent so I'm only going to focus on a couple of things:

1. A handful: How many is a handful? It's just that you say that you haven't made many resolutions and then say you've only made a handful. We usually use a handful to describe a small number of things when a larger number is expected. We might say only a handful of people came to the meeting or only a handful of fans turned up for the match.

2. A 30-minute jogging and a bit of walking: You can only use the gerund with one of these phrases. Which one do you think it is?

And, yes, as you say, these sudden changes would be too much for many people!

Rich
08/01/2020 08:33

Ahmed Adam Mamado
08/01/2020

And you, as well. Hopefully, the Reds are doing really well!

The gerund in this case should be "jogging". So, it's "a 30-min jogging and a bit of walk".

Thank you mister. Grateful for your help.

Ahmed Adam Mamado
08/01/2020 10:34

It's the other way around: a 30-minute jog and a bit of walking.

Hope that helps.

Rich
08/01/2020 11:51

Ahmed Adam Mamado
09/01/2020

Most people say follow your instinct, but this suggestion doesn't seens to work for us -- non-natives!

Of course it helps.

Ahmed Adam Mamado
09/01/2020 20:34

Better late than never. Happy new year to all!

This week's phrase could be: "******* ******** ******"

Ahmed Adam Mamado
07/01/2020 06:18

lakerwang
06/01/2020

337
points

The football phrase is "******** ******** ******".

lakerwang
06/01/2020 16:11

China
Chelsea
337

milos
06/01/2020

2663
points

Great podcast,I like topic you chose for this podcast and I want to wish you a happy new year,you are doing a great job.You are helping me a lot with my English and I just want to thank you.

My toughts about New Year's resolution is that it can be a trick one.I said that because I know many people that in November think they need some change and they wait until the January 1 st.But why wait,when you could star doing right now and add up small changes after New Year.I think that is much better,and help you to achive your goals.You don't need to procrastinate or wait until next year or next day,month.Start small today and keep moving that is my moto.

This week phrase is ******* ******* ******.

milos
06/01/2020 06:53

Serbia
Manchester United
2663

Thanks for your positive feedback and continued support, Milos and a happy New Year to you, too!

It's very true what you say about not having to make resolutions on the first of January! That's why I am going to wait until June!! Only joking :)

Rich
08/01/2020 08:25

Fred Zhong
06/01/2020

80
points

Yes,I have made some New Year's resolutions,of which the top 3 are connected to family,study and football.
No.3, keep up regular training to improve my physical and technical level of football.
NO.2,read more books or other impressive materials about my profession and hobbies，including football English.
NO.1, balance work and family life,especially spend more time playing with my children,not just accompanying them with my smartphone in my hand：）
This week's phrase is "******* ******* ******".

Fred Zhong
06/01/2020 01:33

China
Manchester United
80

Great resolutions, Fred, focussing on the body, the mind and family. Good to see that football English has made it into your resolutions :) Let us know in a couple of months how each one is going!

Rich
08/01/2020 08:22

elghoul
04/01/2020

New Years resolutions are of course good ideas. Just reflecting on resolutions is helping on mastering our lives. It often happens that it is difficult to make them work. I can say that saying " I'm gonna do ...." is easy but when there are efforts needed to achieve some resolution than we give up easily and even forget it all.

I personally committed to make a resolution on no more smoking and achieved it but I sweared that occasionally during summer.

elghoul
04/01/2020 13:08

Yes, Elghoul. Actions definitely speak louder than words!

Happy New Year!

Rich
08/01/2020 08:20

Happy New Year everybody.

Football phrase, '******* ******** ******'

elghoul
04/01/2020 12:50

ldzingirai
04/01/2020

1749
points

******* ******* ******

ldzingirai
04/01/2020 10:06

Zimbabwe
Chelsea
1749

My New Year's resolutions are going to be to take my English to the next level by polishing up basic grammar and focusing on advanced grammar, improving
on speaking skills and navigating the murky waters of literature.

ldzingirai
04/01/2020 10:05

Hi Idzingirai,

As an English teacher, your New Year's resolutions are ones that I'd highly recommend to everyone!

What are you going to read?

Rich
08/01/2020 08:19

hubertoo
03/01/2020

30
points

I have three New Year's resolutions. Firstly I would like to be more regular in my exercices at the gym. Last year I downloaded a special app to help me in this, but after a few weeks I put it down :( I hope in the next year I'll be more consistent. My second resolution, like Jack, is to be more environmentally-friendly by save more power in my home. It is not hard and it is really good to our planet. Last resolution: I'm going to guess all Premier skills' football phrases :)

I think that the phrase is: '******* ******* ******'

hubertoo
03/01/2020 15:38

Poland
Liverpool
30

Hi Hubertoo,your New Year's resolution about exercise is great one.Most important thing is to be consistent is better to exercise 15 minutes every day,than one day one hour and skip next couple days.I wish you to make it this year and I know you will.

milos
06/01/2020 07:00

Rich
04/01/2020

Hi Hubertoo

Great New Year's resolutions, especially the last one! You're on your way because you are spot on with this week's football phrase!

Rich
04/01/2020 13:44

hubertoo
04/01/2020

Hi Rich,
It's really nice to hear it!
Thanks and have a good week!

hubertoo
04/01/2020 22:02

Liubomyr
03/01/2020

4417
points

I think that the phrase is '******* ******** ******'

Liubomyr
03/01/2020 09:40

Ukraine
Watford
4417

You're the first with the correct answer this week, Liubomyr!

Rich
08/01/2020 08:17

Rank	Name	Score
1	Colombia	74676
2	Ukraine	33869
3	Spain	29492
4	Serbia	27426
5	Brazil	23475
6	Albania	20578
7	Vietnam	20455
8	Turkey	20109
9	Macedonia	19074
10	Bosnia and Herzegovina	16333

Rank	Name	Score
1	Manchester United	146932
2	Liverpool	111415
3	Chelsea	90252
4	Arsenal	86253
5	Manchester City	58861
6	Tottenham Hotspur	19474
7	Newcastle United	10626
8	West Ham United	7671
9	AFC Bournemouth	4915
10	Crystal Palace	4539

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Understanding Grammar: New Year's Resolutions

Understanding Grammar: New Year's Resolutions

Transcript

Understanding Grammar: New Year’s Resolutions

Introduction

Last week’s Football Phrase

Introduction to Roleplay

Roleplay

Language Focus

Task

Football Phrase

Vocabulary

How much did you understand?

Activity 1

Language

Resolution: To be more environmentally-friendly

Language

Future plans and resolutions

Activity 2

Task

Your New Year's Resolutions

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Rank	Name	Score
1	Alex_from_Ukraine	6577
2	mobeckham	6539
3	hsn	5558
4	wsanta	5086
5	kwesimanifest	4779
6	Liubomyr	4417
7	elghoul	3988
8	assemjuve	3705
9	aragorn1986	3557
10	Gergő Nagy	3396