Topic 101: Making and Breaking New Year’s Resolutions

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is a New Year’s resolution? Can you give an example?

2. Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution? What was it?

3. Do you think New Year’s resolutions are a good idea? Why or why not?

4. Why do people make New Year’s resolutions?

5. What kind of New Year’s resolutions do people usually make?

6. Have you ever broken a New Year’s resolution? What happened?

7. Do you think people can keep their New Year’s resolutions for a long time? Why or why not?

8. What is the most common New Year’s resolution people make?

9. Why do some people not keep their New Year’s resolutions?

10. What could you do to keep a New Year’s resolution?

11. Do you think it is better to set big or small goals for New Year’s resolutions? Why?

12. How do you feel when you make a resolution and don’t follow through?

13. Do you think New Year’s resolutions are just for the New Year, or can you make resolutions anytime?

14. If you could make one New Year’s resolution, what would it be?

15. How do you feel about setting goals in general?

16. Do you think people should tell others about their resolutions? Why or why not?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. What do you think are the most common reasons people break their New Year’s resolutions?

18. What kind of goals do you think are realistic for New Year’s resolutions?

19. Why do you think some people fail to keep their resolutions after only a few weeks?

20. What are some ways to stay motivated to keep a resolution throughout the year?

21. How do you feel about setting resolutions that require changing habits?

22. Do you think New Year’s resolutions are necessary for self-improvement? Why or why not?

23. What are some tips for sticking to a New Year’s resolution?

24. How can you support a friend who wants to keep a New Year’s resolution?

25. Can breaking a resolution teach you something important about yourself? Explain.

26. How do you balance setting realistic goals with challenging yourself to improve?

27. What do you think is the most popular New Year’s resolution? Do you think it’s a good resolution to make?

28. Do you believe that people should make only one resolution, or should they set several goals? Why?

29. Do you think the New Year is the best time to set new goals or resolutions? Why or why not?

30. Can New Year’s resolutions help people focus on positive change?

31. Do you think the pressure to keep New Year’s resolutions can sometimes cause stress? Why?

32. How can people stay on track with their resolutions throughout the year?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. Why do people often fail to meet their New Year’s resolutions despite strong initial motivation?

34. How does the timing of New Year’s resolutions affect their success or failure?

35. What are the psychological factors that contribute to breaking resolutions?

36. Do you think the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions is still relevant in today’s society? Why or why not?

37. How do personal beliefs and values impact the likelihood of achieving a New Year’s resolution?

38. What role does accountability play in keeping New Year’s resolutions?

39. Can New Year’s resolutions contribute to personal growth? How can you ensure they lead to real change?

40. What do you think is the most effective method for achieving long-term goals, like a New Year’s resolution?

41. How can people manage the pressure of societal expectations when it comes to New Year’s resolutions?

42. Is it more important to make realistic resolutions or to challenge yourself with ambitious ones? Why?

43. How can people stay motivated to pursue long-term resolutions beyond the initial excitement of the new year?

44. What are the key differences between short-term goals and long-term resolutions, and how do they impact success?

45. Should people be more flexible with their resolutions if they face obstacles? How can adjusting goals lead to better results?

46. How can setting resolutions in a group or with a community increase the chances of success?

47. Do you think it’s possible to make New Year’s resolutions that go beyond personal success, like contributing to society?

48. What is your perspective on making resolutions that involve changing mindsets rather than just achieving external goals?