Do you know what a resolution is? It’s a kind of promise. Most of the time, we make promises to other people. For example, “Mom, I promise I’m going to tidy my room when I get back from school.” However, promises you make to yourself are resolutions, and the most common kind is New Year’s resolutions. The start of the year is often a time for making resolutions. When we make resolutions at the beginning of the year, we hope that we are going to improve our lives. Some people write down their resolutions and plans for the coming year. This helps to remember their resolutions. Others tell their family and friends about their wishes and plans.

There are different kinds of resolutions. Some are about physical health. For example, some people promise themselves they are going to start an exercise program or eat less fast food. Many resolutions have to do with self-improvement. These are about making yourself a better person.

Some people might say they are going to take up a hobby like painting or taking photos, or learn to play the guitar. Some resolutions have to do with better planning, like making a weekly plan for schoolwork. For example, a student may have to find more time to study.

Although there are differences, most resolutions have one thing in common. People hardly ever keep them! There are good reasons for this. Sometimes the resolutions may be too difficult to keep. Sometimes people just forget about them. For this reason, some people say the best resolution is to have no resolutions! How about you — will you make any next year?

小題1:Is a resolution a promise you make to other people?

小題2:When do people often make resolutions?

小題3:Who do some people tell their resolutions to?

小題4:How many kinds of resolutions are mentioned in the second paragraph?

小題5:Why do people hardly keep their resolutions?