GE B1 Unit 9 Reading Test A

My New Year Resolutions

There’s a tradition in my country that every New Year, you make what are called ‘resolutions’. They’re like promises to yourself of the things you’re going to do (or stop doing!) during the following twelve months. (1)  

The first of these was about doing more exercise. (2)   That’s why I decided to go either running or cycling at least four times a week. It’s now fifty-two weeks later and I’ve actually managed to do this every week of the past year. I feel very proud of myself!

My second resolution was to get better at playing the guitar. I’d started playing a couple of years before, but I’d never really taken it very seriously. (3)   So I started playing for an hour, three times a week, and soon I could see a real difference. I’m in a band now, and loving every minute of it!

The third resolution was about school. I was always one of those students who left everything to the last minute. (4)   I’d had enough of it, though, so started doing homework on the day I was given it by the teacher. My marks went up straight away, which pleased my parents (and me, of course!).

My final resolution was to help around the house a bit more. Mum and Dad didn’t give me a hard time to make me do this. (5)   So without being asked, I started washing up every day after dinner and doing one or two other things as well. Mum and Dad couldn’t believe it, but were really happy of course, especially when I didn’t just give up after a couple of weeks.

What a difference a year makes!