Advanced English: Staying Happier This Year

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main idea of the excerpt?

The video focuses on advanced English lessons.

The author discusses resolutions and how to stay happy. (correct)

The video teaches the concept of comparative adjectives.

The author uses a news article to teach the differences between adjectives.

What is the meaning of the word "allure" as used in the excerpt?

Discouragement

Unadorned nature

Complexity

Attractiveness (correct)

Why does the author use "stay happier" instead of "get happy" in the headline?

To suggest a more formal and sophisticated tone.

To indicate a temporary state of happiness.

To emphasize the need for immediate action.

To imply a desire to increase happiness from an already happy state. (correct)

Which of the following phrases is NOT a synonym for "stay" as used in the excerpt?

Achieve (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's perspective in the excerpt?

Subjective (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase "at the time of this recording" in the excerpt?

To clarify the context of the discussion about resolutions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What type of language is used in the excerpt?

Informal (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between "resolutions" and "goals" as described in the excerpt?

Resolutions are specific to the New Year, while goals can be set at any time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Fill in the blank: I spent the whole afternoon ____ the garage.

cleaning (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of spending time preparing for a job interview?

It ensures a successful interview. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the author recommend planning resolutions for a happier year?

By making a list of things that made you happy last year and scheduling time for them. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about resolutions, according to Oliver Berkman?

They can lead to stress and disappointment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What advice does the author give for starting a new habit?

Begin by identifying the reason behind your goal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a more valuable approach to habit formation than aiming for perfection?

Starting imperfectly but consistently. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases is used to emphasize the importance of consistent action?

start off poorly (B) Signup and view all the answers

What verb tense is commonly used for plans that are already made?

Present Continuous (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the phrase "X amount of time doing something" as described in the text?

It is used mainly for tips or advice. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best summarizes the author's main point about setting resolutions?

It's crucial to understand the reasons behind your resolutions and start working on them consistently even if imperfectly. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker say is the allure of resolutions?

They are very desirable. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker mean when she says, "I'm not immune to the allure of resolutions"?

She is particularly susceptible to resolutions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's main point when she talks about the phrase "for about 25 January's"?

It implies that it has been a long time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the speaker use the verb "vow" to describe her resolution to drink 8 glasses of water a day?

It emphasizes a strong commitment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase "I'd make it only a few days" mean in the context of the speaker's resolution?

She would only be able to maintain the resolution for a very short time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the speaker use the word "though" in the context of her resolutions?

To show a contrast between her past resolutions and her current approach. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the speaker's resolution to drink 8 glasses of water each day?

She was only able to stick to it for a short period of time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the speaker mean by "reverted to drinking water the old-fashioned way"?

She returned to her previous habit of drinking water only when thirsty. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can we draw about the speaker's previous resolutions?

They were never consistently maintained. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What alternative to “though” does the speaker suggest in the context of contrasting two points?

Although (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of “set oneself up for failure” in the context of resolutions?

To make a plan that is too difficult to achieve. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's main message in the passage?

Resolutions should be realistic and sustainable. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following words are used by the speaker as synonyms for 'resolve'? (Select all that apply)

Promise (A), Commit (C), Vow (D) Signup and view all the answers

What strategy does the speaker adopt to overcome previous resolution failures?

Setting smaller, achievable goals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's attitude towards resolutions in the passage?

She is skeptical of resolutions. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's key advice for setting oneself up for success?

Acknowledge the possibility of mistakes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what does 'sitting down' symbolize in the context of "I sit down during the first week of January and list the things I did last year that made me feel good."?

Setting aside time for a specific activity. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the word 'haphazardly' mean in the context of "I don't haphazardly repeat after me."?

Randomly and without planning. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an adverb and how is it identified?

A word that describes a verb, often ending in 'ly'. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'strategically' mean in "I choose them strategically"?

With a clear plan and purpose. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'block off' mean in "I sent a reminder in my calendar to block off the time needed to do research on my list."?

Mark a time slot as unavailable for any other purpose. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the grammatical function of 'happiness' in "I am future proofing my happiness"?

A noun. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'future proofing' mean in the context of "I am future proofing my happiness"?

Making preparations for the future. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the best synonym for 'feed' in the sentence "I am future proofing my happiness by planning things I know will feed it"?

Nourish. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about speaking a new language fluently?

Native speakers do not make mistakes when speaking. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the author suggest as a way to improve listening skills and expand vocabulary?

Studying native English speakers from various sources. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Finally Fluent Academy mentioned in the text?

To offer a personalized coaching experience for English learners. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a calendar to schedule time for activities?

It encourages a more spontaneous approach to tasks. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the author, what is the most effective way to ensure future happiness?

Planning activities that bring joy and fulfillment. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's primary message in this excerpt?

The benefits of proactive planning and scheduling for personal happiness. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrasal verbs is NOT mentioned in the text as a synonym for "contact"?

Connect with (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between "How they approach goal setting" and "How they approach setting goals"?

The first phrase focuses on the process of goal setting, while the second focuses on the actual act of setting goals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of "lock in a new habit" as it is used in the text?

To make a new habit part of your daily routine. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase "from the outset" as it is used in the text?

To suggest that it's not realistic to expect perfection from the beginning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point made by Oliver Berkman about resolutions?

Resolutions often lead to feelings of disappointment and failure. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dan Harris, what is a good way to "get something done"?

By making the goal meaningful to yourself. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the phrase "let yourself start off poorly" in the text?

To suggest that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does "infinitely more valuable" mean as it is used in the text?

The value is greater than anything else. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct grammatical form of the verb "spend" when used in the phrase "spend time doing something"?

Gerund (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main point of the text?

It's okay to start off poorly when you are trying to learn a new skill or develop a new habit. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is a synonym for "outset" as used in the text?

Start (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important factor that Dan Harris recommends considering when setting a goal?

The personal meaning and significance of the goal. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Oliver Berkman advises people to avoid what common expectation regarding resolutions or goals?

Expecting to be perfect from the start. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST accurate summary of the text?

This text explores the idea that embracing imperfections and starting poorly can be beneficial in achieving goals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key point made in the text about the use of the gerund in the phrase "spend time doing something"?

The gerund is essential to the grammatical structure of the phrase. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Advanced English Lesson: How to Stay Happier This Year

Comparative Adjectives: "Happier" is a comparative adjective, implying an increased level of happiness, compared to a previous state. The word "stay" or "remain" indicates the current state. Comparative adjectives commonly use "than" (e.g., "happier than last year"), but this isn't mandatory.
Alternatives to "Happier": If the article focused on achieving happiness rather than increasing it, the headline would use "how to get happy" or "how to become happy." The use of "get" or "become" signifies a transition between states.
Resolutions vs. Goals: Resolutions are typically set at the start of a new year. Outside of that time frame, goals are a suitable alternative. The allure of resolutions stems from their perceived desirability.
Immune vs. Unaffected: "Immune" implies lack of susceptibility, while "unaffected" suggests not being impacted. The common usage is "unaffected by," not "to."
Vowing vs. Committing: "Vow" signals a strong commitment, promise or contractual obligation, and is not used in everyday conversation, while "commit" or "promise" are suitable substitutes for everyday speech.
"Though" and "Although" (Conjunctions): "Though" and "although" introduce contrasts between two points or ideas. "Though" is more casual than "although" and the contrast is often implied.
"Set Oneself Up for Failure": To set oneself up means to prepare oneself for a likely outcome. It's not good to expect yourself to do something perfectly without room for error or mistake.
"Reach Out" (Phrasal Verb): "Reach out" is a common phrasal verb meaning to contact someone for a specific purpose.
"To Get It Done" (Expression): "To get it done" means to complete a task or action, often with enthusiasm or commitment.
"Lock In" a Habit: To "lock in" a habit means to secure it as part of a daily routine.
"Why" Behind a Goal: Understanding the "why" behind a goal is a crucial aspect of accomplishing it.
"Start/Begin" vs. "Start Off": Use "Start" or "Begin" for general beginning activities, and "Start off" to denote the initial stage of something.
"Spend Time Doing" (Construction): Use the gerund form (verb + -ing) when the subject is talking about time spent engaging in activity.
"Future Proofing Happiness": Future proofing happiness involves proactively planning enjoyable activities to enhance future joy. "Future proof" means to protect against issues in the future.
Resolution Season: The period from the middle of December to the beginning of January, is commonly considered as resolution season.

Specific Grammar and Vocabulary

Adverbs: Adverbs modify verbs and often end in "-ly." Examples of adverbs provided include "haphazardly" and "strategically."
Possessives: Possessive forms of words are shown in various constructions, with examples given for "my happiness."
Gerunds (Verb + -ing): The proper use of gerunds, such as "spending," is crucial when discussing activities requiring a specific verb and a verb ending in -ing.
Adjectives (and Comparative Adjectives): Adjectives like "good" have comparative forms ("better"). Also, the lesson highlighted the importance of the comparative form "happier."
Verb Tenses: Using various tenses of verbs (e.g., past simple, present perfect, present continuous, base verb) is important to convey accurate time references.
Expressions: English contains many expressions and phrasal verbs. Examples are provided such as, "from the outset" and "from the get-go" to ensure students develop a strong command of the language.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intricacies of comparative adjectives and their implications on happiness in this advanced English lesson. Understand the nuances between resolutions and goals while discovering alternatives to expressing states of happiness. Enhance your English skills while learning how to maintain a positive outlook in the new year.