New Year's resolutions difficult to keep

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New Year is when we make plans to change our life over the next twelve months. A professor said: "January 1 is a 'magical' date and a vow made on this day is much more powerful than one made on August 26." Most of our promises to quit, start or change things are usually broken by January 31st. They are usually the same resolutions that were not fulfilled from previous years. People tend to make the same resolutions even though they cannot keep them.

Around 45 per cent of us make resolutions. The most common ones are to lose weight, volunteer, quit smoking, save money, and get fit. Others include eating healthier food and drinking less alcohol. Most of us do not stick to these. A study found that 71 per cent of us stick to them for the first two weeks. This goes down to 50 per cent after six months. Most people give up because they lack willpower. They 'escape' by thinking they will 'try again next year'.

2. SYNONYM MATCH:Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.	start	a.	widespread
2	forthcoming	b.	regrettably
3.	vow	c.	yearly
4.	unfortunately	d.	promise
5.	hard	e.	approaching
6.	common	f.	shows
7.	fit	g.	get out
8.	reveals	h.	tough
9.	annual	i.	in good shape
10.	escape	j.	beginning

From: Breakingnewsenglish.com