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Life plans

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Episode 1: What’s up with Mia?

MR WALES: OK, come on now. Sit down and let’s get started.

MR WALES: All right. Let’s start with the James Bond theme song.

MR WALES: And ... three, four.

MR WALES: Stop, stop, stop. Mia, what was that?

MIA: I’m sorry. Sorry.

MR WALES: OK. Let’s start again. And ... three, four.

MR WALES: Mia, again. Please try and concentrate!

MIA: Sorry.

MR WALES: And again. Three, four.

MIA: I’m sorry. I just can’t do this any more!

MUM: Hi, Mia.

MIA: Mum, I need a word.

MUM: Can it wait? I’m really busy.

MIA: No, it really can’t.

MUM: All right, then. What’s the matter, Mia?

MIA: I walked out of orchestra practice today. I just kept playing the wrong note, and Mr Wales was getting angry.

MUM: So you walked out?

MIA: Yes. I didn’t know what else to do.

MUM: But it isn’t like you to make mistakes like that.

MIA: I didn’t practise, Mum. I just haven’t had any time.

MUM: Why not?

MIA: I’m too busy, what with French and swimming and tennis. There’s just no time for orchestra.

MUM: So what do you want to do? You know that all these things are important for your life.

MIA: But so is having some free time, Mum. So … I was wondering if I could give up the violin.

MUM: What?

MIA: The problem is that it takes up so much time and I don’t really like Mr Wales that much. He’s always picking on me and I’m not happy with the way he talks to me. He makes me feel stupid.

MUM: But Mia, learning an instrument is so important.

MIA: Yes, it is. But, if I’m honest, I don’t really like the violin. It’s not very fun.

MUM: So you want to just give it up?

MIA: Yes, I do. But also I want to start learning the guitar.

MUM: But you just said you were too busy to play an instrument.

MIA: But I could teach myself to play the guitar in my free time.

MUM: Mia, I don’t know. I mean, the guitar?

MIA: Just think about it, Mum. Please.

MIA: Hi, guys.

FLORA: Oh, hi, Mia. So your Mum agreed then?

MIA: Yes, she did. I think Dad might have had a word with her.

JEFF: So how’s it going with the guitar?

MIA: It’s great. I love it and I’m doing it all in my own time.

LEO: But how are you learning it?

MIA: There are all kinds of videos on the Internet that show you how to play things. I’m just using them for now. It’s great because I’m just doing it for myself. There’s no pressure.

LEO: So, come on. Let’s hear a song.

FLORA: Didn’t you hear what she just said, Leo? She likes it because there’s no pressure.

MIA: No, no. I don’t mind playing something for you lot.

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To be more efficient and never leave

things to the last minute; to get fitter.

2 F – She misses her bad habits.

5 F – It takes ten weeks.

6 F – She thinks anything is possible.

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To be more efficient and never leave things to the last minute; to get fitter.

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1 T

2 F She misses her bad habits.

3 T

4 T

5 F It takes ten weeks.

6 F She thinks anything is possible.

1 Yes, she feels guilty because she says

she’d made a resolution not to leave things until the last minute and then says, ‘Well, I’ve failed’.

2 No, she doesn’t enjoy exercise because

after going to the gym and doing karate

for four weeks, she’s not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

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1 Yes, she feels guilty because she says she’d made a resolution not to leave things until the last minute and then says, ‘Well, I’ve failed’.

2 No, she doesn’t enjoy exercise because after going to the gym and doing karate for four weeks, she’s not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

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1 c

2 a

3 d

4 c

5 b

1 present simple

2 present continuous

3 present perfect

4 present perfect continuous

1 am (’m) lying

2 am (’m) trying / have (’ve) tried / have (’ve) been trying

3 have (’ve) been having / have (’ve) had

4 have (’ve) tried / have (’ve) been trying

5 has worked / works / is working

6 doesn’t want

7 is happening

8 have (’ve) been studying / am (’m) studying

9 have (’ve) been thinking

10 want

made

change

break

took

gave

doing

form

struggled

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 c

2 a

3 d

4 c

5 b

RULE

1 present simple

2 present continuous

3 present perfect

4 present perfect continuous

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1 am (’m) lying

2 am (’m) trying / have (’ve) tried / have (’ve) been trying

3 have (’ve) been having / have (’ve) had

4 have (’ve) tried / have (’ve) been trying

5 has worked / works / is working

6 doesn’t want

7 is happening

8 have (’ve) been studying / am (’m) studying

9 have (’ve) been thinking

10 want

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1 a

2 h

3 b

4 c

5 d

6 e

7 g

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1 made

2 change

3 break

4 took

5 gave

6 doing

7 form

8 struggled

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’m meeting

’m going to study

’ll do

present continuous

will

going to

BEN: Hi, Annie? You look serious. What’s up?

ANNIE: I’m meeting the careers advisor this afternoon, and I’ve got no idea what I want to do when I leave school.

BEN: No idea at all?

ANNIE: None. Why? Have you?

BEN: Absolutely. I’m going to study medicine at university and then I’m going to be a doctor.

ANNIE: Lucky you. I don’t even know if I want to go to university.

BEN: Well, don’t worry too much. You aren’t alone. I read an article the other day about famous people who didn’t find their perfect careers until they were in their thirties.

ANNIE: Like who?

BEN: Well, there was Sylvester Stallone, for example.

ANNIE: That really old film actor?

BEN: Yes, he was working in a delicatessen, selling food. I think he knew he wanted to be an actor but just couldn’t get any work.

ANNIE: So what happened?

BEN: He wrote a film for himself to star in. The film was Rocky.

ANNIE: The one about the boxer?

BEN: That’s right. Well, it became one of the most successful films of all time, and Stallone became an international star.

ANNIE: OK, so who else was there?

BEN: Well, J.K. Rowling, of course.

ANNIE: The Harry Potter author.

BEN: Yes, she was working as a bilingual secretary when she first had the idea for Harry Potter. She was 25 at the time, but it took her another seven years to finish writing the first novel and get it published. She spent many of these years living in Portugal, teaching English.

ANNIE: Yes, I think I remember reading that somewhere.

BEN: And speaking of authors, there was the famous Irish writer James Joyce.

ANNIE: Who?

BEN: James Joyce. He wrote Ulysses, one of the most important books of the last century. Anyway, although he started writing in his twenties, he couldn’t get anything published, so when he turned 30, he was making a living teaching and singing.

ANNIE: Singing?

BEN: Yes, apparently he had a really good opera voice and made quite a lot of money from singing in public. When he was 32, he finally got a book published and became a professional author.

ANNIE: Yes, but they all knew what they wanted to be. They just had to wait for a long time before it happened. I’ve got no idea what I want to be.

BEN: Well, that’s what the careers advisor is for. He’ll give you advice.

ANNIE: I certainly hope so.

BEN: Anyway, you don’t need to worry. I’m sure you’ll do well whatever you do.

1 She doesn’t know what she wants to do when she

leaves school.

2 Ben wants to study medicine at university and then
become a doctor.

3 When he was 30, James Joyce was making a living
teaching and singing.

4 The examples are different because they’re about
people who knew what they wanted to be, but
Annie doesn’t.

5 He tells her not to worry because she will do well
whatever she does.

BEN: Hi, Annie? You look serious. What’s up?

ANNIE: I’m meeting the careers advisor this afternoon, and I’ve got no idea what I want to do when I leave school.

BEN: No idea at all?

ANNIE: None. Why? Have you?

BEN: Absolutely. I’m going to study medicine at university and then I’m going to be a doctor.

ANNIE: Lucky you. I don’t even know if I want to go to university.

BEN: Well, don’t worry too much. You aren’t alone. I read an article the other day about famous people who didn’t find their perfect careers until they were in their thirties.

ANNIE: Like who?

BEN: Well, there was Sylvester Stallone, for example.

ANNIE: That really old film actor?

BEN: Yes, he was working in a delicatessen, selling food. I think he knew he wanted to be an actor but just couldn’t get any work.

ANNIE: So what happened?

BEN: He wrote a film for himself to star in. The film was Rocky.

ANNIE: The one about the boxer?

BEN: That’s right. Well, it became one of the most successful films of all time, and Stallone became an international star.

ANNIE: OK, so who else was there?

BEN: Well, J.K. Rowling, of course.

ANNIE: The Harry Potter author.

ANNIE: Yes, I think I remember reading that somewhere.

BEN: And speaking of authors, there was the famous Irish writer James Joyce.

ANNIE: Who?

ANNIE: Singing?

BEN: Yes, apparently he had a really good opera voice and made quite a lot of money from singing in public. When he was 32, he finally got a book published and became a professional author.

ANNIE: Yes, but they all knew what they wanted to be. They just had to wait for a long time before it happened. I’ve got no idea what I want to be.

BEN: Well, that’s what the careers advisor is for. He’ll give you advice.

ANNIE: I certainly hope so.

BEN: Anyway, you don’t need to worry. I’m sure you’ll do well whatever you do.

A James Joyce

B Sylvester Stallone

C J.K. Rowling

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A James Joyce

B Sylvester Stallone

C J.K. Rowling

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1 She doesn’t know what she wants to do when she leaves school.

2 Ben wants to study medicine at university and then become a doctor.

3 When he was 30, James Joyce was making a living teaching and singing.

4 The examples are different because they’re about people who knew what they wanted to be, but Annie doesn’t.

5 He tells her not to worry because she will do well whatever she does.

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1 ’m meeting

2 ’m going to study

3 ’ll do

RULE

1 present continuous

2 will

3 going to

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 We’re going

2 I’ll finish

3 I’m not going

4 I’m seeing

5 She’s going to be

6 going to eat

7 will win

8 We’re flying

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Suggested Answers

1 paragraph 2

2 paragraph 3

3 paragraph 5

4 paragraph 1

5 paragraph 4

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A 4

B 6

C 2

D 3

E 1

F 5

G 7

H 8

1 left school

2 travelling the world

3 got a degree

4 started a career

5 got promoted

6 settle down

7 start a family

8 to retire

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A 4

B 6

C 2

D 3

E 1

F 5

G 7

H 8

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 left school

2 travelling the world

3 got a degree

4 started a career

5 got promoted

6 settle down

7 start a family

8 to retire

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The problem is that no one has seen Mia for a while. She’s very busy and never has any free time.

Mia wants to give up playing the violin because she doesn’t enjoy it. She only plays it to keep her mum happy.

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The problem is that no one has seen Mia for a while. She’s very busy and never has any free time. Mia wants to give up playing the violin because she doesn’t enjoy it. She only plays it to keep her mum happy.

Leo

Mia

Chloë

Mia

1 Mia keeps playing the wrong note on the

violin and then walks out.

2 Mia wants to give up the violin because it

takes up too much time and because she

doesn’t really like the orchestra teacher, Mr

Wales, very much.

3 Mia thinks her mum changed her mind

because her dad spoke to her.

4 Mia is learning the guitar by watching videos

on the Internet.

5 She enjoys playing the guitar because she’s

just doing it for herself and there isn’t

any pressure.

1 Where shall I start? / You’re a star.

2 Where have you been hiding / Now you
mention it

3 Here we go. / Don’t be silly.

1 c

2 e

3 b

4 a

5 f

6 d

up to

What’s up

up to

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1 Mia keeps playing the wrong note on the violin and then walks out.

2 Mia wants to give up the violin because it takes up too much time and because she doesn’t really like the orchestra teacher, Mr Wales, very much.

3 Mia thinks her mum changed her mind because her dad spoke to her.

4 Mia is learning the guitar by watching videos on the Internet.

5 She enjoys playing the guitar because she’s just doing it for herself and there isn’t any pressure.

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1 Leo

2 Leo

3 Mia

4 Mia

5 Chloë

6 Mia

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1 Where shall I start?; You’re a star.

2 Where have you been hiding; Now you mention it

3 Here we go. Don’t be silly.

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 c

2 e

3 b

4 a

5 f

6 d

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 up to

2 up

3 What’s up

4 up to

5 up to

6 up to

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 d

2 a

3 b

4 c

Lorem ipsum dolor

PPC

PPS

’s playing

’m writing

don’t write

’ve been writing

plays

haven’t written

’ve played

hasn’t been playing

haven’t been sleeping

Have you finished

haven’t seen

have you been doing

haven’t seen

texts

is / ’s she doing

has / ’s been training

wants

has / have invited

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 PS

2 PPC

3 PC

4 PPC

5 PPS

6 PS

7 PC

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 ’s playing

2 ’m writing

3 don’t write

4 ’ve been writing

5 plays

6 haven’t written

7 ’ve played

8 hasn’t been playing

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 ’re doing

2 ’m spending

3 like

4 ’m not watching

5 ’m not playing

6 help

7 doesn’t pay

8 like

9 ’m not working

10 need

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 haven’t been sleeping

2 Have you finished

3 haven’t seen

4 have you been doing

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 haven’t seen

2 texts

3 is/’s she doing

4 has/’s been training

5 wants

6 has/have invited

1 she’s having a meeting with Paulo.

2 she’s taking the train to Barcelona.

3 she’s watching the / a football match at

Camp Nou stadium.

4 she’s flying back to London.

aren’t going to visit

am / ’m going to make

is / ’s going to study

isn’t going to ski

are / ’re going to move

I’m seeing the dentist this afternoon.

People will definitely live on the moon one day.

We’re going to stay at the Ritz hotel (in London).

I’m going to travel around the world next year.

My dad won’t let me go to the party.

are having

will win

’s / is going

’m / am not going

will have

’ll / will see

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 she’s having a meeting with Paulo.

2 she’s taking the train to Barcelona.

3 she’s watching the/a football match at Camp Nou stadium.

4 she’s flying back to London.

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 aren’t going to visit

2 am/’m going to make

3 is/’s going to study

4 isn’t going to ski

5 are/’re going to move

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 A

2 P

3 I

4 I

5 P

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 I’m seeing the dentist this afternoon.

2 People will definitely live on the moon one day.

3 We’re going to stay at the Ritz hotel (in London).

4 I’m going to travel around the world next year.

5 My dad won’t let me go to the party.

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GET IT RIGHT!

1 are having

2 will win

3 ’s/is going

4 ’m/am not going

5 will have

6 ’ll/will see

ravel he orld

et romoted

eave chool

etire

et egree

ettle own

tart amily

tart areer

1 settle down

2 start; career

3 leave school

4 start a family

5 travel the world

6 retire

7 got a degree

8 got promoted

up to

up late

What’s up

up to me

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1 g

2 f

3 a

4 b

5 e

6 h

7 c

8 d

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1 travel the world

2 get promoted

3 leave school

4 retire

5 get [a] degree

6 settle down

7 start [a] family

8 start [a] career

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1 settle down

2 start; career

3 leave school

4 start a family

5 travel the world

6 retire

7 got a degree

8 got promoted

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5, 3, 7, 1, 4, 8, 2, 6,

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a up to

b up

c up late

d What’s up

e up to me

1 To be more efficient and never leave things to the last minute (and to get fitter).

2 To try and lead a healthier life, the writer has started going to the gym, taken up karate

lessons, changed her diet and been going to bed earlier.

3 She’s not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

4 We see our future selves differently from our present selves because the part of the

brain we use to think about our future selves is the same part as we use to think about

other people, not the part of the brain we use to think about ourselves.

5 Our brain needs ten weeks to get used to new habits.

Each letter of the word SMART is the first letter of each of the words used to describe the

goals successful people use, namely, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

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1 To be more efficient and never leave things to the last minute (and to get fitter).

2 To try and lead a healthier life, the writer has started going to the gym, taken up karate lessons, changed her diet and been going to bed earlier.

3 She’s not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

4 We see our future selves differently from our present selves because the part of the brain we use to think about our future selves is the same part as we use to think about other people, not the part of the brain we use to think about ourselves.

5 Our brain needs ten weeks to get used to new habits.

Lorem ipsum dolor

Each letter of the word SMART is the first letter of each of the words used to describe the goals successful people use, namely, Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.

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1 F

2 T

3 T

4 F

5 T

6 F

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Dave is the person who receives the email.

Kev is the person who has written the email.

Conner is the new boy at school.

Gina is a girl who’s interested in Conner.

1 Kev feels that Conner is following him everywhere. He also doesn’t like the fact that Conner gets

jealous of his friends and says mean things about them.

2 Underline: I’m getting a bit tired (of him following me everywhere); Obviously, I’m not very

happy with that!

3 He’s going to organise a welcome party for Conner to give Conner the opportunity to make

more friends, he’s encouraged Conner to join the youth club, and he’s given Conner’s

number to Gina.

4 Circle: So I’ve decided that…; I’ve also told him…; And finally…

He explains his problem and how

he’s feeling about it.

He outlines his ideas for solving

the problem.

He closes his email and asks Dave

to respond.

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1 Dave is the person who receives the email.

2 Kev is the person who has written the email.

3 Conner is the new boy at school.

4 Gina is a girl who’s interested in Conner.

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1 Kev feels that Conner is following him everywhere. He also doesn’t like the fact that Conner gets jealous of his friends and says mean things about them.

2 Underline: I’m getting a bit tired (of him following me everywhere); Obviously, I’m not very happy with that!

3 He’s going to organise a welcome party for Conner to give Conner the opportunity to make more friends, he’s encouraged Conner to join the youth club, and he’s given Conner’s number to Gina.

4 Circle: So I’ve decided that…; I’ve also told him…; And finally…

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B He explains his problem and how he’s feeling about it.

C He outlines his ideas for solving the problem.

D He closes his email and asks Dave to respond.

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CARLA: What’s up, Lucy?

LUCY: It’s Will. I’m not happy with him.

CARLA: What’s he done this time?

LUCY: Remember I told you that I wanted to try and get a job with a local paper for the summer holidays?

CARLA: Yes?

LUCY: Well, I asked Will if he could help me write them an application email.

CARLA: He’s good at that sort of thing.

LUCY: That’s why I asked him.

CARLA: So what did he say?

LUCY: He said ‘of course’ and we arranged to meet at my house this morning at nine.

CARLA: And he didn’t turn up?

LUCY: No, he didn’t. He didn’t even call or text. He knows how important it is for me to get some experience if I want to do journalism at university next year. I can’t believe he let me down.

CARLA: That’s typical Will. He’s always promising to do things and then forgetting.

LUCY: That’s not what I want to hear really.

CARLA: Just text him and arrange another meeting.

LUCY: The problem is that the application needs to be in this afternoon.

CARLA: Oh, that is a problem. So what are you going to do?

LUCY: I suppose I’ll just have to do it myself, unless …

CARLA: What?

LUCY: Unless you could lend me a hand?

CARLA: I’d love to but to be honest I’m not very good at that sort of thing.

LUCY: What sort of thing?

CARLA: Spelling, punctuation – writing in general.

LUCY: Don’t worry about that. I can do that. I just want some help with ideas.

CARLA: I’m kind of busy too.

LUCY: Really – what are you doing?

CARLA: I’m meeting Will. We’re going to the cinema.

LUCY: That’s great. Thanks a lot, Carla.

Will

write a job application email

9 (am)

house

Journalism

this afternoon

to lend her a hand

that sort of thing

going to the
cinema (with Will)

I’m not happy

He’s always promising

The problem is that

to be honest, I’m not

CARLA: What’s up, Lucy?

LUCY: It’s Will. I’m not happy with him.

CARLA: What’s he done this time?

LUCY: Remember I told you that I wanted to try and get a job with a local paper for the summer holidays?

CARLA: Yes?

LUCY: Well, I asked Will if he could help me write them an application email.

CARLA: He’s good at that sort of thing.

LUCY: That’s why I asked him.

CARLA: So what did he say?

LUCY: He said ‘of course’ and we arranged to meet at my house this morning at nine.

CARLA: And he didn’t turn up?

LUCY: No, he didn’t. He didn’t even call or text. He knows how important it is for me to get some experience if I want to do journalism at university next year. I can’t believe he let me down.

CARLA: That’s typical Will. He’s always promising to do things and then forgetting.

LUCY: That’s not what I want to hear really.

CARLA: Just text him and arrange another meeting.

LUCY: The problem is that the application needs to be in this afternoon.

CARLA: Oh, that is a problem. So what are you going to do?

LUCY: I suppose I’ll just have to do it myself, unless …

CARLA: What?

LUCY: Unless you could lend me a hand?

CARLA: I’d love to but to be honest I’m not very good at that sort of thing.

LUCY: What sort of thing?

CARLA: Spelling, punctuation – writing in general.

LUCY: Don’t worry about that. I can do that. I just want some help with ideas.

CARLA: I’m kind of busy too.

LUCY: Really – what are you doing?

CARLA: I’m meeting Will. We’re going to the cinema.

LUCY: That’s great. Thanks a lot, Carla.

Here we go.

You’re a star.

Where have you been hiding

Where shall I start

Now you mention it.

Where shall I start?

You’re a star

Where have you been hiding?

now you mention it

Here we go.

No, I’ve got nothing planned.

Ian and I are going swimming. Do you want to come?

I’d love to, thanks.

Next year in July.

And what are you going to do next?

I’m going to study medicine at Cambridge University.

Probably. I hope so.

How many do you think you’ll have?

Two or three.

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1 Will

2 write a job application email

3 9 (am); house

4 Journalism

5 this afternoon

6 to lend her a hand.

7 that sort of thing

8 going to the cinema (with Will)

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 I’m not happy

2 He’s always promising

3 The problem is that

4 to be honest, I’m not

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1 B No, I’ve got nothing planned.

A Ian and I are going swimming. Do you want to come?

B I’d love to, thanks.

2 D Next year in July.

C And what are you going to do next?

D I’m going to study medicine at Cambridge University.

3 F Probably. I hope so.

E How many do you think you’ll have?

F Two or three.

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1 Here we go.

2 You’re a star.

3 Where have you been hiding?

4 Where shall I start?

5 Now you mention it.

Lorem ipsum dolor

1 Where shall I start?

2 You’re a star

3 Where have you been hiding?

4 now you mention it

5 Here we go.

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1 D

2 D

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1 C

2 A

3 B

4 A

5 B

6 D

7 C

8 B

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Read and answer.

What two things is the writer trying to change about her life?

to be

and never

to get

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I don't believe it! It's 11 pm and I'm still sitting here writing this article for the school magazine! I've had two weeks to write it and my teacher wants it tomorrow. She's always complaining that I leave things to the last minute. Maybe she's right. A month ago, I made a resolution to be

more efficient this year and to never leave things to the last minute. Well, I've failed. At the moment, I guess kids all

over the country are thinking back to the resolutions they made at the beginning of the school year. Some of them have already given up for this year. Others are still doing well. Many, I suspect, like me, are struggling with them. I've also been trying to get fitter for four weeks now. I've started going to the gym, I've taken up karate lessons and I've changed my diet. I've even been going to bed earlier. But I'm not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier. I miss my bad habits.

Why is leading a better life so hard?

I've just read an article on a website and I've discovered that it isn't my fault! In fact, it isn't anyone's fault. It's our brains. They're programmed to make it difficult to break bad habits. There's nothing we can do. For example, you're sitting up late playing Minecraft. You know you've got an important test tomorrow, so why don't you just turn off the computer and go to bed? As I said, it's your brain's fault. Scientists have done experiments that show we use one part of our brain when we think about ourselves and another when we think about other people. However, when we think about ourselves in the future, we use the same part of the brain that we usually use to think about other people. In other words, the brain sees the 'future you' as a different person to your 'present you'. And that's why we don't always find it easy to make sensible decisions for ourselves in the future.

But that's not all. Scientists have also discovered that it takes around ten weeks to form a good habit. For example, it's going to take another six weeks before going to the gym stops being so difficult and becomes an automatic part of my life. That's because ten weeks is the amount of time the brain needs to change and accept new behavioural patterns as part of everyday life. The good news is that once you make it to ten weeks, everything becomes a lot easier. The bad news is that ten weeks is a really long time, so it's easy to give up on your good intentions sooner.

So there you are. Maybe we want to change our ways and become better people but our brains won't let us. Or is this just an excuse? Look – I've finished my article on time! Anything is possible!

I miss my bad habits

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Read and choose.

The writer has to finish the article by the following day.

The writer is finding it easy to lead a healthier life.

We use different parts of our brain depending on who we're thinking about.

Our brains don't always let us make good choices for our future selves.

It takes just under two months for our brains to feel happy with changes to our lifestyles.

The writer has decided that she'll never be able to change her habits.

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

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more efficient this year and to never leave things to the last minute. Well, I've failed. At the moment, I guess kids all

Why is leading a better life so hard?

So there you are. Maybe we want to change our ways and become better people but our brains won't let us. Or is this just an excuse? Look – I've finished my article on time! Anything is possible!

I miss my bad habits

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Read and match.

I'm still sitting here writing this article.

I've also been trying to get fitter for four weeks now.

I've started going to the gym.

I'm not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

The brain sees the 'future you' as a different person to your 'present you'.

present simple

present continuous (x2)

present perfect

present perfect continuous

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Read and complete.

It's 2 am and I

(want) me to go to university, but I'm just not

(think) about it for ages.

(study) a lot. There's also the

question of next year. I

exam time, so I

(not want) to stop. A lot

(work) . My mind

sleep, but nothing

(try) different things to help me

about a month now. I

(have) trouble sleeping for

get to sleep, but I can't. I

(lie) in bed. I

(try) to

(happen) in my life right now. It's

Mum and Dad

sure what to do.

Use the correct present tense forms.

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Read and match.

make a resolution

give something up

do well

struggle with something

take something up

break a bad habit

form a good habit

change your ways

be successful

do things differently (usually for the better)

start doing something that is good for you

stop doing something that isn't good for you

decide to make a positive change

find something difficult

start a new hobby or interest

stop doing something

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Read and complete with the missing verbs.

with finding time to practise, so I stopped. This year I've

Last year I

good habits as well: for example, I started piano lessons. But

well until Mum made roast beef. I just had to eat it. I tried to

laptop and that was the end of that. Then I stopped eating meat. I was

up wasting time online, but my parents bought me a

also

But by 2 pm I felt sleepy, so I

late at weekends. For two months I got up at 8 am.

the habit of getting up

loads of resolutions and decided to

my ways. I tried to

only made one resolution: not to make any resolutions.

make a resolution give something up do well struggle with something

take something up break a bad habit form a good habit

change your ways

up sleeping in the afternoon. I

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Read and complete.

Use the correct future forms of the verbs (present continuous, going to, will).

the careers advisor this afternoon.

medicine at university.

well whatever you do.

I'm sure you

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Read and choose.

to the beach this Friday. Do you want to come?

I don't think

to university this year. I want to take a year off.

I've got an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.

Daisy's learning to fly.

chocolate. That's my resolution for next year.

Argentina

on Friday. I'm so excited.

this homework.

her at 10 am.

a pilot.

I'm not

the next World Cup. That's what I think.

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Read and match.

Match the titles with the paragraphs.

Don't expect people to change

No one is happy all the time

Stop expecting everybody to like you

Don't expect people always to agree with you

Stop expecting people to know what you're thinking

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For a better life ...

Life can be hard, and when our plans don't work out, it's often easy to blame others. Sometimes we expect too much from friends and family, and when they don't act as we think they should, we feel disappointed. Maybe it would be easier if we stopped expecting so much from other people. No one is perfect, and that includes you.

So you want to travel the world before you do a degree, but your parents don't think it's a good idea. Of course, it's great if other people can support you in your decisions, but you can't keep everyone happy all of the time. It's your life and you need to make the decisions to make you happy.

Don't worry if there are people who aren't very nice to you, because there are plenty of people who are. They're called your friends. Spend time with them and avoid the others. And when it comes to finding that special person and settling down, remember: there's somebody for everyone.

You've been practising football all summer. You think you're good enough to be in the school team, but the teacher doesn't seem to be thinking the same thing. Maybe he just hasn't thought about it at all. He isn't a mind reader, so tell him. Then at least he knows what you're thinking. He might even choose you.

People can change, but they don't usually do it because someone else wants them to. You can try and tell them what you're not so happy about, so at least they know, but don't be too disappointed if they carry on doing exactly the same things. You have a choice: accept them or walk away.

From their Facebook updates, you'd believe that all your friends are happy all the time and leading exciting lives. Of course, they aren't, just like you know that your life isn't always perfect. We all go through hard times and we often try to hide it. Be kind to people. They might be having a bad day and your smile could make a big difference.

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Read and match.

'Billy's so unfriendly to me. I don't know what I've done wrong.'

'Can't they see I don't really feel like talking? I just want them to leave me alone.'

'Katie's always got a smile on her face. I wish my life was as perfect as hers.'

'I think Jenny would be a brilliant drummer for our band. I don't know what your problem is.'

'I wish Dylan wasn't so untidy. He always makes such a mess.'

paragraph 1

paragraph 2

paragraph 3

paragraph 4

paragraph 5

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For a better life ...

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Look and match.

retire

travel the world

start a career

get a degree

start a family

settle down

get promoted

leave school

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Read and complete.

Now he's 55, with three young children. He says he wants

My uncle has always done things differently. He

Head Translator. When he was 48, he met the love of his life and they decided to

quite quickly and he was soon

was good at his job, he

as a translator. Because he

and when he finished, he

UK. He went to university and

different countries. When he was in his early forties, he decided to return to the

, working in restaurants and hotels in many

years

soon. He wants to stop working and take the whole family around the world with

retire travel the world start a career get a degree start a family

settle down get promoted leave school

Use the correct forms of the verbs.

. He did really well,

when

he was 16 because he wanted to see other places. He spent the next twenty

and

him. I wouldn't be surprised if he does.

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Look and choose.

Now you mention it, ...

Where have you been hiding?

You're a star.

Where shall I start?

Don't be silly.

Here we go.

Chloë

Leo

Mia

Who says these expressions?

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Hi, Leo. Hi, Jeff.

Hi, Flora.

Hey, has either of you seen Mia lately?

No. I haven't seen her for ages, actually.

Now you mention it, neither have I.

It's strange, isn't it? She hasn't been to the café for a long time. I wonder what she's up to.

Hey, look who it is. Hi, Mia! We were just talking about you. Where have you been hiding?

Don't even joke about it. I never have time to do anything any more.

Come and sit down. I'll get you something to drink.

You're a star. That's just what I need.

So what's up, Mia? Why are you so busy?

Where shall I start? Mondays, I have extra French lessons. Tuesdays, it's

tennis lessons. Wednesdays, violin lessons. Thursdays, it's orchestra. Then

every night I'm up late doing my homework.

It's Thursday today.

I know. I'm only here because orchestra was cancelled this week. Thank goodness.

Don't you like playing the violin?

Not really. I mean, I like playing an instrument. I just don't think I want to continue with the violin. Do you know I spend up to an hour every day

practising?

So why do you do it?

To keep my mum happy, I suppose.

You should talk to her, tell her you want to give it up.

Yeah, maybe. But it's not always so easy to talk to her.

Well, you need to do something. You don't have any time for yourself. I mean, we never get to see you any more.

Yeah, I guess you're right. It's up to me to do something about it.

Chloe:

Mia:

Chloe:

Mia:

Chloe:

Mia:

Chloe:

Mia:

Chloe:

Mia:

CONVERSATION 3

THE FOLLOWING WEEK ...

Flora:

Leo:

Flora:

Jeff:

Leo:

Flora:

Leo:

Mia:

Flora:

Mia:

Jeff:

Mia:

Leo:

Mia:

Leo:

Mia:

Flora:

Mia:

Jeff:

Mia:

Flora:

Mia:

Hi, Mia.

Hi, Chloë.

What's up with you? You don't sound very happy.

It's nothing.

Really?

Well, to be honest, I don't really feel like orchestra today.

Why not?

I haven't had any time to practise. And I'm tired. I don't know if I'm up to it.

Don't be silly. I'm sure it'll be fine. Look, Mr Wales wants to start. Come on, Mia.

Here we go. I am not looking forward to this.

CONVERSATION 1

CONVERSATION 2

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Read and match.

You look tired. Has it been a busy day?

Busy?

PE ...

Well, you just sit down and I'll get you something to eat.

Thanks, Mum.

, Annie? I haven't seen you for days.

. I'm really not ready for this.

Then I had Drama club at lunchtime. Then it was a five-kilometre run in

Now you mention it

Where shall I start

Where have you been hiding

You're a star

Don't be silly

Here we go

? First, I had a Maths test.

I haven't been anywhere. You're the one who disappeared.

, I have been quite busy.

It's ten o'clock. Time for the test.

Me neither. I've got a feeling I'm not going to pass.

. You always pass.

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Read and match.

So what's up, Mia?

Do you know I spend up to an hour every day practising?

I wonder what she's up to.

Then every night I'm up late doing my homework.

It's up to me to do something about it.

I don't know if I'm up to it.

doing

not in bed

as long as /

to a maximum of

capable of

What's the matter?

my responsibility

Match the phrases in bold with their definitions.

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Read and choose.

What have you been

I was

Oh, no! You look really unhappy.

It isn't my decision. It's

He's 75 now, so he isn't

This car can carry

recently?

late watching TV last night.

you to decide.

long walks.

six people.

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Read and match.

I'm not happy with

The problem is that

He's always

If I'm honest, I don't

it takes up so much time.

picking on me.

really like the violin.

the way he talks to me.

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Choose the correct tense.

Key: PS (present simple) PC (present continuous) PPS (present perfect simple) PPC (present perfect continuous).

I haven't decided what I want to do yet.

I always do my homework when I get home from school.

Liam hasn't been doing well at school for a few months.

My sister's always talking on her phone.

They've been thinking about buying a new house for more than a year now.

Jim's forgotten to do his homework again.

Steve doesn't want to go to university next year.

It's the last week of term so we're not doing very much at school.

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Complete the sentences with the words given.

No, he's not busy. He

cards on the computer.

've been writing

my party invitations. Who should I invite?

Most people

letters, just emails.

all morning. My hand's tired.

it tonight.

My cousin usually

tennis twice a day. He loves it.

to thank my aunt for my present yet. I must do

all of these games. Have you got any others?

She's not very good at the piano. She

for very long.

don't write

've played

's playing

hasn't been playing

plays

haven't written

'm writing

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Read and choose the correct answer.

weeks so I

moment. Normally the two things I

any TV and I

the shop at the weekends. He

me a lot but I

there for a while. I

some really important exams at school over the next few

most of my free time studying for them at the

most in life are TV and

computer games while the exams are on. I usually

my dad in

getting the money. I

the time for revision.

computer games but I

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Complete the conversations.

You look tired, Paula.

I am. I

very well lately. (not sleep)

your homework? (finish)

Nearly.

Where's Bob?

him for a few hours. (not see)

? (do)

I don't know. I

Helping Mum in the garden.

You're dirty. What

Use the present perfect simple or continuous.

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Complete the conversation.

Jules:

Dan:

Jules:

Dan:

Jules:

Dan:

you

(see) Tara recently? I

(not see) her for weeks.

Well, she

Training? For what?

(want) to be a professional footballer.

She

(invite) her to train with

Chelsea football club

them. She starts with them on Monday.

Use present simple, present continuous, present perfect simple or present perfect continuous.

No, but she

(text) me most days.

So what

(train) really hard for the past month.

(do) these days?

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Complete sentences about Gillian's plans.

Use the present continuous.

On Monday morning

On Monday afternoon

On Tuesday morning

On Tuesday afternoon

On Wednesday morning

stadium.

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Complete the sentences.

see not visit study move not ski make

The car's broken down. We

Sue

Paul has hurt his leg. He

They are selling their house. They

a play tonight. I've got the tickets.

Grandma today.

a curry tonight. I've just bought all the ingredients.

Maths at Bristol University in September.

today.

to London.

Use a verb from the list and 'going to'.

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Match the pictures with the sentences.

The car's broken. We aren't going to visit Grandma today.

I'm going to make a curry tonight. I've just bought all of the ingredients.

They are selling their house. They are moving to London.

We're going to see a play tonight. I've got the tickets.

Paul has hurt his leg. He isn't going to ski today.

Sue is going to study Maths at Bristol University in September.

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Choose the correct function.

Choose A for an arrangement, P for a prediction and I for an intention.

I've got a tennis lesson at 10 o'clock.

I phoned the dentist and made an appointment to see him this afternoon.

People living on the moon one day? Yes, definitely.

We've decided where to stay in London – the Ritz hotel.

I've decided what to do next year – travel around the world.

My dad, let me go to the party? No way!

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Rewrite the sentences.

I've got a tennis lesson at 10 o'clock.

I phoned the dentist and made an appointment to see him this afternoon.

People living on the moon one day? Yes, definitely.

We've decided where to stay in London – the Ritz hotel.

I've decided what to do next year – travel around the world.

My dad, let me go to the party? No way!

Use the correct future tense.

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Complete the sentences.

Choose the correct form and use the words in the list.

It's good that you

I think Real Madrid

My brother

moment.

to see me in Brazil!

a party next weekend – do you want to come?

tonight.

to his party later because I have to study for tomorrow's

come win see go not go have (x2)

to university next week. He's packing at the

exam.

We think you

a great time on holiday.

Maybe I

you there.

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GET IT RIGHT!

will vs. present continuous

Learners often use will + infinitive where the present continuous is needed.

✓

I'm seeing the dentist because my tooth is hurting.

✗

I'll see the dentist because my tooth is hurting.

✓

I'm not sure we'll get it done in time.

I'm not sure we're getting it done in time.

✗

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Match the sentence halves.

I've decided not to make

I'm trying to give

He's on a diet and doing

I'm trying to get fitter but I'm struggling

I need a new hobby so I've taken

It's hard to break

It's important for kids to form

My dad needs to eat better but he's never going to change

really well. He's lost 5 kg already.

with getting myself to the gym every day.

up photography.

his ways.

good habits.

up eating chocolate but it's so difficult.

any resolutions this year.

a habit sometimes.

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Complete the words and expressions.

a f

: finish your professional life

a d

a c

Use the definitions to help you.

: go out and see other countries

: be given a better job (usually in the same

company)

: finish compulsory education

: graduate from university

: get married, buy a house, etc.

: have children

: begin your professional life

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Complete the sentences.

My brother just loves being free. I can't see him ever wanting to

travel the world

a new

It's not easy to

I certainly want to

one day. I'd like at least three

The government wants to raise the age that you can

to 18.

they're 70.

spend some time in Asia.

. I'd love to

These days many people can't afford to

before

from university but I've never really used it in my

If you work hard, you might

to junior manager

get promoted

leave school

retire

got a degree

settle down

start a family

start

Drag the words or phrases to the correct spaces.

career

when you're 50.

children.

I want to take a few years off work and

professional life.

next year.

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Put the sentences in the correct order.

Linda:

Sam:

Why didn't you just go to bed?

Really? What were you up to?

Why? I don't understand.

What's up, Sam?

I was just playing video games with my dad. We were up until 1 am.

Well we were playing on the TV in my bedroom!

Nothing. I'm just feeling a bit tired. I was up late.

I wanted to but it wasn't up to me. I had to wait for my dad to finish.

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Read and match.

doing

awake

didn't go to bed early

the matter

my decision / choice

up to me

What's up

up late

up to

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Answer the questions.

What two resolutions has the writer recently made?

What has the writer done to try and lead a healthier life?

How is she finding it?

Why do scientists think we see our 'future self' as being different to our 'present self'?

How long does our brain need to get used to new habits?

She's not feeling any fitter, just a little unhappier.

Because the part of the brain we use to think about our future selves is the same part as we use to think about other people, not the part of the brain we use to think about ourselves.

Ten weeks.

To be more efficient and never leave things to the last minute (and to get fitter).

She's started going to the gym, taken up karate lessons, changed her diet and she's been going to bed earlier.

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It's that time of the year again that we all look forward to so much. Exams! (I'm using sarcasm here, of course.) Well this year I'm not afraid because this year I'm going to use SMART goals to make sure it all goes well. I read an article about SMART goals. They're what all successful people in life use, apparently.

So what are SMART goals exactly and how are they going to change my life (hopefully)?

SMART GOALS

Well SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. See how they get their names? No? Look at the first letter of each of the words. That's what you call an acronym.

Specific – because they are detailed. It's not good enough to simply say 'I'm going to revise for my

exams.' That plan's too general. A specific goal is something like: 'I'm going to spend at least 20 hours revising for each subject and make a timetable to show exactly how I'm going to do this.' That is a Specific goal.

Measurable – because you should be able to measure your goals and ask yourself questions like: 'How much have I done?'; 'How much have I still got to do?'; 'How much time do I still need?'; 'Is this nightmare ever going to end?' Well, maybe the last one isn't such a great example, but you get the idea.

Attainable – because your goal should be something that you can actually do. If your goal is, for example, to raise £1 million for charity, write a novel, climb Mount Everest and revise for your exams then you might want to ask yourself if you really can do all this and then maybe drop one or two of them.

Relevant – because all your little goals should help you work towards your final one. So, for example, a plan to help your mum and dad with all the cooking, washing up and helping out with housework might make you the most popular child in your house but it's not really going to help you with the revision, is it?

Timely – Your goal must have a time frame. In other words, it must have a start and a finish. There's not much point if you're planning to finish revising a couple of weeks after your exams are over. That really doesn't make much sense. Likewise, you need to think about when would be a good time to start. And, as they say, there's no time like the present, I guess it might be a good idea to stop writing about SMART goals and start putting some into action. Goodbye.

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Read and choose 'True' or 'False'.

The writer enjoys doing exams.

The writer is going to use SMART goals to help her through her exams.

SMART is an example of an acronym.

SMART goals encourage people to do more than they can.

You should plan a beginning and an end to your SMART goals.

You don't need to think about when to start your SMART goals.

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

True

False

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So what are SMART goals exactly and how are they going to change my life (hopefully)?

SMART GOALS

Well SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. See how they get their names? No? Look at the first letter of each of the words. That's what you call an acronym.

Specific – because they are detailed. It's not good enough to simply say 'I'm going to revise for my

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Read the email. Who is ...

1 Dave?

2 Kev?

3 Conner?

4 Gina?

The writer

Kevin's pen pal or friend

A friend

A new kid at school

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Hi Dave,

Sorry for not writing back sooner. I wanted to but I've been pretty busy with school work and football. Next week we're in the cup final – very exciting. Here's a photo of us at football training last week. We had just scored a goal! I hope you had a good time in Dubai – write and tell me what you did there.

I've also been having a few problems at school recently with a new kid called Conner. The teacher asked me to look after him and I was happy to do that. The problem is that he's now decided I'm his best friend. He's always sending me text messages and wanting to hang out with me. I quite like him but if I'm honest I'm getting a bit tired of him following me everywhere. He also gets really jealous of my other friends and says some really mean things about them. Obviously, I'm not very happy about that!

I know it's not easy moving somewhere new. So I've decided that I'm going to do something to help him (and, of course, help me too). Next week I'm having a welcome party for him so he can get to know some other people better and make more friends. I've also told him about the youth club and I think he's going to join it. The best part of that plan is that I can't go for the next few weeks because of football training so he'll have to hang out with other people. And finally I know Gina wants to meet him so I've given her his number.

So that's my plan. If none of it works, I'm going to change my phone number! I'll write and let you know how it goes, but only if you write to me soon. Hope you're well.

From Kev

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Listen and complete the sentences.

Lucy is upset with

Will promised to help her

He arranged to meet her at

Lucy wants to study

The application needs to be in by

Lucy asks Carla

Carla says she's not good at

Carla is

at university.

in the afternoon.

at her

house

Journalism

this afternoon

write a job application email

Will

that sort of thing

going to the cinema with Will

9 am

to lend her a hand

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Listen and complete the conversation.

Carla:

What's up, Lucy?

Lucy:

It's Will.

with him.

Lucy:

I can't believe he let me down.

to do things and then

Carla:

That's typical Will.

forgetting.

Carla:

Lucy:

Just text him and arrange another meeting.

the application needs to be in this

afternoon.

Unless you could lend me a hand?

very good at that sort

Lucy:

Carla:

I'd love to but

of thing.

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Put the words in order.

here

Don' t

silly

you're

star

hiding

have

been

where

you

start

where

shall

mention

you

now

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Read and choose.

Shall we invite Jim to the game with us?

Don't be silly

Can I make you something to eat?

I know you've got to study for your exams but would you like to come

where shall I start

where have you been hiding

now you mention it

here we go

you're a star

. He doesn't like football.

You look busy. Have you got a lot to do?

Busy?

? I've got exams all week,

I've got to organise Sue's birthday, buy her a present ...

Thanks. I'm starving.

, Julia.

I haven't seen you for weeks, Dave.

Nowhere. I've just been really busy.

for a quick bike ride?

Well, I am busy but

, it might

be a good idea to get out for a while.

Boys, get in here, you're 10 minutes late!

. We're in trouble now.

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Put the sentences in order to make conversations.

Making arrangements

Are you doing anything after school, Kim?

Talking about future intentions

When do you finish school, Ping?

Making personal predictions

Do you think you'll have children one day?

I'm going to study medicine at Cambridge University.

Two or three.

Probably. I hope so.

I'd love to, thanks.

Ian and I are going swimming. Do you want to come?

Next year in July.

How many do you think you'll have?

And what are you going to do next?

No, I've got nothing planned.

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Choose the best answer.

According to a recent survey, more than 75% of 16-year-olds

at least one resolution at the beginning of each New Year. The most popular

ones are

Other common resolutions include spending less time watching TV and giving

better at school and being nicer to family members.

playing computer games altogether.

Teenage resolutions

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Choose the best answer.

Decisions

what I want to do when I finish. I come from a family where everyone has gone

to university and I think it's probably what my parents expect me to do too. But,

of course, it's not

not at all sure what I would choose to study there.

When my parents went to university it was free. The government paid for them

to get a

university is going to cost me at least

to them; it's my decision and the problem is I'm

degree that I don't

to have

. Although both of them went

I'm just about to start my final year at school and I still haven't

successful careers, neither of them actually used the subject they studied. These

days it's different. To go

£27,000 and that's only the course

. I can't afford to study for a

up using. I need to choose the right

course and, as I said before, at this time in my life, I've no idea what that might

to do some work and

be. If I'm honest, I'd like to take a few years

maybe travel the world.

before I

Perhaps with a little more life experience I'll be able to make a better decision

down and start my career.

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