Vanessa presents ideas for making progress in English during the year, beginning with a familiar New Year’s resolution: express yourself more comfortably, understand fast conversations, and become a fluent speaker. She recognizes that a year can pass without a learner reaching those goals, then recommends concrete habits. The lesson favors consistent practice and useful input rather than a quick promise of fluency.
“New Year’s resolution” is a goal or promise someone makes around the start of a new year. Vanessa suggests listening to podcasts, including shorter episodes that may be easier to fit into a routine. Podcasts can build listening comprehension and vocabulary, especially when the topic interests the learner. She also recommends watching English-language YouTube channels made for native speakers. This exposes learners to real-life English, but the content may be challenging; choosing a topic that is interesting and using subtitles can help.
The video then proposes writing a few English sentences each day using a “Rose, Bud, Thorn” reflection. The rose is the best part of the day, the bud is something the learner is looking forward to, and the thorn is the hardest part. “Look forward to” introduces something someone anticipates with pleasure. After “to,” use a noun or an -ing form: “I’m looking forward to my vacation” or “I’m looking forward to meeting my friend.” The pattern gives learners a simple way to write about past experiences, hopes, and difficulties.
The lesson’s suggestions are options rather than rules. A learner can choose one podcast episode, write three short sentences, or watch a short video and note a few expressions. Consistency is more realistic when the habit is small enough to maintain. The video provides links and recommendations, but each learner should choose material at an appropriate level and avoid comparing progress with someone else’s timeline.
To practise, choose a listening habit and a writing prompt for this week. For example, listen to a 10-minute episode on a topic you enjoy, then write a rose, bud, and thorn sentence. Use “I’m looking forward to…” for a future event. A clear plan with a specific time and manageable task can turn a general resolution into repeatable practice.