English has developed since the following postcard was written in the early 20th century. Replace the words in bold with more common words below: forcing away, practicing, hard work, peaceful, generosity, saving money.
I will this day try to live a simple, sincere and a) serene life, b) repelling promptly every thought of discontent, anxiety and discouragement, cultivating cheerfulness, c) magnanimity, charity and the habit of holy silence, d) exercising economy in expenditure, carefulness in conversation, e) diligence in appointed service, fidelity to every trust and a child-like trust in God.
What people resolve to do nowadays has not changed since the time the postcard in Exercise 1 was written. Look at the list of most common resolutions and underline some for you. If you want to fulfill them, apply the SMART principle.
Quit smoking, drinking and other such habits, Lose Weight and Get in Better Physical Shape Become more organized, Become more assertive, Reduce Stress, Take a Trip, Learn something new, Volunteer to Help Others, Save Money, Get out of Debt, Get a Better Job Be Less Grumpy, Enjoy life more.
The word resolution comes from the verb to resolve: to make a decision formally or with determination: The company resolved to take no further action against the management.
The verb resolve can also mean to solve a problem or difficulty: Have you resolved the problem of where to celebrate the New Year’s Eve?
