Lesson Overview
New Year & New Year’s Resolutions – Spot the Differences is a picture-based ESL lesson that combines New Year celebrations with the popular topic of making resolutions and setting goals.
Students begin with New Year vocabulary, picture description and the 10 differences between the two pictures. At A2 they move into plans and personal resolutions, while B1 and B2 students explore realistic goals, motivation, habits, social pressure and whether New Year’s resolutions really work.
Levels: A1–B2
Skills: Vocabulary, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Topic: New Year celebrations, resolutions, goals and personal plans
Format: Spot the Differences + levelled activities
🔗 SUGGESTED INTERNAL LINKS
Christmas – Spot the Differences: https://talkmor.com/christmas-3/
Easter – Spot the Differences: https://talkmor.com/easter-3/
Halloween Night – Spot the Differences: https://talkmor.com/halloween-night/
A1
Students practise basic New Year and party vocabulary while describing the pictures and finding the differences. The activities also introduce simple language for talking about personal likes and plans.
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A2
Students move from describing the celebration to talking about their own New Year plans and resolutions. Pair work and the resolution activities give students plenty of opportunities to practise going to, want to and other useful structures.
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B1
The lesson uses New Year as a starting point for more developed speaking. Students discuss goals, realistic resolutions, motivation and problems that can prevent people from achieving their plans.
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B2
Higher-level students move beyond the celebration itself and discuss why resolutions succeed or fail, habits, social pressure and the idea of a “fresh start.” The final activities provide opportunities for debate, argument and extended writing.
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