Try Something New for 30 Days
Read the vocabulary words and watch the video. Follow along with the transcript if needed. Answer the discussion questions and practice speaking.
Video: http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_cutts_try_something_new_for_30_days
Vocabulary
| Word | Type | Pronunciation | Definition |
| rut | noun | /rʌt/ | a situation or way of behaving that does not change |
| Used in a sentence: She was stuck in a rut at her old job, so she quit work and went back to school. | |||
| habit | noun | /ˈhæbɪt/ | a usual way of behaving |
| Used in a sentence: It was his habit to take a nap after lunch every day. | |||
| memorable | adjective | /ˈmemərəbəl/ | very good or interesting and worth remembering |
| Used in a sentence: She gave a memorable performance. | |||
| self-confidence | noun | /self ˈkɑnfɪdəns/ | the feeling that you can do things well and that people respect you |
| Used in a sentence: He is intelligent but lacks self-confidence. | |||
| adventurous | adjective | /ədˈventʃərəs/ | not afraid to do new and dangerous or exciting things |
| Used in a sentence: He is an adventurous cook who is always trying new recipes. | |||
| novel | noun | /ˈnɑvəl/ | a long written story usually about imaginary characters and events |
| Used in a sentence: She hopes to publish her novel someday. | |||
| sleep-deprived | adjective | /slip dɪˈpraɪvd/ | not having enough sleep to function properly |
| Used in a sentence: She has been sleep-deprived since the new baby arrived. | |||
| sustainable | adjective | /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ | able to last or continue for a long time |
| Used in a sentence: The key to making sustainable changes is to make small adjustments. | |||
| less likely to stick | adjective | /les ˈlaɪkli tə stɪk/ | has a smaller chance of maintaining something |
| Used in a sentence: If your goal is too difficult and requires very large changes, it is less likely to stick. (You are more likely to quit) | |||
| guarantee | verb | /ˌɡerənˈti/ | to say something with great confidence |
| Used in a sentence: I guarantee that you’ll be satisfied. | |||
| give it a shot | verb | /ɡɪv ɪt ə ʃɑt/ | try something |
| Used in a sentence: If you have a goal, you should give it a shot! | |||
Short Answer Questions:
- Why is 30 days a good length of time for a challenge?
- What are two of the 30 day challenges the speaker did?
- What do people challenge themselves to do during the month of November?
Discussion:
- Have you ever challenged yourself to do something new for 30 days? How did it go?
- What do you think would be the most difficult 30 day challenge for you?
Speaking Practice:
“So here’s one last thing I’d like to mention. I learned that when I made small, sustainable changes, things I could keep doing, they were more likely to stick. There’s nothing wrong with big, crazy challenges. In fact, they’re a ton of fun. But they’re less likely to stick.”
Further Discussion:
What is something you would like to challenge yourself to do for 30 days? How difficult do you think it would be? How would you feel after you accomplished it?
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