1) Choose one of the expressions from the list given below, and then complete the following short dialogue based on Text A, as indicated by the example.

◎ Identify the habit you want to change.

◎ Decide to make a change.

◎ Identify and remove all the triggers for the old behavior.

◎ Enlist the support of family and friends.

◎ Be consistent.

A: How can I overcome a bad habit?

B: ___________________________________________

A: ___________________________________________

B: ___________________________________________

…

A: How can I overcome a bad habit?

B: Be consistent. The point I’m trying to make is that you have to eliminate excuses. When negative thoughts surface, visualize blowing them to bits with a stick of dynamite.

…

2) Speak them out loud in class one by one.

◎ You’ll get yours.

◎ Why are you so bullheaded?

◎ You’re as stubborn as a bull.

◎ You’ll get your due(应得到的事物).

◎ What goes around comes around.

◎ You’ll get your just deserts(应得到的事物).

◎ He’s set in his ways.

◎ You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

◎ You’ll get what’s coming to you.

◎ A leopard cannot change his spots.

3) Play the roles of Victoria and Simon in the following dialogue, paying attention to the underlined expressions.

Victoria: Your timing couldn’t be better. The clock is ticking away for class. Only seconds till the bell rings.

Simon: Yeah, I just made it! Phew(咻)!

Victoria: You must have skipped breakfast again, poor Simon.

Simon: I sure was in a hurry today. I like to put off getting out of bed as long as possible. You know that though. How often have you seen me do the same?

Victoria: I do know that you’re set in your ways.

Simon: True. But take a look around us. Don’t you think so many people are just like me?

Victoria: What an excuse! Just goes to prove: a leopard cannot change his spots.

Simon: Hey, come on. I’m okay. I’m fine. Really.

Victoria: Starting your day hungry is obviously asking for trouble later on. It’s such a bad habit. You wait and see: you’ll get your just deserts. They’ll be a price to pay for such an unhealthy habit.

Simon: I know it’s important to start the day right. But I still…

Victoria: At the cost of your health? Most medical professionals say we should breakfast like a king.

Simon: That’s what they say. But it’s not what everyone does.

Victoria: I’ll say it one more time. Watch out: if you go on ignoring your body’s needs like this, you’ll get what’s coming to you. And believe me, you won’t like it.

Give a short oral presentation on how to overcome a bad habit, based on one of the following perspectives.

◎ Look at the negative effects of your bad habit

◎ Know the good effects of change

◎ Challenge yourself

◎ Eliminate excuses

◎ Make your intention clear

◎ Take action

Look at the Negative Effects of Your Bad Habit

Actually, most people who end up dealing successfully with bad habits are fully aware of their negative effects. Just knowing the basic facts of their bad habits isn’t enough. An awareness of the full reality of the habit’s negative effects helps them overcome its pull(影响) in their daily lives.

If you’re unwilling to clearly see the negative effects of your bad habit, you will not be able to avoid making excuses. That will make it harder for you to break your bad habit, thereby creating a vicious cycle(恶性循环). This constant cycle of behavior and excuses is why a bad habit is hard to break.

So, the first important step is to carefully examine the negative effects of your bad habit, and to see them for what they truly are. Next, remind yourself of these serious cons(弊端) whenever you feel the temptation(诱惑) to give in to your bad habit.