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Goal Setting for Reading Habits

Individuals discuss their personal reading goals, such as reading more books per month, exploring new genres, or improving reading comprehension, and share strategies to achieve them.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Sarah (Female)
Hey Michael, I'm trying to set some new reading goals this year. Any thoughts on how to make them stick?
2
Michael (Male)
That's a great idea, Sarah! I've been thinking along similar lines. My main goal is to read at least two books a month. What about you?
3
Sarah (Female)
Two books a month sounds ambitious but achievable! I'm aiming for one book a month, but more importantly, I want to venture into new genres. I tend to stick to thrillers and historical fiction.
4
Michael (Male)
Exploring new genres is an excellent goal! I'm planning to tackle some non-fiction this year. For sticking to it, I find setting aside a specific time each day really helps, even if it's just 20 minutes.
5
Sarah (Female)
That's a smart strategy. I've heard others recommend that too. Maybe I can dedicate my lunch break to reading instead of scrolling through my phone.
6
Michael (Male)
Perfect! And for exploring new genres, maybe pick up something totally different next time you're at the library or bookshop. Don't overthink it, just grab something that catches your eye.
7
Sarah (Female)
Good point. Sometimes the pressure to choose the 'right' book can be paralyzing. I could try some classics, or maybe even poetry.
8
Michael (Male)
Exactly! And don't feel bad if you don't finish every book. It's about the journey and discovering what you enjoy. Maybe we can recommend books to each other throughout the year?
9
Sarah (Female)
I love that idea! It would definitely add an extra layer of motivation. Thanks, Michael, this was really helpful.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

ambitious

Describes a goal that is bold or challenging, but possible to achieve with effort. Use it when talking about plans that push you to do more, like 'an ambitious reading target.'

achievable

Means something that can be done successfully. It's useful for discussing realistic goals, such as 'an achievable plan' in conversations about personal targets.

venture into

To try something new or unfamiliar, like entering a new area. In reading contexts, say 'venture into new genres' when you want to explore different types of books.

tackle

To deal with or start a difficult task. Use it for books or challenges, like 'tackle a tough novel,' to show you're ready to face it.

dedicate

To give time or effort to a specific activity. Common in goal-setting, e.g., 'dedicate time to reading' when planning your schedule.

overthink

To think too much about something, causing hesitation. Useful for advice like 'don't overthink your book choice' to encourage quick decisions.

catches your eye

Something that attracts your attention immediately. In shopping or libraries, say 'a book that catches your eye' for spontaneous choices.

recommend

To suggest something good to someone. Essential for book discussions, like 'recommend a book' to share favorites with friends.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

I'm trying to set some new reading goals this year.

This sentence uses 'trying to' for ongoing efforts and 'set goals' for making plans. It's useful for starting conversations about personal objectives, like in goal-setting talks; the present continuous shows current action.

My main goal is to read at least two books a month.

A simple structure with 'main goal is to' + infinitive for stating aims. Great for sharing targets clearly; 'at least' adds flexibility, helpful in discussions about habits.

I'm aiming for one book a month, but more importantly, I want to venture into new genres.

Uses 'aiming for' to express intentions and 'more importantly' to prioritize ideas. Useful for balancing goals; contrasts specific and broader aims in conversations.

Setting aside a specific time each day really helps.

Gerund 'setting aside' as subject for advice on routines. Practical for strategy-sharing; 'really helps' emphasizes effectiveness in habit-building talks.

Maybe I can dedicate my lunch break to reading instead of scrolling through my phone.

Suggests alternatives with 'maybe' and 'instead of' for choices. Useful for proposing changes; shows how to replace bad habits with good ones in daily planning.

Don't overthink it, just grab something that catches your eye.

Imperative 'don't overthink' for casual advice, with 'just' to simplify. Ideal for encouraging spontaneous actions; common in exploratory discussions like book selection.

It's about the journey and discovering what you enjoy.

Idiomatic 'it's about' to explain focus, with gerunds for process. Motivational for learning experiences; use when emphasizing enjoyment over completion in goals.

Maybe we can recommend books to each other throughout the year?

Question form with 'maybe' for suggestions, 'recommend to each other' for mutual actions. Builds collaboration; rising intonation invites agreement in group planning.