Passage 4
Some people seem to have a knack for learning languages. They can pick up new vocabulary, master rules or grammar, and learn to write in the new language more quickly than others. They do not seem to be any more intelligent than others, so what makes language learning so much easier for them? Perhaps if we take a close look at these successful language learners we may discover a few of the techniques, which make language learning easier for them.
First of all, successful language learners are independent learners. They do not depend on the book or teacher; they discover their own way to learn the language. Instead of waiting for the teacher to explain, they try to find the patterns and the rules for themselves. They are good guessers who look for clues and form their own conclusions. When they guess wrong, they start over. They try to learn from their mistakes.
Successful language learning is active learning. Therefore, successful learners do not wait for a chance to use the language; they look for such a chance. They find people who speak the language and they ask these people to correct them when they make a mistake. They will try anything to communicate. They are not afraid to repeat what they hear or to say strange things; they are willing to make mistakes and try again. When communication is different, they can accept information that is inexact or incomplete. It is more important for them to learn to think in the language than to know the meaning of every word.
Finally, successful language learners are learners with a purpose. They want to learn the language because they are interested in the language and the people who speak it. It is necessary for them to learn the language in order to communicate with these people and to learn from them. They find it easy to practice using the language regularly because they want to learn with it.
What kind of language learners are you? If you are a successful language learner, you have probably been learning independently, actively, and purposefully. On the other hand, if your language learning has been less than successful, you might do well to try some of the techniques outlined above.
16. What makes language learning easier for some people than for others, according to the text?
A. Some people learn grammar more quickly than others.
B. Successful language learners use special techniques.
C. Some people have good teachers and good books.
D. Successful language learners are more intelligent than others.
17. How do successful language learners learn languages?
A. They learn independently, actively and purposefully.
B. They learn special techniques from their teachers.
C. They learn the rules and patterns of the language from books.
D. They learn to think about the meaning of every word.
18. Why do successful language learners find it easy to practice using the language regularly?
A. They find it easy to communicate.
B. They look for inexact information.
C. They want to teach the language to others.
D. They want to learn from people who speak the language.
19. "If your language learning has been less than successful, you might do well to try some of the techniques outlined above." What does this sentence mean?
A. Unsuccessful language learners should try the techniques of successful language learners.
B. Less successful language learners try to use successful language learning techniques.
C. Language learning is less successful if you use these techniques.
D. Less successful language learning is the result of using these techniques.
20. According to the passage, what does the word "knack" (Line 1, Para. 1) probably mean?
A. attitude B. intelligence C. code D. ability

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