MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

ABSTRACT: Learning a language is a fun way to gain a new connection to people, develop your resume and exercise your brain. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to learn a language without taking a formal class! Using these simple techniques and resources, anyone can learn a language decently well from the comforts of their own home and at a low cost. In this guide, I will share with you useful things to be mindful of when learning a language - spaced repetition, pattern recognition and motivational learning. You’ll get a sense of the important findings in language acquisition research, and then get a brief overview of the available resources you can use to start your language journey. Whether you want to start learning a new language, to relearn a language you’ve forgotten, or step up your current learning strategy, this guide will be a great place for you to start.

Skeptical Reader, Mary: Mary is a skeptical college student who is busy with classes and doesn’t feel like there are enough benefits to learning a new language.

READER’S RESPONSE: This is a great guide and all, but I really do not have time to learn a new language. I mean, come on, everyone in the world speaks English, I don’t see a problem if the only language I can speak in English. I mean, yeah it would be cool if I could talk to some random guy in Spain in Spanish, but these days there are easier ways. Like Google Translate. Plus the random guy probably knows some English so I’m pretty sure I can get by either way.

REVISED THESIS OR PROBLEM STATEMENT: My problem statement is not changed
VOICE: Varies by section - talking about the science background will be more formal third person, then transition into a personable first person
CITATION: Same throughout, natural language citations

B, such a good document. How will you share with others? I think many will benefit from this.

And, yes, your "Mary" profile is reasonable, including the idea that someone will speak English. :(