Becoming an independent language learner

In an educational context, the term ‘learner independence’ has gained increasing importance in recent years. It is of particular (1) _____ to language learning and commonly refers to the way students confidently control and organise their own language learning process. While some people seem to have an almost (2) _____ flair for languages, others have to rely on strategies to maximise their skills and learn a foreign language more effectively.

The main thing to remember is that becoming a truly independent learner ultimately depends above all on taking responsibility for your own learning and being prepared to take every opportunity available to you to learn. You also increase your chances of (3) _____ by learning according to your own needs and interests, using all available resources. Research shows that learners (4) _____ adopt this approach will undoubtedly manage to broaden their language abilities considerably and, (5) _____, are more likely to achieve their objectives in the longer terms.

(Adapted from “Complete Advanced” by Laura Mathew and Barbera Thomas)