A recent issue of a language learning magazine has consulted a number of experts in the (1) ........ of second language acquisition. Their advice may prove invaluable for those (2) ........ a language course.

One suggestion is that you (3) ........... whether you are likely to be successful at learning a language or not. Did you enjoy studying languages at school, for example? Do you have enough time to learn a language? The main (4) ........ will be your own time and effort. Therefore you must make sure that the course on offer leads to a (5) ........ qualification.

Also, be realistic in your (6) ...... . If you don't set achievable aims you are more likely to give up. Do not be deceived (7) ........... thinking that the most expensive courses are the best. (8) ........... around to get the best possible value for money.

You should also bear in mind that the quicker you learn a language the more quickly you forget it. Sandra Miller, a French teacher, tried to teach herself German by enrolling on a (9) .......... course. Already fluent in four languages and with a sound knowledge of teaching methodology her chances of (10) ............ progress were high. Three years (11) ........ she remembers very little. She feels her biggest mistake was not to build (12) ............ her previous studies. "I should have consolidated what I'd learnt by continuing to study, even if it were by myself."