If you have learned any second languages, at what age did you begin to learn them? Are you more successful now in languages that you were exposed to earlier? Based on your personal experience, what do you think of the Critical Period Hypothesis? Do you know others whose experiences would support or refute it?
SLA THEORIES
Which models (Innateness Theory, Learning Theory, Monitor Model, Systemic Functional Linguistics, Markedness Differential Hypothesis, Function-to-form Mapping, Information Processing Theory, Complexity Theory, etc.) relating to L2 learning processes do you feel you can use to explain your own learning process in your L2? Does one seem more plausible than the other?
MOTIVATION
Integrative and Instrumental motivation can both play a role in the desire to learn an L2. How have these two kinds of motivation influenced your L2 learning? If you know other L2 learners, ask them what factors motivated them to learn, and compare them to your own.
SUCCESS
Some studies define "success" in L2 acquisition per the initial rate of learning, some define it per the ultimate achievement, whereas others define it based upon how closely a learner comes to native-like pronunciation, or grammaticality judgments similar to a native speaker's. How do you define success? Is your definition of success in L2 learning contingent on the standards by which you are judged?
AGE AND LEARNING CONTEXT
It is postulated that younger learners are probably more successful in informal and naturalistic learning contexts, and older learners are more successful in formal instructional settings. Do you agree or disagree? Use your own experience combined with theoretical support from this chapter to make your argument.