is a willing and accurate guesser
tries to get a message across even if specific language knowledge is lacking
is willing to make mistakes
constantly looks for patterns in the language
practices as often as possible
analyzes his or her own speech and the speech of others
attends to whether his or her performance meets the standards he or she has learned
enjoys grammar exercises
begins learning in childhood
has an above-average IQ
has good academic skills
has a good self-image and lots of confidence