Sample Academic Paragraph

    My most recent information indicates that my understanding of the "intonations" was mistaken, at least in terms of present-day practice. Nevertheless, the technique does work well. I think that its success may depend on several factors, all of which are related to Suggestopedic theory: (1) The peripherally conveyed confidence. (2) The use of an unchanging formula--almost an incantation--which becomes one part of a "ritual placebo." (3) The readiness of young adults these days to accept the value of mind-quieting exercises such as yoga and meditation. (4) The possiblity that some students actually draw on their own earlier experiences in those areas. Negatively, (5) I did not use music in these sessions because I was fairly sure that my choice of selections would be more or less inappropriate, and that my handling of the tapes would be more or less clumsy, so that the overall effect would be amateurish. I am sure that music done well would have enhanced the effect still further, but done poorly it would have damaged my aura of confidence and competence (my "authority"), and so would have spoiled the overall effect. (6) For similar reasons, I did not engage in a formal, overt procedure aimed at inducing physical or psychic relaxation.

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