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It is widely acknowledged that language learning strategies can essentially enhance students´ performance in a second/foreign language. The present research portrays young learners´ L2 strategy use in Greek state elementary schools, especially with regard to their language proficiency level, motivation to learn English, and gender. Moreover, it seeks to explore the characteristics of the "very successful learner", whose lower intermediate level is considered to be exceptional, distinguishing him/her from the lower levels. Fathoming of the factors involved in strategy deployment as well as knowledge of the strategies with which high achievers are equipped can contribute to the design of effective strategy intervention towards successful learning in second language acquisition.

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Athina Vrettou holds an MA in Theoretical and Applied Linguistics and a PhD in Applied Linguistics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Her research interests primarily concern language learning strategies and motivation in SLA. She has presented in international conferences and published peer-reviewed articles.

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