The Importance of the Game (The Good).

The game has many advantages that encourage users to practice English. Learning to follow directions in English is important to listening comprehension and understanding English. Trace Effects provides English learners with the tasks of learning and practicing English online. There are many advantages to this game.

One advantage of Trace Effects is that it gives a second language speaker the option of practicing their English by listening and reading. Whenever Trace is speaking to someone in the game, he uses various quotes that the person who is playing can use to practice. Also, if someone doesn’t hear correctly what has occurred, he is given the option to replay the action. Sometimes as Americans we assume that we are speak very slowly, but to foreigners we speak rapidly.

The second advantage beyond learning English is that Trace Effects provides cultural information. Along with practicing English, Trace Effects offers many valuable cultural ideas that help inform the users. The game is based on seven missions that Trace has to solve to help people in the future. Most of the missions involve the environment, education, music and other topics that encourage users to work together. This is important for second language speakers because culture and language should be taught together.

The Third Advantage of this game is the mannerisms and feelings presented during through the game. Mannerisms are vital to Second Language learners because mannerisms in different countries aren't the same. Learning this cultural information is a step that helps learners understand the language and culture. Emotions when speaking are also presented in Trace Effects. Understanding a language often depends on the tone being used by the speaker. This game focuses on the importance of tone and style in speaking.

Photos of the Game

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The following links explain the advantages and disadvantages of the game.

1) This first image in the game is something that occurs on a regular basis. In the beginning of the game, you have to collect items and deliver them to fellow characters who are also on that level. This is a good practice because it associates the word with the action.

2) This is an image of the listening section in the game. This is a nice key that helps people who aren’t able to comprehend the tone, but who occasionally miss certain words.

3) This is a waving gesture in the game that I spoke of above concerning disadvantages. This isn't likely to happen in real life. No one waves at someone who is about five feet away from them in a small room. It just doesn't' make any sense.

4) This is the review page of the entire level in one part of the game. This gives an opportunity for users to understand the information and to see what they are learning in that chapter.

5) This is an example of the vocabulary presented in that section of the game. (See section1).

6) This last and final picture is of the mission objectives in each level. This is a nice option and a good way to remember what has occurred in all the missions because sometime users forget the basic details of the game. 

Trace Effect 101

The United States Government and fellow English Learning Organization has bounded up to work together to create a fun interactive game called "Trace Effects." The mission of Trace Effects is to create an interactive opportunity for Second Language Learning speakers to practice their English and learn more about culture norms. This a seven chapter game dedicated for players and students under the age of 16+ to get practice and also give the opportunity of letting students visit and see different sites across the U.S (United States Department of State).

So, Who is the main character? What's his story? 

The main character, Trace, is a boy who teleported  back in time to the present from the year 2045 when he was on a class field trip. The mission is for him to return home but before he can do that, he has to solve seven missions. Within these seven missions,  he must complete various task into creating a better future by helping different people create a positive future.  The intention of this game is exploring various American foundations such as, entrepreneurship, community, activism, empowering women, science, environment and conflict while learning English and helping people achieve their dream. 

Game Basic Information: 

- 7 Chapters of game play. 

- 28 Practice activities 

- 4 Multiplayer practice activities

- Comprehensive teacher and student manuals. 

- 7 graphic novels for extension activities

- Point-based scoring system

(Source: United States Department of State).