Article: If you know how to say hello and goodbye, as well as ask some basic questions, you'll be able to have a brief conversation with anyone in Spanish.  For example, start by learning "¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?" (OH-lah COH-moh ess-TAHS), which means "Hi! How are you?" Practice your pronunciation and use Spanish greetings instead of English when you greet friends and neighbors. If you have any friends or acquaintances who speak Spanish, ask them to only speak to you in Spanish. Try to respond to them in Spanish as well, and get their help with appropriate responses. Listening to music with Spanish lyrics is a good way to get used to the way Spanish sounds, and the repetitive nature of songs will help you learn words more quickly. Choose slower music so you can more easily understand the words. Don't worry if you don't know all the words in the lyrics right away – just listen and immerse yourself in the sounds of the Spanish language. As you expand your vocabulary, you'll understand more and more. Spanish television and movies can be a good way to learn the language relatively quickly. You can find Spanish programs online for free, as well as on cable or movie providers such as Netflix.  Look for shows from places where spoken Spanish tends to be slower, such as Colombia. While watching, turn on subtitles in Spanish, not English. You don't want to learn how to translate Spanish into English, you want to learn how to communicate in Spanish. Spanish subtitles on Spanish programs will help you associate the written word with the sound. To learn Spanish fast, you need to make it as much a part of your life as possible. Switching the language on your devices will help the language become more natural for you.  Changing your device settings won't necessarily expose you to a significant number of new words and phrases, but it will help you start thinking more in Spanish instead of in English. You can expand this basic principle to other areas of your life as well. For example, if you go to yoga class every week, you could switch to a class that's taught in Spanish rather than in English. Start with children's books, which are written using simpler language and are designed to help children learn the language. If you read books you already know pretty well, it will help you get used to the language faster.  Most classics and bestsellers have been translated into Spanish. Many of these books are available for free online in eBook format. You also may be able to find cheap copies at your local used bookstore. Try reading out loud rather than silently. It will help you develop an ear for the language, and you'll associate the written words with the sound of the words. You also might try audio books in Spanish. With digital recordings, you can slow down the speed so that you can understand the speaker better. Especially if you're a visual learner, flashcards and signs can help you start to associate things around you with Spanish words. Going through flashcards every day can help reinforce vocabulary words and concepts you've already learned.  Through an online search, you may be able to find free flashcard templates that you can download and print. Label objects in your home with the Spanish word for that object. Every time you look at the object, you'll be reinforcing your Spanish-language skills. Over time, you'll come to associate the object with the Spanish word rather than the English word. If you have the means to do so, traveling to a Spanish-speaking country can be the ultimate immersive experience. When everyone around you is speaking Spanish, you find it easier to start thinking in Spanish instead of in English.  If you're a student, visit your school's study abroad office to find out about opportunities to spend a semester in a Spanish-speaking country. Not only will you get course credit, but you'll also have opportunities to learn Spanish language and culture. While in the country, try to speak only in Spanish. You'll learn more quickly when you force yourself to speak the language.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. Listen to music in Spanish. Watch Spanish movies and television. Change your applications and devices to Spanish-language settings. Read Spanish books. Make your own signs and flashcards. Travel to a Spanish-speaking country.
Article: This method may be tedious when making more than a few tostada shells. The paper towels soak up moisture and create a crunchy texture. Do not allow the edges of the tortillas to overlap. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Turn the tortillas over and place fresh paper towels on top. Microwave on high for 1 additional minute. You may wish to microwave tostada toppings after you have baked or fried the shells.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
You can also make crispy but oil-free and extremely low-fat tostada shells in the microwave. Place 2 layers of paper towels on your microwave's cooking carousel. Layer several tortillas onto the carousel, directly onto the paper towels. Cover the tortillas with an additional layer of paper towels. Open the microwave and remove the top layer of paper towels. Optional: Finished.
Article: Take your cubed squash and place it into the heated pan. Be careful. Butter and olive oil may spit off the pan when squash is added. It's a good idea to wear an apron for your own safety. Stir the squash on occasion as it cooks to make sure it cooks evenly throughout. It should take about 8 minutes for the squash to adequately cook. It may take more or less, however, depending on the precise strength of your pan. Therefore, keep an eye on the squash as it cooks. Cook the squash until it's tender. Once the squash is cooked, you can stir in your spices. You can add about a tablespoon or teaspoon of each spice, depending on how strong you want the flavor. You should also add salt to taste. Your squash should not be ready to eat. Remove the squash from the heat and serve it. You may want to wait a few minutes before eating your squash, as it may be hot.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Throw in the squash. Sauté the squash for about 8 minutes. Season the squash. Remove the squash and serve.