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Award-Winning 8th Grade AP English Literature Tutors

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Shela
As a graduate of Brigham Young University, Provo, I began teaching high school English and theater. During my time as a teacher, I was awarded grants to create and implement a district-wide English program for accelerated and at-risk students. Since that time, I have published three books, "Awakenin...
Brigham Young University-Provo
Bachelor in Arts, Theater Arts

Certified Tutor
Sarah
I graduated from The University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Associate of Applied Science in Cardiovascular Technology. For approximately 8yrs I was the head coach of a high school rowing club. Setting individual and team goals, promoting hard work and team work, and ...
University of Toledo
Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science
University of Toledo
Associate in Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Certified Tutor
10+ years
Mahdika
Everyone has a particular learning style and method by which retaining information becomes effortless. Finding that gem is the key- and this is where having a tutor can really help you excel. Often students do not have as much difficulty understanding a topic, if only it is presented in a manner the...
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Bachelors, Biology & Biochemistry
Touro University Nevada
Doctor of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Ryan
I am an undergraduate student at the University of Houston looking to assist students in strengthening comprehension in subjects vital for college-entrance exams (specifically SAT and ACT). I focus on tutoring in writing and language skills, essay editing, and mathematic subjects. I aim to help stud...
University of Houston
Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Henry
I am a rising Junior computer science major, biochemistry minor at Carleton College. I remember how important asking for help was when I was studying for exams and would love to assist students going through the same process. Although I am knowledgeable in many subjects, I am most equipped tutoring ...
Carleton College
Bachelor in Arts, Computer Science

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Faith
I believe a mind is a terrible thing to waste. I believe that all person/people can learn to the best of their ability.
Kettering College of Medical Arts
Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, General

Certified Tutor
5+ years
Raissa
My first tutoring experience was of small groups of dental and medical first years while I was obtaining my PhD in Physiology at the University of Puerto Rico. Since then I have taught a variety of Science classes (General Biology, Anatomy, Anatomy and Physiology) to larger groups at the college lev...
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy, Physiology

Certified Tutor
8+ years
Stuart
I am originally from Atlanta. I recently completed an MFA in Creative Writing at Chatham University. I speak French at the advanced intermediate level, and have traveled extensively across Europe. I feel I have a lot to offer as a tutor of writing and literature.
Chatham University
Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing
Georgia State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, English

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Ben
I am currently in my junior year at Union College. I will graduate with a B.S. in Biology in June of 2016, and plan to go to medical school after. My tutoring experience is quite varied. Back in high school I was the TA for a computer science course and a volunteer tutor in chemistry and biology. Mo...
Union College
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General

Certified Tutor
4+ years
Rita
Hey! My name is Baoyi and you can call me Rita. I studied and graduated at The University of Texas at Austin. I am an outgoing, organized, friendly and responsible person. I am fluent in Mandarin and English, and I'd love to help more people to know and learn about Mandarin. Most people think Mandar...
The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelors, Economics
Top 20 English Subjects
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Josephine
ACT English Tutor • +14 Subjects
Hi there! I am a graduate of Pepperdine University, with a degree in business administration and minor in applied mathematics. Since graduation, I have worked for U.S. Bank as an anti-money laundering investigator and tutored students both remotely and in person. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about mathematics, with considerable experience tutoring anything from pre-algebra to Calculus 1. I have also tutored for the ACT, covering time management and strategy as well as problem solving. I like to get to know my students, learning what drives them so I can better motivate them to succeed.
Larry
English Tutor • +10 Subjects
I have the Master of Arts degree from Pepperdine University. From my under- graduate college days on, I have taught ages from older elementary through older adults in one-on-one, class room, camp, auditorium and church settings. These presentations have also taken place during hosting a 21-day Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Greek Isles Tour and 7-day tour to Brazil. In addition to Brazil I instructed through a translator for 1 month of college in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and on various occasions in Mexico and the Navajo Reservation in the SW U.S.A.In summary, I have served in leadership roles with various non-profit boards where skills were developed in interpersonal communications. I have conducted well over 50 special event activities in 11 states and 4 foreign countries, with over 2500 participants, as well as consulting on many topics for churches and businesses.With my education, ministerial, college instructing, non-profit and life experiences, I am looking forward to those who would be interested in any of a broad range of subjects, including but not limited to those I am most excited about: History, Social Studies, Ethics, World Religions, Religion, and Theology.Believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality of life, I am a proponent of not only education but of continuing education. Some of my continuing education included: Marriage Preparation and Enrichment certification, Managing Conflict seminars and workshops, special faculty training from University of Phoenix and many other professional, specialty training workshops. I trust this enthusiasm and appreciation will be imparted to all of my students.In my spare time, I enjoy family time, reading, an active church participation and some sports, all which enriches my life!
Victoria
Accounting Tutor • +7 Subjects
I have my Bachelor's in Accounting from Michigan State University, and my Master's in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. I enjoy working with college students and want to share my Accounting and Business knowledge with future generations. I have been tutoring College students in Accounting for almost 2 years privately.
Elsbeth
Biology Tutor • +6 Subjects
I recently graduated from Indiana University (IU) with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Life Sciences with a concentration in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies. While I was at IU, I was a teacher's assistant (TA) for Molecular Biology. While this can be a difficult subject, I loved being able to explain the intricacies of it to students during office hours. I was also a member of Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional chemistry fraternity, for three years; we provided free Chemistry tutoring once a week and helped students with test prep. My favorite job I've ever had was as at an IU summer program for freshmen, where I was a TA for a class about feminist and psychoanalytic film analysis of horror movies. I absolutely loved working with my students and introducing them to the new, weird world of horror movie analysis. Currently, I tutor for Biology, History, English, and Social Studies. I'm very excited about this opportunity to be a tutor because I know what it's like to struggle in a class, and I wish I would have reached out to a tutor myself. It's so important for students to have the resources they need to succeed in and even enjoy their education. My hope is that through tutoring, I can show students another way of looking at the subject. In my spare time, I've been devouring audiobooks and podcasts about history, race, gender, and colonialism while I play Pokemon on my Switch.
Tabitha
American Literature Tutor • +11 Subjects
Greetings! I am an instructor of writing at Northeastern University. American literature and culture is my passion and my specialty area. I am also an experienced researcher and academic writer. In the spring of 2016 I finished my PhD in English at Northeastern University, and since then I have been teaching college writing courses and tutoring international students, mostly from China, Korea, and Russia. Working with students to help them succeed in the areas of literature, cultural studies, writing, and grammar brings me great joy. There is nothing better, and more fulfilling than helping others find success.
Melissa
Academic Coaching Tutor • +24 Subjects
I am a 2016 graduate of the University of Southern Maine. I have my Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Minor in English. I was selected to be the student commencement speaker for my graduating class and have additional experience with public speaking and group facilitation. I graduated at the top of my economics department while in undergrad and served as a teacher's assistant (TA) for two of my economics professors while in school. I was also a part of the women's outdoor track and field team and was co-chair of multiple student groups on campus. I tutored my classmates in English, writing, public speaking, economics, and business primarily but have assisted with other subjects as well, such as statistics.I truly enjoy working with students as it is most rewarding to help students reach their full academic potential, which is not always realized in a classroom setting alone. While I tutor a range of subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring writing because good writing is truly foundational and essential in so many areas of life. I also enjoy teaching students good study habits and organizational techniques that are conducive to greater learning and set students up for higher academic achievement and success. I would describe my teaching style as focused and collaborative, but also casual so as to make my students feel like they can ask questions at any time throughout the learning process. One of my overarching goals with tutoring is to inspire student interest in subjects that have been troublesome to them, because oftentimes it is not the subject itself, but how the subject is taught that can inspire interest.
Casey
College English Tutor • +12 Subjects
I am a graduate of Ripon College. I received my Bachelor of Arts in History and Spanish Language and Literature with high honors. I have four years of experience tutoring both Spanish and English. Since graduation I have spent the last two years living in Spain where I taught and tutored private English classes. My favorite subject to tutor is Spanish because I am passionate about the language and about helping students understand and master its intricacies. I am an avid proponent of education because I believe that an enriched education is key to both personal and professional success. I believe that a tutor is a bridge between the student's potential and the subject matter. I believe in helping students become independent learners by fostering critical thinking skills through asking questions, presenting the information in a new light and encouraging them to feel confident and inspired while learning. In my spare time I enjoy enriching my body and mind through reading, hiking, dancing and traveling.
Ruth
English Tutor • +9 Subjects
I am currently working towards a BS in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University. In the past I have worked with middle school orchestra students at an arts summer camp, where I was a volunteer Teacher's Assistant. During this camp I ran sectionals with small groups of students and sat in with the violinists to help individual students in large group rehearsals. I have some tutoring and organization experience by working with my high school's chapter of the California Scholarship Federation, where we offered free tutoring to other high school students. I am most passionate about tutoring algebra and pre-calculus, because I really enjoy the problem-solving aspects of math. I also tutor English and SAT prep. In my free time I enjoy cooking, reading, and practicing as many different instruments as I can get my hands on!
Kimberla
Elementary School Tutor • +24 Subjects
I knew I wanted to teach by the third grade. I went into teaching right after high school and graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education four years later. I eventually acquired a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. I've taught grades K-6 as a full time classroom teacher in Michigan, Arkansas, and Texas. I've taught online to Ohio and two different countries. I worked as a math specialist for two years of my career. I've also worked as a scorer for standardized tests in math and writing. I opened my own daycare and tutoring services (Mrs. Teacher's Tutoring Lab) while raising my own little one. Therefore, I've been involved in all aspects of education and enjoyed every bit of it. I've developed a lot of skills over the years to close learning gaps, enhance the high achiever, and help the average student reach new goals; so that all can have a pleasant and interesting learning experience. I'm looking forward to working with you.
Leah
American Literature Tutor • +36 Subjects
If there is one thing I have learned from my years working in neurobiology labs, it's that brains learn best in engaging, low-stress environments. I take great pride in creating those environments with students, especially during times as chaotic as these.I firmly believe that there are no boring or inaccessible subjects--only ones that haven't yet been presented in the right context!When students are inherently interested in the material at hand, I enjoy stoking those flames. When students find an assignment boring or intimidating, I enjoy finding just the right resources to help relate it to fun and familiar concepts.I've found that it's easy and fun to get a feel for molecular biology fundamentals by looking at models of DNA/RNA/protein--thousands of which are available for free at the Protein Data Bank.I'm always trying to encourage more people to play with this free and easy-to-use resource for biomolecular art/education. I would love to show you how to use it in your studies (or just for fun)!The Protein Data Bank offers a wealth of other educational materials, too. (I don't work for them or anything--I just really, really like structural biology art!) http://pdb101.rcsb.org/
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
The foundation of AP Literature rests on close reading and textual analysis—identifying how authors use literary devices like symbolism, imagery, tone, and syntax to create meaning. 8th graders often struggle with moving beyond surface-level observations to explain why an author made specific word choices and how those choices support the overall theme. A strong tutor helps students develop a systematic approach to annotation, teaching them to track patterns in language and connect individual details to larger arguments about the text.
Many 8th graders rush through the prompt or spend too much time on their introduction, leaving insufficient time for developed body paragraphs with textual evidence. Effective pacing means spending 2-3 minutes on careful prompt analysis, 3-5 minutes outlining your argument, and the remaining time on writing clear paragraphs with specific quotes and analysis. Tutors often use practice essays with strict time limits to build this rhythm, helping you identify which stages of the writing process slow you down and where you can streamline without sacrificing quality.
A common mistake is dropping quotes into an essay without explanation—AP graders want to see you explain what the quote shows and why it matters to your argument. Effective integration means introducing the quote with context, embedding it smoothly into your own sentence, and following it with analysis that connects the specific language back to your thesis. For example, instead of "The character was angry. 'I hate this place,' he said," you'd write: "The protagonist's blunt declaration, 'I hate this place,' reveals his refusal to mask his emotions, establishing him as someone unwilling to conform to social expectations." Tutors can show you how to develop this skill through revision exercises on your own writing.
Comparative questions require you to identify a specific literary element (like characterization, narrative perspective, or use of symbolism) and analyze how two authors approach it differently to achieve different effects. Rather than summarizing both texts separately, strong responses weave them together—discussing how Author A uses a technique for one purpose while Author B uses a similar technique differently. Many 8th graders benefit from creating a comparison matrix before writing, listing the element, how each text handles it, and what effect that creates, which helps organize your thinking and ensures balanced analysis of both works.
It's normal to second-guess your reading of a text, but remember that AP Literature rewards supported analysis over "correct" interpretation—examiners care that you can defend your reading with specific textual evidence, not that you match some predetermined answer. Building confidence comes from practice: working through past exam questions, discussing your interpretations with a tutor, and seeing how multiple valid readings can exist for the same text. When anxiety hits during the test, pause, reread the prompt to refocus your argument, and trust the evidence you've identified—a well-supported interpretation, even if unconventional, will earn strong marks.
While a strong vocabulary helps with reading comprehension, AP Literature success depends more on understanding how word choice functions within a text's context. Rather than isolated vocabulary drills, focus on noticing when an author uses surprising or precise word choices and asking yourself why that specific word matters—this trains the analytical habit you need. Tutors often teach students to use context clues and the author's tone to infer meaning, and to recognize how word choice contributes to literary effects like irony, characterization, or mood, which is far more useful than memorizing definitions.
Before writing, identify three key elements: the specific literary element or technique the prompt asks you to analyze (symbolism, characterization, narrative voice, etc.), the effect or purpose you need to explain (how does this element create meaning or develop the theme?), and any constraints (must you use specific evidence, compare texts, or address a particular theme?). Many 8th graders miss nuance in prompts and write generic essays about the text rather than answering the specific question asked. Spending 2-3 minutes underlining key terms, circling action words like "analyze" or "compare," and jotting down what the prompt is not asking for helps you stay focused and earn higher scores.
Effective revision for AP essays focuses on strengthening analysis rather than just fixing grammar. Read your essay asking: Does each paragraph have a clear claim about the text? Do I provide specific evidence (quotes or details)? Do I explain how that evidence supports my point? Many 8th graders benefit from reading their essays aloud to catch awkward phrasing, and from having a tutor review body paragraphs to identify where analysis is thin or where evidence needs stronger explanation. Revision should also check that your essay actually answers the prompt—it's easy to write a solid essay that misses what was asked.
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