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Award-Winning 8th Grade Literature Tutors

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Alexa
I'm a professional writer, editor, and graduate-level researcher with 10+ years of experience helping students strengthen clarity, flow, argument structure, and self-confidence. I can support your studies as a writing coach, college essay specialist, humanities tutor, ACT, AP, and IB test prep (Hist...
Wake Forest University
AB

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Dallas
As an online and in-person teacher of 9 years, I have a diverse array of experience working with students of all ages, levels, and nationalities. I believe learning is individual to the learner. As such, I work with students to understand their goals and then tailor my lessons to each student. I a...
Arkansas Tech University
Bachelor
Arkansas Tech University
Associate

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Abigail
I'm an enthusiastic educator, who likes to create child based lessons. I have spent over six years dedicated to unlocking potential across all age groups. With eight years of Psychology studies, and a B.S. in Criminal Justice, I bring a structured yet engaging approach to subjects ranging from eleme...
AIU
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Karthikeyan
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Biological Sciences with a 3.96 GPA, and I am currently continuing my academic journey through advanced medical and graduate-level coursework. My education has given me a strong foundation not only in the life sciences but also in interdisciplinary f...
Central Washington University
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Christine
I am a writer and recent MFA graduate in Creative Writing and Screenwriting from Antioch University, Los Angeles. I received my Honors Undergrad Bachelor of Arts Degree in English at University of Toronto, Canada. I have fiction editorial experience with the online literary journal, "Lunch Ticket,...
Antioch University-Los Angeles
MFA

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Alexis
As a passionate educator with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University of Louisiana, I bring over 2 years of tutoring experience in subjects such as Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Pharmacology. I have experience working with kindergarten - 8th Grade childre...
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Bachelor's

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Catherine
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Reading and ESL, as well as a Master's degree in Literacy and additional certifications in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Curriculum & Instruction. I've spent the last several years teaching first and second grade, and I bring a d...
Missouri State University
Master's/Graduate
Illinois State University
Bachelor

Certified Tutor
2+ years
Deborah
I hold a Ph.D in English from Fordham University in NYC and a valid secondary school teaching license. Plus, I have over 30 years of experience teaching and tutoring students: 26 at the university level and four at the high school level. My expertise spans a wide range of subjects, English Language...
Fordham University
Doctorate (e.g., PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors

Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Top 20 English Subjects
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Jessica
College Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects
I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writing requirement at the University prior to matriculating, I was the first freshman tutor to be accepted into this selective program. The tutoring program involved a preliminary peer-tutor training course prior to beginning tutoring, in order to certify that I had the appropriate background to provide professional feedback to fellow students on their literary works and projects. After graduation, I worked for a full-service learning center where I created and implemented high school lesson plans for home-schooled students, provided academic support for students ranging in ages from 8 to 20 years old, and taught group and individual standardized testing preparation classes. I have also assisted students with application essays for various undergraduate and graduate programs.
Jeffrey
Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.
Erika
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!
Rhea
AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.
Pinelopi
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects
I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)
Quinn
Calculus Tutor • +17 Subjects
I am willing to address any issue with an open mind and I try to develop strategies that play to a student's strengths. I would like to think I am very approachable and personable, and I have had very positive experiences with many students in the past using this philosophy. Outside of academics, I love playing basketball and watching sports, as well as chilling with friends, listening to music, and keeping up with politics and current affairs.
Sharon
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +29 Subjects
I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, and I will be starting a graduate program at Columbia in August. I am about to complete a year of service with City Year, an education non-profit that places young adults into under-served schools. As a City Year member, I worked full-time in the classroom with middle-school students who were in approximately the 10th percentile for math (meaning they score lower than 90% of students). One-fourth of those students were able to grow around 15 percentile points by the end of the year! Hobbies: reading, cooking, gardening, music, art, nature, books, writing
MaryAnn
Calculus Tutor • +21 Subjects
I am a published author who has enjoyed “coaching” our daughter, as she navigated through high school, college and graduate school. I mentor college juniors who are seeking careers in financial services, and I serve as a peer resource to professionals who are transitioning from private industry to the nonprofit sector. Hobbies: reading, cooking, writing, books, music, art, travel
Earnest
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects
I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Tiffany
Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects
I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.
Top 20 Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
Many 8th graders find it challenging to move beyond plot summary and develop deeper analysis of literary elements like symbolism, tone, and character motivation. They often struggle to support interpretations with specific textual evidence and understand how authors use devices like foreshadowing or imagery to create meaning. A tutor can help students learn to ask analytical questions about texts—like "Why did the author choose this word?" or "What does this symbol represent?"—and build the habit of citing specific passages to back up their claims rather than making general statements about a book.
8th grade essays often suffer from weak thesis statements that are too vague or simply restate the prompt. Tutors work with students to craft specific, arguable thesis statements that preview their main points, then help them organize body paragraphs so each one supports a single aspect of that thesis. Through guided practice and personalized feedback, students learn the difference between a topic sentence and a thesis, how to structure evidence and analysis in each paragraph, and how to revise for clarity and coherence—skills that directly strengthen their writing across all assignments.
Close reading means carefully examining specific words, phrases, and sentences to understand how an author creates meaning—noticing things like word choice, repetition, or sentence structure that casual reading often misses. In 8th grade, students are expected to move from just understanding what happens in a story to analyzing how and why it happens. Tutors teach close reading strategies like annotating text, asking questions about word choice, and tracking patterns across a passage, which helps students find the specific evidence they need to support their literary analysis rather than relying on vague generalizations.
Many 8th graders describe characters as simply "good" or "bad" without exploring the complexity of motivation, internal conflict, or how characters change. Tutors help students ask deeper questions: What does this character want? What obstacles stand in their way? How do their choices reveal their values? By analyzing specific scenes where characters make decisions and examining dialogue and internal thoughts, students learn to see characters as complex people with believable motivations. This approach also helps them understand how character development drives plot and theme, making their literary analysis more sophisticated and insightful.
Writer's block often stems from trying to write a perfect essay on the first attempt. Tutors break the writing process into manageable steps: brainstorming ideas, creating an outline, drafting without worrying about perfection, and then revising for clarity and evidence. They teach students to separate drafting from editing—getting ideas down first, then improving organization and adding textual support in revision. With personalized feedback on their actual writing, students see exactly where their analysis needs strengthening or where they've summarized instead of analyzed, making revision feel purposeful rather than overwhelming.
8th graders often think grammar rules and writing voice are separate concerns, but they're connected—strong voice comes from making deliberate word choices and sentence structures. Tutors help students understand that varying sentence length, choosing precise verbs, and using active voice (when appropriate) all contribute to clearer, more engaging writing. Rather than focusing only on correcting errors, personalized instruction helps students see grammar as a tool for expressing their ideas more effectively. This approach keeps students from writing stiffly to "follow the rules" while still building the conventions skills they need for academic writing.
Theme is abstract, so many 8th graders either miss it entirely or confuse it with the plot. Tutors teach students to look for patterns—repeated ideas, symbols, or conflicts—that point to what the author is exploring. For example, in a story about a character overcoming fear, the tutor might ask: "What does the character learn?" "What message is the author sending?" "How do other characters or events support this idea?" By connecting specific scenes and character choices to larger ideas, students develop the analytical thinking needed to move beyond surface-level plot summary and understand what a text means, not just what happens in it.
Many 8th graders treat citations as a box to check rather than understanding why they matter—acknowledging sources and supporting claims with evidence. Tutors teach the mechanics of MLA format (in-text citations, Works Cited entries) while also showing students how to integrate quotes naturally into their writing. This means teaching them to introduce quotes with context, choose the most relevant passages, and explain how the evidence supports their point—not just dropping in a quote and moving on. With guided practice and feedback on their actual essays, students learn that proper citation isn't busywork; it's how writers build credibility and show their thinking process.
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