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Award-Winning IB Language A: Language and Literature HL Tutors

Dakota

Certified Tutor

Dakota

Master's degree
Dakota's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade math
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am a native Texan now living in NYC. I just finished my Master's degree, and I love food, reading, and travel. I've been working and volunteering as a tutor since my high school days, and I am eager to provide advanced-level assistance to you! I'm a friendly, approachable person who maintains a pr...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Master's degree

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
33
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

Bachelor's
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am now a Florida-barred attorney with a passion for teaching. I had some amazing teachers when I went through school and was lucky to have them make learning an exciting experience for me. My goal is to make learning fun and to empower my students so that they are prepared and confident to tackle ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Arianna

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Arianna

Bachelor of Science
Arianna's other Tutor Subjects
8th-12th Grade math
9th-12th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra
Calculus

I am a Dartmouth graduate. I am currently working on my med and business endeavors. I have not only an interest, but a motivation to help others. I have helped students get into Ivy League schools as well as other top universities across the country with top scholarships. I tutor in all subjects fro...

Education

Dartmouth College

Bachelor of Science

Naomi

Certified Tutor

Naomi

Bachelors, English, Philosophy
Naomi's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
1st-9th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am happy to tutor for Varsity Tutors. I study English literature and philosophy, so reading and writing are my strongest suits, but I am glad to help in any of my listed subjects. Please send me a message to let me know how I can be of assistance!

Education

Brandeis University

Bachelors, English, Philosophy

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Emma

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Emma

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I'm an NYU (New York University) student pursuing a degree in Economics. I'm a hands on tutor who loves students, and I'm passionate about sharing my interests. I graduated high school with a bilingual diploma in Spanish, am familiar with Spanish language and culture, and have traveled widely. I'm a...

Education

New York University

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Sebastian

Certified Tutor

Sebastian

Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Sebastian's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
IB Language A: Literature HL
College Essays

I am currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the University of central Florida.

Education

University of Central Florida

Current Undergrad, Computer Science

Gabriel

Certified Tutor

Gabriel

Bachelor's
Gabriel's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am a TEFL certified English language teacher, with multiple years of experience teaching English overseas, having lived in both Thailand and Laos, and worked with students of all ages and skill levels. My lessons have ranged from language activation and phonics in kindergarten, to grammar instruct...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1430
Shua

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Shua

Bachelors, Economics
Shua's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade math
10th-12th Grade Writing
10th-12th Grade Reading
Arithmetic

I'm thankful to have attended a high school that allowed me the opportunity to offer academic support to my peers. There were no material incentives - the rewards were intrinsic. Thus, I learned to love teaching for its own sake. When I came to college, the opportunities only expanded. I was able to...

Education

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1440
Alicia

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Alicia

Current Undergrad, Human Development & Family Sciences and Bilingual Elementary Education
Alicia's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am eager to work with you in achieving your academic goals!

Education

Oregon State University

Current Undergrad, Human Development & Family Sciences and Bilingual Elementary Education

Jane

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Jane

Current Undergrad Student, English
Jane's other Tutor Subjects
ACT Prep
ACT English
ACT Math
ACT Reading

I am a current student at Princeton University, obtaining a major in English with minors in Environmental Studies and Musical Theater. I graduated from Sewickley Academy in 2016 as a member of the Cum Laude Society with highest honors for all semesters. I am an AP Scholar with Honors, an Academic Al...

Education

Princeton University

Current Undergrad Student, English

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
34

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Anna

ACCUPLACER ESL - Listening Tutor • +34 Subjects

With each of my experiences working with children my passion for education has grown. I first came to Austin to work with a Spanish literacy intervention program through Americorps called A Community for Education (ACE). After my service with ACE I taught at a dual language (Spanish-English) school for five years. I taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade in math, reading, writing, and science. I am currently a graduate student pursuing my master's in speech language pathology, which I plan to practice in the schools. I believe the care and attention of teachers for students is integral to the development of a healthy, happy child. I enjoy getting to know the children I work with and watch their personalities and minds develop.

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Deborah

6th Grade AP Language Composition Tutor • +28 Subjects

My MA in English with a concentration in Rhetoric and Composition, together with my MA in Adult Education and Continuing Education, qualified me to have a stellar forty-three-year career as a full-time college professor predominately in the University System of Georgia. I have successfully instructed multiples of thousands of students with varying degrees of academic abilities, beginning with at-risk to advanced learners. A substantial amount of my career was spent preparing these learners to pass standardized essay exams, computerized COMPASS Writing Skills Exams, and COMPASS Reading Skills Exams. Pass rates ranged from eighty to one- hundred percent. The subjects I am most passionate about teaching are all types of Writings (Expository, Argumentative, Business, Technical, and Research Writing) and Reading skills (comprehension, main idea, inference, vocabulary, etc.) on the middle school, high school, and college levels with all the ancillary subjects such as practical grammar, syntax, editing, standardized essay exams, computerized editing and reading exams, as well as computerized exams, such as ACT, SAT, and ACCUPLACER. I am equally prepared to tutor GED students. My philosophy about education is that all students can learn with the right amount of quality instruction and two-hundred percent effort. Additionally, a quality education is a necessity for a quality life. During my leisure time, I enjoy research and writing, listening to relaxing music, and watching football and basketball.

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Deborah

Algebra Tutor • +7 Subjects

Hi. I love math and I love teaching math. I am a state certified high school math teacher. I have 31 years of classroom experience. I currently teach Pre-Calculus and AP Statistics.

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Katherine

ACT Science Tutor • +32 Subjects

Hi, my name is Katherine and I've been tutoring in various capacities since 2012. Although I'm currently studying Computer Science at Swarthmore College, I have expertise in a number of subject areas and I'd love to help you out.

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Samantha

10th Grade Reading Tutor • +119 Subjects

I believe every student has a unique learning skill set and every teacher continues to learn from her students. To ensure every student receives the best tutoring, I strive to offer excellent communication and a diverse set of teaching skills.I obtained my Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater where I double majored in International Business and French. I also obtained my paralegal certificate and minored in Legal Studies. After my undergraduate program, I earned my Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School where I specialized in International Environmental Treaties. I also obtained my certificate in Comparative Legal Systems.I began working as a child care provider in 1998 and continued until I graduated from Law School. I also worked as a para-educator for down-syndrome children in Vermont public schools. For the past four years, I have taught at the collegiate level. I have taught many subjects including legal research and writing, political science, professional development, college career and success, sociology, computer science, English, ethics, and accounting.Besides my formal education, I have a diverse arts background, including Voice, French Horn, and Dance. I enjoy many sports including ice skating, hiking, skiing, and biking. I am currently learning photography. Lastly, I am an avid volunteer in my community. In particular, I provide event management, planning, and fundraising support to Animal Aid, the Girl Scouts, Well Arts, and Humane Educators Reaching Teachers (HEART).From this diverse background, I offer tutoring in English, Literature, Accounting, French, Voice, Elementary and Middle School Math, Phonics, Political Science, Legal Studies, LSAT Prep, Study Skills, Science, and Public Speaking.For my full work history and credential, please feel free to visit my LinkedIn page at: www.linkedin.com/pub/samantha-balmes/50/326/a0a/

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Christopher

Algebra Tutor • +7 Subjects

I am a current student at Rutgers University on track to major in Electrical Engineering. I tutor a wide range of math from elementary level up to high school and college. This range includes algebra, trigonometry, pre-calc and calculus. I have had many experiences through my high school and outside work at kumon learning centers in tutoring. I love helping students not only learn the material themselves, but being able to know it well enough that they can teach it themselves, achieving my goal of getting students to work autonomously without required help. The many interests I have outside of the classroom includes playing basketball, running, video games, and computer programming.

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Jerry

ACT Writing Tutor • +2 Subjects

Hey, I enjoy teaching math, computer science, and the SAT! Contact me if you are interested in these.

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Amy

College English Tutor • +13 Subjects

I have a B.A. in French and a diploma in Business French from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Paris. I also speak Greek, Italian, and Spanish.I have worked as a private tutor in the area of foreign languages, essay writing, and a variety of other subjects for more than a decade. In that time, I have witnessed the difficulties many students have when learning something that seems unfamiliar, uninteresting, or just makes no sense. Seeing this, I believe it is my responsibility to be a positive influence by ensuring that all my students do well and understand the material. For example, with French, I always give them a brief English grammar lesson beforehand which helps tremendously boost their confidence level as the foreign gradually becomes familiar.I am truly excited about working with students and encouraging them to excel. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a student conquer his/her fears and expressing him/herself in a way he/she never thought possible. I work with each student’s specific needs in a patient yet firm manner. I also exhibit determination, empathy, and humor to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Most importantly, I am personable and understanding and believe that brings me closer to helping my students.In my free time, I love cooking Mediterranean/Greek cuisine and would love to open a restaurant one day. I also write poetry, short stories, etc. and am currently working on my first novel. Lastly, I adore knitting and crocheting cute, fashionable clothes and accessories for girls.

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Gabrielle

AP Biology Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am recent graduate of Binghamton University, with a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology. I am deeply committed to the value of education, and believe that learning is a gift and an opportunity for growth that should be available to everyone. For this reason, I am passionate about tutoring and helping students, so that everyone is able to not only do well in school, but to fall in love with learning in the process. Anyone can enrich themselves through learning. This is the foundation of my teaching philosophy: in addition to emphasizing results and academic achievement, I believe it is integral to find an individual approach to each student and to focus first and foremost on teaching students to study in a way that is effective and engaging. I tutor elementary, middle, and high school students in all subjects. In my free time, I like to go running, practice dance, learn new languages, and play ping-pong.

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Julie

Languages Tutor • +4 Subjects

I am a graduate of LaSalle University in Mexico City. I received my Bachelor of Science degree inBusiness Administration with a focus on management. I am also a certifiedteacher of Spanish. Since graduation I have worked in Human Resources and I havealso been tutoring children and adults in private and public schools, as wellas online. I am very enthusiastic about teaching my native language because Ifeel that in that way I am enriching my students' education and experiences inlearning aspects of another culture. One area where we seem to have the mostfun is prepping for exams and writing assignments. I am a firm proponent ofeducation, and as a tutor, my approach is based on each of my students'level of proficiency, their goals, and their learning pace. I focus on providinga pleasant and safe experience for my students. I prepare lesson plans that arecreative and introduce new topics in a fun way, spending enough time reviewingthe material. Afterwards, I allow students time to practice on their own. I encourage you to contact me to schedule so togetherwe can start achieving your goals

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paper 1 (Unseen Texts) requires a structured analytical response that moves beyond simple identification of techniques. A strong essay opens with a clear thesis about how the writer achieves their purpose, then builds analysis through topic sentences that connect specific textual evidence to broader patterns. Paper 2 (Studied Texts) demands comparative analysis across your chosen texts with integrated quotations that support thematic arguments. Tutors can help you develop a framework that balances close reading with big-picture interpretation, ensuring each paragraph advances your argument rather than listing observations.

Many students name techniques (metaphor, parallel structure, alliteration) without explaining why the author chose them or what they achieve. IB Language A rewards analysis that connects technique to purpose—for example, explaining how a writer's use of short, fragmented sentences creates urgency or tension rather than just noting the sentences are short. A tutor can guide you toward deeper interpretation by asking "So what?" after each technique identification, helping you articulate the cumulative effect on tone, meaning, or reader response.

Success with unseen texts depends on developing a consistent analytical approach: first, identify the writer's purpose and intended audience; second, map the text's structure and tone shifts; third, analyze how specific techniques support that purpose. Many students rush to analysis without establishing context. Tutors can help you practice this methodology across diverse texts—speeches, advertisements, opinion pieces, literary excerpts—so you develop pattern recognition and confidence when encountering new material on exam day.

Effective comparison in IB Language A goes beyond surface-level similarities; it explores how different texts approach similar themes, audiences, or purposes through distinct stylistic choices. Rather than structuring your essay as "Text A does this, Text B does that," weave comparisons throughout by focusing on thematic or stylistic questions: How do both texts use language to challenge power? What different audiences do they address, and how does that shape their tone? A tutor can help you identify genuine points of connection and develop integrated paragraphs that feel organic rather than formulaic.

Revision should address three levels: argument clarity (Does my thesis hold throughout? Are my topic sentences specific?), textual evidence (Are my quotations precise and integrated smoothly?), and analytical depth (Have I explained the effect and significance of each technique, or just identified it?). Many students revise for grammar and style first, missing opportunities to strengthen their interpretation. Tutors provide targeted feedback on your analytical moves, helping you recognize patterns in your thinking and develop more sophisticated, nuanced arguments before polishing sentence-level writing.

IB Language A values precise, confident analysis that sounds like thoughtful interpretation, not stilted formality. Developing this voice means using subject-specific terminology accurately (tone, register, rhetoric, connotation), varying sentence structure for emphasis, and committing to your interpretations rather than hedging with phrases like "it could be argued." A tutor can help you analyze how published literary critics and essayists construct authority through word choice and sentence rhythm, then guide you in applying those techniques to your own writing while maintaining authenticity.

Context matters in IB Language A, but only when it directly illuminates textual meaning or the writer's choices. For studied texts, understanding the author's historical moment or literary tradition can deepen your analysis—for example, recognizing how a 19th-century novel challenges gender conventions of its era. However, context should support your close reading, not replace it. Tutors help you determine when context strengthens your argument and when it becomes filler, ensuring you balance textual evidence with broader literary or cultural understanding.

With 2 hours and 15 minutes for Paper 1 and 2 hours for Paper 2, time management directly impacts essay quality. A strategic approach allocates 5-10 minutes to planning (identifying your thesis and key textual evidence), 35-40 minutes to writing, and 5 minutes to proofreading. Many students underestimate planning time and rush into writing, resulting in unfocused arguments. Tutors can help you practice timed writing across different text types, develop planning templates that work under pressure, and build the fluency needed to write analytically without sacrificing clarity.

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