Award-Winning IB Language A: Literature Tutors

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Award-Winning IB Language A: Literature Tutors

Emma

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Emma

Bachelor in Arts, English
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
College Essays
Literature

I am a student at Duke University studying English, Entrepreneurship, and Photography. I have several years of experience tutoring privately and volunteering as an assistant teacher for elementary school children aged 4-10 years old. I am available to tutor English at all pre-collegiate levels. This...

Education

Duke University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
ACT
34
Rachel

Certified Tutor

Rachel

Bachelor in Arts
Rachel's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP Environmental Science
IB Environmental Systems and Societies SL

I am also experienced in teaching test preparation and test-taking strategies, resume and personal statement preparation, and leadership. Further, I am an experienced researcher and editor. I am an avid reader and a skilled writer. I aspire to help my students feel confident and positive about their...

Education

Duke University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1410
Ben

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Ben

Bachelors, Mathematics
Ben's other Tutor Subjects
9th-12th Grade math
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Linear Algebra

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. I have been tutoring for over 6 years now, and I have found it to be an extremely rewarding and enjoyable experience. I specialize in mathematics, particularly at the high school level, and I also have experience tutoring other subject...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Bachelors, Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Olivia

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Olivia

Bachelors, American Studies
Olivia's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SSAT- Middle Level

I'm passionate about guiding high schoolers through the college application process. The admissions process is probably one of the most confusing, anxiety-inducing experiences you'll have in high school, but I'm full of ideas for making the entire process as successful and stress-free as possible. I...

Education

Yale University

Bachelors, American Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
34
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
John

Certified Tutor

16+ years

John

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama
John's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry

I'm a huge Red Sox fan and love watching detective shows when I have free time.

Education

University of St Thomas

Bachelor of Fine Arts, English/Drama

American Academy of Dramatic Arts

Associates, Acting

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1420
ACT
36
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

Ezra

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Ezra

Bachelors, Philosophy
Ezra's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
IB Mathematics HL

I'm not tutoring, I'm probably reading, listening to music, cooking desserts or shopping at a thrift store.

Education

Reed College

Bachelors, Philosophy

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
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

Mercedes

Certified Tutor

Mercedes

Master of Arts, Modernist Literature
Mercedes's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Public Speaking
IB Language A: Literature HL

I am currently a high school English teacher, and would be happy to help you improve your reading, writing, and/or public speaking skills. As a native Spanish-speaker, who has continued studying the language and its formal use, I can help you with the formal and informal use of the Spanish language ...

Education

University of Chicago

Master of Arts, Modernist Literature

Rice University

Bachelor in Arts, English, Hispanic Studies

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

Alex

Calculus Tutor • +61 Subjects

I am also a certified secondary English teacher in Florida through the online TeacherReady program. I have 5 years experience teaching ESL, entry exams (including GMAT and ACT), and humanities (history, philosophy, literature, and creative writing) at the high-school and college levels. I am also interested in writing, both academically and creatively, and languages: I am fluent in French and Mandarin Chinese and can read Latin, German, and Greek. In my ideal job I serve as a medium to help people develop their interests and ideas; at the same time, I love having the opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions, brain-storming, and critical thinking. In the future, I hope to expand my skill-set to include STEM based subjects like math or computer science.

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Naomi

9th Grade math Tutor • +141 Subjects

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!

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Faith

Calculus Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am most passionate about helping students excel in reading and writing. I try to make my tutoring sessions as conversational as possible; I believe that both student and tutor should learn together. What I hope to achieve in my sessions is instilling confidence in my students. When students feel confident in themselves, they will be prepared to succeed both in and outside of the classroom.

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Emma

Elementary Math Tutor • +35 Subjects

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 also an avid writer and blogger. Hobbies: art, books, travel, reading, music, writing

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Abby

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +60 Subjects

I am a student at Arizona State University and Barrett the Honors College. I am pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and two minors in Spanish and mathematics. I plan on attending medical school upon graduation. I have been a tutor for nearly four years in multiple areas. Primarily, I have tutored mathematics for middle school and high school students. I also have experience in test preparation for the SAT, ACT, IB, AP and Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS). Additionally, I have tutored in multiple sciences, such as physics and biology. I very devoted to education and to intend to see to it that every student has the quality of education that I have been privileged to receive. Outside of school, I spend my free time shopping, trying new restaurants, doing yoga, and spending time with friends.

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Sebastian

Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects

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

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Christy

IB Mathematics SL Tutor • +34 Subjects

I am a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Public Health minor, Magna Cum Laude. I served as a both an undergraduate Teaching Assistant for an upper level public health course and a College Applicant mentor for a local high school throughout my time in college. I am passionate about helping students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential!

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Shua

12th Grade math Tutor • +78 Subjects

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 support myself through the first year of college on this skill alone. It continued to be something I enjoyed, and it ultimately led to me directing a tutoring program - the Let's Get Ready program, at my former high school. Now, I am excited to return to a hands-on teaching role, bringing to it all the insight I have gained over the years, from varying perspectives. Hobbies: art, travel, books, reading, photography, writing, music

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Anna

Arithmetic Tutor • +47 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Kansas, with bachelor's degrees in biology and environmental studies. While I am fascinated by the natural world, I also have interests in other fields, such as literature, philosophy, and foreign languages. One of the reasons I like tutoring is because it allows me to use what I have learned in such fields to help others gain confidence in and become excited about a subject. I especially love to tutor in French, which I studied at the Universit du Havre and minored in during college.

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Leslie

Middle School Math Tutor • +46 Subjects

I am excited to try and help others get better and appreciate these subjects as much as I do. In my spare time, I enjoy building up by cooking language skills (currently working on Spanish and Japanese), drawing and reading manga in addition to piles and piles of books.

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Frequently Asked Questions

IB Language A: Literature students typically struggle with three key areas: developing nuanced literary analysis that goes beyond plot summary, managing the demanding workload of close reading multiple texts across different genres and time periods, and crafting essays that balance textual evidence with original interpretation within strict word limits. Many students also find it challenging to analyze how an author's choices in language, structure, and form create meaning—skills that require moving beyond identifying literary devices to explaining their purpose and effect. A tutor can help you develop a systematic approach to annotation, evidence selection, and argument construction that makes these analytical demands more manageable.

IB Language A: Literature essays require a specific balance: a clear thesis that makes an interpretive claim, body paragraphs organized around textual evidence rather than themes, and consistent analysis of how form and language create meaning. Unlike some essay formats, IB expects you to embed quotations smoothly into your own sentences and follow them immediately with analysis—not save interpretation for later. The IB also values essays that acknowledge multiple interpretations or complexities in texts, rather than arguing a single, simple point. A tutor can help you understand the IB's expectations for essay structure, teach you how to select the most powerful evidence, and show you how to write analytical paragraphs that satisfy the IB's criteria for higher achievement levels.

Close reading in IB Language A: Literature means examining specific words, sentence structures, imagery, and stylistic choices to understand how an author creates meaning and effect. It's not about reading quickly or summarizing plot—it's about asking questions like: Why did the author choose this word instead of a synonym? How does the sentence structure affect the pace or tone? What does this image suggest about the character's state of mind? Effective close reading requires annotating as you read, noting patterns, and connecting small details to larger themes. A tutor can teach you a structured annotation method, help you move from noticing details to explaining their significance, and show you how to use close reading insights to build stronger arguments in your essays.

IB Language A: Literature often requires you to compare texts—analyzing how different authors treat similar themes, use language differently, or create contrasting effects. Rather than listing similarities and differences, strong comparative analysis shows how the comparison reveals something meaningful about each text. For example, comparing how two authors use silence or absence to convey emotion isn't just about noting both use it—it's about explaining what each author's specific approach suggests about their worldview or the character's psychology. Many students struggle with balancing equal attention to both texts and avoiding a 'text A versus text B' structure that feels mechanical. A tutor can help you develop a comparative framework that integrates both texts throughout your essay and teaches you how to use comparison as an analytical tool, not just a structural requirement.

Revision is where many IB students make significant gains, but it requires targeted feedback on specific skills: Does your thesis make a clear interpretive claim? Are your paragraphs organized around evidence or around themes? Does your analysis explain the 'so what'—why the textual details matter? Do you acknowledge complexity or alternative readings? A tutor can read your drafts and provide detailed feedback on these elements, help you identify which paragraphs need stronger evidence or deeper analysis, and teach you revision strategies that go beyond fixing grammar to strengthening your argument. Rather than rewriting for you, a tutor guides you through the revision process so you develop the critical thinking skills the IB assesses.

Paper 1 (unseen text analysis) and Paper 2 (essay on studied texts) require different preparation strategies. For Paper 1, you need to practice close reading unfamiliar texts under timed conditions, developing speed and confidence in analyzing language and form without prior knowledge. For Paper 2, you need to have internalized your studied texts deeply enough to select relevant evidence quickly and construct an argument in real time. Many students benefit from practicing past papers under exam conditions, learning to manage their time across planning and writing, and receiving feedback on whether their analysis meets IB criteria. A tutor can help you build a targeted study plan, teach you efficient strategies for both papers, provide practice prompts that simulate exam pressure, and give you feedback that helps you understand what examiners are looking for at each achievement level.

Many students can spot a metaphor or alliteration, but IB Language A: Literature requires explaining why the author chose that device and what effect it creates. Instead of writing 'The author uses metaphor,' you need to write something like 'By comparing the city to a living organism, the author suggests that urban life is chaotic and unpredictable, which reinforces the protagonist's sense of alienation.' This shift from identification to analysis is crucial for higher IB grades. The key is moving from the device itself to its purpose—does it create tone, reveal character, develop theme, manipulate pace, or shape the reader's emotional response? A tutor can teach you a framework for analyzing devices purposefully, help you practice explaining effects rather than just naming techniques, and show you how to integrate device analysis smoothly into your essays without letting it overshadow your main argument.

IB Language A: Literature requires reading multiple texts deeply while also producing polished essays—a challenge many students underestimate. Effective time management involves reading strategically (annotating as you read rather than re-reading later), keeping organized notes on themes and textual evidence you might use, and building in regular writing practice rather than leaving essays until the last minute. Many students benefit from creating a reading and writing schedule that spaces out work across the term, allowing time for multiple drafts. A tutor can help you develop efficient reading and note-taking systems, teach you how to plan essays quickly so you spend more time writing and revising, and help you identify which texts or sections deserve the most attention based on your curriculum and exam focus.

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