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Award-Winning AP English Language and Composition Tutors

Jennifer

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Jennifer

Master of Arts Teaching, Language Arts Teacher Education
Jennifer's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
AP English Language and Composition
College Essays

Trained in NYU's Accelerated MAT program for Secondary English, Jennifer knows the AP Lang exam inside and out — from rhetorical analysis essays to the synthesis prompt's demand for integrating multiple sources into a cohesive argument. She teaches students to identify an author's strategic choices ...

Education

New York University

Master of Arts Teaching, Language Arts Teacher Education

Mcgill University

Bachelor in Arts, English

Test Scores
SAT
1510
Ariel

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ariel

Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Ariel's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Geometry
Calculus

AP Lang is ultimately about argument — how writers build it, how readers evaluate it, and how students construct their own on exam day. Ariel unpacks rhetorical strategies like ethos, logos, and kairos in published essays, then applies those same principles when coaching students through synthesis, ...

Education

Brown University

Bachelor of Science, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1590
Molly

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Molly

Current Undergrad Student, Communication, General
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Middle School Math
Geometry

AP Lang is ultimately about argument — dissecting how writers use evidence, tone, and structure to persuade, then doing it yourself under timed conditions. Molly's experience editing for newspapers sharpened her ability to evaluate rhetorical choices quickly, and she walks students through synthesis...

Education

University of Pennsylvania

Current Undergrad Student, Communication, General

Maddy

Certified Tutor

Maddy

B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)
Maddy's other Tutor Subjects
6th-12th Grade Writing
6th-12th Grade Reading
Calculus
Algebra

The AP Lang exam lives at the intersection of rhetoric and writing — two things Maddy has been immersed in since college, where she studied American literature and wrote an honors thesis analyzing cultural criticism. She digs into how authors use tone, diction, and structural choices to persuade, th...

Education

Harvard University

B.A. in American History and Literature (minor in Theater)

Jack

Certified Tutor

Jack

B.A. in Theatre and Economics
Jack's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4

Rhetoric is everywhere, and AP Lang is the class that finally makes students see it — in speeches, editorials, even advertisements. Jack's dual background in theatre and economics means he can unpack both the emotional persuasion of a Kennedy address and the logical structure of an economic policy a...

Education

Northwestern University

B.A. in Theatre and Economics

Test Scores
ACT
35
Richard

Certified Tutor

Richard

Bachelor in Arts, Government
Richard's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Linear Algebra

AP Lang is fundamentally an argumentation course, and Richard's Government major at Harvard means he spends most of his academic life analyzing rhetorical strategies in political speeches, policy briefs, and persuasive essays. He teaches students to dissect how authors deploy ethos, logos, and patho...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts, Government

Test Scores
Perfect Score
SAT
1600
ACT
36
Eric

Certified Tutor

3+ years

Eric

Master's/Graduate, Data Science
Eric's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
AP English Language and Composition

AP Lang is really a course in argument — identifying how writers use rhetorical strategies and then deploying those same moves in your own essays. Eric's combination of deep reading habits and formal writing experience means he can dissect a passage's use of ethos, logos, and tone shifts, then coach...

Education

Duke University

Master's/Graduate, Data Science

Sacred Heart University

Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics Teacher Education

Merav

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Merav

Master of Fine Arts, Theater Arts
Merav's other Tutor Subjects
Geometry
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills

Theater training at Northwestern taught Merav something most AP Lang students struggle to learn on their own: how to read a text for its performative dimension — the way a writer's pacing, word choice, and tonal shifts are calculated to produce a specific response in an audience. She brings that per...

Education

London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art

Master of Fine Arts, Theater Arts

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science in Theatre (Minor in Psychology)

Test Scores
SAT
1560
Christopher

Certified Tutor

Christopher

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Christopher's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

Rhetorical analysis clicks faster when a student can name exactly what an author is doing and why it works on a reader. Christopher breaks down AP Lang skills like argument structure, synthesis of sources, and strategic use of evidence, bringing the same analytical precision he applies to his Harvar...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35
Kirstie

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Kirstie

Masters in Education, Education
Kirstie's other Tutor Subjects
Arithmetic
Middle School Math
Elementary Math
Geometry

Scoring well on AP Lang means recognizing how writers construct arguments — the difference between an anecdote used as evidence and one used as an emotional hook, or why a concession strengthens rather than weakens a claim. Kirstie unpacks rhetorical strategies like ethos, logos, and kairos through ...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

St Johns College

Bachelors, Liberal Arts

Test Scores
SAT
1550

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Jonathan

Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am a recent graduate from The University of Chicago. I graduated with a degree in Political Science with much additional coursework in literature and philosophy. My favorite part about being a tutor is the moment of satisfaction that comes with seeing one of my students greatly improve after a lot of hard work. My favorite things to tutor are the GRE and the SAT, in part because I feel like a high score on these exams should be accessible for anyone if they are given the tools for success. As a former high school and college debater I enjoy having an opportunity to help students talk their way through the various logical challenges within these exams, as well as develop the kind of self-awareness and mental discipline that is essential to persevering and getting those last few questions right.

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Michelle

Calculus Tutor • +34 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Columbia University's American Studies MA program. I received my undergraduate degree at NYU in Journalism and Africana Studies. I have over 2 years experience helping students in NYC. I love reading, writing, and social and cultural analysis.

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Martha

AP Statistics Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a PhD student at the University of Michigan, studying social psychology. Before this, I was at Duke University completing a BS in psychology as well as a MS in global health. My research combines the fields of global health and psychology by examining the effects of culture on self-related psychological processes. I hope to continue in academia to become a professor of psychology, as teaching is among my greatest passions.

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Kathryne

Middle School Math Tutor • +27 Subjects

I am 29 years old and live Philadelphia with my fiance and our two dogs. I am a Master of Public Health candidate at the Johns Hopkins School in Baltimore. My focused area of study is Behavioral and Social Health Sciences and I will begin pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology next year.

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Todd

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +64 Subjects

I'm passionate about learning. I was fortunate to have great teachers at the University of Chicago in my graduate education, and at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in my undergraduate education.

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David

Calculus Tutor • +46 Subjects

I'm comfortable tutoring on a number of subjects, I particularly enjoy teaching English, writing, and critical reading. I like working one on one with students, helping them to think through problems, formulate opinions, and articulate their thoughts. This involves working on vocabulary, grammar, and writing mechanics. These are invaluable skills, essential for writing essays and preparing for Standardized Tests, like the SAT.

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William

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +70 Subjects

I'm a junior at Yale University pursuing a double major in Linguistics and Theater. I have experience tutoring in a variety of subjects, but I'm particularly excited to help students with writing, critical reading, and SAT or ACT preparation. I had a strong support network of teachers and mentors throughout middle and high school, so I understand firsthand the importance of thoughtful, individualized educational enrichment. I seek to meet each student where they are in order to help them reach their greatest potential! When I'm not tutoring, you might find me performing improv comedy, playing saxophone, or trying to write the next great American musical.

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Gabriel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +50 Subjects

I am studying to get my PhD at the University of Chicago. I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring a variety of ages and subjects (in particular, I have the most experience tutoring for the PSAT, SAT and college admissions essays, as well as math, English literature and Spanish to middle school students). My favorite subject to tutor is Math because it was my favorite as a child and adolescent. I love interacting and getting to know those students with whom I work because I believe that having a good connection and feeling comfortable is a key first step in a successful tutoring relationship. I enjoy walking all over the city and reading (often at the same time), as well as running, sports of all kinds, and coffee over a good conversation.

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Rebecca

Calculus Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am experienced in a broad range of subjects. I am enthusiastic about helping students to learn course material ranging from Biology and Chemistry to English and Writing.

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Rebecca

10th Grade math Tutor • +54 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelors of Arts in English and Philosophy. At Notre Dame, I worked as a tutor at the University Writing Center, helping both undergraduate and graduate students with their writing. I also tutored local middle school students in reading and writing to prepare them for standardized tests. I had the opportunity to live in Spain for 6 months, where I became fluent in Spanish and developed a love for tutoring English language learners. Since graduation, I have worked with students at Midtown Educational Foundation and other extracurricular programs, and am currently pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching English. I tutor a wide range of subjects, although I am most passionate about English, Spanish, and Writing. I am an advocate of student-centered tutoring, and my goal is to support and guide students so that they have the satisfaction and confidence of knowing how to think through a problem and reach the correct answer. In my free time, I love to bake, read, play soccer, and act in plays.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students often struggle with the rhetorical analysis essay, which requires identifying and explaining how an author uses language strategies to persuade an audience—many students can spot techniques but struggle to connect them to the author's purpose and effect. The synthesis essay is another major challenge, as it demands integrating multiple sources while maintaining a clear argument rather than just summarizing. Additionally, students frequently underestimate the importance of understanding tone, diction, and syntax as analytical tools, treating them as vocabulary exercises rather than persuasive devices. Time management during the exam is also critical, as the three essays in 3 hours leaves little room for revision.

A tutor can help you move beyond identifying rhetorical devices to analyzing their effect—teaching you to ask "why did the author choose this word/structure?" and "how does this persuade the audience?" rather than just naming techniques. Tutors work through real AP prompts to help you develop a thesis that explains the author's overall persuasive strategy, not just list observations. Practice with timed essays under exam conditions helps you internalize the process so you can execute it confidently, and personalized feedback on your drafts shows you exactly where your analysis is surface-level versus insightful.

The key is to develop your own argument first, then use sources as evidence—not the other way around. A tutor can teach you to read the prompt carefully, identify the central question or issue, and take a clear position before looking at sources. Then you learn to integrate sources strategically: paraphrasing or quoting only the most relevant parts, explaining how each source supports your specific claim, and maintaining your voice throughout. Many students improve dramatically once they stop treating synthesis as "include all six sources" and start treating it as "build the strongest argument using the best evidence available."

Most successful students allocate roughly 50 minutes to the rhetorical analysis essay (the most straightforward), 40 minutes to the argument essay, and 40 minutes to synthesis, leaving 10 minutes for reading prompts carefully and reviewing. However, your breakdown may differ based on which essay type is your strength. A tutor can help you practice this pacing with full-length timed exams, identifying where you tend to lose time—whether it's overthinking your thesis, getting stuck on source selection, or revising excessively. Building a personal timing strategy and rehearsing it repeatedly removes anxiety on test day and ensures you complete all three essays rather than rushing the last one.

The argument essay rewards a clear, defensible position supported by specific evidence and logical reasoning—not emotional appeals or broad generalizations. Unlike the rhetorical analysis, you're not explaining someone else's persuasion; you're doing the persuading yourself. Strong essays anticipate counterarguments and address them, show awareness of context and audience, and use varied evidence (personal examples, historical facts, current events, hypotheticals). Many students struggle because they either make obvious claims that need little support or take extreme positions that are hard to defend. A tutor helps you develop nuanced arguments that are both interesting and sustainable, then teaches you to build them efficiently within the time limit.

Effective analysis explains the rhetorical effect of word choice and sentence structure on the reader. Instead of "the author uses short sentences," strong analysis says "the author uses short, declarative sentences to create urgency and conviction, making the argument feel inevitable." A tutor teaches you to consider the emotional impact, the pace created, the emphasis given to certain ideas, and how the choice differs from what the author could have done instead. Practicing with annotated texts where you label not just the technique but its effect trains your analytical eye. Over time, this becomes automatic—you read a passage and immediately see how the language choices work together to persuade.

Students who work consistently with a tutor typically see 2-4 point improvements on the AP Lang exam (which is scored 1-9 per essay, or 3-27 total). The amount of improvement depends on your starting point: students scoring 4-5 per essay often jump to 6-7 with focused work on essay structure and analytical depth, while students already at 7-8 may improve to 8-9 by refining their argument development and source integration. Realistic timelines depend on frequency—students meeting weekly for 8-12 weeks see more dramatic gains than those meeting monthly. The biggest improvements come from understanding what the rubric actually rewards and practicing full essays under timed conditions with feedback.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about what to do, so building confidence through repeated practice is the strongest antidote. Taking full-length practice exams under real conditions—same time limit, same three essays, same pressure—trains your brain that you can execute the process even when stressed. A tutor can also teach you concrete strategies like reading the prompt twice before writing, jotting a quick thesis outline before drafting, and knowing which essay to tackle first based on your strengths. Developing a personal routine (how you'll read prompts, how you'll structure your time, what you'll do if you get stuck) removes decision-making from exam day and lets you focus on writing. Many students find that anxiety drops significantly once they've successfully completed several timed practice exams.

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