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Award-Winning Comparative Literature Tutors

MaryAnn

Certified Tutor

13+ years

MaryAnn

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology
MaryAnn's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading
SAT Writing and Language

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 t...

Education

University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science, English, Psychology

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Molly

Certified Tutor

Molly

Master of Science in Education
Molly's other Tutor Subjects
1st-8th Grade math
1st-8th Grade Writing
1st-8th Grade Reading
Pre-Algebra

I am an Illinois certified Teacher in grades K-9. I attended Northwestern University and received a Master's of Science in Education. I have ample classroom experience and expertise in elementary Math and Reading intervention. I have several tools and resources from various curricula to work with an...

Education

Northwestern University

Master of Science in Education

Columbia University in the City of New York

Bachelor in Arts, History

Test Scores
SAT
1480
Justin

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, English
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Writing and Language

I am a college instructor with ten years experience in the classroom as a teacher and tutor. Originally from South Carolina, I went to school in Pennsylvania and currently live in Alabama. I believe that students learn best through practice and approaching learning through a relaxed lens, thinking a...

Education

University of South Carolina

Bachelor in Arts, English

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Doctor of Philosophy, English

Test Scores
SAT
1530
Andrew

Certified Tutor

Andrew

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago, class of 2012. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies. Since graduation, I have continued to live in Chicago. I am a founding member of First Floor Theater, a Chicago storefront theater com...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and Theater and Performance Studies

Test Scores
SAT
1480
ACT
32
Jacob

Certified Tutor

Jacob

Bachelors in Literature
Jacob's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Quantitative Reasoning
PSAT Writing Skills

I am eager to help students thrive because I'm still very much a student myself, and will be for the foreseeable future. Though I enjoyed my time as an undergraduate student in Literature, and learned quite a bit during my time at Vanderbilt, there's still more work to be done. I am working towards ...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Bachelors in Literature

Test Scores
ACT
35
Asta

Certified Tutor

Asta

Bachelor in Arts in Political Science
Asta's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Arithmetic
Middle School Math

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my undergraduate degree in political science. Right after graduation, I worked as an academic and test prep tutor as well as admissions consultant in Hong Kong. For the past two years, I worked with a number of students to help prepare th...

Education

University of Chicago

Bachelor in Arts in Political Science

Test Scores
SAT
1530
ACT
35
Karishma

Certified Tutor

Karishma

Bachelor in Arts
Karishma's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
Anatomy
Anatomy & Physiology

I am very dedicated to helping students excel in school and in helping them develop study methods and styles that work best for them and that will serve them throughout school. I previously tutored with Boys Hope Girls Hope in Evanston, IL. I tutored middle and high school students in Spanish and En...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
34
Nick

Certified Tutor

Nick

Bachelors, Theatre
Nick's other Tutor Subjects
1st-6th Grade math
Calculus
Algebra
SAT Reading

I'm an actor, writer and musician living in New York City. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN (by way of Palo Alto, California). I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014, with a B.A. in Theatre, and a minor in American History.

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelors, Theatre

Test Scores
ACT
32
Ruth

Certified Tutor

Ruth

M.S.Ed
Ruth's other Tutor Subjects
10th-11th Grade Writing
10th-11th Grade Reading
1st Grade math
Calculus

I am a high school English teacher, currently working primarily with 10th grade students. I have previously worked at middle and elementary schools as well. I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2016 with a B.A. in English and Theatre. I then got my M.S.Ed from Northwestern. I have worked wi...

Education

University of Chicago

M.S.Ed

University of Chicago

B.A. in English and Theatre

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Brittney

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Brittney

Master of Arts, English
Brittney's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I'm a graduate of Princeton University (2009), with a degree in Comparative Literature. I'll be receiving my masters degree in English from Grand Valley State University this fall and I'm looking forward to working with students like you! I've been teaching and tutoring students since 2008 and I spe...

Education

Grand Valley State University

Master of Arts, English

Princeton University

B.A. in Comparative Literature

Test Scores
SAT
1440

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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Catherine

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects

I am a graduate student in the humanities who is lucky enough to teach, read, and write for a living. I am passionately committed to educational access and helping young people reach their full potential. It has been my privilege to work with dozens of bright and talented students over the years, ranging from fifth grade to university level. I especially enjoy helping students with test prep and am qualified to teach all sections of the SAT and GRE, including math. I would also love to tutor in history, literature, and writing. Hobbies: reading, cooking, music, running, art, travel, books, writing

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Tom

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am a firm believer that clear, precise communication between student and tutor makes for a productive and fulfilling learning experience. When I work with students, I strive to listen carefully to find out exactly where they are struggling, and to impart corresponding strategies clearly and concisely. I work with them step by step until we zero in on exactly where the problem is occurring, and tailor solutions from there. These collegial and yet very focused discussions go a long way toward helping me to discern where the student needs help and helping the student to master the content he or she must learn, besides ensuring a pleasant and interesting learning experience.

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Jacob

Calculus Tutor • +31 Subjects

I am an experienced and well-qualified essay coach, and a tutor in language arts and German. I also tutor students who are preparing for the SAT. I earned my B.A. in Comparative Literature from Columbia University and an M.A. in German from UC Berkeley, where I taught college German and received training in foreign language pedagogy. I love to learn, I am drawn to travel, and the experiences I have had enrich my work as a tutor. For me, tutoring is about more than making the grade or getting the right score; I always strive to foster insights and new skills that will help my students take charge of their own education.

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Patrick

Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects

I'm a graduate of Duke University where I received a JD and an MA in History. I received my undergraduate degree from Emory University also in History. My legal experience includes working as a summer law clerk for two appellate judges and as a summer associate at a large law firm in New York City. In college and in law school I tutored for a variety of subjects and enjoy working with students one-on-one to tackle and master difficult concepts. In my spare time, I enjoy taking in all that New York has to offer including biking in the park, cooking, and golfing.

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Maura

Calculus Tutor • +19 Subjects

I'm a nerd, and helping other people realize that they have what it takes to do well in school and love what they're learning about makes my day. I graduated from Carthage College in 2016 with a Bachelor's Degree in Theater Performance and Music. While I was there, I worked as a tutor in the Writing Center; it was there that I realized I how much I love tutoring. I'm an actress and a musician; I love Shakespeare and detective novels and going on adventures. I'm very kind and understanding, and I know how to have fun with something even when it's stressful.

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Maddy

Calculus Tutor • +62 Subjects

I'm a recent graduate of Harvard University and a natural teacher, and I'd be thrilled to help you build your skills, gain academic confidence, and get results! My B.A. is in American history and literature with a minor in theater. I spent my college years producing and directing student theater, writing plays, giving campus tours, and researching and writing my honors thesis on art criticism in New York City in the late 1960s.

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Jack

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +50 Subjects

I'm a recent grad from Northwestern (B.A. in Theatre and Economics) who loves teaching and learning. I love helping other people achieve their goals and helping students find ways to be their best selves. Excited to meet and work with Chicagoland's students!

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Valerie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am an undergraduate student at the University of Chicago majoring in Classics and Theatre. However, my college uses the core curriculum and as a result, I've had a well-rounded, eclectic education covering everything from math to fine arts. I've won awards in community service, dance, and film, but most notably, 20 writing prizes before I reached eighteen. I was a National Merit Semi-Finalist in high school and I've had a passion for education and the art of learning since I was a child. I hope to instill in my students the love of amassing knowledge, excelling in your studies, and walking out of a test feeling like you rocked it. I especially had a passion for the Critical Reading and the Writing portions of the SAT's and the SAT 2 in Literature. I have teaching experience with everything from stand-up comedy to Emergency Medical Services to tap dancing, and I've been told that I am unmatched in my enthusiasm. In my free time, I like to perform sketch and improv comedy, dance, play the banjo, and volunteer in my local hospital.

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Natalie

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +42 Subjects

I'm a second-year student at Rice University majoring in Biochemistry and Cell Biology as well as in English. My unusual double major is a result of my inability to choose a favorite subject--I love literature and science! This love of learning translates naturally to my role as a tutor. Because I love learning, I look for ways to transmit my passions to others by teaching them. Another reason I enjoy tutoring lies in my own experience as a student. I had to work very hard for the grades it took to get to college, so I understand the problems of the struggling student, and I try my best to relate the methods I personally used to overcome those obstacles. Hobbies: reading, writing, books, music, yoga, art

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Alyssa

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

I am passionate about learning and I try to impart a love of learning to my students. In my spare time I enjoy painting, playing the piano, and reading.

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Frequently Asked Questions

A tutor helps you move beyond surface-level observations by asking probing questions about the texts you're comparing and guiding you to identify meaningful patterns, contradictions, or thematic connections. They work with you to refine your thesis from a general idea into a specific, arguable claim that can be supported across multiple works.

Through personalized 1-on-1 instruction, tutors provide real-time feedback on your thesis statements, help you test whether your argument is actually comparative (not just analyzing two texts separately), and ensure your thesis is narrow enough to develop fully within your essay's scope.

Summary describes what happens in a text, while analysis explains how and why those events matter—especially when comparing works. In comparative literature, you're looking beyond plot similarities to examine how authors use different techniques, themes, or cultural contexts to explore similar ideas.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who teach you to ask analytical questions like: How do these authors handle the same theme differently? What do their stylistic choices reveal about their intended meaning? Why might the cultural or historical context of each work shape their approach? This shift from summary to analysis is transformative for comparative essays.

There are several effective approaches: the block method (all of Text A, then all of Text B), the point-by-point method (alternating between texts for each argument), or the integrated method (weaving texts throughout). The best choice depends on your thesis and the specific comparisons you're making.

A tutor can help you select the organizational structure that best serves your argument, create a detailed outline before you draft, and revise if your current structure isn't effectively supporting your claims. Strong comparative essays often use a mix of these approaches, grouping similar points together while moving fluidly between texts.

Effective comparative essays treat quotations as evidence for your argument, not decoration. Rather than simply dropping quotes into paragraphs, you should introduce them (identify the speaker/context), quote strategically (choose phrases that directly support your point), and then analyze what the quote reveals about your argument. This prevents your essay from becoming a patchwork of unconnected passages.

Personalized tutoring helps you develop a system for selecting the strongest evidence, managing citations for multiple texts correctly, and writing analysis that shows readers exactly why each quote matters to your comparison. Tutors also help you balance quotation length and frequency so your voice remains central to the essay.

Revision is where strong essays become excellent ones. A tutor reads your draft with fresh eyes and provides targeted feedback on whether your comparisons are actually working, if your evidence supports your thesis, and if your argument is clear to a reader unfamiliar with the texts. They help you identify patterns in your writing (like over-summarizing or weak analysis) and give you strategies to fix them across the entire essay.

Rather than generic comments, expert tutors offer specific, actionable suggestions: "This paragraph summarizes both texts but doesn't analyze their differences—try adding a sentence that explains what this contrast reveals." This personalized feedback accelerates your improvement and builds your revision skills for future assignments.

Literature doesn't exist in a vacuum. An author's historical moment, cultural background, and social circumstances shape the themes they explore and the choices they make as writers. When comparing works, understanding these contexts helps you recognize whether similarities stem from shared human experiences or whether different contexts lead authors to approach similar ideas in fundamentally different ways.

Tutors help you research and integrate relevant context into your analysis, asking questions like: How might this author's time period influence their portrayal of this theme? What cultural values are reflected in their narrative choices? This deeper contextual understanding strengthens your comparisons and demonstrates sophisticated literary thinking.

Academic writing requires formality and objectivity, but your voice—your unique perspective and way of explaining ideas—should still shine through. Strong comparative essays sound like they're written by someone genuinely thinking about the texts, not a generic analysis. This means using precise language, varying your sentence structure, and letting your analytical insights drive the writing rather than forcing yourself into a rigid formula.

Through personalized instruction, tutors help you find the balance between academic conventions and authentic voice. They show you how to write with confidence, eliminate filler phrases that weaken your analysis, and develop a consistent, compelling tone throughout your essay.

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