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Award-Winning IB Language A: Language and Literature Tutors

Mollie

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Mollie

AB (Bachelor of Arts) in English Language and Literature and Linguistics
Mollie's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I'm a recent graduate of the University of Chicago (AB'17) where I studied English Language and Literature, and Linguistics. I have experience coaching students writing and editing college essays, resume/cover letters, and academic papers of all kinds. I was a content writer for a small Chicago star...

Education

University of Chicago

AB (Bachelor of Arts) in English Language and Literature and Linguistics

Test Scores
SAT
1500
ACT
33
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

You

Certified Tutor

4+ years

You

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, Business, and Integrated Marketing Communications
You's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
Elementary School Math

I am an experienced tutor specializing in english, essay writing, communications and business. After completing the IB program at an international high school, I recently graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, Business, and Integrated Marketing Co...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, Business, and Integrated Marketing Communications

Test Scores
SAT
1530
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

Robert

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Robert

Associate in Arts, Arts, General
Robert's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Trigonometry
Statistics

I am dedicated to helping others make sense of the world around them.

Education

Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley

Associate in Arts, Arts, General

Sally

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Sally

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Sally's other Tutor Subjects
Applied Mathematics
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra

I am an undergraduate student at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I am majoring in both Mathematics and Literature, Media, & Communication (LMC). My LMC concentration is in Science, Technology, & Culture, as well as Literature. I have been tutoring since high school, and have gained a lot of exp...

Education

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1460
ACT
31
Laura

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Laura

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Arts, General
Laura's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
COMPASS Reading
AP English Literature and Composition

I am passionate about helping students because I love to learn and share in ideas. "Teaching" others and gaining their perspective is like "relearning" something and enjoying that "ah ha" moment all over again. I have worked with students of all ages and abilities, sponsored foreign exchange student...

Education

Xavier University

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Arts, General

Test Scores
ACT
32

Meet Our Expert Tutors

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

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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Alexandra

Middle School Math Tutor • +182 Subjects

I am a rising senior at The University of North Texas in Denton. I am working towards my Bachelor of Arts in Spanish as well as English with a concentration in Creative Writing. I was raised in an academically competitive environment in Fort Bend County and my rigorous secondary education prepared me for success in college. I am a fortunate member of the Terry Scholarship Foundation, which has provided me and hundreds of other Texans with a private, four-year, full-ride scholarship. As a Terry Scholar, I am well-versed in all subjects and have taken on the role of mentor to many of the incoming freshmen. I have spent most of my free time in college as a nanny and tutor to families around the DFW area. I have experience with all age groups and there is nothing that intimidates me! While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Literature, History, Spanish, and Government/Social Studies. Through my experiences helping struggling students and peers, I have realized the value of adaptability. Most people reach out to a tutor because the traditional classroom method is not best suited for their learning needs. There is nothing more joyful than when a student finally understands the material in a way that makes sense to them. Many times, students need flexibility and patience in order to grasp a foreign concept. I am a firm believer in the power of education and I hope to share my love of learning with all of my students. After graduation I plan on returning to Houston to obtain my Master of Arts in Teaching from Rice University. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and writing anything from poetry to screenplays. I have also been involved in competitive dance for most of my adolescence, so I understand the balance of academics and extracurriculars. Hobbies: reading, music, writing, art, books, dancing, yoga

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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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Jennifer

5th Grade math Tutor • +116 Subjects

I am available throughout the week, including summer! Let me help you help yourself! Hobbies: art, books, travel, reading, music, writing, painting

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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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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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Sydney

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +96 Subjects

I am a senior Psychology, Spanish, and Religion major, and I have been tutoring for over ten years. I love working with students of all ages, and I have five years of experience working with students with learning differences! I specialize in English literature, writing, learning differences, and Spanish.

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Gabriel

Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects

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 instruction with teens, to conversational business English with adults.

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Heidi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +40 Subjects

I am a rising sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder studying International Relations and Journalism. In high school, I completed the International Baccalaureate program and select AP courses (AB Calc, Biology). Though I have experience teaching students in French and English/ESL, I am able to tutor in most middle and high school course subjects. My teaching philosophy relies on patience, repetition and simplifying difficult concepts in a way that takes the intimidation out of learning new material. In my free time, I love to discover new music, write and practice photography.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

Paper 1 focuses on unseen texts where you analyze how writers use language to create meaning and effect—you're working with unfamiliar material under timed conditions. Paper 2 requires you to write creatively or critically in response to a prompt, drawing on your knowledge of works you've studied. The key difference: Paper 1 rewards close reading and textual analysis skills, while Paper 2 demands original composition. A tutor can help you develop separate strategies for each—teaching you to annotate quickly and identify literary devices for Paper 1, while building your ability to craft compelling arguments and varied prose for Paper 2.

Many students focus too much on identifying literary devices without explaining their effect—saying "the author uses a metaphor" means nothing without analyzing why that choice matters to the reader. Another frequent misstep is using vague language or repeating the same analytical phrases, which wastes words and doesn't demonstrate sophisticated thinking. Students also sometimes misunderstand the "language and literature" focus, treating texts as if they're studying history or biography rather than how language shapes meaning. Working with a tutor helps you break these habits: you'll get feedback on your analysis depth, learn to vary your critical vocabulary, and develop the precision IB examiners are looking for.

IB Language A essays reward a clear argument supported by specific textual evidence—there's no single required format, but examiners expect you to establish your interpretation early, develop it methodically through your body paragraphs, and maintain focus throughout. Each paragraph should tackle one key idea with integrated quotations that you analyze rather than summarize. Many high-scoring essays use a thesis-driven approach where your opening signals your interpretation of how the text works, then each body paragraph explores a different aspect of language or technique that supports that interpretation. A tutor can work with your drafts to strengthen your thesis clarity, help you select the most compelling evidence, and ensure your analysis goes beyond surface-level observation to show real critical thinking.

The Part 4 works are central to Paper 2, so strategic preparation beats rereading everything multiple times. Focus on understanding each text's major themes, the author's use of language and style, and how the works connect to each other—IB often asks you to compare texts or apply ideas across works. Create detailed notes on key passages that illustrate important techniques or thematic moments, so you can reference them quickly in essays. A tutor can help you identify which scenes or sections are most examinable, guide you through close reading of challenging passages, and teach you how to synthesize ideas from multiple texts into cohesive comparative essays. This targeted approach lets you build genuine understanding rather than cramming.

Sophisticated writing in IB Language A means moving beyond simple sentence structures to using varied syntax, precise vocabulary, and deliberate word choices that reflect your analytical confidence. It's not about using bigger words—it's about selecting words that are exact and appropriate, and constructing sentences with intentional rhythm and emphasis. Reading high-quality critical writing helps train your ear for this register; notice how published literary critics structure arguments, how they embed quotations, and how they vary their sentence openings and lengths. A tutor gives you personalized feedback on your drafts, pointing out where your language becomes generic or repetitive, suggesting alternatives that strengthen your voice, and showing you how to maintain an academic tone while still sounding natural. This targeted revision work builds your stylistic confidence faster than general writing advice.

Paper 1 gives you 2 hours for two unseen texts—aim to spend roughly 50 minutes reading and annotating each text, then 35 minutes drafting your analysis for each question. This pacing lets you read carefully without running out of time. Paper 2 is also 2 hours for one essay, so budget 15-20 minutes for planning (noting your thesis and key evidence), 90 minutes for writing, and 5-10 minutes to proofread. The exact breakdown depends on your individual pace, but the principle is consistent: don't rush your reading and planning phase, because a clear direction saves time during writing. A tutor can work through practice papers with you, helping you develop a pacing strategy that works for your speed and building the confidence to manage your time effectively under pressure.

Revision is essential—professional writers revise their work, and IB examiners can tell the difference between a first draft and a thoughtfully revised essay. When you get feedback on your analysis, argument clarity, evidence selection, and language precision, you learn patterns in your own writing that you can consciously improve. Rather than redrafting entire essays repeatedly, focus revision on sharpening your thesis, deepening your analysis, tightening your language, and ensuring each paragraph serves your argument. A tutor provides targeted feedback on your essays, highlighting what's working and showing you exactly where your analysis could deepen or your language could strengthen—this kind of specific, personalized feedback accelerates improvement far more than general comments. You'll develop the revision habits that lead to confident, polished writing on exam day.

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