Many students struggle with time management during the essay portion, as developing a strong thesis and organizing supporting arguments in 30 minutes requires practice. Others find the grammar and mechanics section tricky because it tests nuanced rules beyond basic sentence structure. Writer's block and difficulty maintaining a consistent voice throughout the essay are also common obstacles that personalized instruction can help you overcome.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weaknesses—whether that's essay organization, grammar accuracy, or time management—and create a targeted study plan. You'll receive direct feedback on practice essays, learn strategies for developing strong arguments, and work through real PRAXIS prompts under timed conditions to build confidence and fluency before test day.

Your essay should have a clear introduction with a strong thesis statement, 2-3 body paragraphs with specific evidence and examples that support your position, and a conclusion that reinforces your main argument. Scorers look for logical organization, coherent reasoning, and appropriate word choice—not perfect prose. Tutors can help you develop a reliable essay structure and practice outlining quickly so you write with confidence under pressure.

Grammar and mechanics are tested both in the multiple-choice section and in your essay score. While minor errors won't tank your essay, consistent problems with sentence structure, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation can lower your overall score. Personalized tutoring helps you identify your specific grammar patterns and develop strategies to catch and correct errors during revision, strengthening both sections of the test.

Your first session typically includes an assessment of your current writing skills, often through a practice essay or sample questions, so tutors can understand your strengths and areas for growth. You'll discuss your test timeline, specific concerns (like essay organization or grammar), and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. This foundation helps ensure every session builds toward your goal of achieving a strong PRAXIS Core Writing score.

Effective revision means checking for big-picture issues first—like thesis clarity and argument organization—before focusing on grammar and word choice. Tutors teach you a systematic revision process, including reading your essay aloud to catch awkward phrasing, checking that each paragraph supports your thesis, and proofreading for common errors you tend to make. With practice, you'll develop habits that work within the 30-minute essay timeframe.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have experience preparing students for standardized writing exams like PRAXIS Core. You'll work with someone who understands the specific demands of the test and can provide personalized feedback on your writing. The matching process takes into account your schedule, learning style, and test timeline to ensure you get the right fit.