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Award-Winning Conversational English Tutors

Allyson

Certified Tutor

2+ years

Allyson

Bachelors (in progress)
Allyson's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Elementary School Math
High School Math
Writing

Having taught English to younger students at a Chinese language school, Allyson understands the specific challenges that come with learning conversational English — from tricky idioms and phrasal verbs to the unwritten rules of casual versus formal speech. She builds sessions around real dialogue an...

Education

Wellesley College

Bachelors (in progress)

Aaron

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Aaron

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering
Aaron's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Calculus 2
Calculus
Algebra

I'm not tutoring or buried in my textbooks, you will either find me rock climbing at the Triangle Rock Club, playing Ultimate Frisbee, working on my car, or enjoying the great outdoors (beaches, mountains, forests--you name it, I love it). On rainy weekends I enjoy tinkering with computers and old e...

Education

The University of Texas at Dallas

Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering

Duke University

Current Grad Student, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1530

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Mimi

Masters in Education, Education
Mimi's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am an interdisciplinary educator with an Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Dartmouth College. My background is primarily in integrated arts learning and museum education and I specialize in visual arts, history and art history, and object-based learning. In all su...

Education

Harvard University

Masters in Education, Education

Dartmouth College

B.A.

Test Scores
SAT
1560

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Nina

Masters in biostatistics
Nina's other Tutor Subjects
Statistics Graduate Level
Statistics
Calculus
Algebra

I am a recent graduate from a masters program in biostatistics at Columbia University. I received my Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences, with a focus in neurobiology at Northwestern University. In August, I will be starting a doctoral program in biostatistics at NYU. I was a teaching assistant ...

Education

Columbia University

Masters in biostatistics

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences (focus in neurobiology)

Columbia University in the City of New York

Current Grad Student, Biostatistics

Test Scores
SAT
1550

Certified Tutor

Reid

PHD, Education
Reid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Wesleyan University, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with High Honors. With eight years of experience working in education, I've tutored students in math, science, history, and English, as well as helped students prepare for standardized tests. I've guided adults...

Education

Harvard University

PHD, Education

Wesleyan University

Bachelor in Arts, Sociology

Test Scores
ACT
32

Certified Tutor

8+ years

Solange

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)
Solange's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
ACT Writing
Public Speaking

I'm Solange - a recent graduate from Harvard where I studied Sociology & Women's Studies. I've been tutoring for eight years now, and have worked with a wide range of ages and in a wide range of subjects. Some of my specialties are college prep/test taking II worked in the admissions office on campu...

Education

Harvard University

Bachelor in Arts (Sociology & Women's Studies)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Christopher

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

I am a rising sophomore at Harvard College and am about to declare as a Mechanical Engineering concentrator, working towards a Bachelor of Science degree. I've always enjoyed sharing my knowledge with my peers and those around me and have done so in both formal and informal settings. I've been a tut...

Education

Harvard College

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
ACT
35

Certified Tutor

Charles

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Charles's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 3/4
Trigonometry

I am a junior Mechanical Engineering major at Yale, and I hope to become a Naval Aviator after college. I am also a varsity sailor, and enjoy playing music with friends when I can get some free time. I have been tutoring my fellow students throughout my entire academic career, and I would best descr...

Education

Yale University

Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1440
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

Michelle

Current Grad Student, M.D.
Michelle's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Calculus

I am proud to be a part of Varsity Tutors! I am originally from San Antonio, TX; I completed my undergraduate education at Rice University in Houston where I received a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Currently, I am in my second year of medical school at Baylor College of Medici...

Education

Baylor College of Medicine

Current Grad Student, M.D.

Rice University

Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Test Scores
SAT
1570

Certified Tutor

Liz

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12
Liz's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am a graduate of Washington University in St Louis, where I received my Bachelor of Arts in History with minors in Humanities and Anthropology. Since graduation, I have worked as a tutor, teacher, and director of tutors at a charter public middle school in Boston. During this time I also received ...

Education

Simmons College

Masters, Special Education: Mild to Moderate Disabilities 5-12

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts in History (minors in Humanities and Anthropology)

Test Scores
ACT
34

Certified Tutor

9+ years

Justin

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics
Justin's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
Pre-Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Com...

Education

Washington University in St. Louis

Bachelor's in Physics and Mathematics

University of Chicago

Doctor of Philosophy, Computational Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1560
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Ingrid

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Ingrid's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Finite Mathematics
Trigonometry
Statistics

I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the fir...

Education

Northwestern University

Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1540
ACT
33

Certified Tutor

5+ years

Sabira

Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Sabira's other Tutor Subjects
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I am currently attending Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Math and Statistics. I love helping students and I love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to use my knowledge to make someone else happier. My favorite subject to teach is math because t...

Education

Johns Hopkins University

Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics

Test Scores
SAT
1510

Certified Tutor

6+ years

Andrew

Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering
Andrew's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Linear Algebra
College Algebra
Multivariable Calculus

I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics.

Education

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Science, Physics

Vanderbilt University

Doctor of Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering

Test Scores
SAT
1480

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Daniel

Bachelors
Daniel's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
Middle School Math
Calculus
Algebra

I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extre...

Education

Brown University

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1500

Meet Varsity Tutors Experts

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

Justin

AP Calculus BC Tutor • +48 Subjects

I am an aspiring applied mathematician, with particular interest in image processing and climate science. I graduated in May 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis with a bachelor's in physics and mathematics, and am beginning a PhD program in September 2017 at the University of Chicago in Computational and Applied Mathematics. I've tutored introductory physics students for three years and enjoyed it thoroughly, as a chance to help other students while revisiting fundamental concepts to enhance my own knowledge. I'm eager to continue reaching out and helping students of math and physics to succeed and, furthermore, to appreciate the beauty and power of these subjects.

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Ingrid

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects

I am exploring my creativity by pursuing a double major in Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus in Korean, studying abroad in South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar, leading workshops that teach 3D printing and CAD for undergraduate students as the president of 3D4E, advocating for the first-generation and low-income student community as the Outreach Chair of the Quest+ Scholars Network, and getting involved with the Society of Women Engineers' outreach committee. I currently hold a work-study position as an administrative clerical aide in the Institute of Sustainability and Energy at Northwestern and was an undergraduate researcher in the John Rogers Lab. As I look forward with aspirations of applying to graduate school, areas of research in biomedical engineering and biotechnology that I am particularly interested in include biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, and drug delivery systems. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy learning on my own and sharing my experience and knowledge with my peers and other students. I hope to make use of my experiences with academics and learning in high school and so far in my undergraduate career in order to effectively tutor students who may be experiencing the same struggles in learning that I also experienced.

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Sabira

Middle School Math Tutor • +35 Subjects

I am currently attending Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Math and Statistics. I love helping students and I love the feeling I get knowing that I was able to use my knowledge to make someone else happier. My favorite subject to teach is math because there are so many ways to learn it and if one way does not help I can use another. I used to teach taekwondo and interacted with all kinds of students, and I'm excited to help out more! Hobbies: books, reading, music, writing, art

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Andrew

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable tutoring math subjects up to multivariable calculus and differential equations, as well as college physics. Hobbies: books, music, art, reading, writing

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Daniel

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am excited to be home and help fellow straphangers on their educational paths! My largest wealth of tutoring experience is in foreign languages--particularly French--but I also feel very comfortable editing essays of any kind and working through standardized test concepts. My availability is extremely flexible, and anywhere in New York City works for me. I look forward to working with you.

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Henry

Calculus Tutor • +41 Subjects

I'm eager to help you in your education. I'm a recent graduate of Harvard College looking to apply to law school. My senior thesis was written on John Dewey's ideas of education, which I deeply believe has incredible power to transform individuals and society.

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Isabella

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +27 Subjects

I am a graduate of MIT. I received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with minors in Management Science and Ancient and Medieval Studies. Since graduation, I have started my PhD at Georgia Tech in Operations Research. Throughout my career I have TA'd several math and computer science courses at the college level. I have also taught at summer programs for gifted middle school and high school students. I am passionate about tutoring kids in math and science because I think that a strong foundation in STEM at an early age can set the tone for their future. In my spare time I like to engage in athletics, and was a Division 1 rower in college. Hobbies: reading, swimming, writing, books, music, running, art

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Asta

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +74 Subjects

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 them for college in the United States.

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James

AP Calculus AB Tutor • +41 Subjects

I am currently a senior at Harvard College where I study chemistry, and I'll be attending Columbia Medical School next year. I have years of experience tutoring college students in math (mostly calculus) and chemistry including both general and organic chemistry. In addition, I am very familiar with all sections of the SAT and ACT having prepared several high school students for these tests. I believe that every student is capable of boosting his or her baseline score on these tests, so long as he or she works hard to get to know the format of the tests and the most popular types of questions. I tutor because I love seeing students develop a genuine passion for the subjects they once disliked (such as math and science), once they understand the power of these subjects and their applications to the real world.

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Justin

Calculus Tutor • +38 Subjects

I am a graduate of the University of Chicago where I received my Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Currently, I am in the master's program at the University of New Mexico where I am continuing my education in philosophy. Ultimately, I hope to go on to earn a PhD in Philosophy so that I can continue engaging in my passions for learning and teaching. While in school, I have spent countless hours coaching high school speech and debate both in person and working online with students across the country. My focus in coaching has been to emphasize philosophy and critical thought to prepare students to think through novel arguments on their own. I am passionate about teaching and tutoring because I love seeing students learn to be intellectually independent and think through problems on their own terms by developing their critical thinking skills. I have devoted my life to education because I am passionate about it, and I try to share some of my passion for learning with the students I work with. I tutor all sorts of Standardized Tests, and I particularly enjoy working on logic-based problems like analogies and math sections. When I am not tutoring or reading for school, I enjoy strategy games (both board games and video games), listening to music, hiking, playing basketball, and just relaxing with friends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Conversational English focuses on real-world communication—building confidence to speak naturally, understand native speakers, and express ideas fluidly—rather than memorizing grammar rules in isolation. A tutor working on conversational skills emphasizes listening comprehension, spontaneous response, vocabulary in context, and reducing hesitation when speaking. While grammar matters, it's taught as a tool for clarity, not as the primary goal. This approach helps students move beyond textbook English to actually participate in conversations, understand idioms and colloquialisms, and develop authentic pronunciation and rhythm.

Many students struggle with the gap between classroom English and natural conversation—understanding fast speech, managing pauses without panic, and thinking quickly enough to respond without translating mentally. Other common obstacles include limited vocabulary for everyday topics, difficulty with phrasal verbs and idioms, accent anxiety, and fear of making mistakes in real-time dialogue. Students also often over-prepare scripted responses instead of developing flexible, adaptive speaking skills. A tutor can target these specific pain points through guided conversation practice, exposure to authentic materials, and strategies for building confidence in unpredictable exchanges.

At beginner levels, tutors focus on building foundational vocabulary, basic sentence structures, and comfort with speaking aloud—often starting with structured dialogues and simple topics to reduce anxiety. Intermediate learners work on expanding vocabulary, understanding context-dependent meanings, and handling longer conversations with fewer pauses. Advanced learners typically refine nuance, master idioms and cultural references, develop native-like intonation, and tackle complex topics like debate or professional communication. Regardless of level, a skilled tutor personalizes the pace and content to match where the student actually is, not where a textbook says they should be.

Expert tutors typically blend structured conversation practice with real-world scenarios—role-playing customer service interactions, job interviews, casual social situations, or discussing current events. They listen actively for patterns in errors (like repeated mispronunciations or grammatical mistakes) and address them in the moment without derailing the flow of conversation. Many use authentic materials like podcasts, news clips, or TV clips to expose students to natural speech patterns and accents. The best sessions feel like genuine dialogue, not interrogation—tutors ask follow-up questions, share their own thoughts, and create a low-pressure environment where mistakes become learning moments, not sources of embarrassment.

Yes—pronunciation is a core part of conversational fluency. Tutors can identify which sounds are causing clarity issues (like confusing 'th' and 's', or struggling with word stress), explain the mechanics of how to produce those sounds, and provide targeted practice. They also help with intonation patterns, linking words naturally, and reducing the rhythm patterns of a student's first language that interfere with English flow. Unlike accent elimination (which isn't the goal), conversational tutoring focuses on clarity and confidence—ensuring listeners understand you and you feel comfortable speaking without self-consciousness.

Listening is inseparable from conversation—you can't respond naturally if you don't understand what's being said. Tutors expose students to varied accents, speech speeds, and contexts (formal meetings, casual chat, background noise) to build real-world listening skills beyond slow, carefully-enunciated textbook audio. They teach strategies like identifying key words when you miss details, asking clarifying questions confidently, and understanding meaning from context rather than catching every single word. Regular listening practice during sessions, combined with exposure to authentic materials, helps students develop the automaticity needed for genuine back-and-forth dialogue.

Progress shows up in concrete ways: speaking longer without pausing to think, understanding more of what you hear without asking for repetition, using new vocabulary naturally in conversation, and feeling less anxious when speaking. Many students also notice they're thinking in English rather than translating, responding faster, and initiating conversations instead of waiting for prompts. A tutor can track these improvements through regular conversation samples, noting expanded vocabulary range, fewer grammatical errors, smoother delivery, and increased confidence tackling unfamiliar topics. Unlike grammar tests, conversational progress is measured by actual ability to communicate effectively in real situations.

The most effective practice mirrors real conversation: speaking with language partners or tutors regularly (even brief sessions help), consuming authentic English media like podcasts or shows, and actively using new vocabulary and phrases in writing or speech. Tutors often recommend specific, achievable goals—like joining a conversation club, speaking with a language exchange partner, or narrating daily activities aloud. Passive consumption alone (watching TV without active engagement) has limited value; students benefit most from active production—speaking, writing responses, and pushing themselves into slightly uncomfortable situations where they must communicate despite imperfect knowledge. A tutor can suggest personalized practice strategies that fit the student's lifestyle and goals.

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