Award-Winning 12th Grade AP English Tutors
serving Portland, OR
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Award-Winning 12th Grade AP English Tutors serving Portland, OR
Certified Tutor
2+ years
Donya
As a recent graduate with a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, I am passionate about fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment for my students. Although I have experience in tutoring, I strive to connect with students through personalized teaching ...
University
Bachelor's
Certified Tutor
Kate
I'm available to tutor biology, chemistry, physics, math from Algebra up through AP Calculus, SAT test prep, and French. I've been tutoring students in science and math for 7 years. I also spent 8 months working and studying in France, and have tutored high school and adult students in French. When ...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Masters, Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Bachelors
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Jai
I'm a recent Stanford graduate (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science), and have been working at a major Management Consulting firm for a few years now. I personally scored a 2360 (out of 2400) on the SAT and 35 on the ACT and was successful in gaining admission to several top universities. I'...
Stanford University
Bachelors in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Certified Tutor
I am a licensed physician from Florida who is currently changing careers. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009 and have extensive tutoring and editing experience. While a student, I became a certified writing tutor through the Critical Writing Department. Since I completed my writ...
Nova Southeastern University
PHD, Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelors, History
University of Pennsylvania
undergraduate
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Rhea
I am a current student at the University of Chicago. I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, and I am on the pre-medical track. I am extremely passionate about tutoring, and I have several years of experience tutoring students in my high school's learning center in various...
University of Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Certified Tutor
Erika
I am available to tutor middle and high school math, history and test prep. I have tutored math and history in the past and I previously taught a test prep course at a school in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a lot of experience teaching all the need-to-know tricks to doing great on the SATS/ACTS! When I am...
Harvard University
Master of Public Policy, Public Policy
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Jeffrey
I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering PhD program at Rice University which will begin Fall 2020, and I am hoping to return to academia as a professor after earning my PhD. In the meantime, I am looking to share my passion for gaining knowledge, specifically in STEM, by educating the up and com...
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science
Rice University
Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering
Certified Tutor
10+ years
Samantha
I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my stu...
Duke University
Bachelors in Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions
Harvard Medical School
Current Grad Student, MD
Certified Tutor
9+ years
Sami
I am a Duke University graduate in Economics and Computer Science. I am currently pursuing an MBA degree at the Yale School of Management. I have worked in the financial field, both at a management consulting firm and a fortune 500 company. My hobbies include playing and coaching soccer.
Duke University
Bachelor of Science (Economics and Computer Science)
Yale School of Management
Current Undergrad Student, Business Administration and Management
Certified Tutor
6+ years
Samuel
I am a freshman at Caltech majoring in Applied and Computational Mathematics. My favorite subject to tutor is math because I find it very rewarding to simplify complex topics to aid in understanding. I have lots of tutoring experience. In high school, I ran and taught an SAT prep class and was vice ...
California Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science, Applied Mathematics
Other Portland Tutors
Related English Tutors in Portland
Frequently Asked Questions
AP English Language and Composition focuses on developing rhetorical analysis skills, argumentation, and synthesis writing. Students learn to analyze how authors use language, structure, and rhetorical devices to persuade audiences, then apply these skills to their own writing. The course emphasizes close reading, timed essay writing, and understanding argument construction—all essential for the May exam.
The AP English Language exam consists of three parts: a 1-hour multiple-choice section on reading passages (45 questions), and a 2-hour 15-minute free-response section with three essays (rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis). Each section is weighted equally, and the exam is scored on a scale of 1–5, with 3 typically considered passing. Most colleges grant credit or placement for scores of 3 or higher.
Students often struggle with time management during the timed essays—especially learning to write a strong analysis or argument in 40 minutes. Another common challenge is identifying rhetorical devices and explaining their effect rather than just naming them. Many students also find the synthesis essay difficult because it requires integrating multiple sources while maintaining their own voice and argument.
Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's rhetorical analysis, essay structure, or time management—and create a targeted study plan. Tutors can provide feedback on practice essays, teach you question-specific strategies, and help you build confidence with timed writing. Regular practice with expert feedback is one of the most effective ways to improve both your writing quality and exam performance.
Most students benefit from 3–6 months of focused preparation, especially if they're aiming for a 4 or 5. This timeline allows time to master rhetorical analysis, practice all three essay types multiple times, and build speed under timed conditions. If you're starting closer to the exam date, intensive tutoring can help you make efficient use of your remaining time by prioritizing the highest-impact skills.
Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors experienced in AP English Language and Composition who understand the exam format, scoring rubrics, and common student challenges. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your current score, target score, and specific areas where you need the most help—whether that's essay writing, rhetorical analysis, or test-taking strategy.
Your first session typically focuses on assessment and planning. The tutor will review your current understanding of rhetorical analysis and essay structure, may ask you to write a timed practice essay to identify your strengths and gaps, and then create a personalized study plan based on your goals and timeline. This foundation helps ensure that every subsequent session targets the skills that will have the biggest impact on your score.
Practice tests are crucial for AP English because they help you build stamina for the 3-hour 15-minute exam, practice time management, and identify which question types or essay prompts challenge you most. Taking full-length practice tests under timed conditions, then reviewing your essays with a tutor for feedback, gives you realistic insight into your readiness and helps you refine your strategy before test day.
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