You Will Learn To Read Comprehensively And Write Effectively

After earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English, I taught writing and literature programs at Penn State. I then spent over 30 years as a senior communications executive and consultant for Fortune 500 firms, hospitals, symphonies, political parties and campaigns. I also was CEO for my own advertising and public relations agency.

Knowing how to communicate effectively is my greatest strength. But my greatest satisfaction has always come from helping others to understand what they read, and illustrating how to successfully communicate their thoughts. We will do this while also having fun!

Based on my experience and expertise, I am confident that I can teach my clients how to prepare for the ACT and SAT, as well as a successful career. I have assisted dozens of students, fellow workers, friends and others asking for help--including both of our children. Our son, for example, has recently written a book, "Sex At Dawn," that has been on the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Unfortunately, there is no shortcut you can take to become an excellent writer. The best way is to write and re-write with the help of a competent and supportive editor. The only way to understand the nuances in other writers' works is to read often and deeply, and to test your understanding with someone with deeper comprehension. Do both by involving me as your tutor.

The best teachers are those most willing to create a relaxed and stress-free environment. I prefer to conduct sessions in my client's home, where she or he will be most comfortable. The schedule will be set by tutor and client and will remain as flexible as possible.

An individualized plan will be established based on the client's strengths and goals. The plan will be adjusted, periodically, based on the progress achieved.

Learning is not a competitive sport. It should not be pursued as such. It should develop organically from a sincere commitment by consultant and client to improve performance. My commitment is to help you exceed your expectations as quickly and painlessly as possible.

If you really want to learn to write with impact and to read with understanding, I would be delighted to help you.

Frank's Subjects

English:	ACT English, ACT Reading, English, ESL/ESOL, grammar, literature, public speaking, reading, SAT reading, SAT writing, vocabulary, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT English, ACT Reading, SAT reading, SAT writing
Language:	ESL/ESOL
History:	social studies
Elementary Education:	grammar, reading, vocabulary
Business:	public speaking
Corporate Training:	ESL/ESOL, grammar, public speaking
Homeschool:	English, ESL/ESOL, reading, SAT reading, writing

Vocabulary

The most efficient way to build an effective vocabulary is to initiate a three-part process:
1) To read many types of writing and pick out those words whose definition is not crystal clear.
2) Look these words up in a dictionary to ascertain their definitions.
3) Use these words in at least ten sentences correctly.
This process has been useful with students whose vocabulary wasn't as broad as it should be. It also became a motivational factor for getting students to learn that... Read More

Grammar

Almost no one teaches grammar. When I worked with Penn State students, I found almost no knowledge of grammar among these high school graduates. There was even less understanding of how to pick the correct choice.

I attacked this problem primarily in two ways:

1) I asked each of them to read Strunk & White's "Elements of Style" which clearly and concisely presents the basic rules one must know. This gave the students a foundation on which to build.
2) I continuously... Read More

Reading

See my description for ACT English.
Whether taking the SAT, reading for your courses, or just for personal enjoyment, you should be able to uncover levels of meaning that will enhance your understanding and lead to improved grades. The best way to become an advanced reader is to read many types of literature: novels, poems, editorials and journalistic columns. Frequently, some of the best writing can be found in the "New Yorker," the "Wall Street Journal," the "New York Times," etc.
You... Read More

Writing

See my description for ACT English.
Writing can be a difficult chore--even if you are already an excellent writer. Bit it's impossible if you don't know how to communicate effectively. The best way to improve your ability to write is to--as Nike ads state--"Just Do It!"
With the assistance of an experienced and competent editor, any one who is committed to the task can learn to write. It isn't easy. It takes a willingness to write and re-write and to understand and implement an editor's... Read More

English

See my description for ACT English.
Since I've earned bachelor and masters degrees in English and have taught writing classes at Penn State--as well as became a tutor for dozens of writers who have worked for me, I am confident that I know the topic and can communicate it. In the process, I can also help a client learn about the different levels of meaning, uncover the plot and themes, etc. This is what I love and what I have been doing since I was a kid. I have the ability to help others... Read More

Literature

See my description for ACT English.
Literature is meant to be enjoyed and understood. Whether you are reading Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying" or "Hemingway's Old Man And The Sea," if the only element you recognize is the plot, you have missed three-fourths of the book. I can help you see the most important themes and character portrayals, and enjoy doing it. At the same time you will begin to understand how the writer achieved his/her success and be able to develop that skill for yourself.Read More

SAT Reading

See my description for ACT English.
No where is the search for meaning in literature more crucial than when taking the SATs. You are not only expected to remember the main points made in the selection, but also to understand the nuances of meaning within the piece.
Those students who are widely read have an impressive edge. Those who have had the opportunity to discuss numerous pieces of literature with someone who can uncover deepening levels of meaning with them are well on their... Read More

SAT Writing

See my description for ACT English.
To know how to write requires that first, you learn how to read: deeply, with understanding not only of the content but also with keen observation of how an author communicates. This knowledge will surface, however, only after a student conducts continuing explorations and practice. No writer will perform well if he/she doesn't know the importance of re-writing. Ernest Hemingway, for example, re-wrote the last page of "The Old Man & The Sea" over 20 times... Read More

ACT Reading

See my description for ACT English.
In addition to my educational background, my experience teaching for Penn State and various opportunities to lead corporate communications functions and counsel CEOs and other senior managers, a vital strength that I developed was to create strategies to meet specific goals. This asset was based on my ability to read deeply and to understand various audiences' nuances and their motivation. I was then able to respond effectively.
Reading and writing... Read More

ACT English

With both a bachelor and masters degree in English, I approach tutoring a client by first assessing the student's level of expertise in a subject. Next is an exploration of his or her goals and willingness to learn. Finally, we begin the process of understanding various components by doing and perfecting them.

I have taught at high school and university levels and will make the learning curve as simple and as quick as possible. One way is to use sample exams from past ACT or SAT exams... Read More

ESL/ESOL

I taught Penn State students English as a Second Language.
The program included grammar, punctuation, rhetorical skills and proper usage. Later, many of these same skills needed to be taught to individuals in business with whom I worked as a consultant.
Although these efforts involved teaching basic information, it became some of my most rewarding experiences. These students tended to take our sessions seriously and were committed to improving their performance. When they succeeded,... Read More

Public Speaking

I have given numerous presentations during my business career--including to the company's Board of Directors--and during my consultancy with both the democratic and the republican parties. In addition, I have given speeches on behalf of candidates, chaired conventions and handled media conferences and interviews. My experience also includes innumerable presentations in courses I have taught.

Social Studies

I have conducted innumerable interviews and needed a knowledge of current events to do so. For a dozen years, I interviewed everyone who held a responsible position in health care, e.g., The editors of the AMA News and the New England Journal, the leaders of Canadian and European health care systems, academic experts, etc. I have also prepared business executives and political candidates for media interviews, etc. I am well-read: New York Times, New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, news weeklies,... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

St. Vincent's College (Literature, Writing ) 1960 (Graduate Coursework) Penn State University (Master's)

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $40.00

With Prepaid Discount: $34.00 - $38.00

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 6 hours notice required

A$20 discount will be available to clients who want a 2-hour session. Instead of $40/hour, the consultation fee will be $30/hour, or a total of $60.

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Frank will travel within 25 miles of Los Angeles, CA 90035.

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Frank R.