All of
John’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
John’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ESL/ESOL
ESL is my specialty. I have worked with students of all ages, from over 30 different countries, from absolute beginners learning their very first words to advanced students seeking an additional edge. I have a variety of effective and fun techniques that make learning English easier. I tailor my lessons to meet the needs of each individual student. I help students overcome shyness, pronunciation difficulty, and forgetfulness. I am proud of my record of success on two continents with my ESL students.
Grammar
Basic grammar through advanced grammar, for native speakers and ESL students. I offer special techniques for understanding how grammar works, applying grammar properly, and checking your own grammar.
Proofreading
Proofreading for test taking, essay writing, and technical writing. Learn the most common mistakes made by writers and how to avoid them. Understand the function and effective use of punctuation. Learn how to analyze a sentence so that errors are easy to spot.
Reading
Reading skills for children and adults, native speakers and ESL students. Depending on the needs of the student, I focus on elementary reading ability, standardized test prep, how to read more efficiently and effectively, and speed reading. I approach reading with the notion that reading can be fun, even if it is part of a test. I am very patient with those just beginning to read, and offer creative techniques for improvement.
SAT Reading
SAT reading can be challenging for most adults, let alone young people whose vocabularies are still developing. I offer practical ways to analyze written passages, accurately infer meaning, see their structure and organization, and eliminate incorrect answer choices. There are systematic ways to improve SAT reading scores, and my lessons will familiarize you with all of them.
SAT Writing
SAT writing can be confusing for adults, let alone high schoolers who are still developing a familiarity with college level writing. I can help students analyze sentences, avoid errors, apply grammar appropriately, and outline and organize essays efficiently. Writing is crucial for success in college; preparing now can give a student a significant edge when test day arrives.
TOEFL
TOEFL is a specialty of mine. Students will understand how the TOEFL tests work, what TOEFL looks for in the written and speaking sections, how to find answers in the reading section quickly an accurately, and how to use selective note-taking to do well on the listening section. I also focus on time management, and how to avoid common mistakes. I also show you how taking TOEFL can actually be fun, and should not be feared. If you are facing a TOEFL test soon, or just want to improve your overall skills, please don't hesitate to make an appointment.
Vocabulary
For native speakers and ESL speakers. I offer effective vocabulary techniques that can help you speak English better and more accurately, help you pass your standardized test, improve your reading skills, or give you an edge in business. I can help you determine meaning from context and determine meaning from prefix, suffix, and root. A strong vocabulary makes your writing and speaking much more effective, and helps you get your point across with eloquence.
Writing
I offer writing lessons to suit every need. We cover structure, organization, essay formats, style, and effective word choice. These skills may be applied to standardized tests, such as TOEFL or SAT. I also offer practical advice and technique for those who would like to write effectively in English in business, correspondence, and even creative writing.