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Tim C.

Strive for success in K-12 Reading/Writing/SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS Prep

Strive for success in K-12 Reading/Writing/SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS Prep

$46/hour

4.7 (590 ratings)

  • 3,454 hours tutoring

  • Fremont, CA 94538

About Tim

Bio

My goal is to turn students' weaknesses into strengths and to enable them make the changes they need to get the grades they want in exam preparation and in their school coursework. I believe in guiding rather than instructing; by leading students on a path of discovery to learn, retain and apply, in order to avoid making the same mistakes twice. Students are responsible for their own learning which is to say that firstly, hard graft is required to acquire a vocabulary base substantive to pass...

My goal is to turn students' weaknesses into strengths and to enable them make the changes they need to get the grades they want in exam preparation and in their school coursework. I believe in guiding rather than instructing; by leading students on a path of discovery to learn, retain and apply, in order to avoid making the same mistakes twice. Students are responsible for their own learning which is to say that firstly, hard graft is required to acquire a vocabulary base substantive to pass SAT. Secondly it is also required to consistently apply the strategies effectively to pass the reading. Thirdly, it is needed to develop cohesion and coherence in essay writing, and to allow a structure that allows ideas to be freely expressed. So there are no short cuts to success, but the rewards are many.

Students should think of test prep as a life lesson: what you learn in the process of taking this course is going to stand you in good stead, not only in college but later in life. A good vocabulary is an asset that will enable you to impress people who you need to impress, whether you are trying to get into college, writing assignments at college or having a job interview once you have graduated.

All that I require from students is the motivation to succeed and the willingness to learn. Oh, and an infinite capacity for hard work. But you will probably be expecting that sooner rather later, and probably later as well.

Aside from having an impressive range of vocabulary at your disposal, the other key to success is recognizing the different question types, knowing exactly what you have been asked for and applying the strategies successfully.

My approach is to give new students a diagnostic to assess any areas of weakness or uncertainty. Depending on what emerges, I prepare materials to address these issues and ensure that any weaknesses were turned into strengths. With writing, I would specifically ask to see a sample of the student's writing to locate any problems. I would then concentrate on building clarity of expression, the use of asophistcated level of vocabulary, cohesion and coherence, and asense of structure.

This is what I concentrated on during the two and a half years that I worked for Huntington, tutored in a private capacity and the twenty four years that I have been teaching reading and other skills to ESL students in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. I am also an IELTS speaking and writing examiner and know exactly is required to succeed.

I can assist you with:
-Preparation for success with time sensitive exams including IELTS, SAT, ACT and TOEFL that takes into account the students' needs.

-Help you develop confidence and boost your grade performance in writing, including basic sentence writing, paragraph and essay development, college applications and graduate thesis work.

-Enable you to become confident in your conversational ability. You can hold your own in conversation for both native and non-native English speakers.

-Help younger learners (K-12) to build their reading, writing, grammar, and creative writing skills

-Work on all ESL skills areas.

I look forward to working with you all.

Read more

Education

Manchester Metropolitan University UK / BA Combined Studies Humanities
English Literature and Creative Writing
Academy International/Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (CTEFL)
Graduate Coursework
Canterbury Christ Church University/ MA in Teaching English as a Second Language
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $46
  • Rate details: Special rates considered for groups. If I have to travel outside Fremont and Union City, up to 25 miles or more, the rate rises to $48.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/24/2017

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Subjects

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Grammar,

Grammar

I have been teaching English for more than 26 years, which has included an intensive grammar focus incorporated into lessons on specific reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Grammar awareness is always intrinsic to my ESL teaching. My work would be incomplete if I neglected to focus on it because it is essential for students to to be aware of the grammar they use, when and how to use it in order to progress.
Proofreading

Proofreading

Proof reading is a precise skill and one that I have acquired through teaching writing for 22 years. I have that meticulous attention to detail that is required, so much so that when I read published fiction or non-fiction, I am constantly finding errors which should have been corrected at the final pre-publication stage.

Elementary Education

Grammar,

Grammar

I have been teaching English for more than 26 years, which has included an intensive grammar focus incorporated into lessons on specific reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Grammar awareness is always intrinsic to my ESL teaching. My work would be incomplete if I neglected to focus on it because it is essential for students to to be aware of the grammar they use, when and how to use it in order to progress.
Reading,

Reading

I have been teaching reading strategies and reading comprehension skills for more than 20 years and I am confident that I can show you how to muster what can often seem elusive and mystifying. The approach to understanding a passage, whether it is from a science or humanities text, a piece of journalism or an extract from fiction needs to be fine tuned to be successful. I look forward to working with you. Let me be your guide!
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is an essential and integral part of learning English and a skill that must be monitored continuously in order to make progress. It is best learned in conjunction with reading and writing, so that new words can be acquired, learned and memorized according to the context in which they appear.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I have been teaching students how to learn, retain and use vocabulary as part of ESL studies for the past 25 years. Acquiring vocabulary is essential if students are to express themselves adequately and competently in another language. For native speakers preparing for SAT and ACT, I have also demonstrated the importance of learning vocabulary, which is a lifelong skill that can give students the confidence to express themselves, and lead them to be more successful in their academic and professional lives.

English

ACT English,

ACT English

I have been helping students prepare for ACT tests for six years. By pinpointing students' needs, I am able to work with them to improve their weaker parts of their competencies, as well as reinforcing areas that they feel more confident in. Preparing for the ACT involves learning how to read and understand questions at speed, and having the reading strategies and skills and the grammar awareness to answer in the blink of an eye. It also involves a willingness to learn a significant amount of vocabulary which will also serve the student as a resource to be used later in life, at college and when hunting for work afterwards.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have been teaching reading skills for more than 25 years and tutoring students for the specific demands of ACT reading for nearly six. ACT Reading has a different focus to that of ACT, which requires many of the same strategies has a different focus in terms of approach. Reading is essentially an interactive process in that students must actively engage with the text to understand it fully. This requires them to read proactively, predict and anticipate in order to utilize the skills they have acquired. It cannot be separated from vocabulary acquisition and both should ideally be learned in tandem if progress is to be made.
English,

English

I have been teaching English language skills for 27 years, as an ESL professional. I can provide help with reading, writing, speaking and listening, vocabulary acquisition and study skills.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Grammar,

Grammar

I have been teaching English for more than 26 years, which has included an intensive grammar focus incorporated into lessons on specific reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Grammar awareness is always intrinsic to my ESL teaching. My work would be incomplete if I neglected to focus on it because it is essential for students to to be aware of the grammar they use, when and how to use it in order to progress.
Proofreading,

Proofreading

Proof reading is a precise skill and one that I have acquired through teaching writing for 22 years. I have that meticulous attention to detail that is required, so much so that when I read published fiction or non-fiction, I am constantly finding errors which should have been corrected at the final pre-publication stage.
Reading,

Reading

I have been teaching reading strategies and reading comprehension skills for more than 20 years and I am confident that I can show you how to muster what can often seem elusive and mystifying. The approach to understanding a passage, whether it is from a science or humanities text, a piece of journalism or an extract from fiction needs to be fine tuned to be successful. I look forward to working with you. Let me be your guide!
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

SAT reading involves identifying the question type, focusing on the questions and mapping the text to locate the answer. When you think you have found the answer, always predict in your own words a possible answer before looking at the questions. This will help to anticipate the best answer. You will have to learn to read in a certain way and use your knowledge of vocabulary to answer accurately.
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

SAT Writing involves mustering the basics of the structure of composition, understanding and recognizing typical grammar errors, and utilizing a sophisticated level of vocabulary (in the essay section).
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is an essential and integral part of learning English and a skill that must be monitored continuously in order to make progress. It is best learned in conjunction with reading and writing, so that new words can be acquired, learned and memorized according to the context in which they appear.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

I have been teaching students how to learn, retain and use vocabulary as part of ESL studies for the past 25 years. Acquiring vocabulary is essential if students are to express themselves adequately and competently in another language. For native speakers preparing for SAT and ACT, I have also demonstrated the importance of learning vocabulary, which is a lifelong skill that can give students the confidence to express themselves, and lead them to be more successful in their academic and professional lives.
Writing,

Writing

Acquiring effective writing skills is a something that can be learned by paying attention to basic skills and organizing a composition according to the structure of the conventional essay. Vocabulary acquisition is also a prerequisite as is reading, students need to read to acquire ideas and they must have a firm grasp of grammar in order to express their ideas. If they can learn the basics, a sense of style may emerge, but this is more difficult to teach as it is often intuitive.
Literature

History

European History

European History

I am originally from Europe and have a deep fascination with European History and interest in history in general. I can help students prepare thoroughly for their exams.

Homeschool

English,

English

I have been teaching English language skills for 27 years, as an ESL professional. I can provide help with reading, writing, speaking and listening, vocabulary acquisition and study skills.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Reading,

Reading

I have been teaching reading strategies and reading comprehension skills for more than 20 years and I am confident that I can show you how to muster what can often seem elusive and mystifying. The approach to understanding a passage, whether it is from a science or humanities text, a piece of journalism or an extract from fiction needs to be fine tuned to be successful. I look forward to working with you. Let me be your guide!
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

SAT reading involves identifying the question type, focusing on the questions and mapping the text to locate the answer. When you think you have found the answer, always predict in your own words a possible answer before looking at the questions. This will help to anticipate the best answer. You will have to learn to read in a certain way and use your knowledge of vocabulary to answer accurately.
Spelling,

Spelling

Spelling is an essential and integral part of learning English and a skill that must be monitored continuously in order to make progress. It is best learned in conjunction with reading and writing, so that new words can be acquired, learned and memorized according to the context in which they appear.
Study Skills,

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.
Writing

Writing

Acquiring effective writing skills is a something that can be learned by paying attention to basic skills and organizing a composition according to the structure of the conventional essay. Vocabulary acquisition is also a prerequisite as is reading, students need to read to acquire ideas and they must have a firm grasp of grammar in order to express their ideas. If they can learn the basics, a sense of style may emerge, but this is more difficult to teach as it is often intuitive.

Language

ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.

Most Popular

English,

English

I have been teaching English language skills for 27 years, as an ESL professional. I can provide help with reading, writing, speaking and listening, vocabulary acquisition and study skills.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Reading,

Reading

I have been teaching reading strategies and reading comprehension skills for more than 20 years and I am confident that I can show you how to muster what can often seem elusive and mystifying. The approach to understanding a passage, whether it is from a science or humanities text, a piece of journalism or an extract from fiction needs to be fine tuned to be successful. I look forward to working with you. Let me be your guide!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.
Writing

Writing

Acquiring effective writing skills is a something that can be learned by paying attention to basic skills and organizing a composition according to the structure of the conventional essay. Vocabulary acquisition is also a prerequisite as is reading, students need to read to acquire ideas and they must have a firm grasp of grammar in order to express their ideas. If they can learn the basics, a sense of style may emerge, but this is more difficult to teach as it is often intuitive.

Other

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Study Skills

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.

Special Needs

Study Skills

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.

Summer

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I can help with the teaching of English as a Second or foreign language to non-native speakers, who either immigrated to an English speaking country or have re-located there to study for academic purposes. Classes typically focus on the four main skills, reading, writing, speaking and listening, involving a high degree of participation from students who must use the language in order to become familiar with it. Private lessons for motivated individuals can explore each of these skill areas in depth with added bonus of having the tutor/teacher's undivided attention. I have experience of teaching all ages and abilities, from children to adult learners, at junior and high school, private language school and at university. I have taught general English, business English, and exam prep (FCE and IELTS), in the Middle East, Europe, the U.S.A and Asia.
Reading,

Reading

I have been teaching reading strategies and reading comprehension skills for more than 20 years and I am confident that I can show you how to muster what can often seem elusive and mystifying. The approach to understanding a passage, whether it is from a science or humanities text, a piece of journalism or an extract from fiction needs to be fine tuned to be successful. I look forward to working with you. Let me be your guide!
Study Skills,

Study Skills

Having good studies means organizing meticulously and using time effectively. Having an MA in TESL and a BA in English indicates that I have proven study skills. Developing effective study skills requires organization, planning and prioritizing needs. I have been successfully tutoring students for eight years for exams such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL and IELTS, and teaching ESL for 25 years, which shows that I can enable students to plan their studies, work to deadlines, target weaknesses and make them into strengths, and follow through with feedback and encouragement.
Writing

Writing

Acquiring effective writing skills is a something that can be learned by paying attention to basic skills and organizing a composition according to the structure of the conventional essay. Vocabulary acquisition is also a prerequisite as is reading, students need to read to acquire ideas and they must have a firm grasp of grammar in order to express their ideas. If they can learn the basics, a sense of style may emerge, but this is more difficult to teach as it is often intuitive.

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

I have been helping students prepare for ACT tests for six years. By pinpointing students' needs, I am able to work with them to improve their weaker parts of their competencies, as well as reinforcing areas that they feel more confident in. Preparing for the ACT involves learning how to read and understand questions at speed, and having the reading strategies and skills and the grammar awareness to answer in the blink of an eye. It also involves a willingness to learn a significant amount of vocabulary which will also serve the student as a resource to be used later in life, at college and when hunting for work afterwards.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I have been teaching reading skills for more than 25 years and tutoring students for the specific demands of ACT reading for nearly six. ACT Reading has a different focus to that of ACT, which requires many of the same strategies has a different focus in terms of approach. Reading is essentially an interactive process in that students must actively engage with the text to understand it fully. This requires them to read proactively, predict and anticipate in order to utilize the skills they have acquired. It cannot be separated from vocabulary acquisition and both should ideally be learned in tandem if progress is to be made.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

SAT reading involves identifying the question type, focusing on the questions and mapping the text to locate the answer. When you think you have found the answer, always predict in your own words a possible answer before looking at the questions. This will help to anticipate the best answer. You will have to learn to read in a certain way and use your knowledge of vocabulary to answer accurately.
SAT Writing

SAT Writing

SAT Writing involves mustering the basics of the structure of composition, understanding and recognizing typical grammar errors, and utilizing a sophisticated level of vocabulary (in the essay section).

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.7 (590 ratings)
5 star
(458)
4 star
(99)
3 star
(14)
2 star
(8)
1 star
(11)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews patient recommended vocabulary comprehension prepared

Featured review

Great Tutor

Tim is a great tutor. He is very patient. He helped me to improve my writing. I recommend Tim to others who wants to improve their reading and writing.

Iva, 40 lessons with Tim

Experienced tutor

Tim helped my son with his grade level grammar, punctuation and writing skills. He is patient, always on time and well organised with resources and homeworks. Highly recommended.

Sowjanya, 29 lessons with Tim

Good!!

Talking with him is a lot fun and He was eager to correct my grammatical errors. That was another good point, because we can make mistakes when you speak English even though we know the grammar.

Key, 9 lessons with Tim

Patient

Our son has had 3 sessions and is developing skills and confidence in his writing. Tim has been patient with him as this is a frustrating area for our son. Tim is good at getting our son to pay attention.

Julie, 12 lessons with Tim

Patient tutor

Tim is my daughter’s first tutor. After the first hour of tutoring, she told me that she got some better ideas for her essay. Hope I can see some improvement. Thank you, Tim.

Lisa, 13 lessons with Tim

Awesome tutor

My son (12) is working with Tim to improve his reading. Tim is really patient and pushes him which is great. I like that he gives some homework. I have used other tutors on-line and scheduling was difficult but that is not the case with Tim. I look forward to continued lessons with Tim.

Poonam , 25 lessons with Tim

Highly recommend!

Tim really helped me improve my SAT reading and writing scores. Throughout these past weeks of lessons, he went over each and every practice question with me and made sure I understood why I got questions wrong. Before these sessions, I used to miss 3-4 questions on each reading passage, but now I only miss 0-1 questions. I highly recommend him to anyone who struggles with the SAT reading and writing section!

Rachel, 8 lessons with Tim

Tim C.

It was a really good lesson, I can keep up when you talk and you can explain in a way I understand in! Very kind and helpful and I appreciate the lessons with you thank you :)

Ellinor, 28 lessons with Tim

Knowledgeable and patient tutor

My son and daughter are taking SAT reading classes with Tim. He is giving lot of Tips to analyse the questions and solving it. My children enjoys his class. He has good experience and very patient tutor.

Neena, 10 lessons with Tim

Tim is a really great tutor for SAT reading

I scored a 690 on the reading section for my first try of the SAT. After 14 hours of practice with Tim, I jumped from a 690 to 780 for reading on the second try. That’s 90 whole points! Tim provided useful tips, tricks, and effective strategies to use on the passages. We went over each mistake I made as well. Overall, he was very patient, kind, and he has a great sense of humor too! I am very grateful for his tutelage and would definitely recommend him to others.

Naomi, 8 lessons with Tim
Contact Tim

Response time: 2 hours

$46/hour

Tim C.

$46/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Tim

Response time: 2 hours