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Experienced English and Writing Tutor: Essays, SAT, ACT, AP, and More!
Ariana L.

5.0 (302 ratings)

1,437 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $100
Contact Ariana
Ariana L.'s Photo

Experienced English and Writing Tutor: Essays, SAT, ACT, AP, and More!
Experienced English and Writing Tutor: Essays, SAT, ACT, AP, and More!
Ariana L.

5.0 (302 ratings)

1,437 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
5.0 (302 ratings)

1,437 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

About Ariana

Bio

I’ve always loved learning and sharing the joy of discovery and the thrill of a challenge with others. I find that the more a student can relate his or her own passions and experiences to a subject, the more that subject's material becomes a part of the student, rather than stale information to be memorized and forgotten. My goal, therefore, is to engage those I tutor, not merely to instruct. I graduated from Pomona College in 2006 Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in English and minors in...

I’ve always loved learning and sharing the joy of discovery and the thrill of a challenge with others. I find that the more a student can relate his or her own passions and experiences to a subject, the more that subject's material becomes a part of the student, rather than stale information to be memorized and forgotten. My goal, therefore, is to engage those I tutor, not merely to instruct.

I graduated from Pomona College in 2006 Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in English and minors in Linguistics and Media Studies. I was selected for 2006 Phi Beta Kappa membership. For 3 years at Pomona College, I worked as a Writing Fellow, tutoring other students in all aspects of expository, persuasive, and creative writing, including grammar, usage, style, vocabulary, and structure. Writing Fellows are recommended by professors, and the College pays them for their services. During my Senior year of college, I completed a teaching internship with a professor, assisting in teaching a core course for incoming freshmen.

I have worked with high school students to prepare coursework, compose college application essays, study for the SAT, organize their workspaces, and manage their time. I've worked successfully with ESL students at high school and college levels and beyond. I have experience teaching younger students as well: beyond standard tutoring, I have designed curriculum for and privately taught supplementary and advanced English courses for elementary, middle, and high schoolers.

In addition to tutoring, I currently work as a screenwriter. I've sold one screenplay and am working on several more. I am passionate, enthusiastic, and patient, and I would love to work with you!

Read more

Education

Pomona College, Claremont, CA
undergrad

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $100
  • Rate details: Discounts for multiple 2-hr lessons per week. If you have financial constraints, we can discuss discounts on the regular rate.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 4/18/2013

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Thu

Fri

Sat

Approved Subjects

Business

Microsoft Word

Computer

General Computer,

General Computer

Both of my parents are software engineers, so I grew up surrounded by and accustomed to computers and computer-related technology. Originally, we had only Windows and then Linux machines in the house, but my father migrated toward Macintosh products during my college years, so I’m very familiar with both major operating systems, Windows and Mac OSX. My father and mother have always been my first line of technical support, and over time I absorbed every solution and/or method of finding or deriving a solution. I have instructed students in how to get the most out of their programs, applications, browsers, and machines, and how to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Though I will never possess the coding genius of my parents, I am confident in my ability to help students discover the amazing things that computers empower them to do, as well as the everyday tasks computers can make more efficient. I have also worked with students who wished to learn how to use their iPods, iPads, iPhones, Android phones and tablets, Kindle, external drives, and all sorts of other useful peripherals.
Microsoft Word

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
General Computer,

General Computer

Both of my parents are software engineers, so I grew up surrounded by and accustomed to computers and computer-related technology. Originally, we had only Windows and then Linux machines in the house, but my father migrated toward Macintosh products during my college years, so I’m very familiar with both major operating systems, Windows and Mac OSX. My father and mother have always been my first line of technical support, and over time I absorbed every solution and/or method of finding or deriving a solution. I have instructed students in how to get the most out of their programs, applications, browsers, and machines, and how to troubleshoot any problems that might arise. Though I will never possess the coding genius of my parents, I am confident in my ability to help students discover the amazing things that computers empower them to do, as well as the everyday tasks computers can make more efficient. I have also worked with students who wished to learn how to use their iPods, iPads, iPhones, Android phones and tablets, Kindle, external drives, and all sorts of other useful peripherals.
Grammar, Microsoft Word, Proofreading

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have extensive experience tutoring and teaching elementary students, not only coaching them on their reading, writing, and conversation, but also working with them to develop effective study skills and time management. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for "most improved writing." Each of my students who has tested for entrance into selective honors English programs has been accepted. I’ve aided kindergartners and 1st graders with their literacy and reading comprehension. Beyond standard tutoring, I have designed curriculum for and privately taught supplementary and advanced English courses for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I try to make everything as engaging and fun as possible, and after extensive research on the matter, I've come to the conclusion that, while the kids love my motivational speeches on the merits of "knowledge for knowledge's sake," nothing - absolutely nothing - motivates like Skittles. A perennial favorite game for two of my students is one in which I write a word on a whiteboard, and the students then select colors of Skittles which correspond to the word's (sometimes multiple) type(s) of speech, and justify their choice. Should they do so correctly, they get to eat the Skittles. They have gotten AMAZINGLY good at parts of speech. I'm sure their mother both loves and hates me in equal measure.
Elementary Math, Elementary Science, Grammar, Reading, Spelling, Study Skills, Vocabulary

English

ACT English,

ACT English

The ACT English section, like the SAT Writing Skills section, focuses on a limited set of grammatical rules. I teach my students these rules, how to quickly run through a mental checklist to identify the most common errors, and how to avoid any traps. The ACT English section focuses more on punctuation than does the SAT Writing Skills section, so I make sure my students solidly understand how to use a comma! Similar rhetoric-based questions are present on the ACT as are on the SAT, so I teach techniques to quickly search for and identify clues that make the correct answer obvious. The ACT essay is optional, though many schools request that students complete it. The ACT essay prompt is usually far more straightforward than that of the SAT, and it asks students to take a particular position on a topic that the test writers feel relevant to high school students’ interests. First, I familiarize my students with the range of prompts they can expect to encounter; often I supplement this by having them create their own. I teach students techniques to generate sufficient examples that support their perspective on the issue, craft a thesis that states their argument and enables them to quickly organize their essay, and argue their point capably and succinctly. We then practice this process until students are efficient at crafting an organized, coherent, cohesive, and (above all) *strong and engaging* argumentative essay.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

The ACT Reading section focuses less on vocabulary and more on rhetorical strategies than does the Critical Reading of the SAT. I help my students choose from several possible approaches the one that best fits them. I then teach them tricks to tackling the passages with a ready “ear,” as well as how to avoid the traps awaiting and common mistakes made by unsuspecting and incautious readers.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
Literature,

Literature

I have taken – and adored – many courses in literature, including British Literature, American Literature, Russian Literature, Japanese Literature, Arthurian Romance, Fantasy Literature, Literature of the American Revolution, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and more. During college, I assisted in teaching a course in Children’s Literature to incoming freshmen. I have read and translated old classics such as Beowulf, and I have read Dumas and Sartre in the original French and critiqued the translations. Each time I ask a question of one of my students that prompts that student to see a text in a whole new light, or to reach a new conclusion about the author’s intent, or to posit a theory on why a particular wording was chosen, or even to understand and be able to articulate why he or she absolutely hates the book, my world gets brighter. I help my students to hear the voices of the past and present and to learn how others have interpreted those messages. I encourage my students to come to their own understanding of these works, and in doing so, I hope to inspire them to develop their own voices and to make those voices heard.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT 1600 Verbal section, back in high school when it consisted of 2 sections, Math and Verbal. I have been teaching the SAT 2400 Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections for years now; I have helpful tips and effective techniques for every type of question students will encounter, as well as strategies for efficient essay composition. My students have all greatly improved their scores, and I've gone on to work with them on their college application essays. Passage-based reading questions and sentence-completion questions comprise the Critical Reading section of the SAT. Many students find this section the most daunting; presented with a wall of text, they shut down. I help students to realize the critical reader inside them and tackle these questions with enthusiasm. Indeed, even pretending to be enthused by the passages is one of the most important tips my students learn: this shift in attitude has been proven to increase comprehension, retention, and accuracy to an amazing degree. Get psyched and get rewarded with a great score! I provide many universal tips and tricks for this section that I explicate fully and that my students and I practice. I allow my students to encounter the reasons for these tricks organically while we study, which I find to be the best method to ensure that students absorb and retain them. For example, one of my tips is: if there is any way an answer can be wrong, it is wrong. This sounds obvious and nearly tautological, but once students find themselves agonizing over a decision between two answers for the first time, they will understand exactly what I mean by this tip. Each question on the SAT has only one correct answer; it must be correct under all conditions and circumstances, not just “if I look at it this way.” If an answer has to be qualified, it is incorrect. Beyond universal tips and tricks, I also provide students with several options for their personal approach to the passage-based questions, which we can then test to see which fits ea
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

Questions on improving sentences, improving paragraphs, and identifying sentence errors, in addition to a 50-minute hand-written essay, comprise the English section of the SAT. The questions in this section deal with a limited set of grammatical rules, which are easily taught, as well as the vocabulary and sentence-parsing skills of the student, which I can greatly augment by teaching word roots and key words. This section also presents some rhetoric-based questions, e.g. "should a writer add a sentence here and why"; for these questions, I teach my students tricks concerning what to look for and how to find it quickly. I teach my students to recognize the limited number of forms the questions take; learning to recognize these forms provides the students with even more tools to use to eliminate incorrect answers and avoid traps. The essay portion of the SAT has its own distinct, teachable set of strategies and techniques. It is a rhetorical analysis essay, a watered down version of the same essay on the AP Language and Composition Exam. The SAT, unlike the AP, provides students with the express purpose of the speaker/author, saving students one step in the analytical process. It also provides a recommended list of general rhetorical devices from which students can choose a couple to form the foundation of their analysis. I get to give a more thorough introduction to rhetoric than in the English Section, before I teach students how to craft a coherent essay that makes sure to link the device to the author's purpose - to show exactly how that device affects the audience and thereby results in the achievement of the author's goal. Many students forget to provide this link, merely identifying the device and forgetting to walk the reader through the connection to the author's purpose; this is the difference between a good score and a great one.
Writing,

Writing

I have instructed students in all forms of writing, including expository, persuasive, and creative. I work with students on their brainstorming and research processes, helping them to unleash the words inside them, or, if they have "nothing to say,” helping them to discover something about the topic that they can connect with and explore. I guide them through the formulation of their argument and the search for strong evidence (sometimes in the reverse order). And I instruct them in the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar, usage, vocabulary, style, and structure. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for “most improved writing.” My SAT students have greatly improved their scores in the Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections. Three of my students have applied for acceptance into competitive Honors English programs, and all three were accepted. In addition to academic writing, I educate students in many forms of creative writing. I have worked with students on their novels, screenplays, poetry, and short stories. I have written essays and narratives published in school newsletters, I have composed poetry that my grandmother loved (sometimes one writes only for oneself and one’s family), and I have sold one screenplay and hope to sell more.
English, Grammar, Proofreading, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary

History

American History, European History, Social Studies, World History

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have extensive experience tutoring and teaching elementary students, not only coaching them on their reading, writing, and conversation, but also working with them to develop effective study skills and time management. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for "most improved writing." Each of my students who has tested for entrance into selective honors English programs has been accepted. I’ve aided kindergartners and 1st graders with their literacy and reading comprehension. Beyond standard tutoring, I have designed curriculum for and privately taught supplementary and advanced English courses for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I try to make everything as engaging and fun as possible, and after extensive research on the matter, I've come to the conclusion that, while the kids love my motivational speeches on the merits of "knowledge for knowledge's sake," nothing - absolutely nothing - motivates like Skittles. A perennial favorite game for two of my students is one in which I write a word on a whiteboard, and the students then select colors of Skittles which correspond to the word's (sometimes multiple) type(s) of speech, and justify their choice. Should they do so correctly, they get to eat the Skittles. They have gotten AMAZINGLY good at parts of speech. I'm sure their mother both loves and hates me in equal measure.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT 1600 Verbal section, back in high school when it consisted of 2 sections, Math and Verbal. I have been teaching the SAT 2400 Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections for years now; I have helpful tips and effective techniques for every type of question students will encounter, as well as strategies for efficient essay composition. My students have all greatly improved their scores, and I've gone on to work with them on their college application essays. Passage-based reading questions and sentence-completion questions comprise the Critical Reading section of the SAT. Many students find this section the most daunting; presented with a wall of text, they shut down. I help students to realize the critical reader inside them and tackle these questions with enthusiasm. Indeed, even pretending to be enthused by the passages is one of the most important tips my students learn: this shift in attitude has been proven to increase comprehension, retention, and accuracy to an amazing degree. Get psyched and get rewarded with a great score! I provide many universal tips and tricks for this section that I explicate fully and that my students and I practice. I allow my students to encounter the reasons for these tricks organically while we study, which I find to be the best method to ensure that students absorb and retain them. For example, one of my tips is: if there is any way an answer can be wrong, it is wrong. This sounds obvious and nearly tautological, but once students find themselves agonizing over a decision between two answers for the first time, they will understand exactly what I mean by this tip. Each question on the SAT has only one correct answer; it must be correct under all conditions and circumstances, not just “if I look at it this way.” If an answer has to be qualified, it is incorrect. Beyond universal tips and tricks, I also provide students with several options for their personal approach to the passage-based questions, which we can then test to see which fits ea
Writing,

Writing

I have instructed students in all forms of writing, including expository, persuasive, and creative. I work with students on their brainstorming and research processes, helping them to unleash the words inside them, or, if they have "nothing to say,” helping them to discover something about the topic that they can connect with and explore. I guide them through the formulation of their argument and the search for strong evidence (sometimes in the reverse order). And I instruct them in the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar, usage, vocabulary, style, and structure. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for “most improved writing.” My SAT students have greatly improved their scores in the Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections. Three of my students have applied for acceptance into competitive Honors English programs, and all three were accepted. In addition to academic writing, I educate students in many forms of creative writing. I have worked with students on their novels, screenplays, poetry, and short stories. I have written essays and narratives published in school newsletters, I have composed poetry that my grandmother loved (sometimes one writes only for oneself and one’s family), and I have sold one screenplay and hope to sell more.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, English, Geometry, Prealgebra, Reading, SAT Math, Spelling, Study Skills

Language

ESL/ESOL

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.

Math

Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Prealgebra, SAT Math

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have extensive experience tutoring and teaching elementary students, not only coaching them on their reading, writing, and conversation, but also working with them to develop effective study skills and time management. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for "most improved writing." Each of my students who has tested for entrance into selective honors English programs has been accepted. I’ve aided kindergartners and 1st graders with their literacy and reading comprehension. Beyond standard tutoring, I have designed curriculum for and privately taught supplementary and advanced English courses for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I try to make everything as engaging and fun as possible, and after extensive research on the matter, I've come to the conclusion that, while the kids love my motivational speeches on the merits of "knowledge for knowledge's sake," nothing - absolutely nothing - motivates like Skittles. A perennial favorite game for two of my students is one in which I write a word on a whiteboard, and the students then select colors of Skittles which correspond to the word's (sometimes multiple) type(s) of speech, and justify their choice. Should they do so correctly, they get to eat the Skittles. They have gotten AMAZINGLY good at parts of speech. I'm sure their mother both loves and hates me in equal measure.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
Writing,

Writing

I have instructed students in all forms of writing, including expository, persuasive, and creative. I work with students on their brainstorming and research processes, helping them to unleash the words inside them, or, if they have "nothing to say,” helping them to discover something about the topic that they can connect with and explore. I guide them through the formulation of their argument and the search for strong evidence (sometimes in the reverse order). And I instruct them in the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar, usage, vocabulary, style, and structure. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for “most improved writing.” My SAT students have greatly improved their scores in the Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections. Three of my students have applied for acceptance into competitive Honors English programs, and all three were accepted. In addition to academic writing, I educate students in many forms of creative writing. I have worked with students on their novels, screenplays, poetry, and short stories. I have written essays and narratives published in school newsletters, I have composed poetry that my grandmother loved (sometimes one writes only for oneself and one’s family), and I have sold one screenplay and hope to sell more.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, English, Geometry, Prealgebra, Reading, Study Skills

Other

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
Study Skills

Science

ACT Science

Special Needs

Study Skills

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have extensive experience tutoring and teaching elementary students, not only coaching them on their reading, writing, and conversation, but also working with them to develop effective study skills and time management. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for "most improved writing." Each of my students who has tested for entrance into selective honors English programs has been accepted. I’ve aided kindergartners and 1st graders with their literacy and reading comprehension. Beyond standard tutoring, I have designed curriculum for and privately taught supplementary and advanced English courses for 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. I try to make everything as engaging and fun as possible, and after extensive research on the matter, I've come to the conclusion that, while the kids love my motivational speeches on the merits of "knowledge for knowledge's sake," nothing - absolutely nothing - motivates like Skittles. A perennial favorite game for two of my students is one in which I write a word on a whiteboard, and the students then select colors of Skittles which correspond to the word's (sometimes multiple) type(s) of speech, and justify their choice. Should they do so correctly, they get to eat the Skittles. They have gotten AMAZINGLY good at parts of speech. I'm sure their mother both loves and hates me in equal measure.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

I have worked with English language learners of college age and beyond to introduce them to and solidify their grasp of the many quirks, intricacies, and wonders of English. My students have greatly improved their spoken and written English, as well as their comprehension of various American and British accents, idioms, and customs. My familiarity with the structure of language (syntax, semantics, and phonetics in particular), as well as my knowledge of other languages (French and Japanese predominantly, but I'm familiar with characteristics of Spanish, Italian, German, Russian and Ukranian, etc.) allow me to ground my instruction in practical application and relevant examples.
Writing,

Writing

I have instructed students in all forms of writing, including expository, persuasive, and creative. I work with students on their brainstorming and research processes, helping them to unleash the words inside them, or, if they have "nothing to say,” helping them to discover something about the topic that they can connect with and explore. I guide them through the formulation of their argument and the search for strong evidence (sometimes in the reverse order). And I instruct them in the technical aspects of writing, such as grammar, usage, vocabulary, style, and structure. My students have won regional essay contests, as well as teacher-presented awards for “most improved writing.” My SAT students have greatly improved their scores in the Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections. Three of my students have applied for acceptance into competitive Honors English programs, and all three were accepted. In addition to academic writing, I educate students in many forms of creative writing. I have worked with students on their novels, screenplays, poetry, and short stories. I have written essays and narratives published in school newsletters, I have composed poetry that my grandmother loved (sometimes one writes only for oneself and one’s family), and I have sold one screenplay and hope to sell more.
Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Reading, SAT Math, Study Skills

Test Preparation

ACT English,

ACT English

The ACT English section, like the SAT Writing Skills section, focuses on a limited set of grammatical rules. I teach my students these rules, how to quickly run through a mental checklist to identify the most common errors, and how to avoid any traps. The ACT English section focuses more on punctuation than does the SAT Writing Skills section, so I make sure my students solidly understand how to use a comma! Similar rhetoric-based questions are present on the ACT as are on the SAT, so I teach techniques to quickly search for and identify clues that make the correct answer obvious. The ACT essay is optional, though many schools request that students complete it. The ACT essay prompt is usually far more straightforward than that of the SAT, and it asks students to take a particular position on a topic that the test writers feel relevant to high school students’ interests. First, I familiarize my students with the range of prompts they can expect to encounter; often I supplement this by having them create their own. I teach students techniques to generate sufficient examples that support their perspective on the issue, craft a thesis that states their argument and enables them to quickly organize their essay, and argue their point capably and succinctly. We then practice this process until students are efficient at crafting an organized, coherent, cohesive, and (above all) *strong and engaging* argumentative essay.
ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

The ACT Reading section focuses less on vocabulary and more on rhetorical strategies than does the Critical Reading of the SAT. I help my students choose from several possible approaches the one that best fits them. I then teach them tricks to tackling the passages with a ready “ear,” as well as how to avoid the traps awaiting and common mistakes made by unsuspecting and incautious readers.
SAT Reading,

SAT Reading

I scored a perfect 800 on the SAT 1600 Verbal section, back in high school when it consisted of 2 sections, Math and Verbal. I have been teaching the SAT 2400 Critical Reading and Writing Skills sections for years now; I have helpful tips and effective techniques for every type of question students will encounter, as well as strategies for efficient essay composition. My students have all greatly improved their scores, and I've gone on to work with them on their college application essays. Passage-based reading questions and sentence-completion questions comprise the Critical Reading section of the SAT. Many students find this section the most daunting; presented with a wall of text, they shut down. I help students to realize the critical reader inside them and tackle these questions with enthusiasm. Indeed, even pretending to be enthused by the passages is one of the most important tips my students learn: this shift in attitude has been proven to increase comprehension, retention, and accuracy to an amazing degree. Get psyched and get rewarded with a great score! I provide many universal tips and tricks for this section that I explicate fully and that my students and I practice. I allow my students to encounter the reasons for these tricks organically while we study, which I find to be the best method to ensure that students absorb and retain them. For example, one of my tips is: if there is any way an answer can be wrong, it is wrong. This sounds obvious and nearly tautological, but once students find themselves agonizing over a decision between two answers for the first time, they will understand exactly what I mean by this tip. Each question on the SAT has only one correct answer; it must be correct under all conditions and circumstances, not just “if I look at it this way.” If an answer has to be qualified, it is incorrect. Beyond universal tips and tricks, I also provide students with several options for their personal approach to the passage-based questions, which we can then test to see which fits ea
SAT Writing,

SAT Writing

Questions on improving sentences, improving paragraphs, and identifying sentence errors, in addition to a 50-minute hand-written essay, comprise the English section of the SAT. The questions in this section deal with a limited set of grammatical rules, which are easily taught, as well as the vocabulary and sentence-parsing skills of the student, which I can greatly augment by teaching word roots and key words. This section also presents some rhetoric-based questions, e.g. "should a writer add a sentence here and why"; for these questions, I teach my students tricks concerning what to look for and how to find it quickly. I teach my students to recognize the limited number of forms the questions take; learning to recognize these forms provides the students with even more tools to use to eliminate incorrect answers and avoid traps. The essay portion of the SAT has its own distinct, teachable set of strategies and techniques. It is a rhetorical analysis essay, a watered down version of the same essay on the AP Language and Composition Exam. The SAT, unlike the AP, provides students with the express purpose of the speaker/author, saving students one step in the analytical process. It also provides a recommended list of general rhetorical devices from which students can choose a couple to form the foundation of their analysis. I get to give a more thorough introduction to rhetoric than in the English Section, before I teach students how to craft a coherent essay that makes sure to link the device to the author's purpose - to show exactly how that device affects the audience and thereby results in the achievement of the author's goal. Many students forget to provide this link, merely identifying the device and forgetting to walk the reader through the connection to the author's purpose; this is the difference between a good score and a great one.
ACT Science, PSAT, SAT Math

Examples of Expertise

Ariana has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (302 ratings)
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Reviews

Dedicated and Great tutor

I have seen a lot of positive change in my son since Ariana has started tutoring him. She is very passionate about teaching and very dedicated to her work. She has a positive energy and makes learning fun and interesting. I would definitely recommend her.

Ria, 11 lessons with Ariana

Positive energy and motivation

May son said that for her “Ariana was always smiling, she gave me more positive energy. She encouraged me to do better at my lessons.” Thank you Ariana. In my first lesson we get to know each other well, she was sincerely. She gave me good tips about speaking english. Our lesson was great.”

Ebru, 1 lesson with Ariana

Wonderful tutor!

Ariana is extremely knowledgeable in English. She has helped my daughter with AP Lang & Comp, SAT and ACT reading and writing, and with essay writing in general. She is extremely dedicated, encouraging, and kind. Not only has she helped my daughter with English, she has also given her valuable advice about college. I have seen great improvement in my daughter's attitude towards English as well as in her writing skills. We are very thankful to have found such a wonderful teacher.

qingqing, 32 lessons with Ariana

Engaging and thoughtful

Ariana was thoughtful, patient and engaging. She tries to understand the background and the thought process of the student. My son enjoyed his discussion with her.

Evette, 10 lessons with Ariana

Extremely knowledgeable and efficient!!

Ariana is exceptional! We highly recommend her! She is extremely knowledgeable about English grammar and writing, as well as how to master the SAT and ACT tests. She’s bright and personable, and quickly honed in on the areas in which my son needed assistance. Prepping for the SAT is stressful, and Ariana’s approach was very helpful in putting my son at ease. We’re so grateful to have found her.

Karen, 2 lessons with Ariana

Great Tutor

Thank you so much for your analysis and helping her out with the essay. You have articulated the problem as well as the solution precisely. We are glad that we found you!

Rithika, 10 lessons with Ariana

Amazing tutor!

Immediately impressed. Ariana is delightful and knowledgeable. My daughter fell in love right away and is eager for more sessions. Ariana is an excellent teacher and immediately boosted my daughter's confidence and enthusiasm for homework. Looking forward to seeing the improved grades this semester!

Sarah, 2 lessons with Ariana

Excellent Excellent!

Ariana was like a breath of fresh air after trying many tutors. She is very knowledgeable in English and other subjects. My daughter loved her and we are having her back. Most importantly she understands how my daughter learns. Very happy!

Cinda, 34 lessons with Ariana

SAT and ACT writing prep.

Arianna covered a lot of ground with my daughter on writing strategies and tips. She also gave her valuable advise on college applications.

Amy, 9 lessons with Ariana

Truly brilliant!

Ariana is one of those rare people you come across who is pure sunshine. She is quick witted and intelligent. Plus she has enough energy and enthusiasm to light a small city. My daughter is an academically gifted child and has a hard time finding people who can match her enthusiasm, dedication and energy. Ariana can do all of that and more. She is well educated and able to convey very specific grammatical information effectively and yet is still creative and insightful. My daughter loved working with her and we look forward to a long tutoring relationship with her.

Bianca, 18 lessons with Ariana
Hourly Rate: $100
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