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Award-Winning IB Language A: Language and Literature HL Tutors

Dakota

Certified Tutor

Dakota

Master's degree
Dakota's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade math
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am a native Texan now living in NYC. I just finished my Master's degree, and I love food, reading, and travel. I've been working and volunteering as a tutor since my high school days, and I am eager to provide advanced-level assistance to you! I'm a friendly, approachable person who maintains a pr...

Education

Vanderbilt University

Master's degree

Vanderbilt University

Bachelor in Arts

Test Scores
ACT
33
Jessica

Certified Tutor

Jessica

Bachelor's
Jessica's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am now a Florida-barred attorney with a passion for teaching. I had some amazing teachers when I went through school and was lucky to have them make learning an exciting experience for me. My goal is to make learning fun and to empower my students so that they are prepared and confident to tackle ...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Arianna

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Arianna

Bachelor of Science
Arianna's other Tutor Subjects
8th-12th Grade math
9th-12th Grade Writing
Pre-Algebra
Calculus

I am a Dartmouth graduate. I am currently working on my med and business endeavors. I have not only an interest, but a motivation to help others. I have helped students get into Ivy League schools as well as other top universities across the country with top scholarships. I tutor in all subjects fro...

Education

Dartmouth College

Bachelor of Science

Naomi

Certified Tutor

Naomi

Bachelors, English, Philosophy
Naomi's other Tutor Subjects
1st-12th Grade Writing
1st-12th Grade Reading
1st-9th Grade math
3rd-8th Grade Science

I am happy to tutor for Varsity Tutors. I study English literature and philosophy, so reading and writing are my strongest suits, but I am glad to help in any of my listed subjects. Please send me a message to let me know how I can be of assistance!

Education

Brandeis University

Bachelors, English, Philosophy

Test Scores
SAT
1520
Emma

Certified Tutor

14+ years

Emma

Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Emma's other Tutor Subjects
Elementary Math
Calculus
Algebra
Elementary School Math

I'm an NYU (New York University) student pursuing a degree in Economics. I'm a hands on tutor who loves students, and I'm passionate about sharing my interests. I graduated high school with a bilingual diploma in Spanish, am familiar with Spanish language and culture, and have traveled widely. I'm a...

Education

New York University

Bachelor in Arts, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1540
Sebastian

Certified Tutor

Sebastian

Current Undergrad, Computer Science
Sebastian's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
IB Language A: Literature HL
College Essays

I am currently working towards a bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the University of central Florida.

Education

University of Central Florida

Current Undergrad, Computer Science

Gabriel

Certified Tutor

Gabriel

Bachelor's
Gabriel's other Tutor Subjects
Calculus
Algebra
PSAT Writing Skills
SAT Reading

I am a TEFL certified English language teacher, with multiple years of experience teaching English overseas, having lived in both Thailand and Laos, and worked with students of all ages and skill levels. My lessons have ranged from language activation and phonics in kindergarten, to grammar instruct...

Education

University

Bachelor's

Test Scores
SAT
1430
Shua

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Shua

Bachelors, Economics
Shua's other Tutor Subjects
10th-12th Grade math
10th-12th Grade Writing
10th-12th Grade Reading
Arithmetic

I'm thankful to have attended a high school that allowed me the opportunity to offer academic support to my peers. There were no material incentives - the rewards were intrinsic. Thus, I learned to love teaching for its own sake. When I came to college, the opportunities only expanded. I was able to...

Education

Swarthmore College

Bachelors, Economics

Test Scores
SAT
1440
Alicia

Certified Tutor

10+ years

Alicia

Current Undergrad, Human Development & Family Sciences and Bilingual Elementary Education
Alicia's other Tutor Subjects
Pre-Algebra
College Algebra
Middle School Math
Elementary Math

I am eager to work with you in achieving your academic goals!

Education

Oregon State University

Current Undergrad, Human Development & Family Sciences and Bilingual Elementary Education

Kate

Certified Tutor

Kate

Masters, Environmental Engineering
Kate's other Tutor Subjects
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus AB
College Algebra
Pre-Calculus

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 ...

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Masters, Environmental Engineering

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bachelors

Test Scores
SAT
1580

Meet Our Expert Tutors

Connect with highly-rated educators ready to help you succeed.

Jai

Calculus Tutor • +23 Subjects

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'm looking forward to helping you improve your scores towards improving your chances at getting in to your dream school.

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Jessica

College Algebra Tutor • +51 Subjects

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 writing requirement at the University prior to matriculating, I was the first freshman tutor to be accepted into this selective program. The tutoring program involved a preliminary peer-tutor training course prior to beginning tutoring, in order to certify that I had the appropriate background to provide professional feedback to fellow students on their literary works and projects. After graduation, I worked for a full-service learning center where I created and implemented high school lesson plans for home-schooled students, provided academic support for students ranging in ages from 8 to 20 years old, and taught group and individual standardized testing preparation classes. I have also assisted students with application essays for various undergraduate and graduate programs.

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Jeffrey

Pre-Calculus Tutor • +29 Subjects

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 coming members of such a great field. I have experience tutoring both Calculus and Physics at Notre Dame, as well as experience as a Student Assistant for Differential Equations and Mechanics. I believe the key to learning is much deeper than learning to solve problems and that seeking knowledge is one of the best means for personal improvement.

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Rhea

AP Statistics Tutor • +49 Subjects

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 subjects as well as tutoring private clients in Standardized Test preparation. Given that I graduated high school recently, I have taken several Standardized Tests and high school subjects myself, so I have a comprehensive understanding of not only how to tutor these subjects and exams, but also what it is like to take them. While I have a wide range of interests and am able to tutor various subjects, I am most passionate about tutoring in Standardized Test preparation (including ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests, and AP Exams), Biology, Chemistry, Math, and Spanish. I truly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for them, and I love being able to help them succeed by creating a comfortable tutoring environment in which we can best assess their particular needs and use strategies specific to them. My passion for learning drives everything that I do, and tutoring is the platform that I use to try to spread that passion to others. In my free time, you can find me playing badminton, listening to music, or baking something (hopefully) delicious.

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Erika

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +36 Subjects

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 not in school myself, I love rowing, equestrian and exploring my new city of Boston! I look forward to meeting and working with you soon!

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Tony

Calculus Tutor • +28 Subjects

I am a recent graduate of Yale University and incoming first year medical student at Columbia University. Originally from the DC area, I have always had a passion for science and medicine and pursued a degree in Biology while at Yale. During the 2008-2009 academic year, I tutored science, math, English, history, and Mandarin Chinese part-time with a DC-based tutoring company. At Yale, I worked as a freshman counselor to provide academic and career advice to incoming freshmen. I have taken both SAT and MCAT test prep classes and am familiar with both tests as well as the preparation necessary to score well. My personal career goals include attending medical school to pursue either immunology/infectious diseases or psych/neurology, teaching biology at the university level, and working in public/global health with either the CDC or the WHO.

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Pinelopi

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +25 Subjects

I am a Duke University graduate with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. I have experience tutoring all levels of Spanish language, all sections of the SAT, as well as algebra, pre algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus! I love kids & I have a very flexible schedule and a lot of patience! Let me help you :)

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Earnest

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +26 Subjects

I am comfortable with either setting. I'm confident that I can help you (or your student) achieve to the best of their ability, so please don't hesitate to get in touch!

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Tiffany

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +56 Subjects

I am available to tutor a broad range of subjects, I am passionate about test preparation, Accountancy, and Algebra.

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Sami

Pre-Algebra Tutor • +19 Subjects

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. Hobbies: reading, writing, art, books, music

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Frequently Asked Questions

Paper 1 (Unseen Texts) requires a structured analytical response that moves beyond simple identification of techniques. A strong essay opens with a clear thesis about how the writer achieves their purpose, then builds analysis through topic sentences that connect specific textual evidence to broader patterns. Paper 2 (Studied Texts) demands comparative analysis across your chosen texts with integrated quotations that support thematic arguments. Tutors can help you develop a framework that balances close reading with big-picture interpretation, ensuring each paragraph advances your argument rather than listing observations.

Many students name techniques (metaphor, parallel structure, alliteration) without explaining why the author chose them or what they achieve. IB Language A rewards analysis that connects technique to purpose—for example, explaining how a writer's use of short, fragmented sentences creates urgency or tension rather than just noting the sentences are short. A tutor can guide you toward deeper interpretation by asking "So what?" after each technique identification, helping you articulate the cumulative effect on tone, meaning, or reader response.

Success with unseen texts depends on developing a consistent analytical approach: first, identify the writer's purpose and intended audience; second, map the text's structure and tone shifts; third, analyze how specific techniques support that purpose. Many students rush to analysis without establishing context. Tutors can help you practice this methodology across diverse texts—speeches, advertisements, opinion pieces, literary excerpts—so you develop pattern recognition and confidence when encountering new material on exam day.

Effective comparison in IB Language A goes beyond surface-level similarities; it explores how different texts approach similar themes, audiences, or purposes through distinct stylistic choices. Rather than structuring your essay as "Text A does this, Text B does that," weave comparisons throughout by focusing on thematic or stylistic questions: How do both texts use language to challenge power? What different audiences do they address, and how does that shape their tone? A tutor can help you identify genuine points of connection and develop integrated paragraphs that feel organic rather than formulaic.

Revision should address three levels: argument clarity (Does my thesis hold throughout? Are my topic sentences specific?), textual evidence (Are my quotations precise and integrated smoothly?), and analytical depth (Have I explained the effect and significance of each technique, or just identified it?). Many students revise for grammar and style first, missing opportunities to strengthen their interpretation. Tutors provide targeted feedback on your analytical moves, helping you recognize patterns in your thinking and develop more sophisticated, nuanced arguments before polishing sentence-level writing.

IB Language A values precise, confident analysis that sounds like thoughtful interpretation, not stilted formality. Developing this voice means using subject-specific terminology accurately (tone, register, rhetoric, connotation), varying sentence structure for emphasis, and committing to your interpretations rather than hedging with phrases like "it could be argued." A tutor can help you analyze how published literary critics and essayists construct authority through word choice and sentence rhythm, then guide you in applying those techniques to your own writing while maintaining authenticity.

Context matters in IB Language A, but only when it directly illuminates textual meaning or the writer's choices. For studied texts, understanding the author's historical moment or literary tradition can deepen your analysis—for example, recognizing how a 19th-century novel challenges gender conventions of its era. However, context should support your close reading, not replace it. Tutors help you determine when context strengthens your argument and when it becomes filler, ensuring you balance textual evidence with broader literary or cultural understanding.

With 2 hours and 15 minutes for Paper 1 and 2 hours for Paper 2, time management directly impacts essay quality. A strategic approach allocates 5-10 minutes to planning (identifying your thesis and key textual evidence), 35-40 minutes to writing, and 5 minutes to proofreading. Many students underestimate planning time and rush into writing, resulting in unfocused arguments. Tutors can help you practice timed writing across different text types, develop planning templates that work under pressure, and build the fluency needed to write analytically without sacrificing clarity.

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