English Tutor at Lancaster University | Literature, Writing, Reading, Debate

Toby is tutoring Amol for the SAT, focusing on grammar and vocabulary weaknesses using a challenging practice test. They are reviewing the test together, with Toby providing detailed explanations of grammatical rules and conventions, including subject-verb agreement, parallel structure, and proper use of conjunctions. Toby emphasizes over-preparation and plans to introduce a numbering system for grammar rules in the next session. They also discuss scheduling and personal interests.

Toby tutored Dan, focusing on literary analysis skills using an excerpt from "Of Mice and Men," assessing comprehension, theme identification, and inference abilities. Toby identified Dan's strength in detail recall but noted a need for improvement in drawing inferences. The next session will focus on Dan's current assignment, "The Outsiders," and Dan will bring in examples of his schoolwork.

Toby is tutoring Philip in Spanish, focusing on grammar concepts like pronouns (reflexive, direct, and indirect), reflexive verbs, and contractions. Philip struggles with the complexity of tenses and contractions, so Toby uses reading comprehension exercises and plans to revisit these topics. They review rules and examples, and Toby emphasizes the importance of context and working backwards when translating. The next lesson will delve deeper into these concepts, and Toby will share lesson materials.

Toby is tutoring Sabrina in Spanish, addressing technical issues and her allergies at the start. They review various verb tenses (present, past, future, perfect) and pronoun usage, with Toby providing explanations, examples, and visual aids. He assesses Sabrina's level as B1/B2 and plans a test to pinpoint areas for improvement. They discuss the benefits of formal language certification and decide to postpone a detailed study of the subjunctive mood. Toby will provide additional learning materials like flashcards and a whiteboard.

Toby Smith tutored Philip Atkinson in Spanish, focusing on the nuances of *ser* vs. *estar*, *por* vs. *para*, and imperfect vs. preterite tenses. Philip practiced identifying the correct verb forms and applying them in sentences. As homework, Philip was assigned to create new sentences demonstrating each tense for review in the next session.

Toby Smith tutored Sabrina on Spanish grammar, beginning with a review of a National Geographic article and focusing on adjective agreement. The main topic was an introduction to the subjunctive mood, its triggers, and its usage in expressing doubt or desire. Toby assigned homework to review the PowerPoints and prepare questions for the next session, where they will continue practicing the subjunctive.