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




Private tutor - Toby Smith
Bachelors degree
$13
$12
/ 30 min
About your english tutor
Hi there! My name is Toby, and I am an experienced, TEFL certified teacher, of both English and Spanish, from the UK. I have over 3 years of experience teaching students of all ages to become the best linguists they can be. If you are looking for a professor to push you in your studies, to tailor the learning experience to you, and provide you with skills that will help you in the real world, not just boring textbook exercises and vocab tests, then look no further! My specialities range from accent coaching, to test prep strategies, to business english, ensuring that each student has a comprehensive grounding that allows them to master English or Spanish to the highest level. Whether you are a beginner, or an experienced speaker looking to refine your English or Spanish skills, I am here to help you succeed. Let’s embark on this language journey together and unlock your full potential in English or Spanish.
Meet Toby
Toby graduated from Lancaster University


English classes overview
My teaching methodology is unique in that I incorporate the latest and most up to date teaching strategies within my curriculum. I have eliminated the outdated and actively damaging practises of learning by rote and standardised class structures from my approach, as these have been proven to not only slow learning progress, but also weaken a students adaptability in the target language. As such I employ an approach of fully immersive classes, in which 90-95% of the content is taught in and around the target language, only using translations when absolutely necessary to ensure student understanding. I create a personalised and tailored curriculum for each student, using an initial aptitude test and my own insights in the first few sessions to target the weaknesses within their fluency, and to actively improve the areas that will support the purpose of their learning. With over 100 successful students taught, and over 5000 hours of classes under my belt, I have a proven track record in my style and my ability to accelerate a student’s learning by making lessons engaging and personalised.
Rated 5 stars for speaking confidence
Students report feeling more confident in conversations.
Strong focus on speaking and writing
95% of parents see growth in both written and spoken language skills.
Regular progress check-ins
90% of students get regular updates on their language skills.
English tutor specialities
Accent coaching
Real world application
Test prep strategies
Visual learning
Listening skill
Speaking fluency

English concept taught by Toby
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.
SAT Grammar Focus
Dangling Modifiers
SAT Grammar Numbering System
Vocabulary Context Clues
Oxford Comma
In Fact vs. And
Not Only...But Also
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.
Repetition
Tone and Informal Language
Foreshadowing
Analyzing Text
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.
Object Pronoun Placement
Pronouns
Reflexive Pronouns
Indirect Object Pronouns
Contractions
Direct Object Pronouns
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.
Near Future Tense
Preterite vs. Imperfect
Past Perfect (Pluperfect)
Direct and Indirect Object Pronouns
Reflexive Pronouns
Subjunctive Mood
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.
Far Future Tense
Near Future Tense
Ser vs. Estar
Por vs. Para
Imperfect vs. Preterite
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.
Lenua vs. Tongue
Adjective Agreement
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Subjunctive Triggers
Subjunctive Mood
English tutor also teaches
English Listening
English Literature
English Speaking
English Vocabulary
English Writing
English Reading Comprehension
Free lesson slots
1 / 1
Teaching tools used by english tutor
Translation tools
Speech recognition
Game based learning tools
Interactive quizzes
Writing prompts
Student types for english class
English for Adults
English for School students
English for Beginners
English for College students
English for Kids
ADHD
ASD
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
Home schooled
Interactive english lessons
Record lessons
Note taking
Pets are welcomed
Parent feedback
Mobile joining

English tutors on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.