A 30 minute trial lesson in which we can discuss your needs, my approach to teaching and the different courses I offer.

Informal tutoring is exactly that: informal. The main object is to get you producing as much language as possible. We can discuss a topic or topics that are of interest to you, or I can suggest a topic if you prefer. I can provide you with periodic corrections during the lesson time and answer any questions you may have regarding grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Informal Tutoring

The form and structure of these lessons is determined by the individual needs of each student. We will work to expand your knowledge and understanding of English grammar and vocabulary. Your confidence should increase as you practice your conversational English with a native speaker. 

These are some of the things we can do:

•	I can send you links to articles that we can then discuss in class, focusing on vocabulary, phrasal verbs and idioms that are new to you.
•	I can provide you with appropriate online materials to help you in your learning, including articles and tests on whichever grammar topics you have chosen to focus on.
•	We can look at the rules (and, just as importantly, the exceptions) that govern English grammar.
•	We can include a Q&A session in the lesson, so you have an opportunity to practice what you have learnt. 
•	We can also roleplay any conversations you need to practice, whether they’re formal or informal.

I will take note of your most common mistakes and raise these at periodic intervals during the lesson. I can also give you homework, if you are looking to improve your writing.

Conversational/Written English Practice (Int./Upper-Int./Adv.)

Recommended for intermediate, upper-intermediate and advanced learners with an interest in English and/or American literature. 

Do you enjoy learning language through literature? Perhaps you’re a student studying literature? Through discussing a work’s themes, subject matter, historical and cultural contexts, we’ll test your comprehension, expand your vocabulary and improve your confidence. 

I can suggest a range of short stories, plays, essays and poetry for these lessons. I also welcome students’ suggestions. However, due to time constraints, I no longer offer novels as an option. Focusing on shorter texts enables students to take regular lessons and to experience a wide variety of English and American literature.

Language through Literature

As a published author with experience of proofreading my own and others’ work to a high publication standard, I am pleased to offer students an online proofreading service. We can proof-read your document together on Skype and make the necessary changes using Google Docs. (Please note: I do not currently offer the option of offline proof-reading.)

Proof-reading

For anyone who is preparing for, or interested in, the IELTS exam (Academic and General). In these lessons, you will learn about how the IELTS exam is structured, and the criteria used by examiners for assessing your speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. Together, we’ll identify the areas where you need extra practice, and you will be provided with the relevant homework. During lessons, and for homework, you will be given past exam questions to help you practice sitting the exam under exam conditions.

Preparing for IELTS

A 140 hour teacher training course that included 60 hours of teaching practice (including collaborative planning, peer observation, shared evaluation and feedback) and 6 hours of individual teaching, observed and assessed by an experienced trainer.

A 150 hour online teacher training course. Included a three-day course in Glasgow, led by an experienced teacher and involving collaborative planning, peer observation, shared evaluation and feedback.

Graduated with an M.Litt (with distinction) in "The Gothic Imagination", a year-long course on the Gothic tradition in 18th - 21st century literature, art and popular culture.

Graduated with a 1:1 BA (Hons) in English Studies (meaning English literature). Between 2005-2007, the course required me to take additional modules in History, Philosophy and Linguistics.

Whilst volunteering as a property assistant, I worked primarily as a room guide at the NTS's Gladstone’s Land property on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. I studied the history of the property and of Edinburgh before relating this knowledge back to visitors. I worked closely alongside different teams of guides, co-ordinating their coffee breaks. I also assisted at reception and in the gift shop, selling tickets and merchandise, operating the till, taking inventory of stock and answering enquiries.

As a partnerships researcher I used my research skills to identify charities that ProjectScotland could partner with and to gather information requested by the Partnerships Managers. I developed a system for creating and managing the posters used to advertise ProjectScotland's volunteering opportunities, condensing the available information into clear, concise advertisements. I later returned to induct my successor in this role.

reading

movies

I have been teaching professionally on italki since 2018, helping students to advance their English level as well as prepare for the IELTS test. In addition, drawing on my past experience as an academic specialising in English and American literature, I have been able to offer students more advanced lessons that seek to improve their English through reading, discussing and writing about literature. I have also worked closely with students to proofread their work and improve their writing.