Tutor profile: Tiana M.

Should I take a course or work 1:1 with a tutor?

You can generally learn a lot about the TOEFL in a course and pick up general, helpful tips. The biggest advantage of one-on-one tutoring is that an experienced tutor can not only zero in on your specific academic needs, but can also mentally prepare you for the test by playing to your strengths, boosting your confidence and thus helping you realize your potential.

What word categories are difficult for learners of English?

There are various ways to categorize English words. For example, they can be categorized by word class (also known as parts of speech), such as noun, verb, preposition, etc. Another way is by the contexts in which they are typically found: everyday spoken language, literary text, nuclear science discourse, etc. The vocabulary that English-language learners often find difficult falls into various overlapping categories. These are listed below, with links to explanations and examples: Phrasal verbs Idioms General academic vocabulary Polysemous words

What are some good ways to improve English grammar and writing abilities for a non-native speaker?

Communicating fluently in English is a gradual process, one that takes a lot of practice and time to hone. In the meantime, the learning process can feel daunting: You want to get your meaning across correctly and smoothly, but putting your ideas into writing comes with the pressure of their feeling more permanent. This is why consistent, tailored lessons are most helpful for improving your English writing abilities. Regular feedback is powerful because writing in a language that isn’t the first one you learned poses extra challenges. It can feel extra frustrating when your ideas don’t come across as naturally as in your primary language. It’s also tough to put your writing out there when you’re not quite sure if your grammar and wording are correct. But, practice makes perfect!