Tutor profile: Sheila M.

Which is more important to effective writing and composition, 1. perfect grammar and mechanics, or 2. originality and the ability to take a literary risk?

Perfect grammar and mechanics can be taught to anyone. The confidence to express oneself with originality, along with the risk of writing from a place of one's own individual voice and vision, results in writing that powerfully commands the attention of the reader. Originality and the ability to take a risk result in the highest literary achievements, whether writing academically or professionally. The motivation to conquer basic grammar English skills such as sentence structure, use of punctuation, and so forth is heightened once writers truly value their own writing. When the writing and meaning matter to a student, the recognition of grammar and proper mechanics as tools to most powerfully showcase one's ideas is evident.

How does a student learning English as a second language develop the confidence necessary to reach total fluency?

A necessary component to total fluency is a teaching mentor who respects and recognizes the ongoing achievements of each student, while maintaining a rigorous and consistent study plan. Attentive focus, active listening, and profound respect for each individual student, within a context of friendship and advocacy and positivity, is unparalleled in guiding a student toward confidence and mastery with English.

What are some challenges shared by both ESL and native English speakers while learning how to write and use English most effectively?

Every student must develop confidence in their own individual literary voice to master clarity and precision with the English language. Non-native speakers often have an originality and spark within their writing, which should be nurtured and developed. This will lead to more authority with use of the formal mechanics of English speaking and writing. Native English speakers, as well as proficient ESL learners, are launched to greater heights of written and spoken English when they are encouraged to incorporate their passions as a component of the curriculum.