This is just an overview of the services I provide. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or you’re not quite sure what you should be doing, get in touch and I’ll do my best to help you. It is, of course, possible to combine two or more types of lessons – in fact, that’s what a lot of my students do.
Conversation Lessons (Advanced)
These are informal lessons focusing on fluency and small language issues that a more advanced student may be interested in identifying and addressing. They aren’t usually suitable for lower levels which tend to benefit more from structured lessons.
We’ll talk freely about a number of topics provided by either myself or yourself. We may use news articles, YouTube clips, TED talks, etc. as prompts, or conversation may be spontaneous. I’ll make a note of your mistakes and go over them with you, and suggest broader and more natural language you could use. I’ll provide you with a written record of the corrections and new language to review at home.
Informal Lessons for Short Stays in London
I’m quite often contacted by people in London for a short time who would like to practise their English but also just have fun and enjoy their time here. If this sounds like you and you don’t want to take lessons too seriously, then this may be the best option for you.
Regardless of your level, you’ll practise your conversation skills, and also take part in travel/tourism-related role plays covering the kinds of situations you’re likely to encounter during your stay, in hotels, restaurants and shops, on public transport, etc.
It’s also possible to take the lessons outside the ‘classroom’ and practise the language while exploring London together, visiting tourist attractions and taking part in activities.
General English
These are more structured language lessons suitable for all levels. You’ll improve your speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation skills, although it is, of course, possible to focus more on some skills than others depending on your interests and needs.
We’ll cover interesting topics like travel, film, culture, politics and much more. I’ll use a variety of coursebooks and written, audio and visual materials, and direct you towards self-study at home. I try to use ‘real world’ materials as much as possible to ensure you’re learning real English. I’ll give you regular homework and we’ll regularly revise what you’ve learnt.
You may want to have a look at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to get an idea of the different levels of proficiency and what you can expect to be able to do at each one.
Business English
These are lessons designed for people working in or wanting to work in a professional environment. Using authentic business material from the internet, newspapers, etc. you’ll improve your speaking and writing for the workplace. Some of the things you’ll do include:
* Presenting your career, job, company, sector, etc.
* Practising everyday business situations such as making telephone and conference calls, attending meetings, giving presentations, etc.
* Practising particular skills you may need in your role such as negotiating, selling, apologising, persuading, enquiring, etc.
* Discussing different working habits and cultural differences, and communication strategies to overcome them.
* Improving your writing skills for emails, letters, documents and reports.
Business English lessons are often combined with General English lessons to improve your language skills more generally. If you have yet to start work, you may also be interested in the support I offer jobseekers.
Exam Preparation
I can help you prepare for most exams. If you don’t see your exam listed or aren’t sure which one you should be taking, get in touch and I’ll help you work it out. I can certainly help you with the following:
* IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – General Training & Academic
* Cambridge English – A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE) & C2 Proficiency (CPE)
* Linguaskill Business which replaced BULATS at the end of 2019
* BEC – B1 Business Preliminary, B2 Business Vantage & C1 Business Higher
* Trinity SELTs (Secure English Language Tests) – GESE & ISE
* OET (Occupational English Test) for healthcare professionals
* Life in the UK Test for citizenship or settlement
* If you’re heading to the US, you may also be interested in TOEFL or TOEIC which aren’t as widely used in the UK.
Exam preparation classes are focused on exam technique. I’ll give you tips for the exam as well as useful vocabulary and phrases, and you’ll do a lot of practice papers. If you don’t just want to pass an exam, you’ll most likely want to combine these lessons with General English to improve your language skills more generally.
Student Support
These are lessons designed to support students before, during and after university. The support students will need will vary and this is just intended as a guide.
Initially, you may want help with your applications and personal statements, and preparing for the IELTS, especially the writing paper which students tend to find the hardest. I can also help you write your research proposal at this point, if you’re applying for a PhD.
Once at university, you may want to continue developing your Academic English, especially reading and writing (including referencing). You may want to practise how to convey your opinion for seminars, how to take notes in lectures and how to summarise and paraphrase your reading material. You may also want help preparing for presentations, and planning and structuring your writing or just having it proofread.
This writing may include assignments, dissertations, theses and more. I also provide a similar service to academics who may want help with journal articles for publication, funding applications and so on.
Towards the end of your course, you may want help with your applications for graduate jobs and preparing for interviews and assessment centres.
Jobseeker Support
I can support you during your job search in terms of helping you produce well structured and written applications, CVs and covering letters; and preparing for interviews and tasks you may be required to complete as part of the recruitment process. We’ll practise common interview questions and competency-based questions, and also determine what job or industry specific questions you’re likely to be asked.
Once you start working, you may want to continue receiving support in terms of proofreading of work documents and correspondence; and preparing for important telephone calls, meetings, presentations, etc.
I can also help you prepare for other things, such as visa applications, Home Office interviews and Court appearances. I pride myself on providing a kind of all-round service but, if there’s anything I feel I can’t do, I will let you know and try to point you in the right direction.
Proofreading/ Copywriting
I offer proofreading/copyrighting for various people and purposes.
In particular, I have a lot of experience with academic texts at all levels and in various subjects. I will correct your spelling, grammar and punctuation. I will also improve the sentence and paragraph structure, and ensure an appropriate academic style and tone, including adhering to referencing requirements. If you need a bit more help, I’ll sit down with you and help you plan and structure your writing from scratch. I also write articles and content for websites, whether editorial or commercial.
Depending on where you’re based and the quality of your writing, we may meet up in person and go through your text together, but it’s usually possible to complete proofreading/copywriting simply by email using track changes and comments, with maybe a quick telephone or video call to clarify a few things. If you’re interested, once the work is complete, I can give you feedback on how to improve your writing.