Michael

I help students studying English in the Alberta curriculum develop clear arguments, read closely and make deliberate choices in their writing. My starting point is the student's own interpretation. We examine the evidence behind it, consider alternatives and decide how to communicate the argument to a reader. For written work, I give specific feedback on organisation, paragraph development and sentence clarity, followed by time to put that feedback into practice. Some sessions centre on one passage. Others focus on planning an essay or improving a draft against the assignment criteria. I want students to understand the reason for each revision and retain ownership of their work. Please send your grade and the text or assignment you are currently studying.

I have worked with Alberta students on literary analysis, essay development and the revision of written assignments. My tutoring has included ongoing support through an English course and shorter periods focused on a particular text or assessment. Students have brought a range of difficulties to these sessions: an argument that changes direction halfway through, evidence that is relevant but insufficiently explained, or paragraphs that repeat rather than develop an idea. Working through these problems has given me practical experience helping students use feedback purposefully. I have also supported preparation for timed writing, where selecting a manageable argument and organising the response need to happen before drafting begins.