Keeping ahead: a focus on the things that matter in English.
Spend some time reading, thinking and writing, and you’ll get back on track, and ahead, without really trying. In my January 2022 sessions, you’ll work through some of my latest workbooks which I’ve perfected for students who have spent the past 18 months stuck on screens. We need to get back into the habit of reading and writing, as efficiently and smartly as possible.
As a basis, we’ll work through my new anthology (A snapshot of Australian literary landscapes) which includes a variety of short texts and poems. We’ll analyse the author’s views and values and story-telling and poetic techniques.
You will improve the following skills which are necessary to achieve high marks in English:
- an ability to explore and understand the layers of meaning in a text
- an ability to succinctly convey an author’s key ideas
- an ability to write sharp topic sentences and structure an essay
- an ability to understand and explain an author’s story-telling devices and know how they contribute to the meaning of the text
Clear writing expression
You will work through the exercises in my new booklet, Grammar Check
A knowledge of the 10 common grammatical errors in English makes a big difference to your written expression. This knowledge helps you write clear, fluent and grammatically correct sentences. Apply your knowledge of phrases and clauses to the “10 rules for commas”, then follow the rules for dialogue and apostrophes to write with aplomb. (If you can write 10 grammatically correct sentences in each paragraph, you will definitely stand out!)
Improve your vocabulary and use smart words:
One of my favourite workbooks is the Vocab Builder.
This is a fun and effortless way to learn the favourite words used by the masters. Complete the character descriptions, quizzes, word match-ups and revision tasks to reinforce your learning. Learning these words will effortlessly lead to a quantifiable improvement.
The Analytical Vocab Builder
For those who are keen to perfect their Argument and Persuasive analysis, my Analytical Vocab Builder, is amazing. It contains all my favourite expressions that I have used to analyse opinion pieces, including the past 20 VCAA exams! Working through this booklet, provides an easy way to acquire an analytical vocabulary and an intuitive knowledge of persuasive techniques. Following the model sentences, you will apply your knowledge and avoid common grammatical pitfalls.
Price: $40 per student/hour.
Dates: Face to face sessions on weekends: January 8/9; 15/16; 22/23. Can do some mid-week sessions via zoom. Time : TBA