Iman

There are many tutors on Cambly from around the world and while some students prefer to talk with different tutors, I generally recommend finding a tutor you are comfortable with and work with that tutor on a regular basis. This is especially important if your goal includes fluency in the language. Working with the same tutor allows the teacher to identify and become familiar with areas in your skill set that need to be improved, as well as track progress as your language develops. Ninety percent of my students are regulars that I meet with on average of three times a week. Our first session together will be a getting to know each other session. I will allow you to tell me about your goals for learning and using English (work, travel, self-improvement, IETLS, further education, etc.) as well as learning about your background. During this meeting I will also make an informal assessment of your current level which will allow me to make recommendations for a customized plan to meet your needs such as reading, writing, listening and speaking. The following is an outline of my typical class structure based on your level: Cambly Lessons: Cambly lessons are great for Intermediate/Advanced students. They provide great speaking topics and also offer vocabulary and bits of grammar. Beginner Students: Beginner students are those who have not taken English classes previously and/or have a very limited use of grammar and vocabulary. For my beginner students who desire to improve their level, I generally recommend starting at the beginning to build a strong foundation on which to build higher skills. • I use textbooks and materials in my personal collection • Allows you to learn grammar in a linear and structured way (remember, you cannot learn how to speak without first understanding how basic grammar works.) • I teach grammar implicitly which means we learn it through actual usage and real conversation as opposed to just memorizing rules. • We put the grammar you are learning to use in each session through guided discussions specific to each grammar point. Intermediate Students: Intermediate students are those who have had some formal classroom English education perhaps in middle school, high school, or university. However, the focus of your learning was on passing an exam and you did not learn how to USE the grammar for real world applications. • I use textbooks and materials to conduct a grammar review/grammar drilling • Grammar drilling allows you to recognize patterns and fix bad habits you may have developed such as incorrect usage of verb tenses, etc. • You may still be translating from your native language in your head during English conversations – this program will help you start to think in English • Grammar is taught implicitly – the focus is not on memorizing rules, but understanding how and when to use grammar for authentic communication • We will have lots of conversational practice with each grammar point • You will develop new vocabulary • Generally recommended for students who want to gain total fluency in English for work or university settings (study abroad). Advanced Students: Advanced students generally have the ability to converse in English but may struggle with the language due to limited vocabulary. • Academic reading will introduce you to new vocabulary learned and used in context (memorizing lists of words generally does not work for retention) • Article reading and discussions around current events and academic topics for vocabulary development • Fix minor grammar errors with foundational skills and develop higher grammar structures (prepositional phrases, idioms, slang, etc.). IELTS Students: The IELTS exam is very comprehensive. My general suggestion is to plan to prepare for one year if you are a beginner, six months if you are intermediate, and three months if you are advanced. You should purchase the largest and longest subscription you can comfortably afford. • I use authentic Cambridge Test Prep materials • All skills will be covered: reading, writing, listening and speaking • Test taking tips will be taught (skimming and scanning, understanding vocabulary in context, understanding the exam directions, etc.) • Students who have previously taken IELTS and need to focus on a specific area for score improvement may only need to focus on speaking, but may need a grammar review to improve speaking skills. And of course, if you just want to chat during your session that is OK too! Please Note: if you have a specific textbook or material you want to use, feel free to send me a PDF or link to the material before our session so I can review it.