Students

Frequently Asked Questions

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Cost / How long

How long will it take me to get my TOEFL scores?

• Every good, experienced teacher will give you the same answer to this question. It depends. Your current level, your target scores, the time you have available to study and your ability to learn and respond to feedback will all affect how long it takes to get your scores. There is some guidance about study times on the personal TOEFL tuition page but remember this is just an estimate.

How do I know how many lessons I need?

• I offer a free 30 minute video consultation for all students who are seriously interested in lessons. I will advise you about the number of lessons you need during our discussion.

How much do lessons really cost?

• This, of course, is connected to how long you need to study for. Information about the cost of lesson packages is on the personal TOEFL tuition page. But, all my study packages include everything you need to study for TOEFL. There are no additional charges and I won’t ask you to buy any other books or resources.

I don’t live in Canada or the USA so how do I pay for lessons?

• I use Stripe to process payments. It’s a very secure payment system. Once we have agreed your lesson plan, I will send you an invoice which is connected to my Stripe account. Then you can pay by credit card from anywhere in the world.

I can afford 12 lessons. Should I have 3 lessons a week for 4 weeks,  or 2 lessons a week for 6 weeks?

• In most cases, I’d advise 2 lessons a week for 6 weeks. This gives you longer to practice the skills you are learning and for connections to form in your brain.

Studying Online

Is studying online as effective as being in the same room with a teacher?

• Yes, definitely. It all depends on the energy and motivation of the participants. I bring a lot of energy to lessons! If you have a strong internet connection, good WIFI and a reliable computer, then online classes are just as effective as meeting in person. In fact, I think they are better. They are incredibly convenient as you don’t have to worry about travelling somewhere for a certain time. You just open up your computer and we start the class!

I’ve never studied online before. How will I know what to do?

• Don’t worry. The video conferencing software I use is really good. If you have a problem, I can work out how to help you. I can share my screen so you can see what I’m doing and also, I have many handouts where I explain exactly what you should do.

Lessons

Do you give homework? How much homework?

• Yes, I do give homework. You cannot learn unless you have a chance to practice what we’ve done in lessons. The amount of homework depends on many different factors but you should plan for around 4 – 6 hours of homework each week.  

Do you check my homework and give me feedback?

• Yes. I check all your homework carefully and give very detailed feedback. Sometimes I listen to speaking responses many, many times to work out how to help you. Your essays will be given back to you with bright colours and helpful hints all over them!

I've been studying TOEFL for so long, I'm embarrassed. Can you really help me?

• Yes I can! Some of the students I've worked with struggled for years before they studied with me. You need good advice, a study plan to help you improve and detailed feedback. I can help with all of these.

Other Services

Do you have any group classes?

• No, I don’t offer group classes. Most TOEFL students greatly benefit from personalised 1 on 1 tuition and I prefer to help students that way.

When are you going to add more online self-study classes?

• Soon! I have lots of plans for this area and new courses are part of those plans.

Do you have an essay review service? Or a speaking responses review service?

• No, I don’t offer these services. I prefer to work with students in lessons because I find that discussions, the opportunity to ask questions, immediate feedback, and personalised homework review are much more effective.

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