1st lesson free
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Curran
- Rate $25
- Response 1h
$25/h
Contact
1st lesson free
- English
- Creative writing
- Essay writing
- Classic Literature
- English literature
Graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Multidisciplinary Studies, with a focus on literary studies and creative writing. Teaches English literature and essay and creative writing from home
- English
- Creative writing
- Essay writing
- Classic Literature
- English literature
Lesson location
About Curran
Hello! I’m Curran McCune, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While I was originally going to become an engineer in college, I ultimately decided to focus on creative writing and literature for two reasons. Firstly, I suck at math. Secondly, writing and reading are lifelong passions of mine. Writing is the window to the soul. With the written word, one can inspire any emotion, speak at any length on any subject, tell any story, and change the very world. It is one of the most important subjects in contemporary education, but one that many students struggle with, thanks to (in my opinion) a lack of focus on writing and reading by the education system. My lessons are tailored to your unique educational needs--whether you just need help with writing essays or want extra lessons I aim to help you become the best writer and reader you can be.
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About the lesson
- All Levels
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
My teaching methods and techniques differ depending on the student’s specific needs, goals, and desires. Thus, the first lesson is always spent in conversation, identifying the areas where the student is struggling, and what topics and subjects they wish to improve in. I also ask them in what ways they enjoy learning, and what learning methods work best for them. I don’t assign required homework (as they will no doubt have plenty from their regular education), but I do give out optional practice assignments. I also try to limit any reading materials to those materials I can either provide myself or that can be found online.
These lessons are for middle (grades 6-8), high school (grades 9-12), and undergraduate college students.
Though lesson plans are tailored to the student, some typical materials and strategies (by subject) I like to use are as follows:
Classical/English Literature:
- Discussion of student’s in-school readings, focusing on points of confusion
- Discussion of readings similar to the ones students are reading in class
- Historical context and background of classic works and their authors
- Light reading, particularly of poetry and short stories, and discussion of these readings
Creative Writing
- Proofreading of and feedback on student work
- Elements of the short story versus the novel
o Character and character arcs
o Dialogue
o Metaphor versus simile
o Plot structure (including classic examples such as Campbell’s Hero’s Journey)
o Tense
o Setting and worldbuilding
o Clichés, tropes, and when to use and avoid them
o Common mistakes in creative writing
- As a good writer must be well-read, light reading of short stories and novel excerpts, and discussion and critique of these readings
- Short writing exercises and prompts
Essay Writing
- Proofreading of and feedback on student work
- Elements of the essay
o Structure of argumentative/persuasive, informative, analytical, and personal essays
- Research methods
- Counterarguments
- MLA source quotations and citations
o Thesis statements
o Introductory, body, and conclusion paragraphs
o Strategies for writing timed essays
- Short writing exercises and prompts
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Rates
Rate
- $25
Pack rates
- 5h: $125
- 10h: $250
online
- $25/h
free lessons
This first lesson offered with Curran will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 1hr
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