Grades 7-12 · Ages 12-18
Literature Tutor: Novels, Plays, Poetry, Shakespeare
One-to-one help understanding and analysing set texts, from Shakespeare to modern poetry, for school and exams.
Prefer to ask a question first? Chat on WhatsApp
How it works, in short
TaleemSquare literature tutoring helps students understand and analyse the texts they study: novels, plays, Shakespeare and poetry. In live, one-to-one lessons, tutors work through themes, characters, context and language, and coach students to write analytical essays for school, AP English Literature, GCSE and A-level English Literature, IB English A and senior Australian and Canadian courses.
Students do all their own writing. Plans start at $85 a month after a free assessment.
- Format
- Live, one-to-one, online
- Lesson length
- 45 minutes
- Level
- Ages 12-18
- Price
- From $85 a month
What changes after a term of lessons
Understands the text
Follows plot, character and theme in demanding texts, including older language.
Analyses language
Explains how a writer's choices create meaning, rather than retelling the story.
Writes analytical essays
Builds arguments about texts supported by quotes and context.
What we cover
Lessons follow your child's own school or homeschool curriculum. These are the areas we work on most at this level.
Plot, character and theme
Following the story and tracking how characters and ideas develop.
Language and form
Imagery, symbolism, structure and how they create meaning.
Shakespeare
Understanding the language, the plot and performance, and key scenes.
Poetry analysis
Unseen and anthology poems, form, voice and comparison.
Context
How history and the writer's world shape a text, used appropriately.
Essay writing
Thesis-led analytical essays with embedded quotations.
Exam technique
Timed responses for AP, GCSE, A-level, IB and senior exams.
Signs your child could use help
- Doesn't understand the set text
- Shakespeare's language is a barrier
- Essays retell the plot instead of analysing
- Poetry feels impossible to interpret
- Struggles to remember quotes
- Exam in a few months with weak practice marks
One of these on its own is normal. Two or three together usually point to a specific gap, and finding it is what the free assessment is for.
Taught to your curriculum, wherever you live
High school English and AP English Literature and Composition
High school English courses study novels, drama and poetry. AP English Literature includes timed essays on poetry, prose fiction and an open question.
GCSE and A-level English Literature
GCSE English Literature covers a Shakespeare play, a 19th-century novel, a modern text and poetry, assessed by closed-book exams. A-level extends this to wider reading and coursework.
Level: GCSE and A-level English Literature
Provincial English courses, Grades 9-12
High school English in Ontario, BC and Alberta includes literary analysis of novels, plays and poetry, with Grade 12 university-preparation courses focusing on analytical essays.
Level: Grades 9-12 English
Senior English: HSC, VCE, QCE and others
Senior English courses study prescribed texts and assess analytical and comparative essays in school tasks and final exams.
Level: HSC, VCE, QCE English
Inside a 45-minute literature lesson
One 45-minute session. Tutors adjust the timings to your child.
5 min
Recall
Quick questions on characters, plot or quotes.
13 min
Close reading
Analysing a key passage together.
8 min
Discussion
Themes, context and different interpretations.
14 min
Write
An analytical paragraph with feedback.
5 min
Wrap-up
Revision focus for the week, sent to you.
How we teach literature
Understanding first
We make sure your child understands what happens and why before moving to analysis.
Zoom in on language
Close reading of key passages shows how to analyse a writer's choices.
Quote banks
Students build a short, flexible set of quotes and practise using them for different questions.
Honest essays
Tutors coach and give feedback, but students write every word.
After each class you get a WhatsApp note: what was read, what clicked, and one thing to practise at home.
Simple monthly plans
$85a month for 2 one-to-one reading and English lessons a week
- Free 45-minute assessment first
- No contract, cancel any month
- No registration fee
- 4-class money-back promise
- Switch tutor at no cost
- WhatsApp update after every class
Starter
2 lessons a week, best for keeping up with school
$85/mo
GrowthMost chosen
3 lessons a week, best for catching up + building confidence
$119/mo
Intensive
4 lessons a week, best for exam prep & fast improvement
$149/mo
Common worries, honest answers
“My child hasn't read the book.”
Tutors can help your child plan their reading and catch up, and teach the key parts of the text. Reading the text is still important for exams.
“Do you know our exam board's set texts?”
Tell us the texts and exam board at the assessment, and we will match a tutor who can teach them.
“Is analysis something you either get or don't?”
No. Analysis follows patterns that can be taught: notice a choice, name it, explain its effect and link it to the question.
Frequently asked questions
How can I help my child with English literature?
How do you analyse a poem?
Can a tutor help with GCSE English Literature set texts?
How much does literature tutoring cost?
Do you tutor IB English A?
Can tutoring help with AP English Literature?
Book a free 45-minute assessment
Your child meets a tutor for a real one-to-one session. You get an honest read on where they are and what would help, even if the answer is that they don't need tutoring right now.
- 1
We reply on WhatsApp
Usually within 10 minutes, to find a time that suits your family.
- 2
Your child meets the tutor
A relaxed 45-minute session to see their level and how they learn.
- 3
You decide
You get a recommendation and a plan. No card details, no pressure.