During my tutoring sessions, I often get asked the same questions. What's the best text to use for my Part A diploma? Is it better to use the poem, short story, or image when writing my PRT? Is there even a way to study for the Part B reading comprehension exam? Over time, I have compiled a list of these questions. I wanted to find a way to address them in an accessible, online format; so, in anticipation of the ELA 30-1 Diploma exams, I will be offering one-hour Q&A sessions

There's one question I get a lot in my tutoring sessions: what text should I use for my Part A diploma? In this article, I will explore texts that are typically studied in ELA 30-1 and explain why they may be the best choice for your Part A Diploma! "On the Rainy River" by Tim O'Brien This story follows Tim O'Brien as he avoids his draft notice for the Vietnam War. He starts by ignoring the draft notice and working at a local butcher but, as the urgency of the situation eats

Explore 5 engaging short stories perfect for high school English students. Includes theme breakdowns, analysis ideas, and essay writing practice tips.

As the school year comes to a close, many parents start to think about how to structure their child’s summer. Should I let my child rest? Should I sign them up for camps? How can I help them prepare for academic success in the school year ahead? In this article, I will explore the benefits of summer tutoring, when to look for a tutor over the summer, and address common questions I receive about tutoring. What are the Benefits of Summer Tutoring? As a tutor who specializes in

With June on the horizon, many grade 12 Alberta students are beginning to think about their diploma exam. Students who are worried about the exam, or concerned about their mark, often wonder if tutoring can make a difference this late in the semester. In this article, I will answer some common questions about getting tutoring to prepare for your ELA 30-1 Diploma. Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Tutoring for the ELA 30-1 Diploma It's May! Is it too late to start tutor

Many high school students in Alberta choose to take ELA 30-1 in summer school to lighten their Grade 12 workload, but it is important to consider the pros and cons of the condensed version of this course before committing to it. As a tutor who has worked with high school students across Alberta, I am often asked the same questions: Is taking ELA 30-1 in summer school hard? How much time will I need to set aside for coursework each day? Are teachers more lenient when marking s

If you are an Alberta parent searching for English tutoring support for your teen, you're likely wondering how much it will cost. Whether your child needs help with essay writing, reading comprehension, grammar, or preparation for the Alberta ELA diploma exam, tutoring can be a valuable investment in both confidence and academic success. However, tutoring prices can vary widely depending on the tutor’s experience, subject specialization, and whether sessions are online or in-

Are you an Alberta parent who is looking for an English tutor? If so, you're in the right place! I am an English tutor who has helped over one hundred high school students build confidence in reading comprehension, essay writing, and diploma exam preparation. In this post, you'll learn about my background, teaching approach, and what makes my tutoring services different. About Me Hello! My name is Heather. I am an online English tutor based out of Calgary, Alberta. Throughout

Take this Quiz to Find Out! (The answer key is listed at the bottom) A lot of students find it hard to discern whether they are prepared for the Part B ELA 30-1 diploma or not. That's why I made this mini test! In less than 5 minutes, you’ll get insight on whether you’re prepared, or if there are hidden gaps that could cost you marks on exam day. ELA 30-1 Reading Comprehension Check Read the excerpt below and answer the questions provided. From Ruby and Tammy Although Tammy w

Having a strong thesis is essential to writing an insightful, well-organized essay; yet, many Alberta students are never explicitly taught how to write one. Additionally, in many cases, students are told their thesis needs to be stronger but are not shown how to actually improve it. If you’re preparing for an upcoming PAT, ELA 30-1 diploma exam, or an in-class essay, this guide will help you build a clear, confident thesis that stands out. In this article, I’ll break down wha

If you’re preparing for the Alberta English Diploma, it's important that you learn how to master every part of writing an essay, including your conclusion paragraph. Most students either repeat their ideas word for word or end their essays too abruptly (leading to lower scores). In this guide, I’ll show you how to avoid these mistakes and write an excellent conclusion paragraph. Preparing for the ELA 30-1 Diploma? I offer 1:1 tutoring with personalized feedback. Only a few s

Many teachers ask students to annotate texts, but often don’t explain what that actually looks like, or what students should be focusing on. As a result, students either highlight everything… or nothing at all. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to annotate a text effectively, so you can get the most out of your reading and feel more confident when it comes time to write about it. Literary Devices Not all literary devices are created equal. When annotating, avoid highli

Many parents wonder whether their child actually needs a tutor, or if extra help will even make a difference. Students often do not get feedback on their work until it is one to two months into the semester. As a result, I see a surge of concerned parents reaching out to me in March, April, or even May. Although students can get results from tutoring late in the semester, it is always better to be proactive. Here are a few ways to tell if your child should get extra help to a

Many students feel as though reading comprehension exams are a guessing game. However, strong readers rarely rely on luck. In reality, a few small habits can make a major difference in your results. In this article, I’ll walk through the three most common reading comprehension mistakes I see during tutoring sessions and how you can avoid them. Mistake One: Reading the Questions First on Reading Comprehension Exams You may think you’re helping yourself out by reading the quest

Reading comprehension can be challenging for many students. Although many students and parents believe there is little preparation that can be done for the Part B ELA 30-1 Diploma exam, there are actually several strategies that can help students feel more confident on exam day. Let’s take a look. Ensure That Your Child Has a Strong Understanding of Literary Devices Many questions on the ELA 30-1 diploma require students to recognize and understand literary devices. Some of t

Preparing for the ELA 30-1 Part B Reading Comprehension Exam can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. A big part of your success on this portion of this Alberta diploma depends on your ability to recognize, understand, and analyze literary devices in poetry and prose. If you want to feel confident walking into your exam, you must be able to identify literary techniques quickly and understand how they create meaning. This guide breaks down the most important literary

If you are taking English 30-1 or 30-2 in summer school, or preparing for taking that course in the year to come, this is for you! In this post, I will outline some tips for writing a great Part A diploma.