Writing tutors - find writing help online

Writing is an essential skill students learn early and apply throughout their education from kindergarten through graduate school. If you or your child are struggling in writing, finding the right tutor or study aids can be key to you or your child's success.

Writing tutor choices

Different people learn by different means. Some learn visually, some learn independently, and others prefer face-to-face tutoring. It's important that you learn what style of tutoring works best for you or your child. Then you can choose the best method of tutoring.

Study aids are often available through the school you are attending, or online at sites, such as Study Guides and Strategies, which offers writing tips and guides for high school through college.

Libraries can also offer a good source for tutoring help. The County of Los Angeles Public Library offers a free tutoring site segmented into grades k-12, college and adult learners. All you need is a county library card and an Internet connection to be able to access free online tutoring and help in multiple subjects. Many library systems offer similar programs to community members.

In-person tutors can be found through teachers at elementary, middle, and high schools, through library systems, and through universities. For example, the University of Nevada has a writing center on campus that is free for undergraduate and graduate students. The center offers free tutoring to help students improve their writing skills to be more effective writers. Many universities have similar programs or centers that offer free writing tutors and help for college students.

Elementary (k-4): starting out strong

When your child is first starting out, writing can be a challenging skill to master. Finding help for your child can keep him or her on track throughout school or help him or her progress faster in his or her writing skills. Here are a few tips for finding tutors for younger students:

• Think local: Ask a high school student who excels in writing to tutor your child. Contact your local high school for references. Ask teachers at school about elementary school tutors. They may offer tutoring services or know locals who do.
• Find online help: Use online resources like TeacherVision, where you can print out exercises to use as study aids for multiple grade levels. Check out resource study guides from your local library or buy study guides from your local new or used bookstore.
• Search by subject, grade, or location: Use our TutorFinder to find a writing tutor for your child's grade level, either online or in your area.

Middle (5-8): keeping students interested and educated

Once your child reaches middle school, writing assignments become more complicated. Students at this level may also begin taking standardized tests. These tests vary by state, but almost all include a writing component. To help your child, you can work with a tutor or use study guides independently for writing improvement. Find tutors listed in the ways above or look for middle school tutors in other places:

• Try group learning: Study groups can be useful at this age. You can also try a "shared-learning" program. A student who excels in one subject can trade expertise with a student who excels in another subject.
• Find online help: Use online study guides that are state-specific from your local school district. The Washoe County School District in Nevada, for instance, has a homework help section on its website that is a free resource for parents and students. Your school district may have something similar.
• For convenience: Seek out online sources that can match you with local tutors. Our TutorFinder lets you search by subject, location and grade level.

High School (9-12): PSAT/SAT prep

In addition to general writing help, high schoolers may also need help preparing for the SAT and other standardized tests. In addition to the sites and help mentioned above, try these resources for SAT prep:

• For fun and friends: create a study group with test prep resources and have students study together, turning it into a game or contest for more fun.
• For free or a small fee: For online free test prep, try Number2.com or SATexamprep.com. Princeton Review, College Board and Barron's all make study guides that can be purchased at your local bookstore or online. Try used bookstores or the library for these resources.
• Find a tutor: Try our Tutorfinder to locate a tutor online or in your area.

College: use college resources

In college, writing centers and tutoring centers on campus can offer first-rate free tutors. Since English is a core class and often required in all areas of study, it is important to be confident in your skills. In college, writing may be necessary for many of your classes.

• Ask for help: talk to your English professor about clubs or organizations that may be available through the department to help improve your writing skills.
• Use campus resources: Take advantage of your school's writing center and other tutoring alternatives. If you don't know how to find them, ask student services for information about tutoring and other programs available on campus to help students with their studies.
• For grammar tips: Try Grammar Girl for information on common mistakes, free online writing and editing help.

Grad School: GRE/GMAT and more precise writing

Many grad schools require exams, such as the GRE or GMAT, for admittance. You can find study guides and free online exercises similar to SAT prep. For graduate school tutoring try:

• Use teamwork: Find another student in your field to workshop your writing with. You both benefit and both understand the nuances of the specific type of writing you're doing.
• Go online: Use online sources, such as Greguide.com to take practice tests for the GRE.
• For convenience: try programs, such as Autocrit and EndNote to improve your writing of essays and papers.

Whether working toward the state standardized tests in elementary, middle, and high school, or working on essays and papers in college and graduate school, tutors can help improve your writing ability.