Expert 1-on-1 IB English tutoring for Language & Literature and Literature HL and SL. Master text analysis, oral commentary, and the extended essay — and reach Grade 6 or 7.
88%
reach Grade 6 or above
+1.6
average grade improvement
10+
years average tutor experience
Free
first lesson, no commitment
We cover every major specification. Your tutor matches your board, tier, and mark-scheme language so every lesson points toward exam performance.
Covers both literary texts and non-literary language use. HL includes an additional Higher Level Essay (HLE) component. Paper 1 requires analysis of two unseen texts; Paper 2 requires an essay comparing two studied works.
Paper 1 requires analysis of one unseen text; Paper 2 requires a comparative essay on two studied works. Includes an Individual Oral (IO) — a 15-minute analysis linking a studied text to a global issue.
Exclusively literary texts. HL studies more works and includes the HLE. Emphasises close reading of poetry, prose, and drama. Paper 1 is an unseen poem or prose passage; Paper 2 is a comparative essay.
Literary analysis of studied works. The Individual Oral connects a literary text to a global issue through close analysis of an extract. Suited for students who prefer fiction and poetry over non-literary media texts.
Covers both literary texts and non-literary language use. HL includes an additional Higher Level Essay (HLE) component. Paper 1 requires analysis of two unseen texts; Paper 2 requires an essay comparing two studied works.
Paper 1 requires analysis of one unseen text; Paper 2 requires a comparative essay on two studied works. Includes an Individual Oral (IO) — a 15-minute analysis linking a studied text to a global issue.
Exclusively literary texts. HL studies more works and includes the HLE. Emphasises close reading of poetry, prose, and drama. Paper 1 is an unseen poem or prose passage; Paper 2 is a comparative essay.
Literary analysis of studied works. The Individual Oral connects a literary text to a global issue through close analysis of an extract. Suited for students who prefer fiction and poetry over non-literary media texts.
Our tutors develop both the close reading technique and the structural essay skills that distinguish Grade 6–7 responses from generic literary commentary.
Step 1
We start with recent marks, confidence blockers, and the exact exam board so sessions feel personal from lesson one.
Step 2
Tutors connect concepts to examiner language, worked examples, and the habits that turn knowledge into marks.
Step 3
Parents see what changed after each session: topics covered, next steps, and the grade trajectory we are building toward.
Analysing unseen literary or non-literary texts for their guiding question. We practise annotating for literary devices, structure, tone, and purpose — and teach the 'guided analysis' format that maps to the highest mark bands.
A written comparison of two studied literary works in response to a previously unseen question. We practise essay structures that introduce a clear argument, embed textual evidence, and sustain comparative analysis throughout.
A 15-minute spoken analysis comparing an extract from one studied work to a global issue. We practise the IO structure: introduce the global issue, analyse both texts with close reference, and link analysis to context. Preparation is highly learnable.
A 1,200–1,500 word formal essay connecting a studied work to a concept. HL students must demonstrate independent critical thinking beyond class notes. We guide topic selection, argument development, and formal academic register.
Imagery, metaphor, symbolism, irony, structure, narrative voice, tone, syntax, and diction — the analytical vocabulary essential for all components. We build this vocabulary systematically through annotated practice extracts.
Understanding how cultural context shapes literary meaning, and linking literary analysis to global issues (identity, power, culture, technology, environment, politics). Required for the IO and relevant to Paper 2.
For students choosing an English Extended Essay. We support topic selection from Category 1, 2, or 3, research question formation, essay structure, and critical argument development across the full 4,000 words.
Analysing unseen literary or non-literary texts for their guiding question. We practise annotating for literary devices, structure, tone, and purpose — and teach the 'guided analysis' format that maps to the highest mark bands.
A written comparison of two studied literary works in response to a previously unseen question. We practise essay structures that introduce a clear argument, embed textual evidence, and sustain comparative analysis throughout.
A 15-minute spoken analysis comparing an extract from one studied work to a global issue. We practise the IO structure: introduce the global issue, analyse both texts with close reference, and link analysis to context. Preparation is highly learnable.
A 1,200–1,500 word formal essay connecting a studied work to a concept. HL students must demonstrate independent critical thinking beyond class notes. We guide topic selection, argument development, and formal academic register.
Imagery, metaphor, symbolism, irony, structure, narrative voice, tone, syntax, and diction — the analytical vocabulary essential for all components. We build this vocabulary systematically through annotated practice extracts.
Understanding how cultural context shapes literary meaning, and linking literary analysis to global issues (identity, power, culture, technology, environment, politics). Required for the IO and relevant to Paper 2.
For students choosing an English Extended Essay. We support topic selection from Category 1, 2, or 3, research question formation, essay structure, and critical argument development across the full 4,000 words.
+1.6
average grade improvement
Most students describe what a text says rather than arguing what it means and how the author achieves that meaning. We teach a response structure: introduce a clear analytical claim, embed short textual evidence, explain the effect (with reference to technique and context), and link back to the guiding question or prompt.
The IO is highly structured but students often prepare it loosely. We work through: selecting the right extract, framing the global issue clearly, practising the 10-minute monologue with timed sessions, and preparing for the 5-minute follow-up Q&A. Students who rehearse the IO specifically perform significantly better.
Paper 1 tests analysis of unseen texts under time pressure. We practise with real IB past-paper texts, teaching an annotation method: 30 seconds to read the guiding question, 5 minutes to annotate for technique and structure, then structured writing. The process becomes automatic with repeated practice.
Specialist tutors with board knowledge, strong academic backgrounds, and proven grade-improvement records.
IB English ExaminerMs Eleanor Doyle
Oxford English · IB Oral Examiner
IB English A HL and SL (Language & Literature, Literature)
Avg +1.7 grade improvement
World Literature SpecialistMr Aaron Oduya
Durham BA English Literature · PGCE
IB English A Literature HL and SL, world literature and postcolonial texts
90% of students reach Grade 6+
IO & Paper 1 SpecialistMs Charlotte Singh
Edinburgh MA English
IB English Language & Literature SL and HL, IO preparation
Average IO score: 42/50
June 2026
My daughter's English essays described the plot beautifully but never argued anything. After four sessions learning to write analytically her essays became Grad...
June 2026
I was terrified of the Individual Oral — speaking for 10 minutes with no notes. After three dedicated rehearsal sessions I had a structure I trusted and actuall...
June 2026
Paper 1 unseen texts were where my son always lost marks. The tutor's annotation method transformed how he approached unseen analysis. He scored a 7.
June 2026
My daughter was struggling with IB Mathematics HL and had almost given up hope of getting a 7. After just two months of weekly sessions with her ComboTutors tut...
June 2026
My son started tutoring for A-Level Physics about three months before his exams. His tutor was incredibly patient and broke down complex topics like electromagn...
June 2026
We needed help with GCSE Science for my son who found chemistry particularly challenging. His tutor made the sessions engaging and relatable—using real-world ex...
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Student Improvement Rate
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Since 2020
Academic Excellence
Families usually want three things: a tutor their child respects, a plan that fits the real paper, and updates that make progress easy to follow.
We shortlist tutors who know the curriculum, teach clearly, and can coach the exact exam habits that lift marks.
Top-university academics and exam-savvy specialists.
Parents see what was covered, what improved, and what needs attention next, so progress never feels vague.
Structured feedback after every lesson block.
Sessions are matched to the student's board, tier, topic gaps, and exam timeline instead of generic subject tutoring.
Board-specific support with a measurable target grade path.
Language & Literature studies both literary texts and non-literary texts (advertising, speeches, media, journalism) — analysing language in all its forms. Literature studies exclusively literary works (novels, poetry, drama). Both are available at HL and SL. The choice depends on your interests and university requirements.
The Individual Oral (IO) is a 15-minute assessed spoken commentary worth 25–30% of the final grade. You analyse an extract from one studied work, linking it to a global issue, and respond to examiner questions. It is internally assessed at your school. Preparation makes an enormous difference.
Yes — the HLE is a 1,200–1,500 word formal essay connecting a studied work to a literary concept. The most common errors are: an unfocused argument, over-reliance on plot summary, and a weak introduction. We work on essay structure, argument clarity, and academic register.
Yes — for students choosing English as their Extended Essay subject. We cover all three categories (Category 1: literary analysis; Category 2: comparative language studies; Category 3: language and mass communication). We support the full 4,000-word process from research question to final draft.
Language & Literature studies both literary texts and non-literary texts (advertising, speeches, media, journalism) — analysing language in all its forms. Literature studies exclusively literary works (novels, poetry, drama). Both are available at HL and SL. The choice depends on your interests and university requirements.
The Individual Oral (IO) is a 15-minute assessed spoken commentary worth 25–30% of the final grade. You analyse an extract from one studied work, linking it to a global issue, and respond to examiner questions. It is internally assessed at your school. Preparation makes an enormous difference.
Yes — the HLE is a 1,200–1,500 word formal essay connecting a studied work to a literary concept. The most common errors are: an unfocused argument, over-reliance on plot summary, and a weak introduction. We work on essay structure, argument clarity, and academic register.
Yes — for students choosing English as their Extended Essay subject. We cover all three categories (Category 1: literary analysis; Category 2: comparative language studies; Category 3: language and mass communication). We support the full 4,000-word process from research question to final draft.
Book a free consultation and we will match you with a specialist IB ib english tutor who can make a real difference.
