English Language and English Literature need different preparation. Before enquiring about an online English tutor, identify the qualification, board, exam year and whether the difficulty concerns reading, writing or a particular set text. ESPD lists English support from 11+ and KS3 through GCSE and A-Level. Use this page to prepare a subject-specific enquiry rather than requesting general help with “English”.
Language, Literature or an entrance assessment?
English Language
Describe the reading or writing task. AQA GCSE English Language 8700 combines reading and writing across two papers, with a separate spoken-language endorsement. Other qualifications have their own structure. Check the current materials for your exam year.
English Literature
Give the full title of the set text or poetry collection and the board. A useful enquiry names the difficulty: developing an argument, selecting evidence, comparing interpretations or organising a timed response. Do not assume every school studies the same texts.
11+ and KS3
For entrance preparation, check the target school’s requirements using the 11+ guide. At KS3, start with the current school task and feedback rather than assuming a GCSE examination format.
Turn “improve my essay” into a useful question
Editorial planning example: Rather than “I need a better essay”, try: “I can identify a quotation, but I am unsure how it supports my interpretation of this question.” This is an example of wording, not a quotation from a student or a promised teaching method.
- Retelling the text: Ask how to connect the selected passage to an argument.
- Naming techniques without explaining them: Ask what the language or structural choice contributes to meaning.
- Running out of time: Ask how to plan the response within the paper’s actual requirements.
Use the question and its matching mark scheme when discussing a practice response. A paragraph formula alone does not demonstrate understanding. The study skills guide can help you record a specific next step.
What to include in your English enquiry
- Confirm the course, board and exam year with your school.
- Identify Language, Literature, entrance preparation or another English goal.
- Name the text or task and describe the feedback you want to understand.
- Contact ESPD to ask about subject fit, availability, format and price.
For IELTS or PTE, state the test and purpose of the enquiry explicitly. Indonesian learners can use the Bahasa Inggris and IELTS page to enquire about suitable support; this does not confirm a class place.
Questions before enquiring
Are English Language and Literature the same course?
No. Name the qualification you are taking and the exact task. Language reading and writing requirements should not be assumed to be the same as Literature set-text requirements.
Do I need to know my set texts?
For Literature, include the texts or collection assigned by your school and the board. If you do not know them, ask your teacher before requesting text-specific support.
Does this page confirm IELTS availability?
No. School English and language-proficiency tests have different purposes. State IELTS or PTE in your enquiry and ask ESPD to confirm suitable support and current availability.
Your next step
A useful English enquiry identifies the course, text or task, and the point where you need feedback. Confirm these details before choosing support or practising from an unfamiliar paper.
Sources
Source check: 10 November 2026. Specifications can change; confirm the current requirements for your exam year. Planning examples on this page are editorial recommendations, not reported lesson outcomes.