English lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What english lessons is

English lessons help students speak, read, write and understand English for work, school, travel or daily life. Students and parents usually look for a teacher when they need to talk with confidence, keep up in class or handle a job that is done in English.

Signs you need it

  • You follow most of a conversation in English but freeze when it is your turn to reply.
  • Emails or messages in English take you far longer to write than they should.
  • You keep making the same mistakes with verb tenses, articles or prepositions.
  • A school, employer or program asks for stronger English, and you need a plan with a clear target.
  • You want someone to hear your pronunciation of words you already use and correct it.

What the pro does

  • Start with a short speaking and reading check so the teacher can see your level in each skill.
  • Set a goal such as a work presentation, a school essay or a trip, and build lessons around it.
  • Practice conversation out loud, with feedback on word choice, grammar and how natural your sentences sound.
  • Work on the grammar you actually use, using examples from your job, school or daily life.
  • Give reading and writing tasks between lessons and review them at the next session.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether lessons are one-on-one or in a small group
  • How many lessons you book each week and how long each one runs
  • Whether the focus is general conversation, exam preparation or business English
  • Whether the teacher is a native English speaker or a trained non-native teacher with teaching experience
  • Whether you need written homework and feedback between sessions
  • Whether lessons happen online or in person, and what materials are needed

What a written quote should spell out

  • The lesson format, length and total number of sessions
  • The starting level check and the goals the first set of lessons will work toward
  • The materials used, and whether a book must be bought
  • How progress is measured, such as a re-test after a set number of lessons
  • The cancellation and rescheduling policy

Questions to ask before you hire

  • How do you check a new student's level before the first lesson?
  • What experience do you have with adults or students at my level?
  • Are you a native English speaker, and if not, what training do you have in teaching English?
  • How do you correct pronunciation without making the student feel embarrassed?
  • Will you tailor lessons to my job or school work, and how will you do that?
  • If you are booking for a child, what is the teacher's policy on background checks and lesson supervision?

Red flags

  • Promises of full fluency in a few weeks with no level check or plan.
  • Lessons that are only word lists or videos with no speaking practice.
  • A teacher who will not say what training or teaching experience they have.
  • Pressure to buy a long package before the first lesson.

What you can do yourself

You can read simple English texts, listen to short recordings and keep a vocabulary notebook on your own. Hire a teacher when you want someone to hear you speak, correct your mistakes and build a plan toward a test, job or school goal.

Licenses and permits

English teaching usually does not require a license. Ask for proof of skill instead, such as a teaching certificate, a degree or references from past students.

English lessons questions

Do I need to be fluent before I start?

No. A teacher will check where you are and begin there. Lessons work for beginners and for people who already speak but want to be more accurate.

Can a parent book English lessons for a teen?

Yes. Parents should ask about the teacher's background checks, how lessons are run online or in person, and the lesson policy for minors before booking.

How do I hire an English teacher here?

Describe your level and goal, then pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

Pro reviewers

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