Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Language tutoring services · Reviewed March 2026
Session Prep
Language learning sessions are most valuable when you arrive with a clear focus. Without direction, even a skilled tutor will default to conversation practice — which is useful but rarely the fastest path to your goal. Before your session, identify what you want to be able to do that you can't do now: hold a specific conversation, understand a particular type of content, pass an exam, or use a grammatical structure correctly. Bring examples of things you've tried to say or write that didn't come out right. The more specific your input, the more targeted the instruction.
1.What vocabulary should I be prioritizing at my current level — and what's the most efficient way to retain it?
Vocabulary learning strategy matters as much as the words themselves. Ask for a method, not just a word list.
2.Can you explain [a specific grammar pattern I keep getting wrong] in a way that shows me how it's actually used in real speech?
Grammar learned in context sticks better than rules memorized in isolation. Bring the specific pattern you struggle with.
3.What are the 10–20 most common sentence structures I should be able to produce automatically at my level?
Core sentence patterns form the skeleton of fluency. Knowing which ones to internalize first is a faster path than studying grammar tables.
4.Are there any errors I'm making that are specific to speakers of my native language?
Your native language creates predictable interference patterns. A tutor experienced with your language background can identify and correct these efficiently.
5.Can we practice [a specific scenario — ordering food, a job interview, navigating a government office] so I can get comfortable with the real vocabulary and phrases?
Situational practice is more immediately useful than abstract conversation. Bring your real-life scenarios.
6.When I listen to native speakers, what should I focus on to improve my comprehension?
Listening is a trainable skill with techniques. Ask for a specific strategy, not just 'watch more TV in the target language.'
7.What aspects of my pronunciation most need work right now?
Not all pronunciation problems are equally important. Focus on the ones that cause misunderstanding, not just those that sound foreign.
8.For [my target exam — TOPIK, JLPT, DELF, HSK], what are the sections where most students at my level lose points?
Knowing where to focus is more efficient than practicing everything equally.
9.What study schedule would you recommend to reach [your target level] by [your target date]?
Realistic planning prevents both over-confidence and unnecessary discouragement. A tutor who knows your level can give you an honest estimate.
10.What resources outside our sessions should I be using to reinforce what we're doing?
Tutors who give you a complete learning ecosystem — not just in-session content — accelerate your progress significantly.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Language tutoring services · Reviewed March 2026