Reddit mentions of A Writer's Reference

I just use a blank spreadsheet and note errors as I find them. Comma splices, fragments/run-on sentences (they stem from the same issue so i count them together), verb tense error, subj-verb agreement, articles... whatever I find. The sheets I was using when I started didn't cover enough, so I abandoned them. I googled for a bit to see if I could find them, but I came up empty-handed.

I meant this one! https://www.amazon.com/Writers-Reference-Diana-Hacker/dp/1457666766?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc
Very straight-forward, easy to use, and has an ESL section. Used this every day when I was working with ESL students!

In terms of class practices, I like to have students write informally as often as I can. We then use that writing as our 'source text' for grammar work. Having a zero-stakes piece of writing takes off the pressure of working on an essay draft (which is typically what they came to tutoring for), and you're reinforcing that grammar skills matter at every level of formality without ever having to say it out loud.

Also, /u/brownidegurl's advice on the culture of plagiarism is 100% vital for anyone tutoring a kid from Asia in writing for the Western World. Also her point about tutoring yourself out of a job. And about how to reset your sessions. All of it, really. 10/10 Would recommend again.

One more thing, too. I'm impressed that you thought to seek help from others with experience. A lot of the tutors I've worked with would have given up on this kid a long time ago and written him off. That you're seeking advice and planning to put it into practice gives me confidence that you'll be able to make changes to your tutoring style to help him, which is more than I can say for a lot of the tutors I've known working on a similar student. Well done :)

"A Writer's Reference" by Hacker