Virtual Writing Tutor

What is Virtual Writing Tutor?

Who created Virtual Writing Tutor?

The Virtual Writing Tutor was created by Nicholas Walker, an ESL teacher at Ahuntsic College in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Nicholas launched the website on April 5, 2012, with a mission to enhance ESL writing pedagogy by increasing the quantity, quality, timeliness, and frequency of corrective feedback available to students. The website is associated with Bokomaru Publications, focused on supporting good pedagogy through the development of free and affordable ESL tools.

How to use Virtual Writing Tutor?

Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use the Virtual Writing Tutor:

1. Improving Your Writing:

   • Type a paragraph with errors.
   • Click "Improve writing" to correct mistakes in standard English.
   • Receive feedback on errors and improvements made.

2. Scoring and Checking Essays:

   • Copy and paste your essay.
   • Click "Score essay" to see the types of essays the tool can score.
   • Receive your overall score and practical advice to improve.

3. Checking Your Proficiency Level:

   • Enter text from any assignment.
   • Click "Check Level" to calculate your proficiency level.
   • The tool analyzes your vocabulary profile and grammar error density.

4. IELTS Speaking Exam Preparation:

   • Visit the IELTS speaking exam preparation section.
   • Select a common topic and question.
   • Compose your answer, check for grammar errors, and record your response.
   • Click "evaluate" for instant feedback on pronunciation and overall score.

5. IELTS Academic Writing Practice Tests:

   • Choose between Task 1 and Task 2 writing tests.
   • Start the timer and write your essay.
   • The system uses AI to analyze and score your essay based on specific parameters.

6. Grammar and Punctuation Check:

   • The tool checks for common punctuation and grammar mistakes.
   • It detects ESL grammar errors and provides correction suggestions.
   • The grammar and punctuation checker is enhanced with additional rules for ESL errors.

7. Vocabulary Checker:

   • Click on the "Vocabulary Checker" button.
   • Analyze your vocabulary profile, academic vocabulary usage, clichés, power words, and field-related vocabulary.
   • Use feedback to enhance word choice and eliminate clichés.

Virtual Writing Tutor offers a range of features to help with grammar, vocabulary, essay scoring, proficiency level estimation, and exam preparation. It aims to improve writing skills by providing instant feedback and useful suggestions for enhancement .