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Description
‘Mending Wall’ is a 45-line poem by American poet, Robert Frost (1874–1963). It was first published in the book, North of Boston (1914).
In this poem, the speaker (a farmer) asks why humans build walls between themselves. It seems to him a waste of effort. Despite his doubt, once each year he meets his neighbor (another farmer) to mend the wall between their farms.
His neighbor believes that walls are important for the health of human relationships. He also believes that because walls are part of local tradition, it is important to continue mending them.
If you choose this lesson, you will have a chance to talk about these topics:
(1) What is your opinion of walls and fences that separate people and property?
(2) How important is it to follow the traditions of our ancestors?
If you request this lesson, I will send you a pdf with the text of the poem. The language is quite simple, and you will easily find the meaning of the words in a good dictionary. However, please make a note of any words or phrases that you don’t fully understand and mention them to me during the lesson.
Optional reading exercise:
(1): If you would like me to give you feedback on your reading during the lesson, please practice before the lesson to read part of the poem. I can help to show you ways to improve your pronunciation, phrasing, and intonation.
(2): If you prefer to send me an audio file (MP3 format) in which you read about 20 lines of the poem, I will send you brief feedback at no extra charge. (Please be patient: You may have to wait up to 24 hours to receive this feedback.)
This lession is designed for intermediate and advanced students of English. It should also appeal to university students who are interested in English Literature. In rare cases, high school students might also enjoy the lesson.
This tutor's cancellation policy
Before request is confirmed (fixed)
- Cancellation possible at any time without charge.
After request is confirmed (fixed)
- Less than 6hours before lesson start time.→ 100% of price charged.
- Between 6-24hours before lesson start time.→ 50% of price charged.
- No-Show→ 100% of price charged.
Lessons by this tutor
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Free introductory meeting
This lesson is for anyone who would like to meet me and talk about how I can help you improve your English.15min 0P -
Nice to meet you! Tell me about yourself.
A chance to talk about the things that are important to you.15min 700P -
Brief informal conversation
Let's talk about anything that interests you. All levels welcome.15min 700P -
Longer informal conversation
Let's talk about anything that interests you. All levels welcome.30min 1,400P -
Smile: Turn that frown upside down!
In this conversation lesson, we talk about the importance of smiling.30min 1,400P -
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (世界人権宣言; 세계인권선언)
In this lesson we look at the language we use to talk about human rights.30min 1,400P -
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'Stig of the Dump': a great children's book by Clive King
Learn about this great children's classic; read portions of it with me. I can help you understand any difficult parts. I can also help you to pronounce words correctly and to use natural intonation.30min 2,200P -
Growing up in South Africa: 1960s to 1980s
We can chat about how it was to grow up in a country of great beauty, great wealth, and even greater injustices.15min 700P -
The Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was more than a scientist and politician. He was also a man of wisdom.30min 1,500P -
'The Lamb' and 'The Tyger': two poems by William Blake
In this lesson, we look at two famous English poems by William Blake, who lived from 1757 to 1827.35min 1,500P
