Essay feedback in 24h from a Cambridge PhD. Expert in essays and dissertations across the Social Sciences

Find out more about Antonio

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I first developed an interest in politics and history when I was a teenager. Since then, this interest has translated into two separate but intertwined careers, in media and academic research. Private tutoring appeared in my life in connection to both of these careers. First, as a television personality in Portugal, I am often approached by people looking for personal coaching on public speaking and communication. Be they politicians, business owners, or students, I enjoy helping these clients develop skills and convey their messages in more powerful and effective ways. Second, as an academic at leading universities in the UK, I've been teaching politics, history, and social sciences more broadly for a number of years. By offering private tutoring, I can reach more young students interested in the kind of questions I am also interested in, fostering an intellectual exchange that is enriching for both parties.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I am a specialist in two fields. First, history and politics, which allow me the opportunity to discuss with young people the changes that human societies have witnessed over time. From these discussions, we can then think about our society today. Second, public speaking and media training, which allows me to pass on the knowledge I've gained, and skills I've developed, throughout my years in media. Besides these two specialisms, I offer lessons in essay writing and academic skills more broadly, focusing on subjects within the social sciences in which I have had a significant degree of university-level training.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My first role model within the world of teaching is still, to this day, one of the best teachers I have ever encountered. He was a professor at a university in Australia where I was a student for a semester many years ago. He was a smart and original thinker, as well as a brilliant communicator - sharp, insightful, full of sense of humour. He made the subject he taught not just an interesting academic endeavour, but a wild and exciting intellectual adventure. In my teaching career, I have often thought back to those classes and reminded myself of the qualities I valued in them. These memories continue to shape my approach, inspiring me to create an engaging and thought-provoking learning environment for my students. My goal is to spark the same intellectual excitement and curiosity that this professor instilled in me.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  The difference between a group class and private tutoring is that the second should be a personalised experience. So a good tutor must, first and foremost, be a listener. It is essential to understand what the student wishes to get out of the lesson so as to offer an experience which targets the specific needs of the student. Second, the tutor must be a planner. A successful lesson depends on what the tutor brings to the table - and to bring it, the tutor needs to first think about it. Planning ensures that the tutor approaches the materials in ways that are useful for the student. It is also the best way of making the most out of a limited amount of time. Third, a tutor must be able to adapt and improvise. There is only so much that planning can achieve. A tutor must also be ready for the unexpected. There is an element of empathy, understanding, and attention to detail in successful tutoring. A good tutor understands that and adapts to it.

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When I was 16, my school report for the subject of History read: "Antonio displays a limited ability for the subject". I am now a PhD candidate in History at the University of Cambridge, having completed a masters degree and an undergraduate degree with first class honours, besides graduating high-school as the top student in my school. The challenges you are facing today do not have to be eternal. They need not stand in the way of your success.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  In school, I often struggled to target the marking criteria effectively. This is something I focus on a lot with my GCSE and A-level students. In my case, there was an extra difficulty there because I studied high-school in Australia, whereas up to 15 years old I had been in education in Portugal. The shift in expectations meant I had to first understand what exactly was being asked of me in this new education system, before focusing on how to meet those demands.

• 7) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My greatest passion is writing. This passion is, in turn, anchored in two others: reading and thinking. The pleasure I take in teaching is an extension of these passions. I enjoy reading my students' work, getting a glimpse into how they think about particular issues and how they approach challenging questions. I enjoy thinking about the lessons I will teach, trying to plan them in ways that make the most out of every opportunity. And I enjoy thinking about the questions that students ask of me, so that I can offer the richest and most helpful feedback possible.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My unique selling point is that I am both a Cambridge University academic and a television personality. With this rare combination of elite academic credentials and high-profile real-world experience, I offer a tutoring experience that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply engaging. I am both a thinker and a communicator. As a researcher at Cambridge, I bring a strong foundation in critical thinking, analytical skills, and subject expertise, ensuring that my students receive the highest level of academic instruction. At the same time, my experience as a media personality, regularly appearing on television, allows me to to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging, and relatable manner. This unique blend of scholarly depth and communication flair enables me to effectively bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether guiding students through challenging academic material or helping them develop confidence and articulation in high-pressure situations, I provide an unparalleled tutoring experience that goes beyond textbooks to cultivate true mastery and real-world success.