Dr Duncan James
About Me
Lessons
Availability
Reviews
Visited an hour ago
Dr Duncan James
Professional Teacher![]()
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
French
Thai
Specialties
Business+25yrs Exp✔️ RP UK Accent✔️ Science✔️ Academia✔️ Engineering✔️ Writing✔️
Teaches
English
Native
Speaks
Spanish
French
Thai
Specialties
Business+25yrs Exp✔️ RP UK Accent✔️ Science✔️ Academia✔️ Engineering✔️ Writing✔️
About Me
Me as a Teacher
My lessons & teaching style
Resume
From United KingdomLiving in Other, United Kingdom (18:29 UTC+00:00)
About Me
italki teacher since May 31, 2021InterestsScienceEnvironment & NatureTechBusiness & FinanceWriting
Hello! My name is Duncan and I am from England. I have over 25 years experience as a tutor. I aim to be friendly, helpful, calming and organised during your lessons. Regular students can request that I add new timeslots. And please note the 50% discount for 10-lesson packages.
You might want help with scientific, engineering or academic English. I also offer writing classes. I have a structured A1-A2 syllabus (also B1-B2 and C1-C2).
I studied physics at university and gained a PhD. After a few years as a scientist I become a writer (I'm now a best-selling author). I have always been a tutor.
(Podría enseñarte en español pero en general me parece mejor hablar solamente en inglés.)Me as a Teacher
I mostly specialise in "goal oriented" learning, particularly scientific/engineering English (in academic and business contexts). I also particularly specialise in writing classes.
I speak "Received Pronunciation" (or RP) English which is an additional benefit for many students (particularly for those learning English for more formal situations).
Want a more informal conversation lesson instead? Of course, that sounds great too.
I love being a teacher. I will always look for the simplest and clearest ways to help you to improve.
I prepare before a lesson.
After a lesson I can provide written feedback.
We can make you a personalised learning plan.My lessons & teaching style
My typical students on italki might need a single emergency lesson before an important interview, a few hours of training for a new workplace or an extended series of lessons to improve their scientific, engineering, academic or written English. I also take on "general learners" who simply find science, engineering, academia or writing particularly interesting.
Regarding my conversational lessons, I find few students actually want a "pure conversational" lesson. Therefore I have complementary grammar, collocation and pronunciation exercises that we can mix in as we chat. Also note that in a conversation lesson I will let you do most of the speaking unless you request otherwise.Certificates
CELTA - University of Cambridge - 2008I did evening classes that included the technicalities of how to teach English and then had to teach classes of actual students.
Certificate verified
Education
1992 - 1995
Bachelor’s - PhysicsThis gives me the knowledge and experience to offer specialised scientific and maths lessons.
1995 - 2001
Doctorate - Environmental ScienceThis was an "applied science" PhD. It gives me the knowledge and experience to train people in academic English (an in demand skill with professional scientists and academics as English is one of the key international languages of academia).
5.0
Rating
50
Students
410
Lessons
100%
Attendance rate
100%
Response rate
English Lessons
Scientific English 🔬🧬🪐 (Physics and Mathematics)
B1 - C2Business187 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 25% off
Engineering English 🏭📈🏆 (Applied Science)
B1 - C2Business18 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 25% off
Conversational English 😃💬😂 (Relaxing Learning Environment, Build Confidence)
B1 - C2Conversation64 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 25% off
Writing ✍️ 📖 📚 (Outlining, Style, Editing, Publishing)
B1 - C2Language Essentials38 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 25% off
A1-A2 Beginner English 😀👍📜 (Full 40-Week Syllabus Available)
A1 - A2Language Essentials31 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 25% off
10-Lesson Packages ⭐💲🎁
A1 - C2Business53 lessons completed
USD 35.00+
Package with 50% off
Availability
Based on your timezone (UTC+00:00)
34 Reviews
Marija
32 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
Duncan is a passionate and dedicated teacher. I highly recommend him! It was an extremely useful and pleasant learning process. The conversations were enjoyable and thought provoking. His guidance is really helpful. He will provide you with a learning document with explicit explanations and will give you lots of advice on how to improve your language skills. I love our lessons! Thank you, Duncan !
Nov 19, 2021
Sunny
10 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
I just finished a set of lessons with Duncan, and I would say it was a great discovery that I found him on italki.
He helped me improve my English with advanced English correction. During the lessons, he always tried to give me practical advice and to solve the problems that I currently have. Moreover, he encouraged me a lot and showed an enthusiastic attitude as a listener whenever I spoke. His immediate correction helped me recognise some mistakes that I hardly notice by myself. Furthermore, since he is an author, his corrections for my writing always suggested better expressions. As a result, he contributed to upgrading my writing skill.
I highly recommend you, who want to learn advanced English and to improve your English properly, to have lessons with Duncan. He was one of the greatest English teachers I have ever met.
Lastly, good luck with your writing, Duncan! :D
Oct 15, 2021
Catherine SAVARY
8 English lessons
Teacher’s pick
After 5 hours of class, Duncan was a great help in giving me confidence in English.
He was also very involved in helping me approach my future job interview.
I highly recommend it.
Again, thank you very much.
Jul 5, 2021
Beatriz Zegarra
36 English lessons
Duncan is the best teacher you can find
Oct 12, 2024
Beatriz Zegarra
36 English lessons
Duncan is an excellent teacher and very patient, he is always very professional. I am very happy with my classes.
Jun 16, 2024
Eric
3 English lessons
Had a great lesson with Duncan. He speaks clearly with a very good accent, and provided constructive feedback on my spoken English.
May 1, 2024
Lessons
Hourly rate from
USD 60.00+Your final payment will be made in USD