Job Discussion Forums

AndyRoofman · Joined: 27 Feb 2005 Posts: 31

At present I am based in China and have a nice job, but I would be interested in making some extra money online. As my Internet connection is very slow with outages in China, video or even audio teaching doesn't appeal to me. In addition, I prefer correcting scripts for IELTS writing (ie trial questions) as I am a former IELTS writing and speaking examiner and intimately know the exam. Doing corrections for Academic Writing is also appealing to me, for when I eventually move on, because I eventually want to travel some and do this type of work at the same time.

Having perused many websites and contacts, I have seen many companies offer IELTS preparation and also Academic English, but I haven't seen any state that employment is based on script correction only, with extensive comments and potential bandings for IELTS with say a two day turnaround time.

Can anyone provide any leads in this regard because I believe I have a lot to offer in this regard.

Andrew

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Give a related thread, Pay and standards concerns over IELTS marking, a look.

As for correcting academic writings, there may not be that big a market for this service since there's online marking software for that task.

If you like to write, Google freelance writing jobs and blogger jobs to see what's out there.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I have actually been doing this for an online Middle Eastern school for about 4 years now. It gets boring, but the money is good and it offers me the flexibility of which you speak.

Although it is true that the grading is automated, students appreciate advice, pointing them to relevant training videos and making corrections and suggestions. That is where you can offer value.

I would contact online IELTS training schools directly and ask. You may be able to pitch your services and they can raise the price of their training accordingly for the value you would add.

AndyRoofman · Joined: 27 Feb 2005 Posts: 31

@jimpellow, would you be able to give me any information about the schools your work for online in relation to Academic English and IELTS? I know it may seem like Col. Sanders telling you the secret to his herbs and spices, but I looked fairly extensively on this before, and didn't find anything in relation to a correction, rather than video call service, so any assistance here would be greatly appreciated.

jimpellow · Joined: 12 Oct 2007 Posts: 913

I am only doing it for one school and right now I have a qualified friend I had them hire to help me. If he or I decide to move on, I will pm you. That was more luck as I was teaching group classes when they started IELTS training and knew I had experience so was asked to pick that up.

Like I said, you will have to create the opportunity. It is there, you just have to show the online schools it.