What is Virtual Writing Tutor?

Virtual Writing Tutor (VWT) is an innovative online tool designed to assist learners in improving their writing skills, particularly for non-native English speakers. Owned and operated by ConverSolo Inc., VWT is part of the growing AI revolution in language learning, providing users with a suite of features that help enhance their writing abilities through immediate feedback and automated assessments. The platform can check grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary, as well as provide detailed feedback on essays and other writing assignments. With its user-friendly interface, Virtual Writing Tutor is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and anyone looking to refine their writing.

Features

Virtual Writing Tutor boasts a wide array of features aimed at improving writing skills. Below is a breakdown of its key functionalities:

Essay Checker

• Automated Scoring: Users can copy and paste their essays to receive an instant score along with practical advice on how to improve.
• Feedback on Writing Assignments: The tool provides formative feedback on various types of essays, including opinion essays, film analyses, argument essays, and cover letters.

Grammar and Punctuation Check

• Comprehensive Error Detection: The grammar checker identifies common mistakes, including punctuation errors, tense shifts, and word choice issues.
• Contextual Feedback: Suggested corrections are displayed below the text area, encouraging users to scroll back up and make necessary changes.

Vocabulary Checker

• Vocabulary Profiling: Analyzes the sophistication of word choice and provides feedback on the use of academic versus conversational vocabulary.
• Field-Related Vocabulary: Checks the relevance of vocabulary in relation to specific fields of study, helping users tailor their writing to academic or professional contexts.

CEFR and IELTS Level Checks

• Proficiency Estimation: Quickly estimates users' CEFR, IELTS, TOEFL, or CEGEP ESL levels based on their writing.
• Error Density Analysis: Evaluates the types of errors made and compares them to typical error profiles at various proficiency levels.

Hypertext Narrative Creator

• Interactive Writing: Allows users to create hypertext narratives, enhancing creativity and engagement in writing tasks.

Error Correction Game

• Gamified Learning: Offers an interactive game that helps users practice error correction in a fun and engaging way.

Pen Pal Exchange

• Language Practice: Facilitates connections between users looking to practice their writing skills with peers.

Additional Tools

• Word Counter: Counts the number of words in a text, useful for meeting assignment requirements.
• Essay Outliner: Helps users structure their essays effectively before writing.
• Feedback and Links: Provides links to resources for further learning and improvement.

Use Cases

Virtual Writing Tutor is versatile and can be used in various contexts:

For Students

• Essay Writing: Students can check their essays for errors and receive immediate feedback, reducing the time they wait for teacher evaluations.
• Exam Preparation: Ideal for those preparing for standardized tests like IELTS, as it offers practice tests and scoring.
• Language Learning: Non-native speakers can improve their writing skills by using the grammar and vocabulary checkers.

For Teachers

• Assignment Feedback: Teachers can use VWT to provide more extensive feedback on student assignments without increasing their workload.
• Resource for ESL Classes: The tool can enhance ESL pedagogy by offering students a reliable resource for self-correction and learning.

For Professionals

• Business Writing: Professionals can use the tool to refine their writing in emails, reports, and other business communications.
• Academic Writing: Researchers and academics can ensure their writing meets the standards of academic vocabulary and structure.

Pricing

Virtual Writing Tutor offers a tiered membership plan to cater to different user needs:

Free Non-Member

• Grammar Check: Unlimited grammar checks (500-word limit).
• Improve Writing: 30-click max for “Improve Writing” and “Check Level.”

Free Member

• Grammar Check: Unlimited grammar checks (3000-word limit).
• Access Restrictions: 10 clicks per day max for “Improve Writing,” “Check Level,” and "Score Essay."

Paid Membership

• Full Access: Unlimited grammar checks (3000-word limit) and access to all features.
• Additional Benefits: Users can save text and feedback, translate feedback into 70 languages, create hypertext narratives and essay outlines, and more.

Pricing Options

• One Year: $36 USD (approximately $0.10 per day)
• Three Months: $16 USD
• One Month: $8 USD
• One Week: $3 USD

The subscription prices do not renew automatically, and users can choose the plan that best suits their needs.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing Virtual Writing Tutor with other writing tools, several unique selling points stand out:

Comprehensive Feedback

• Unlike many other grammar checkers, VWT provides detailed feedback on various aspects of writing, including vocabulary sophistication and essay structure.

Targeted for ESL Learners

• VWT is specifically designed for English language learners, making it more effective in identifying common ESL errors and providing tailored feedback.

Automated Scoring

• The ability to receive an automated score and feedback on essays in just seconds is a significant advantage over traditional methods where students wait for weeks to receive evaluations.

Interactive Features

• The inclusion of gamified learning through the error correction game and the pen pal exchange enhances the learning experience and encourages engagement.

Affordable Pricing

• VWT offers a range of pricing options that are more accessible compared to some premium writing tools, making it a cost-effective choice for students and educators.

FAQ

What is the best grammar checker?

Virtual Writing Tutor is often regarded as one of the best grammar checkers due to its ability to detect errors that other systems may overlook. Its focus on ESL errors and the provision of contextual feedback make it a valuable tool for learners.

How can I embed a free grammar checker into a webpage or blog post?

Users can obtain an iframe code to embed the Virtual Writing Tutor grammar checker into their own webpages, Moodle courses, or blogs, facilitating easy access for students.

What is the primary goal of Virtual Writing Tutor?

The main objective of VWT is to enhance ESL pedagogy by providing learners with a reliable resource for self-correction and feedback, ultimately helping them become more autonomous writers.

How can teachers incorporate VWT into their ESL courses?

Teachers can create a routine where students are required to use the grammar checker regularly and set standards for zero avoidable errors to ensure that students benefit from the tool.

What are avoidable errors?

Avoidable errors are those that students can correct themselves, either through prior instruction or by using tools like VWT. The focus is on ensuring students learn from their mistakes and improve their writing skills over time.

In conclusion, Virtual Writing Tutor is a powerful and versatile tool that caters to the needs of students, teachers, and professionals alike. With its comprehensive features, user-friendly design, and affordable pricing, it stands out as an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. Whether for academic purposes, exam preparation, or professional communication, VWT offers valuable support and guidance in the writing process.