Statement by Tutor, James Tong

 

I have been a teacher for 25 years. My passion is in teaching humanities subjects. I believe that students misunderstand these subjects and that they can all do well. When I work with my students, they attain good results eventually because I help them in three aspects. I nurture them to love the subjects, I teach them how and what to remember, and I show them how to write good answers.

 

Hear from what my ex-students and parents say:

 

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Students’ and Parents’ Testimonial

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From C6 (SA1) to B4 (Prelim) to A1 in Combined Humanities (Social studies and History)

Kenneth Giauw, O level student of 2021, Victoria School

Duration of tuition: 8 months

 

Mr Tong is an amazing humanities teacher. Before I started attending his lessons, I was struggling with the subject a lot. For example, I always had difficulty presenting my answers for both my source based and essay questions in an "appropriate and convincing" manner, especially on the part of explanation. I also had problems with time management which caused me to always write incomplete answers during exams. With the help of Mr Tong, I was able to gradually improve on the quality of my answers and my speed of writing, hence being able to write more well explained paragraphs during my exams.

 

During the first few months of tuition, Mr Tong would spend lesson time going through the content of every chapter in the History and Social Studies syllabus (priority given to the ones which are predicted to be highly likely to come out in the O Level exams). After that, he would get me to rewrite all the key points of the chapter without referring to anything. To reinforce my learning, he would provide me with various essay questions related to the chapter to work on. This not only helped to train my writing skills, but also allowed me to explore different angles of the issue discussed in the essay question so that I could also have a better understanding of my content. The notes provided by him are also very organised and concise. In every chapter, Mr Tong would also provide easy and interesting code words (acronyms) which helped me to remember my content better.

 

When nearing the exams, Mr Tong would give me "surprise time trials" where he would give me exam papers from other schools for me to finish under time. He also gave me a rough guideline on how much time I should allocate to the respective questions in the whole paper. This helped to train my time management skills. He would also give me a list of essay questions from other schools for me to practice and even went through specific explanation techniques for certain chapter questions like the Rise of Hitler in History. Being an approachable, patient and dedicated tutor, he was also willing to spend time marking the work I had done then go through the mistakes being made in my answers and teach me how to correct these mistakes and generally improve on the presentation of my answers.

 

All in all, I would like to thank Mr Tong for his unwavering support and dedication towards tutoring me throughout this uneven journey from SA1 all the way to O Levels. The entire process of practicing many papers may be tiring but at the same time fruitful as well. Mr Tong has helped to build my confidence and interest towards the subject and eventually allowed me to attain an A1 for the subject which I never thought I would achieve at all! Thank you Mr Tong 👍

 

 

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From D7 (SA1) to A2 in Pure Geography and C5 to A1 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Elective History)

Darius Lim, O level student of 2021, Bukit Panjang Govt High

Duration of tuition: 6 months

 

Mr Tong is an amazing humanities teacher. Before joining his tuition, I did not have high hopes for the subject due to the poor results of my MYEs in June. Mr Tong aided me to pull my scores up through his meaningful lessons on the subject.

 

With sufficient resources, Mr Tong teaches skills and chapters efficiently so that content can be remembered more easily. Mr Tong also ensures that I fully understand the concept through exercises before proceeding.

 

Nearing the exams, Mr Tong would also provide timed practices during the lessons targeted at the many different chapters and skills tested. He also provided me with many exam papers for me to practice and reviewed the answers after to indicate areas of improvement.

 

Nearing the O levels, Mr Tong gave me many valuable tips and tricks which helped in time management and understanding of questions.

 

I am definitely grateful for Mr Tong’s guidance for the months leading up to the O levels. Thank you Mr Tong for your faith in me since the very beginning and helping me obtain an A2 which I thought was impossible to achieve the entire time.

 

 

 

 

From D7 (Prelims) to A2 in Pure History and B4 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Elective Geography)

Shaun Tan, O level student of 2021, ACS (Barker Road)

Duration of tuition: 2 Years

 

Mr Tong was my History (pure), Social Studies and Geography (elective) since sec 2 .During these years, he has helped me with each subject through several different ways .For example, he uses techniques like code words which allowed me to memorise each sub point clearly and efficiently .

 

Furthermore, Mr Tong’s explanation on each chapter allowed me to have a greater grasp of each point, thus allowing me to be able to write essays with greater details and depths .

 

His ways of teaching SBQs is also very unique .Through Mr tongs large collections of sources, it allowed me to have a greater ability to analyse and infer different sources despite its difficulty. This has helped me tremendously as I am able to infer and analyses sources better.

 

He also teaches the source base skills in a clear manner allowing me to answer questions properly. Through these benefits, Mr Tong has peaked my interested for both History and Geography and hence allowing me to score an A2 for both Pure History and Geography/SS in the O-levels 2021.

 

 

 

Jaron N-Level 2017, Montfort Secondary School: From C6 to A1 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Geography)

Javier N-Level 2020, Serangoon Secondary School: From C6 to A2 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Geography)

 

Hi Jimmy

 

I would like to share our gratitude to your coaching infact way back  4 years ago when you have coached my son Jaron in his Humanities -Geography and Social Studies.

 

Jaron's performance in this subject is always in the red nor barely just passed.

 

Until is our luck that we have found you and despite your busy schedule you are able to help to coach Jaron for less than 6 months to his N Level examination.

 

To our surprise Jaron has scored A1 for this subject.

 

Miracle has repeated again with his brother Javier this year. Due to Convid and CB we are unable to start Javier's tuition early. In fact we have only started in late July and less than 4 months to his N Level examination.

 

Today 17/12 the N Level results was released and Javier score A2 for this subject.

 

The credit for their good results has to be yours as without your proper guidance I don't think my son's will do well for this Subjects.

 

Basing on your experience and confident to shape a student in a short period is most commendable.

 

I am sure you will continue to help other students in this subjects and I will not hesitated to give my honest opinion and recommendation for your teaching in this subjects on Humanities - Geography and Social Studies.

 

Wish you all the best and sincerely thank you for your coaching.

 

Cheers

From Mr Tan

Father of Jaron and Javier

 

 

 

From B4 to A1 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Geography)

Ang Shao Xu, O level student of 2020, Swiss Cottage Secondary School

Duration of tuition: 2 months

 

Teacher Jimmy is a great Social studies/Geography teacher who knows how to coach his students accordingly to their strengths. He is very patient with me whenever he explains the techniques to tackle the difficult questions and has taught me better approaches to memorize them. At first, Social studies was very tough for me, but his teaching method helped me understand the concepts better, and most importantly, how to tackle the questions. With his help, I am able to score "A1" for Social Studies/Geography at 2020 "O" level. Thank you, teacher Jimmy!

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From E8 to B3 in Combined Humanities (Social Studies and Geography)

Rachel Wong, O level student of 2020, CHIJ St Teresa’s Convent

Duration of tuition: 1 year

 

Dear Mr Tong,

 

Thank you so much for taking me as a student for social studies and geography this year! My struggles with the subjects throughout my secondary life, accompanied with my F9 for combine humanities in my end of year exams in secondary 3, really did put me in a bad place, making crude jokes daily, about my impending failure and lowering my self esteem.

 

Even though I only was only taught by you for one year, I immediately saw results. Not only in my knowledge in the subject but my writing and phrasing of my answers. During the short time you taught me, I saw my grades jump. From the lowest failure to the highest grade in the class, all in the span of of half a year. For once, in a long time I felt hope in a good grade for my O levels.

 

I’m happy to report that as of the 11th of January 2021, I’ve been able to attain a B3 for combine humanities in my O level exam! This was something I never through would be possible in my wildest dreams and I am incredibly grateful for all the hard work and time you out into teaching me. Thank you Mr Tong, for seeing my potential of being a good student when no one else would.

 

Stay safe and all the best on the future!

Rachel Wong and Sook Mei (mum)

 

 

 

From D7 (SA1) to A1 in Combined Humanities(social studies and history)

Malcolm Goh, O level student of 2019, Maris Stella High

Duration of tuition: 4 months

 

Mr Tong is a wonderful humanities teacher. Before joining his tuition after my MYEs, I was struggling with the subject a lot and didn’t have confidence about doing well in the subject. Mr Tong’s lessons are very engaging and interesting which drastically changed my perception of both social studies and history.

 

After teaching a particular skill or chapter, Mr Tong would provide work that is related to what was taught to reinforce my learning. The notes that he provides is also concise and clear which helps a lot for preparation of exams. Mr Tong is also a very experienced and dedicated tutor who has constantly answered my endless queries and doubts with great speed and clarity. Mr Tong also ensures that i fully understand the concept before proceeding.

 

Nearing the exams, Mr Tong would also provide timed practices during the lessons targeted at the many different chapters and skills tested. He also provided me with many exam papers for me to practice.

 

Nearing the O levels,Mr Tong gave me many valuable tips and tricks which helped in time management and understanding of questions.

 

I am extremely grateful and thankful for Mr Tong’s guidance for the months leading up to the O levels! Thank you Mr Tong for believing in me since the very start and helping me achieve an A1 which I thought was impossible to achieve the entire time!

 

 

 

From E8 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities. (SS and Geography)

Wong Chung Yao, N Level student of 2019, Admiralty Secondary School

Duration Of Tuition: 10 months

 

Mr Tong is an extremely experienced teacher who teaches Humanities very well.

 

Mr Tong is always able to explain both SS and Geography concepts very well. He is always very detailed during his explanations and will guide me through until i fully understand.

 

Mr Tong has taught me smart and useful techniques in answering, identifying and analysing questions.

 

Mr Tong is also able to identify common exam questions and will always make sure i know how to do them.

 

Lastly, Mr Tong has also provided special notes for me, which really helped me a lot as it allowed me to memorise the social studies and geography content easily.

 

I am extremely thankful for Mr Tong’s guidance! thank you so much for believing in me, and pushing me to get a grade 2 for humanities!

 

 

 

 

From E8 (Prelims) to A1 for Combined Humanities (SS and History) in O-Levels in 2018

From C5 (Prelims) to A1 for Pure Geography in O-Levels in 2018

Lee Xinyu, Methodist Girls’ School

Duration of Tuition: 4.5 months

 

Mr Tong is a very responsible and inspiring teacher who taught me very useful techniques of answering and analyzing questions under exam conditions. He explains the content clearly and guides me through the mist of revision with patience and care. I am especially thankful for having Mr Tong to answer my inquiries at late nights and clearing my misunderstandings. My results have improved dramatically and got a surprisingly high score for Os. :-))

 

 

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From C5 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography) in O-Levels in 2018 Michelle Chiang, Crescent Girls’ School

Duration of Tuition: 1.5 months

 

I tried a few geography tuitions. However, the first time I passed geography was during prelims by a few marks. Thus, my mom was really worried since I wasn’t improving fast and searched for another geog tuition. That’s when mr tong taught me. There was only about a month left to geog O’s levels. He allowed me to remember the main and sub points really fast by using his technique. Since there wasn’t much time left in my case, I had to quickly clarify all of my doubts of the topics and he made me clear my doubts which helped me a lot. He was able to change my phrasing in such a short time too and he was of a great help that I improved from C5 to A2 for combined humanities.

 

 

 

 

From C6 (Prelims) to A1 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography) 12 Sessions

Lim Yixiang, O-level 2017, Nan Hua High School

Duration of Tuition: 3 months

 

I had tuition with Mr Tong for only about 12 sessions and my grades improved tremendously, from C6 in prelims to A1 in O-levels. His lessons are fun and his teaching methods are great such as getting me to use code words to memorise the points. Him predicting the exam questions allowed me to select topics which I am better in and focus on them mainly. He also helped me to manage my time in exam by giving me timed practices. Overall, his explanations were clear and easy to understand. Thank you Mr Tong.

 

 

 

 

From C6 (Prelims) to A1 in Pure Geography in O-Levels in 2017

Rachel Lee, Bukit Batok Secondary School

Duration of Tuition: 1 year

 

Mr Tong tutored me pure geography for a year in 2017. He helped me to understand better about the subject and different topics and helped me to be able to memorise the notes using an easier and more efficient method. He managed to help me to improve from a C6 to an A1 in O'levels despite him helping me at the last minute.

 

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From F9 (Prelims) to A2 in Pure Geography

Mrs Belina Tan, Mother of Cheyenne Tan

Ngee Ann Sec Sch, O-level 2017

Duration of Tuition: 2.5 months

 

I'm really grateful to have Mr Tong as my girl core Geo tutor! My gal was getting F9s in school and with Mr Tong's teaching and guidance, my girl was able to get A2 in her O level within 2 1/2 months tuition. I thank you Mr Tong for giving my girl confidence in the subject and preparing her well for the examination.          

 

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From F9 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Mrs Shirley Leong, Mother of Shannon Leong

Methodist Girls’ School, O-level 2017

Duration of Tuition: 1 year

 

My daughter started her geography and social studies tuition with Mr Tong one year before her O level exam. Her grades for both subjects were consistently at F9 until prelim. Mr Tong was very patient and helpful with all the topics she was unclear with and he was confident that he could help her do well for her o levels despite the odds. He would write out model essays in order for her to better understand the proper method to write her essays. Furthermore, he would willingly provide extra lessons before tests and exams despite his packed schedule. We are very appreciative that his faith in my daughter has led to her achieving A2 in her o levels for her combined humanities. 

 

 

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From E8 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Mrs Cindy Lee, Mother of Lucas Lee

Tanjong Katong Sec Sch, O-level 2017

Duration of Tuition: 1 year

 

My son started his geography and social studies tuition with Mr Tong one year before his O level exam. His grades were always in the range of E8 to C6 for both subjects. Mr Tong had been patient and gave us his assurance that my son will score a distinction for his O level. We were doubtful and only hope for a pass. He is able to target my son's weakness and teach him the right way to study for both subjects using the least time. We are grateful to him for his coaching method which ultimately lead to my son scoring A2 for his combined humanities.

 

 

 

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From C6 (Prelims) to A1 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Branen Lee, O-Level 2016

West Spring Secondary School

Duration of Tuition: 1.5 months

 

I only started tuition with Mr Tong in late August 2015. In 6 short lessons, Mr Tong was able to improve my Combined Humanities grade from C6 (during prelims) to A1 (during the O-Levels). What I benefited most was his unique method or memorizing content for the subject. He did not teach me to remember whole chunks of writing, but rather focused on helping me remember only the keywords and points using his codeword methods. His explanation were also very clear and I benefited from his question prediction through his examination trend analysis. Thank you Mr Tong

 

 

 

 

From C5 (Prelims) to A1 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Jarron Tan, 2016 N-Level, Montforrt Secondary School

Duration of Tuition: 1.5 months

 

My tuition journey with Mr Tong started in late August 2016 till my N-Level Geography paper on 6 Oct 2016. In that short 1.5 months of lesson time with Mr Tong, I was able to score an A1 in my N-Level Geography through learning from his effective study techniques and materials. I only scored a C5 during my prelims. Mr Tong’s teachings focused on 3 things that helped in my improvement. Firstly, using his unique memory code word system and his own summary notes for geography, he helped me to easily remembered tons of content. Instead of studying through all my notes and textbooks from school, he reduced the amount I needed to revise down to less than 10 pages of focused summary notes. Secondly, he was able to help me analyse different types of examination questions well. Using this analytical skill, I was able to zero in on what the questions were asking. Finally, Mr Tong, taught me how to raise my answer levels from level 2 to level 3 and 4 by adding real life examples and illustrations in my PEEL writing format. Mr Tong taught me through his teachings that Geography is a beautiful subject and that any student can score in this subject as long as they know the fundamental study skills. I am more confident in handling any content subject now.

 

 

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From E8 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Milton Yeong, O-Level 2016, Greenridge Secondary School

Duration of Tuition: 3 months

 

My parents only started engaging Mr Tong as my combined humanities tutor in August 2016 after I did badly in my school preliminary examinations results (I scored E8 during the prelims). I was struggling with understand the content, memorizing the content as well as answer questions according to the right methods. Through Mr Tong’s coaching, I was able to understand the content better, I finally knew how to do SBQ better, and I was able to learn a simple but effective memory technique from him to recall all the content for the subject. His notes are very precise and to the point with emphasis in helping students remember in their long-term memory. As a result, I did not have to revise through all my notes. He also coached me in analysis of questions and answering them to the way examiners are looking for. I would like to thank Mr Tong for helping me score an A2 during the actual O-Levels for combined humanities.

 

 

 

 

From C6 (Prelims) to A2 in Combined Humanities (SS and Geography)

Joel Ng, O-level 2016, Maris Stella High School

Duration of Tuition: 6 months

 

Mr Tong was my Social Studies and Geography tutor for about a year. During that period, he has helped me understood Social Studies and Geography content better. His explanations were clear and engaging. He also improved my answering skills. Through his teaching, I knew the proper format to answering both source based questions and also structured essay questions. Finally, he has a unique and effective method to help me remember the key and sub-points of different topics well. Through these benefits I was able to improve my combined humanities grades from C6 during the preliminary examinations to an A2 in the O-levels in 2016.

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From C6 (Prelims) to A2 in Pure History

Stephanie, Mum of Samuel

Maris Stella High School, O-level 2016 Student

Duration of Tuition: 6 months

 

Mr Tong was my History (Pure) tutor for about a year. During that period, he was helped me understood History content better and has also made the subject very interesting and relevant. His explanations were clear and engaging. He also improved my answering skills. He also explain and shares his deep insight in historical events, Through his teaching, I knew the proper format to answering both source based questions and also structured essay questions. Finally, he has a unique and effective method to help me remember the key and sub-points of different topics well. Through these benefits I was able to improve my History grades from C6 during the preliminary examinations to an A2 in the O-levels in 2016.

 

 

 

 

From D7 (Prelims) to B4 in N-Levels than B3 in O-Levels

Lee Senyang, 2016 N-Level and 2017 O-Level

Chung Cheng High Yishun

Duration of Tuition: 1 year

 

Mr Tong started tutoring me since last year 2016 August for n levels and within the timeframe, he pulled up my combined humanities grade from D7 to B4 in N levels. After that, he carried on believing in me and pulled my grade up to a B3 in O levels, despite me getting a D7 in the preliminary. Mr Tong has a lot of knowledge about humanities on and beyond the textbook. Therefore, this is what sets him apart from other tutors.

 

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