For most Singapore parents, English is the one subject that cannot be ignored. 

In secondary school, English is a compulsory subject — it is the language of instruction, and a pass in O-Level English is required for the most common post-secondary pathways. Scoring well in English could also make the difference between entering a competitive JC (or course) and being forced into limited options.

Many parents know this, but here's the question: is English tuition necessary, or can school support and self-study be enough? Well, it helps to understand what the O-Level English exam actually tests and whether your child has the skills to meet those demands.

Let's take a look at the required skills, based on the 2024 GCE O-Level English paper (available on MyMENDAKI).

For GCE O-Level English, what does Paper 1 test?

Currently, Paper 1 is split into three editing and writing sections.

Section A: Editing 
Students are given a short text of around 12 lines with grammar and expression errors. They must spot the mistakes and correct them without changing the meaning.

• Skills required: precise grammar knowledge, ability to apply rules in context, and attention to detail. Many students who “know the rules” still struggle here because they cannot identify errors in a running text.

Section B: Situational Writing 
Students must produce a functional piece such as a speech, letter, or report. For example, in 2024, students had to use an information sheet to write a speech for the National School Games award ceremony, addressing its mission, vision, and memorable moments.

• Skills required: understanding purpose, audience, and tone; ability to structure content logically; using appropriate vocabulary.

Section C: Continuous Writing 
Students choose one of several essay topics (argumentative, discursive, reflective, or descriptive) and write 350 to 500 words. In 2024, topics included “Teachers need to understand their students better” and “Social media can be a source of income to the younger generation”.

• Skills required: planning essays under time limits, forming a clear thesis, organising arguments, using examples, maintaining fluency and accuracy. Weak students tend to run out of ideas or write without proper paragraphing.

Did you know? Paper 1 shows that English is not just about “good grammar.” Students must be able to adapt to different contexts, write persuasively, and express themselves clearly at length. 

Tuition can help if your child cannot yet plan essays effectively, struggles with tone in formal writing, or makes repeated grammar errors.

For GCE O-Level English, what does Paper 2 test?

Paper 2 assesses a wide range of reading comprehension skills.

Section A
This usually involves interpreting information from short texts such as posters or excerpts from studies. Students may be asked about intended messages or how certain phrases are used.

• Skills required: identifying key messages, comparing texts, recognising tone.

Section B
This is a narrative or literary passage with questions on meaning, inference, and language use. In 2024, the passage described a mountaineer hallucinating from exhaustion. Students were asked to quote details about physical struggles, explain the effect of figurative language, and interpret emotions such as fear, confusion, and relief.

• Skills required: close reading, inference, ability to quote accurately, explaining how language creates effect. Weaker candidates will either lift whole sentences without analysis, or give vague answers like “he was tired.”

Section C
This is an informational text followed by comprehension and summary questions. In 2024, the passage was about the Great Wall of China, covering history, architecture, and modern tourism. Students had to identify main ideas, evaluate perspectives, and produce a summary not longer than 80 words.

• Skills required: identifying main points, paraphrasing, condensing information, maintaining accuracy. This section is often the weakest for students who cannot summarise without copying.

Did you know? Paper 2 rewards students who read actively and can analyse, rather than just understand. 

A tutor may be needed if your child struggles to move beyond surface-level answers, cannot summarise effectively, or regularly loses marks for incomplete explanations.

When is English tuition needed?

From the exam outline, parents should ask:

• Does my teen lose marks for careless grammar mistakes?
• Does my teen have trouble planning and writing a 350 to 500 word essay with clear organisation and enough content?
• Is my teen struggling to write formal letters or speeches with the right tone?
• In comprehension, is my teen unable to infer meaning or explain why a writer uses certain words?
• Is my teen unable to summarise information without lifting whole sentences?

If the answer to several of these questions is “yes,” tuition could help to provide support.

What should good English tuition offer?

Ideally, parents should look for tutors or centres that do the following:

• Teach according to Singapore Examinations and Assessment Board (SEAB) requirements.
• Cover all exam components: editing, situational writing, essays, comprehension, and summary.
• Provide structured strategies for planning essays, making inferences, and paraphrasing.
• Give personalised feedback, not just worksheets marked with ticks and crosses.
• Train exam skills like time management and answering techniques.

A good sign is when a tutor can explain how marks are awarded for specific question types and show your child how to avoid common pitfalls.

What are alternatives to English tuition in secondary school?

Many students can succeed without tuition, but they need discipline. Parents can support by asking their children to:

• Read widely across genres to build vocabulary and awareness of tone
• Practise past-year papers under timed conditions to replicate exam pressure
• Seek detailed feedback from school teachers
• Review homework and weighted assessments to identify patterns in mistakes

For highly motivated students, such approaches can substitute for tuition. But for weaker or less independent learners, external guidance may give confidence, and help to speed up progress.

Want to chat with parents about English tuition in secondary school? Visit the KiasuParents forum, and post your questions in our Secondary Schools (Academic Support) section!