It is probably the most challenging to teach given all the different texts and there is a great leap from sec 4 Lit not only because of the greater number of texts but also the nature of the texts and the questions students have to answer. I realised some JCs, esp those which are "branded" expect students to learn and figure out on their own. The notes these JCs provide are either conspicuously absent or too skimpy to be of much use.


I end up working overtime doing a lot of back end work to help them. I ask myself - they come to me for help and I am going to help - I spoon feed to an extent, role-model a lot for them to show them how to analyse what the question wants from them, then apply the notes and content I have provided to help them answer the questions. Of course I do detailed book studies with them. I also make them write a lot - which may not be easy given their busy schedules but until they write, they will not improve by leaps and bounds. Then I have to go through the essays with them, pointing out areas to work on and then working with them on those areas.

While to an extent I feel I am born to do this, I am also sad because this is one very difficult way to earn a living! ;P. I cannot teach in a group, unlike those tutoring Math, Science, GP and Economics. So my motivation is entirely intrinsic - the smile on my students’ faces, their grades improving, the feedback I get and the interaction in the session.

Now I know why I do not have much competition for JC Literature. So many texts and each JC uses a different set of texts. It is surely not an easy way to make a living. But what to do, I love Literature and if I can help, I would help. Right now I can teach only 23 titles of the texts in the JC syllabus, I have no time or energy to expand the titles. I am also doing O-level, IP and IB Literature and so I can hardly breathe most times. So many different settings, themes, characters, contexts…etc. At upper level, I need to look at narratology, styles and techniques. I also have to impart literary theories to boost their answers and therefore their marks.

There are students from the Humanities Scholar’s Programme who need as much help as those who are not. As far as Literature is concerned, the playing field is pretty level - even the very articulate ones and those with a superior command of the English language find scoring challenging but not impossible. I remember how my own daughter scored distinctions in Literature effortlessly after a little struggle in year 1 JC. Now my goal is to get my JC 1 students up and running on their own so that they could take a break from me…As far those who came to me for help only in JC2, they are stuck with me all the way to the A-level exams.

My daughter started dating when she was in secondary two. When I say dating, I mean she went out on single dates. In sec 3, she began to go out with this boy in JC 1 and they were together for over two years. They were in the same school and she was in the IP.


We all have different approaches to our children dating. I have a friend who went all the way out to stop it. Her daughter stayed out for a while to spite her mother. They had terrible fights over it.

I was afraid of having to deal with a rebellion and so I was careful not dismiss her interest in the opposite gender or try to smother it or pooh pooh it as something silly or trivial. I had to keep cool and stop behaving like one prying, intrusive mother although I had a right to know, she may resent my questions. So I decided to try a soft approach. I told her first love is the most memorable - I refuse to call it puppy love. I remember my own first love with great fondness. I started sharing with her about my time and I was rewarded by her confiding in me and eventually the boy came to my house for meals. They broke up soon after they boy finished his JC.

But it was really hair-raising during the whole time they were together. I was very concerned for my daughter but I had to be careful how I showed it. I took great pains to tell her that her studies are her top priority and she needs to ensure it does not take her mind off her school work and her CCA. If it does, then the relationship is not right for her. She asked me if she could have the best of both worlds. Must it always be one or the other? I told her yes she could. But it takes effort and a good head on the shoulders to be able to do that. I assure her I would be there to help her or lend a listening ear if she has any problems. She agreed and the dating bit did not affect her studies - the two of them did very well for their A-levels.

Looking back, I realised I was really being too lenient with her. Now with my second one, I am a lot stricter. I was taking too much of a risk with my elder one. So many things could go wrong…

What do you think you would do when your child starts dating and dating seriously when he or she is still in school?

[quote]\"Though I feel you read too much into the \"recommend me a book\" episode involving your long time friend\".
[/quote]Could you care to elaborate? I was just merely sharing my own perceptions. What do you think I was reading into that episode? Maybe you could enlighten me.

Snow Crystal:

MollyCoddle:

Let's all work towards being better parents and helping our kids get a good balance in life, school and personal development.

Ditto...:-) I think it is important to realise what and where we have gone wrong as parents. I know the backlash can be painful.

Have a great day

For those who complain that our children do not read, maybe we could start reading around the house to show them we love reading despite our busy schedules and age. Children tend to pick up after their parents. You could even share with them the characters in the book and tell them where appropriate what is so special about the book you have just finished reading.


The "Book of Salt" is not meant for children but adults would enjoy the language and the storyline. The narrative is set in Vietnam and France - an amazing book written by a Vietnamese. For those adults who want to kick-start their reading again, try books by Asian and African authors. See things from a non-Western perspective. It will be a refreshing change.

More and more students are doing Literature and more and more are resorting to doing it on their own as a an additional subject, i.e. they are choosing to sit for it privately as for some reasons they are not taking it in school. I am just happy to learn that in the last two weeks or so, no less than 5 Lit students have approached me for help to prepare them for the "O" level Lit paper on a private basis. I am just very inspired by their interest in Literature.


As a tutor in English and Literature among other Humanities, this is a wonderful development. I am also pleased to say that a friend of mine who has not read a single novel since she left school twenty years ago, recently asked me to recommend some interesting titles. I told her to read "No Pain Like This Body" and "The Book of Salt" The first is extremely sad and the second is sad but sensuous given its constant allusions to food - preparation, cooking and eating. Read both, I think they will make you cry.

Hi Imami and CarnageJane,


Thanks for your response. I made some mistakes…this over-protectiveness…:-)

Have a great week ahead.

Many a times we do stuff to our children that we are unaware of. Like scolding them in public, talking at the top of our voices in public, making decisions that affect their lives - like taking them out of their school and putting them into another without considering their feelings, intervening excessively in their school work and other school matters.


I have one incident to share. My second child was being bullied by two older schoolmates when she was in primary school. I intervened and told the two girls that If this continued, I would have to bring it to the principal and they backed off.

Fast-forward many years later, she was insulted by one of her senior who resorted to some vicious name-calling, I asked her if she wanted any help from me. She said no and I told her if she needed any help or advice, she could come to me anytime. Actually I was angry with the older girl but I had to respect my daughter’s decision to handle the matter herself. It was hard for me to hold back but I had to respect my daughter and give her the space to exercise autonomy.

I realise that just as we complain about our children’s behaviour, they also have to tolerate and put up with us.

Yes, ditto.

I rather she gets the answer directly from the school. That is my response. The best place to get the most accurate answer is from RI.