Singapore students have to go through many tests and examinations throughout their schooling years. The exams offered in Singapore often determine the schools that students will go to afterwards. Is it going to be a junior college/central school or a polytechnic? Private applicants may also take such examinations. In short, it helps to be prepared for different examinations.
Geography is one of the examinable subjects in the exam. Students would naturally wish to score well for this paper. Some may require extra guidance to achieve their desired scores.
The dilemma is not so much about finding a teacher from whom one can learn geographical concepts; there are enough tutors in this branch of research of the humanities! Instead, one’s focus should be on choosing the best mentor that suits one’s style: someone who will be able to guide you to the best of your abilities, and someone who knows and understand the paper you will be sitting for. Students need tutors who have an established track record in tutoring, as testimonials from past students have demonstrated.
Students can also consult their teachers or peers if they need extra help. Assessment books are also a good educational resource. Our Geography guides, such as our Guide To Geographical Map Skills, help to provide students with a good source of revision and practice questions, so they can be more confident about scoring in their examinations. Students will be able to better understand the themes tested and score better for their tests.
The relevance of examinations in today’s world
Students will go always through some form of examination in their years of schooling. Although many would like to score well for their tests, results are not the only or primary indicator of their level of success in the future. Tests are a good indicator that allows students to see how much information and knowledge they can retain of their subject, but it is not the be all and end all.
With that in mind, students should focus on understanding their subjects as best as they can, and try to minimise knowledge gaps wherever possible. This can be done by practice. It can also be done by being aware of what is tested. Examinations are provided based on a set syllabus. Students should familiarise themselves with the syllabus so that they can be well-prepared on the examination day.