What Our Secondary School Students Say
Shi Rou, Cresent Girls' School
The Thought Tailor has been a transformative experience for me, reshaping my perception of English. Previously disliking English lessons, TTT has made them enjoyable, and I eagerly anticipate each session for their clarity and understanding. The provided notes are invaluable during exam revision, giving me an advantageous edge in school.
TTT’s distinctive feature lies in its specialized techniques that enhance various aspects of the English language. From learning unique annotation methods to personalised methods and techniques, TTT has sharpened my skills significantly. The curated materials, including notes and past-year papers, cater to diverse lessons, fostering better preparation for examinations. The variety of questions from different schools in the provided worksheets and practices further contribute to a comprehensive learning experience. I especially enjoy the Oral workshops arranged by the centre that are specially catered to each student so that we can pick up techniques and skills before the examinations.
Having spent three years at TTT, I achieved an outstanding A1 in the GCE O’levels—an incredible improvement from my previous struggles with the subject. I attribute this success to TTT’s effective teaching methods and extensive support.
I express sincere gratitude to Mr. Russell for making lessons relatable and enjoyable. His ability to identify mistakes and offer constructive feedback has been pivotal in my growth. Beyond tuition lessons, Mr. Russell’s unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental in helping me strive for my personal best. TTT, under Mr. Russell’s leadership, has truly been a catalyst for my success in English.
Raelyn, Chung Cheng High (Main)
The Thought Tailor has been a great help in my English journey. Before I started my tuition journey in The Thought Tailor, I used to struggle a lot in my English, and I always got B4s. But thanks to the thought tailor, extremely detailed worksheets as well as my amazing teacher Ms Chung, I climbed up to A2 for O levels in merely 6 months!
Each and every worksheet in The Thought Tailor has been tailored to perfection, checked by many qualified teachers and used by many students around the country. These materials focus on every single type of questions covered in the O level syllabus. Regardless of the question type and regardless of its difficulty, TTT always has a solution for it.
Kingsley, Bukit Batok Secondary
Whether it be the small quizzes in class or the carefully curated notes, I have benefited greatly from lessons at The Thought Tailor. Before joining TTT at the start of Sec 4, I was constantly obtaining fails and borderline passes for each English exam I sat for. But after I started attending TTT’s lessons, I felt that my grades and understanding of the subject was increasing at a rapid rate thanks to all of the model essays, comprehension notes and vocabulary that they have taught us.
The extremely detailed and carefully constructed tuition notes have definitely played a part in my understanding of the subject. On top of that, the teachers would give very informative and highly personalized feedback on the work that we submit or complete in class so that we can learn from our mistakes and improve on our English standards.
Furthermore, Ms Melody at TTT would often go the extra mile to see me after class to further explain some queries that I may have during class time. Ms. Melody is also very patient, caring and highly approachable. With the help of Ms. Melody and the notes given by the centre, I was quickly able to jump from barely passing to getting B3 in my O-Levels in less than a year, which was a feat that I had never thought to be possible! Thank you so much TTT!
Hae In, Nan Hua High School
One of my favorite features of the lessons here would be how willing Mr Russell was in trying to help me better understand and rectify my mistakes. even during Zoom lessons, Mr Russell would talk to me would talk to me privately in a separate breakout room in an effort to ensure that I knew where my mistakes lay. Mr Russell and all his other assistant tutors as well are extremely dedicated to their students, which I appreciate a lot.
Furthermore, lesson materials are very well-prepared at TTT. Throughout the short period I joined TTT, I was provided with loads of practice as well as their comprehensive, one-of-a-kind notes.
I did not know that there were so many subtypes of questions under the same type of comprehension questions until I joined TTT! With the skills I have honed during these lessons, I was better able to provide more accurate answers to each type of question, which surely played a part in improving my English scores.
I am very grateful for not only the concise notes and lesson materials but also the dedication of the teachers and the support that they have given me throughout my entire O level period. I am very happy that I managed to score an A1 for English with their help.
Zeng Zhe, Juying Sec
Before joining TTT, I was struggling with consistent Cs for my English exams. Despite me trying the methods recommended to me by my English teachers at school, such as reading books and going through past year O level papers. To no avail, I thought that the English subject was impossible to study.
However, after joining TTT, the teachers here were very helpful in providing English revision notes and homework to improve my standard and results. After a few lessons here, I realised that English is a subject that can be studied with the proper mindset. The notes provided helped me when I was preparing for O levels (especially when the notes provided made sense).
Ms Melody and the teachers here are persistent in helping students achieve higher grades and even encouraged us to find them if we needed any extra help. The lessons here were efficient in helping me improve my English grades.
With all of these excellent teachers, materials ,and the right mindset instilled in me because of TTT, I had managed to improve from a C6 in school, to a B3 in O levels
Tristan, New Town Secondary
My mother signed me up for English tuition at TTT at the start of the year. At first, I was skeptical as I was not sure if it would really improve my grades or was even worth attending. I was consistently on the edge of the cliff scoring Cs or Ds. I dreaded long and boring tuition classes I previously attended. That all changed when Ms Janice started guiding me. She had a warm and friendly personality and welcomed my classmates and I to her class. She turned draggy and monotonous classes into interesting yet productive lessons.
With Ms Janice’s help, my attitude attending her tuition classes had changed from dreading tuition to looking forward to it, eager for another session of learning all about English
In the end, I managed to attain a B3 for my O’ Levels. Thank you TTT and Ms Janice for guiding me through this past year
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Gabriel, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
TTT’s unique approach to teaching and the way that they clearly explain various English writing techniques makes it stand out from other centres. Before coming to TTT, I was unable to answer comprehension questions with ease and improved my score by leaps and bounds and improved my comprehension scores by leaps and bounds! Through the lessons at TTT, I managed to improve quickly to be one of the top scorers in my recent end-of-year examinations. I went from a B4 in my Sec 1 EOY to an A1 in my Sec 3 EOY.
Mr Russell is very determined to improve the English scores of TTT students. His enthusiasm and passion for teaching manifests in the detailed and well-crafted notes and teaching. We are provided with very detailed notes that clearly explain the questions as well as step-by-step solutions and answering formats for each question type. This certainly made it much easier for us to understand and apply them during examinations. I also managed to pick up interesting techniques and vocabulary to help me maximise my performance in essay writing.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for his persistence in pushing us to do our best, and for being the best out there in making it easy for us to understand and apply our learning. Thanks to TTT, I received an A1 for O-level English.
Rheneas, Crescent Girls' School
I really enjoy my lessons at TTT as they are clear and straightforward. The notes given are detailed and easy to understand. We are also given the opportunity to put the skills that we have learnt into good practice such as attempting challenging comprehension questions to sharpen our skills. Mr Russell also ensures that lessons aren’t boring and that helps me to pay attention and stay focused in hi classes. I will definitely recommend TTT to anyone looking for English tuition as it has benefitted me greatly and showed me the joys of learning and mastering the English language. |
Adelyn, Methodist Girls School
After attending lessons at TTT with Mr Russell, I noticed that I had made a lot of improvements in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.The notes given are well-crafted and are extremely helpful for me as they include the crucial strategies to score in the subject. For example ,I have learnt many writing techniques for the various types of essays, which have built my confidence in writing. I have also acquired the strategies and skills needed needed to score in the narrative and factual comprehension. Such as close reading, looking out for keywords and identifying question types. Overall, this has greatly boosted my confidence and ability in English!
I am also very thankful to have Mr Russell as my teacher as he is a very meticulous and patient teacher which has been key to my improvement in English. During lessons, he stresses on the importance of important things to take note of as well as common mistakes made by many students so that we would not make the same mistakes. Not only that, but he is also willing to help each and every student individually, such as how when O levels were round the corner, he often encouraged students to book consults and send essays for him to mark and comment on their work. I really appreciate his determination in helping students to ace the subject! I am grateful to him for getting me my A2 in English.
Scott, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Making the decision to join TTT may have been one of my best decisions to date!
Joining TTT gave me access to some of the most comprehensive and detailed notes I have ever seen. The notes explain concepts in a step by step manner and provide a plethora of useful examples to help me better understand complex techniques. I relied very heavily on these notes when I was studying for my exams, and I definitely think they helped a lot to improve my grades.
Aside from the notes, lessons were also highly engaging and entertaining. Mr Russell would often pose us questions to get us thinking. We would also do group work, especially while working on essays, which enabled me to throw around ideas with others. I personally found this very insightful as I got to hear from a variety of perspectives.
Before coming to TTT, I faced a lot of problems tackling comprehension questions, such as unusual and effective questions.
However, through the lessons at TTT, I managed to improve quickly and became the top scorer for English in my class and 2nd in the year 3 cohort at ACS Independent. I would attribute this to the aforementioned detailed notes, as well as Mr Russell’s concise and easy to understand explanations on comprehension techniques. At TTT, I also picked up useful writing techniques as well as expanded my vocabulary. This helped to maximize my performance in writing discursive and argumentative essays.
Mr. Russell is a humorous, energetic and patient teacher. I love coming to class because of how Mr Russell is able to make the class environment lively and fun. On top of being able to make class fun, Mr Russell also has a very detailed understanding of the secondary school English syllabus. As a result, he is able to easily point out my weaknesses and quickly help me to figure out how to correct them.
Thanks to Mr Russell, I was able to achieve a much stronger understanding on how to tackle the English subject which helped me to score an Al. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Russell for his guidance
Isaac, Nan Hua High School
I can’t say enough good things about Mr Russell and TTT.
I am very appreciative of all the time and energy Mr Russell has put into my learning, and I would like to thank him for it. Mr Russell has a wealth of experience in the field of education and it shows in his teaching. The best thing about him is that he ensures we are drilled properly in the proper answering techniques. He teaches me to always be on my toes, to analyse the question types and to apply what he has taught in class; this has helped refine my answers to be more accurate. I do not know where I would be without his guidance.
Mr Russell always makes time for us students to give consultations, even if it is during after-lesson hours or the night before an exam. The way he teaches is so amazing, he knows the ins and outs of the English exam syllabus. The best thing about him that sets him apart from other teachers is his notes. His notes are extremely comprehensive; ranging from topic analysis of questions, to sample essays, to Paper 2 drill sets. They are always helpful in breaking down how to tackle my English O-level examination. Mr Russell is an excellent teacher!
I have been a student of Mr Russell’s for only a year and I can safely say, he has been one of the best teachers I have had. I would recommend everyone to come here. Mr Russell is very knowledgeable and always explains things in such a way that you understand them instantaneously. His teaching method is easy to follow and he makes sure that you understand everything by asking questions throughout the lesson.
Mr Russell is a great teacher. I enjoy going to the centre because it is fun and has a great atmosphere as he always keeps me engaged and excited about the class. I never dread coming to his classes because he always brings a certain flair and charisma! You shouldn’t miss out on a chance to learn from Mr Russell and TTT if you’re looking to score an A for O levels. Thanks to TTT, I managed to secure an A2 for O level English.
Jia Qian, Swiss Cottage Secondary
My foundations for English are very weak and I had always struggled to pass my English. After multiple failures, I eventually lost my confidence in English. I hated English and just wanted to avoid it completely. Thankfully, I found TTT during this time. Mr. Russell is very supportive and is available 24/7! As a private candidate, I could only rely on TTT for my O Level preparations and I must say that they did a great job! They gave us useful notes, quality answers, and many drills. Their lessons are also very well structured. They make sure to teach us from the very basics, from identifying the question to knowing the answer requirement and how to answer it. I found all these really useful as some of these techniques and skills are not taught in school. Furthermore, TTT notes are very informative and made my revision much easier. Apart from the materials, I also love how the teachers put in the effort to make the lesson more interactive and engaging. They crack jokes often to make the atmosphere more lively. We also often do group work that enables us to learn from one another.
Besides that, while facing the various restrictions during the pandemic, I appreciate how TTT was able to switch between physical and online lessons smoothly.
TTT is more than just a centre. TTT motivated me to strive for excellence in everything and allowed me to find like-minded friends. More importantly, I managed to not only pass my English, but also obtained a respectable score. When I first took the O levels in 2020, I managed to only get a D7 for English. But after joining TTT in 2021, I took the O level again as a private candidate and managed to get a B3. Thank you, TTT!
Le Yang, Kranji Secondary
In the past, I could have never achieved an A in English. Perhaps it is because English isn’t my first language, but whatever English capabilities I had simply could not be translated into the skills that were required for examinations. When I first got in touch with Mr Russell in Secondary three, I was still new to taking tuition and didn’t really know what to expect besides extra work and maybe gradual, baby steps towards an eventual A1 for O level. So, the jump in grades really surprised me.
I had gone from floating in the Cs and Bs to my first A in English, A2, and the improvement didn’t stop there. Under his guidance, I achieved 3rd in my Sec 4 cohort for English in my Sec 4 prelim exams at Kranji Secondary, which was something I had never thought to be possible before!
I also managed to get an honours certificate that recognised my excellent academic achievement for English. The A1 in English for my O levels came soon after, and after I went to Junior College, I managed to clinch the top 5% in my cohort for General Paper.
All of this would not have been possible without his help, and I am definitely grateful to him for helping to push me beyond the limits I thought I had and to reach my goal. He taught me how to strategise and how to prepare for the subject, and how to continuously strive for perfection even when I was already getting an A1
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Jian Wei, Commonwealth Secondary
Prior to joining TTT, I had only attained a B4 for my end of year exams in Secondary 1 which I was quite disappointed with. I believe I did not do well due to my lack of understanding and poor comprehension answering techniques. However, after joining TTT’s English tuition and being under the guidance of Mr Russell, I managed to attain an A2 for my end of year exams in Secondary 2. This great improvement in my English score in less than one year has never happened to me before! Thus, I must really thank TTT and Mr Russell for all their help.
Personally, I like how Mr Russell always tries to engage students in discussions by asking questions instead of just feeding answers to the students. These questions make us think and help us to understand the entire meaning of the comprehension.
Besides that, I find comprehension lessons extremely fruitful. Before we start on comprehension, Mr Russell would provide us with answering techniques which we could use to guide us while we were answering the questions. Mr Russell also taught us ways to identify the question types and the standard structure used to answer them. Through the many practices he has given me, I am now able to manage and understand most comprehensions and know the right answering technique for specific questions. This can be shown through the improvement in my English grades.
I doubt I would have been able to see such vast improvement in my English grades if not for TTT. Tuition at TTT is truly one of a kind!
Venedict, Maris Stella High School
Aside from the detailed feedback and wonderful support system, I also love how TTT provides a variety of concise and informative notes and worksheets. TTT would often give many worksheets just for a single question. For that one question, they would first give examples of the right answer followed by an array of practices to help students learn how to answer the question themselves and end off with even more practice to further fine-tune students’ answering techniques. TTT strives for nothing less than perfection and that is what I love about the centre. At TTT, I am always reassured that I am getting the very best quality English tuition I can have.
Hafsah, St Margaret
Prior to my enrollment at TTT, I consistently received grades of C6s in English and lacked a clear understanding of effective study strategies for the language. Through TTT’s meticulously crafted materials and lessons, I came to realise that English is indeed a subject that can be studied methodically.
The centre’s comprehensive resources, such as the Writer’s Craft notes and the detailed Paper 1 notes, equipped me with highly technical, step-by-step guidance. The dedicated teachers, notably Mr. Russell, consistently provided me with precise feedback, enabling me to discern specific areas for improvement promptly.
This experience was enlightening for me, as I had previously struggled to comprehend vague feedback in school, such as being told that my answers were not specific enough. The teachers at TTT played a pivotal role in helping me dissect and understand such feedback, leading to significant improvements in my English proficiency and subsequent improvement in my grades.
In summary, I express profound gratitude for the invaluable support provided by TTT’s teachers and resources. Without the guidance of TTT, achieving a B3 at the Prelims would have been an improbable feat for me.
Verlynn, Crescent Girls School
Having tuition at TTT has truly been a very memorable experience due to the passionate teachers, comprehensive notes, well-structured lessons and strong support system. I am happy that I improved from B4 to A2 for O level English. I would highly recommend anyone looking for English tuition to join TTT.
Jie Lynn, Juying Secondary
At TTT, the teachers are very patient and passionate about teaching their students. They are always able to make lessons fun and engaging. The teachers often willingly go the extra mile to aid us in our learning such that they would attend to our needs at any time of the day with detailed explanations of our long list of questions. Besides that, the materials provided are very detailed and give us a greater understanding of certain concepts that are only briefly explained in school. The numerous practices in class and the respective feedback given have allow us to have a more in-depth knowledge of question techniques and analysis of complicated essay question types.
Personally, I always struggled with oral practices due to a lack of confidence in reading aloud. However, Mr Russell was able to correct some of my errors and took the time to guide me through these mistakes. He allowed me to gain some confidence along the way after numerous consultation sessions. I am beyond thankful to Mr Russell for being so willing to help and guide me. Mr Russell has mentioned that I had sent him so many audio recording that he had to listen to them in his car while driving home. If this does not show the dedication Mr Russell has towards helping his students, I do not know what else will!
Mr Russell has helped me numerous times with English, which was one of my weakest subjects, and helped make lessons more interesting through his personal anecdotes. He was always patient during lessons and consultations and gave his students time to clear any misconceptions. Moreover, he was always concerned about the welfare of his students and ensured that his students were able to cope with school. Even though the centre provided assignments to do over the week, the assignments were manageable and did not add on to any stress from school.
I am very grateful to Mr Russell for his guidance as his teachings have enabled me to go from a B4 to an A1 at O level. This truly would not be possible without his help
Trixie, Kranji Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was consistently scoring Bs and struggled to figure out a way to break the ‘A’ barrier. Joining TTT allowed me to finally figure out what I lacked. At TTT, I received numerous summarised yet useful notes for all the components of the English paper. There were notes on argumentative writing, which included a rich vocabulary that helped to improve my language grade, as well as notes for ‘Unusual and Effective’ writing which helped my Paper 2 a lot.
At TTT, I was able to receive constant guidance from Mr Russell. He is a highly entertaining teacher, and he often uses a variety of highly emotive words to describe his vivid life experiences. This helped to make the classroom more vibrant. Besides that, he is also a very passionate teacher who seeks to ensure that all of us can reach our maximum potential and excel in English. He is also a very patient teacher. He always takes the time to guide and train us to attempt the various questions and papers through teaching us skills of annotations, the different question types as well as key points that we should take note of. Thanks to him, I managed to improve from a B3 to an A1 in the span of 1 year!
Throughout my time at TTT, my favourite lessons were those on the oral and communication package. We would carry out mock oral practice for roughly a month straight. No doubt, through this package, I was able to feel more confident during my oral exam and was able to score well for my spoken interaction as well as reading aloud.
My favorite set of notes are the summary notes as personally, I had been failing my summary before joining TTT and was not able to find the problem. After being given the notes and doing many practices, my language use for summary and my ability to pinpoint the correct points had improved tremendously. This allowed me to score 13/15 for my summary during my end of year examinations. All the credit for this accomplishment belongs to TTT, especially Mr Russell as he was the one who was able to spot my flaws in English and teach me exactly how to score as high as possible for English. I am beyond grateful for Mr Russell.
Overall, I feel very lucky to have been able to find out about TTT through a flyer and joining TTT. I also feel thankful towards the staff here in TTT for guiding me and helping me with their utmost effort! Thank you TTT for helping me to achieve an A1 for O level English
Natalie, Hua Yi Secondary
Before joining TTT, I didn’t know that there was a thinking process and structure to answering the comprehension questions. It was only until I started joining TTT that I was able to craft my answers for the comprehension questions better than before.
I would always look forward to lessons at TTT every week as Mr Russell makes every lesson very interesting and engaging! Mr Russell also ensures that the time spent in lessons is productive and we would take away some key learning points from every lesson.
I find myself using TTT’s notes more than my school’s notes as the notes created by the centre are very concise and contain all the information we need to know. This comes extremely handy when I am preparing for examinations as everything relevant to the examination is provided, making my revision much easier.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for making English lessons much more interesting than the English lessons in my school. I would also like to thank him for the time and effort that he has put in for his students and offering assistance whenever his students face doubts. Thanks to TTT, I managed to attain an A2 for English.
Sujoy, Commonwealth Secondary
TTT has provided me with a myriad of English notes and practices. With this wide array of support, I was able to learn to tackle the O’level syllabus with a systematic approach.
Mr Russell was a skillful tutor who taught me specific structures in order to capture the essence of a question in a way no other teacher had. Even outside classes, extra consultations were offered to us which helped me tremendously to clear my doubts.
As a result, I was able to achieve a 3 grade jump in about 3 terms! Once again, thank you Mr Russell for guiding me through the O-level examinations and making learning English fun.
Jonas, Saint Joseph Institution
Prior to joining TTT, I had only attained a B4 for my end of year exams in Secondary 1 which I was quite disappointed with. I believe I did not do well due to my lack of understanding and poor comprehension answering techniques. However, after joining TTT’s English tuition and being under the guidance of Mr Russell, I managed to attain an A2 for my end of year exams in Secondary 2. This great improvement in my English score in less than one year has never happened to me before! Thus, I must really thank TTT and Mr Russell for all their help.
Personally, I like how Mr Russell always tries to engage students in discussions by asking questions instead of just feeding answers to the students. These questions make us think and help us to understand the entire meaning of the comprehension.
Besides that, I find comprehension lessons extremely fruitful. Before we start on comprehension, Mr Russell would provide us with answering techniques which we could use to guide us while we were answering the questions. Mr Russell also taught us ways to identify the question types and the standard structure used to answer them. Through the many practices he has given me, I am now able to manage and understand most comprehensions and know the right answering technique for specific questions. This can be shown through the improvement in my English grades.
I doubt I would have been able to see such vast improvement in my English grades if not for TTT. Tuition at TTT is truly one of a kind!
Arielle, Kranji Secondary
Besides that, what really sets TTT apart from other tuition centres would be how dedicated the teachers and staff there are. My teacher was Mr Russell. Mr Russell is an extremely nice and helpful teacher. He will always go the extra mile to help me understand what is being taught during lessons. Even during busy exam periods, he would offer extra help after class, either physically or through online means such as WhatsApp or Zoom calls. He always wants the best for his students no matter the circumstances and would often prioritise students over himself. I believe it would be difficult to find someone as dedicated and committed as Mr Russell. Although he is strict in his marking, he often provides valuable and important feedback on how to improve my work.
Outside of that, TTT also has the best notes ever! They are highly comprehensive and cover all the components that are tested in exams. I tend to rely on TTT’s notes over my own school notes because of how good it is.
I truly have no regrets about joining TTT and would highly recommend joining TTT.
Andrea Tan, Unity Secondary
TTT has truly helped me to become much more motivated when studying English. Before joining TTT, I did not know how I could study English, and made little to no effort during my revision. I had attended lessons from other centre but they proved to have little to no help for me, and I started to believe the common misconception that English cannot be studied for, and that the only way we can improve is to read more books and to do more practice. However, after joining TTT, the lessons were very skill-based and focused. Although intense, learning at TTT was very fun and enjoyable, and I always went home with new skills and knowledge.
My teacher, Mr Russell, is brilliant and will always crack jokes in between the class to lighten the mood and to bring joy to learning, yet is very effective in teaching and ensuring that we learn and understand the skills and techniques taught. Being at TTT had not only improved my English skills and techniques, it had also motivated me to work harder myself. With just 3 months of lessons, I was able to experience a 3 grade jump and score an A1 for my O levels!
Furthermore, the materials provided by the centre are really comprehensive and progressive, which helps to effectively consolidate my learning and revision. Furthermore, consultations with TTT are available 24/7 – having this support system is extremely helpful as I am able to clear my doubts as soon as possible! TTT is not just a tuition centre to help me in my learning, but also a place where I am able to make new friends and to study in a conducive and homely environment. Now, I actually look forward to lessons rather than dread them! I would really recommend TTT to other students as it has not only helped me in my English, but has also helped me become a more focused, strategic student – which is something I have never experienced in any other tuition centre that I had attended before! Thank you TTT!
Summer, Jurong West Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I always faced one problem that many students faced. I was never able to pass my comprehension paper. I was really frustrated and my average results were 20/50. For my EOYs, I had only scored a C5. However, through the recommendation of my friend, I joined TTT and after just 3-4 months, I was able to improve my comprehension grades, and obtained a 31/50 during my prelims.
This was something that I’m very proud of, because most students usually fail the comprehension paper, and few would obtain marks above 30. These excellent results enabled me to achieve an overall grade of A2 for my prelims.
I love the lessons at TTT. Mr Russell simplifies the lessons so that we can better understand and absorb the content, and he customise his lessons to suit our needs. Mr Russell also explained every question type, their specific requirements, step by step techniques and formats to answer each question. I felt that it was important to write down the question type for each comprehension question and annotate the texts before doing, which helped me to track and understand the passage better.
In addition, TTT also provides a fun place for learning. The teacher is friendly, and he often creates a fun learning experience for all of us. I also found the group essay discussions to be useful, and students of different writing abilities were exposed to a wide range of different writing styles and ideas. These sessions also allowed us to bond with our other classmates and make lessons a more lively and less awkward experience.
The materials for oral that were compiled and given to us were very practical and included content and statistics that could be also used in our argumentative and discursive essay. Learning the formats for answering each oral question, as well as using the content from the content lectures made the entire O level oral examinations a more manageable affair!
I would like to thank Mr Russell for being very patient in his teachings and explanations, and also for marking and going through the different worksheets at an incredible speed.
Anush, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Thanks to TTT, I was able to score an A2 for my O level English paper!
I joined TTT at the start of secondary 4, and I was taught by Mr. Russell. Joining TTT has been a fantastic experience, because my grades improved tremendously. I find that Mr. Russell’s lessons are rather enjoyable and enlightening. His skills-based lessons helped me to understand the various skills that I can work on, so that I can make good progress in my English exams.
Mr Russell also replies to messages promptly, which helps a lot whenever I get stuck on questions or concepts back at home. Mr Russell also goes the extra mile to provide additional resources such as drill sets and also annotated model essays, which helped me to identify how I can make improvements in the various components. Thank you Mr. Russell and TTT!
Raghul, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Mr Russell is one of the kindest, most patient and encouraging teachers out there. I came to him in the second half of secondary 4 after getting ‘C5’ grade for the majority of my secondary school journey. He prepares his classes thoroughly by providing a wealth of information and resources such as revision notes as well as comprehension and essay practices each week.
Moreover, Mr Russell displayed much enthusiasm to teach me despite only joining his class 5 months before the O levels. I’m incredibly thankful to Mr Russell for allowing me to experience his thoughtful and caring teaching methods which are highly effective. He genuinely cares for each and every student who enters his class and will always go the extra mile for them. The Thought Tailor allows students to enjoy learning in an enriching and relaxing environment where all students are given the attention and help needed for them to grow and improve in their English language. He pushed my grades from a mere C5 in my mid-year exams to a B3 in the preliminary exams. This truly would not be possible without his help.
Pooja, CHIJ Saint Theresa's Convent
I absolutely love TTT. I experimented with many tuitions for English before joining TTT but was never able to find one that could cater to my weaknesses. In fact, most could not even pinpoint my weaknesses. However, the same cannot be said about TTT.
Mr Russell is a phenomenal teacher. He explains new techniques and content very concisely and comprehensively. He also gave us many personalized drills for compositions, situational writings and comprehension as well as offered free consultation sessions. Besides that, Mr Russell is very funny and entertaining. He often makes jokes in class to keep class lively. Most importantly, Mr Russell provided me with notes that completely changed my English grades.
My favourite lessons would have to be those where he gave us personalized drills on our paper 1. His approach to tackling paper 1 is very unique. We usually gathered into groups to discuss the essay question first before being tasked to write them individually. He also gave sample essays that were top-notch and had an amazing vocabulary that I could use in my essays which had undoubtedly helped improve my grades.
Despite having spent hours studying for the composition and situational writing component, I was never able to attain over 19/30. However, after I joined TTT, I soon achieved a 24/30 for my essay which is by far the highest I have accomplished. Learning at TTT was wonderful, thank yu!
Andrea, Unity Secondary
The master classes and drill sessions offered by TTT have really enhanced my learning experience and made me even more motivated and confident in my English. With all these additional enrichment and extra support lessons, I have gained additional understanding of the skills that I need to master and apply.
My teacher’s dedication and passion are truly his most outstanding and defining characteristics. The tremendous effort that Mr. Russell puts in to make sure that his students understand and have a fulfilling and thrilling experience at TTT is the reason why lessons are so enjoyable. His patience and understanding has certainly helped me in strengthening my English skills.
Furthermore, his lesson preparation and materials have really helped us to master certain specific techniques required for English. All the resources that he provides leaves no stone unturned in terms of the skill that the syllabus and curriculum requires a student to possess. His approach in offering notes, step-by-step worksheets and drill worksheets ensure that students really master all the question types and aspects of the English paper. This is what gives the students attending TTT an edge over others. Thanks to Mr Russell, I went from a B4 in my Sec 3 EOYs to a A1 for O Levels. I also clinched 2nd in my class for my school examinations!
I would like to thank my teacher for his dedication in delivering quality lessons and caring for his students. He not only serves as a mentor for all his students, but also as a figure of motivation in which he pushes his students to soar to greater heights. With their help, I have grown to be a more motivated student with a thirst to always improve and learn.I would recommend TTT for their excellent lesson plans and notes which has made learning a lot more efficient and useful. I would also recommend TTT for the excellent support that they offer students, be it in terms of academic or well-being.
Ariel, Juying Secondary
There are many things to like about TTT but the thing that I like most is how the curriculum makes English become a subject that I can study for easily. The notes given to students at the centre are really comprehensive and well-organised. Since English is such a broad subject, it can be hard for students like me to study each and every component thoroughly, but here at TTT, everything is categorised properly and there are notes and worksheets for every part of English, right down to the different comprehension question types.
These resources given to me are practically my lifeline when I am revising for English examinations because of how the notes are designed. It is not too lengthy but still manages to capture all the important things for students to take note which makes it easy to digest and revisit.
Among the many notes and other materials that I have received, the ones that I found to be the most useful would be the ones given during the intensive revision period prior to my O’s. I learnt a lot about using imagery and other different writing techniques from the descriptive bank notes that catered towards hybrids. Besides materials targeted towards Paper 1, there was a comprehensive package created for Paper 2 which touched on all the nuances that certain question types have and that really helped me with my revision for my O’s as it served as a reminder of the different things I should take note of.
Beyond the notes, the teachers and lesson plans are also an integral part of the experience. Mr Russell is a passionate teacher whose lessons are really engaging. He goes above and beyond for his students and tries his best to make extra time to consult them even with his busy schedule. I enjoy his lessons thoroughly because of how structured and focused it is. His lesson plans are designed to keep students on task and the different drill practices we did helped me learn to tackle different weaknesses I had when it comes to English. I remember the period before the O’s when many students were submitting their essays to him for feedback. Even though it was a hectic period for both the students and Mr Russell, the comments he left for my essays were insightful and helpful. All in all, he is a dedicated teacher who really has the heart for teaching and seeks to help his students to the best of his abilities!
Thanks to the support from TTT, I managed to get an A1 for O level Englis
Matthias Yam, Saint Joseph Institution
The Thought Tailor has been a wonderful place that facilitated my learning in the English language. Prior to joining TTT, I did not know that I could actually study for the English Language examinations. However, things changed when I joined TTT. Thanks to TTT, in just 6 months, I was able to improve from a B4 in my school examinations to an A2 for my O levels!
At TTT, the teachers have a highly concise and intricate teaching style that allows students to tackle different categories and styles of questions. Mr Russell has also been of great help in my learning journey. He has taught me many skills and techniques for essay writing and comprehension which were useful and easy to implement. I enjoyed the hybrid writing lessons, and learnt numerous skills that I did not learn in school. Mr Russell also often tells numerous jokes and personal stories that helped to make the lessons interesting and fun.
Mr. Russell is not only a good teacher, but also a good mentor. He has encouraged me to expand my horizons beyond just what is taught in school. He has taught me important values as well as the different strategies that I could include in my study plans and habits. Thank you.
Nitesh, Geylang Methodist Secondary
Mr Russell was my teacher in Secondary One. I always thoroughly enjoyed his lessons because of how structured they were. Mr Russell would come into class with a particular objective, such as teaching us a certain comprehension skill or how to tackle a particular essay type, and he would always make sure that we left class fully understanding what he has taught. When I found out that Mr Russell had opened his own tuition centre, I almost instantly decided that I had to join.
Lessons with TTT were always interesting. I remember myself looking forward to the next lesson each time it ends. This is because of how Mr Russell always puts in the effort to lighten the mood. During class, he would often crack a couple of jokes and share some of his personal experiences. I really appreciate him doing this as it made lessons so much more enjoyable. Besides how Mr Russell is able to make class fun, he is also very approachable. Whenever I reached out to him with questions, he would seek to clear all my doubts as best as he could to help me improve. In general, the TTT staff are all very encouraging as well.
With Mr Russell’s help, I achieved an ‘A1’ at the end of year exam. I am grateful to him for all that he has done to push me beyond the limits and help me strive for perfection. Mr Russell is arguably one of the best teachers ever!
Abir, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Since young, I have always struggled with passing English, and felt that it was not possible to study for it. I attended tuition at other tuition centres, but felt that they did not really care about me and my studies, and all we did was just do practices after practices in an aimless manner.
However, after joining TTT, I realised that I could actually study English and there were many skills and techniques that I never knew existed. I love the interesting skills-based lessons, and I felt that Mr. Russell was one of the most unique teachers I have ever had. His teaching processes are very interesting, unique and highly effective. He never fails to create a lively experience, which helps make tuition lessons after school something to look forward to rather than dread! The comprehension drills and skills notes were also easy to follow, and the step by step approaches made learning more systematic.
This really helped me to focus and gave me some direction in terms of how to prepare for the English Language examinations. Eventually, I was able to jump from a D7 in my Sec4 WA1 to an A2 for my O Levels! Besides that, I am grateful for the extensive support provided, especially during the difficult period before O level. The teachers were very friendly and passionate and they always made available slots and opportunities for consultation sessions which helped me to clear my doubts, especially for the new components such as hybrid writing that were taught in secondary 4.
Andrew, Commonwealth Secondary
Hence I was admitted into the programme and it was nothing short of life-changing. Their notes and resources were one-of-a-kind as it consisted of various definitions, examples and practices for us to do. It was simple to understand and very concise and compact, making studying much easier.
Furthermore, Mr Russell did not hesitate to help me when I had enquiries and answered a lot of my problems. His teaching style is extremely easy to comprehend, and he makes his classes super lively and engaging through talking about real-world issues. Despite needing a few weeks to adapt to the change, I felt that The Thought Tailor has helped me drastically and I have them to thank for all their hard work. If not for them, I probably would not have received an A2 for O-level English!
Bhargavi, SST
Moreover, the learning here is guided by numerous brilliant teachers who possess a very vast knowledge of the types of questions we may expect in the examination. We are also encouraged to clarify any doubts we have with the teachers. Whenever we have any queries,we can have 1-to-1 consults where personal feedback is given to improve our performance in all of the examinations.
With the aid of the teachers and the valuable learning materials, I improved from consistently getting Bs to jumping in results and securing an A2 in my prelims, and eventually securing the A2 in my English O levels.
Shayne, Fairfield Methodist Secondary
I joined TTT in Secondary 1 and I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons taught by Mr. Russell. Mr Russell is a very dedicated teacher. He never fails to take the time to check in on us and to see how else he can help us improve. In class, Mr Russell has a very vibrant personality. He is able to keep the class environment very lively which I personally believe contributes to building a more conducive learning environment.
Mr. Russell has taught us many different techniques for both writing and comprehension that allowed me to quickly improve from a C5 to an A1 for my Sec 1 EOY. Essay wise, I managed to pick up many useful techniques especially in terms of writing personal recounts and also suspense writing. Mr. Russell shared many interesting stories and ideas that really provoked my thinking and it was an interesting experience trying to include them in my essay. He also taught me many useful comprehension skills that allowed me to answer comprehension questions in a more precise manner.
Mr Russell made sure to clearly explain the entire process of how exactly to use the skills he has taught us. He also offered a variety of practice drills to allow us to apply what we have learnt. The clear, concise and targeted manner Mr Russell teaches is what I believe sets TTT apart from other centres. Hence, I would strongly recommend TTT to all.
Kumar, Jurong Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I thought it was impossible to study for English and that there was no point in studying it as I would always perform badly in my exams. No matter how many books I read, I just ended up passing. No matter how many tuition centres I attended, I felt that they were all not well versed with the O Level syllabus or were not helping me in my exams.
However, Mr Russell proved me wrong and went through with me various techniques to improve my essay which I never knew before.
He always kept tracked of our progress and would give us comments to improve on our mistakes. The various drills for comprehension and oral were easy to follow and helped me make significant progress. His lessons are always engaging and I never dread coming to class! He would give us a list of vocabulary to make our essays stand out and this helped me to gain more marks.
This helped me as I knew how I can prepare for my exams and the teachers also provide immediate and accurate feedback compared to school. I was able to improve on my weak areas and I was no longer clueless on how I should improve. He even went through oral techniques and formats with me which I am incredibly grateful for as this was the first tuition centre for me that even had a proper structure for oral and has always come in handy for my exams.
Comparing my work now with work that I had done in the past, I can confidently say that the logic and language I use nowadays has truly improved leaps and bounds. I can also see this from how I have been scoring consistent As in school. I believe this is all thanks to Mr Russell and TTT. Thank you TTT!
Nicole, Zhenghua Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was told that the centre was run by an ex-MOE teacher and that students that were taught by him in schools all said that he was a very good teacher. When I joined TTT, students were all either scoring top in their cohort or major improvements had been shown. The materials provided by the centre are well consolidated and easy to understand. TTT covers all aspects of our English syllabus and gives us intensive revisions to prepare us before our exams. This helped me with my studies and since then, my spoken interaction skills and comprehension skills have improved greatly.
Han Jun, Kranji Secondary
I have always had trouble trying to get a passing grade for my English Language subject, and language based subjects are definitely not my key academic strengths. However, after joining TTT, I realised that my English Language grades were more stable now, and I no longer received a fail grade for any English Language tests. Rather, I have noticed steady improvement in my grades. In Secondary 1, I received a C6 for my EOY. I quickly progressed to a B3 in Secondary 2, followed by scoring consistent A1s now in Secondary 3.
One main reason for this is due to Mr. Russell. I first heard of him from my brother who used to be his student in school. My brother said that Mr. Russell is a legendary teacher, and the best teacher in his school, and he told me that I would never have any regrets joining this tuition. This was something that I realised as well, as compared to other centres, Mr Russell’s lessons are fun and engaging and I find it easy to pay attention in class. He sometimes jokes with the students but still teaches us in a way that allows us to remember information and skills easily. He would also often find new ways to improve my current English skills, as well as try to help each individual student to the best of his abilities.
The lesson materials provided at TTT were also very helpful and I really like the step by step approach that is implemented at the centre. The skills taught were definitely useful, and I feel that it is important to learn them as it helps me to tackle the comprehension and essay questions in a more effective manner. These are skills that are often tested in school, but are not taught beforehand by the school teachers.
In addition, I also like the practices that are given. Many of the practices given at the centre are focused drills that target a particular skill, and this approach is extremely useful as it forces us to focus on improving one target area. I also like the fact that the practices are much more challenging than the practices given in school. This makes the school tests and examinations more manageable, since the questions given are less challenging than the ones used at TTT.
I want to thank Mr. Russell and TTT for the amazing support that they have provided. Thank you.
Wai Yee, Nan Hua High School
TTT provides an array of comprehensive notes for the oral, composition and comprehension examinations. The notes help us spot the common question types for each component and provide us with specific techniques on how to tackle them as well as make our work more extraordinary. TTT also gives us many practises to ensure that we are well prepared for the examinations. These practices were especially helpful to me as they helped me pinpoint the areas I should focus on before Os. Doing well on the practices also gave me the confidence I needed to handle the O levels.
Moreover, before the O levels, TTT even provided additional classes to target our weaker components. They provided as much guidance as we needed during any possible free time they had. The teachers in TTT are truly very encouraging and also very determined to push their students towards getting an A. I would especially like to thank Mr Russell for being so dedicated and passionate. Outside of his desire for us to do well, Mr Russell is also a very engaging teacher which makes his lessons very interesting. Also, in class, he always makes sure to highlight the key points in the materials prepared for us in order to make lessons more impactful.
Through my time at TTT, I have seen remarkable improvement in my grades. They helped me jump from a C6 in my school exams to a B3 in my O levels. Beyond that, I have also developed a stronger love for the English language itself. Thank you TTT for the wonderful experience!
Aaron, Fuhua Secondary
My teacher is Mr. Russell and he is a superb tutor who has taught me many interesting skills and techniques that have helped me to do well in school. I first took up lessons with him in Secondary 2 when I was not doing well in English, often scoring Cs in school examinations. Within just two months, I noticed a visible improvement in my score. For my N levels, I was able to achieve an A2!
My interest in English has grown after taking tuition with Mr. Russell. In his classes, he is very clear about what he wants, and he would teach the skills using a simple step by step approach which was easy to follow and apply. The practices given were also slightly higher than my school’s standard, and it was structured in a clear and efficient manner that allowed me to practice the skills required for each comprehension and essay question type.
Especially since it was slightly higher than my school’s standard, it basically meant that I had no problems with my school examinations, and I would often achieve the top 3 places in the cohort for the English Language examinations. Mr. Russell is a fantastic teacher, and he is definitely the best English teacher that I have ever had. His notes were amazing, and really better than anything that I have ever received at Fuhua. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to do well for the English Language paper.
Sylvia, Bukit View Secondary
After attending Mr Russell’s classes, I have a better understanding of the answering techniques for comprehension as well as the different and advanced writing styles I should apply in my essays and situational writing.
The centre is very generous with giving us learning materials and it has helped me tremendously in my preparation for the O Levels.
Mr Russell always answers our questions readily and it is a joy to attend his classes. He is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher, always striving to help his students to improve.
I am very grateful for Mr Russell’s guidance as I managed to improve my grades and it was possible with the help of him.
Chantel, Unity Secondary
The past 2 years at TTT have certainly helped me to improve my English grades. I remembered I was struggling to do well for comprehension for a few years before joining TTT. One of the areas that I wanted to improve on was comprehension and my seniors recommended Mr. Russell, who was previously their teacher in school. Throughout the two years at TTT, I have learnt different question types (eg. inferential, quote and explain, etc.) and annotation strategies that we can use to secure better grades.
In addition, unlike many other centres which print notes and practices from assessment books for students, TTT teachers provide excellent notes and materials that are created by them. I find myself relying a lot on their notes, especially their content notes, which helped me develop better points and examples for my discursive and argumentative essays. This was something that most students struggle with, but it was not an issue for me! Thank you TTT!
I also love the fact that we are part of a kind and supportive TTT family. There are options to stay back for consultations if we have any doubts, and there are also mini tests conducted fortnightly to check our understanding of the skills covered.
Thanks to TTT, I was able to improve from a B4 grade to an A2 for O level English! I would really like to thank Mr. Russell for his passion and dedication to nurture us. I look forward to his engaging lessons and unique step by step teaching strategies, and I will continue to work harder to do well for English, which is now one of my favourite subjects!
Khai Xuen, Commonwealth Secondary
I first heard about TTT through a friend who had highly recommended this tuition. At first, I was slightly hesitant, however, when I attended lessons at TTT, I began to develop a deeper understanding on how to approach and answer the various components, such as formats and plans for essays, different comprehension question types, oral, etc. The lessons were extremely enriching and useful, and I always felt like I am learning something new and benefitting in every single lesson.
Furthermore, I like the fact that the lessons also help drill the important components with specifically targeted questions and worksheets. The teachers at TTT are extremely willing and dedicated. They would always encourage us to arrange free consultation after class so as to clear our doubts and queries, and would always answer with clarity. They would also observe every single student and identify what their strengths and weaknesses are, as well as give constructive feedback to help everyone improve through the intensive drilling sessions right before our O Levels. My teacher, Mr Russell, had really made the effort to tell us memorable and entertaining episodes and experiences related to a certain concept in order to create a greater impact for us to memorise information in an easier manner.
Mr Russell’s passion in the subject and his engaging lessons truly inspires us to work harder. His notes are very commendable, with no shortages of resources and notes given to us students – all of them extremely concise and useful. All the work and practices will be marked on time, with useful and constructive feedback given so that students can reflect and improve. His willingness to answer all our doubts and questions, as well as the fun and enriching lessons, are something that I am absolutely grateful and thankful for. I would definitely recommend TTT as it is so much better than any of the previous tuitions I have ever attended, as it really drills on the key notes, answering techniques, as well as helps build lots of interesting and fascinating content for students to discuss in their essay and oral. The amount of guidance and assistance readily available at the centre can truly help students get through their national examinations more easily. Within a year, I was able to go from a C6 to scoring A2 for my O Levels. Moreover, I even topped my cohort for comprehension in my Secondary 4 Preliminary Examinations.
Gong Wang, West Spring Secondary
I started attending lessons with Mr Russell in 2018. Before joining TTT, I was constantly either failing or barely passing English. It was my weakest subject and I did not know how to improve or which area to work on first. I tried various ways to improve and strengthen my EL, such as reading books, writing more essays, doing more practices and more. However, I barely improved and was repeatedly making the same mistakes. I was extremely demoralised and dreaded attending English lessons in school.
However, when I first started attending lessons with Mr Russell, I was immediately provided with a better understanding of the language. Mr Russell taught me the various answering techniques and strategies necessary to tackle English. I especially appreciated how he had categorised the different question types and components, and provided a step-by-step method to approach the question. It made it very easy for me to understand the various factors and components involved. It also made revision extremely simple and easy. Furthermore, the resources and materials provided are very comprehensive and in-depth.
With his unwavering guidance and support, I managed to clinch a B3 for my O Levels and get into Hwa Chong Institution for JC. I still attend lessons with Mr Russell for my GP and I strongly believe that he will be able to help me secure my A/B for GP for A levels!
Xavier, Kranji Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was constantly getting C6s for English throughout my sec 1 to 2 years. When I joined TTT, I received carefully crafted notes that taught strategies and tips that I have never learned in school. Mr Russell would then thoroughly explain the strategies mentioned in the notes in simpler terms so that I could easily understand.
Other than that, he also taught me how to effectively apply these strategies in an exam-based setting. This included strategies and skills for questions such as effective comparison, quote and explanation, inferential and in your own words questions, as well as essay skills such as argumentative writing and hybrid writing. This really made the process of writing essays and crafting answers for my paper 2 much easier.
With the help of my teachers, I feel that I have grown to become a much more confident writer, allowing me to jump from a B4 average in sec 2 to an A2 average in sec 3, and finally an A1 at the Sec 3 End of Year examination.
Wesley Tan, Fuhua Secondary School
Prior to joining TTT, I struggled to do well in English. I always viewed English as a subject that could not be studied, and put little to no effort to study for it. However, after joining TTT, I realised how wrong my mindset was. TTT taught me that English does in fact have structure and skills to be learnt and mastered that are required for one to score well in English. Thanks to that, I saw a quick improvement in my grades.
Besides that, what really sets TTT apart from other tuition centres would be how dedicated the teachers and staff there are. My teacher was Mr Russell. Mr Russell is an extremely nice and helpful teacher. He will always go the extra mile to help me understand what is being taught during lessons. Even during busy exam periods, he would offer extra help after class, either physically or through online means such as WhatsApp or Zoom calls. He always wants the best for his students no matter the circumstances and would often prioritise students over himself. I believe it would be difficult to find someone as dedicated and committed as Mr Russell. Although he is strict in his marking, he often provides valuable and important feedback on how to improve my work.
Outside of that, TTT also has the best notes ever! They are highly comprehensive and cover all the components that are tested in exams. I tend to rely on TTT’s notes over my own school notes because of how good it is.
I truly have no regrets about joining TTT and would highly recommend joining TTT.
Le Xuan, Juying Secondary
I have always looked forward to my lessons at TTT every week. The teachers never fail to make lessons both enriching and enjoyable all the time! With the family-like atmosphere and humorous yet knowledgeable teachers, there’s really never a dull moment at TTT! I used to find learning English extremely boring in the past but my interest in the English language has definitely grown after attending the classes at TTT. Learning at TTT was a fun and effective experience. The notes were comprehensive yet easy to understand and master, and the strategies that my teachers taught for each component really allowed me to secure an A1 grade at O level.
I would really like to thank all the teachers at TTT for their constant guidance and support even outside of class (e.g. whatsapp conversations, consultation sessions and written assignments) to make sure I fully understood what was taught. Without a doubt, TTT was the significant factor that helped me achieve a 5 grade jump in just 6 months so I hope you’ll give TTT a chance to do the same for you!!
Genevieve, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I had known Mr Russell as a teacher from my school. Despite that he had never taught me, I was well aware that he was a brilliant teacher. His students often claimed the top spot in our cohort for Best in English and his well structured notes were always shared among the classes and the highlight in my English lessons. I joined TTT with the intention to learn as much as I could from him and ever since then my essay skills have only been improving.
With TTT, I feel that lessons are not only really fun, but also very beneficial as well. Being at TTT did not just improve my English, it improved my learning attitude as a whole and seeing how passionate Mr Russell is in teaching the class makes me very motivated to study harder myself.
Furthermore, the materials provided by the centre are really comprehensive and are being constantly improved on which help me to consolidate my learning. At TTT, I am provided with resources that even my school did not have, notes that were curated by Mr Russell himself as well as practices and essay samples from Junior Colleges that were a boost for me as I practiced writing my essays.
Apart from the notes and materials given, Mr Russell goes the extra mile by offering extra assistance in marking essays that we would do in our own free time, as well as having extra oral consultations until we felt prepared. It is no doubt that TTT is a life changing tuition centre, and I highly recommend students who are either weak in English or simply to boost their English grades to come to TTT! Personally, I went from a B4 to scoring A1 for my O levels in just 3 months. At TTT, you can rest assured that your hard work will surely be paid off! True to it’s words – TTT is definitely more than a centre, better than school!
Hemanth, Greenridge Secondary
Stepping foot into this centre, my intentions were very clear that I wanted to get a better understanding of English and wanted to improve in it. Having many issues regarding this subject at that particular period of time, I had my uncertainties of doing well in this subject. However, coming to TTT may have been the best decision that I have ever made. At TTT, the lessons are highly objective oriented. What this means is that after every lesson, I can always be sure to have learnt something new.
Personally, I struggled a lot with essay writing. I did not understand why I could not score well despite the effort I put in. However, after a couple of lessons, especially those running through all the possible question types that could be tested as well as how to tackle them, my confidence to do well in essays increased signficiantly. Besides these lessons, I could also always count on Mr Russell to be there to clear my doubts. Mr Russell is probably the most passionate teacher I know. Not only is he enthusiastic about the subject, he is also extremely enthusiastic about helping us do better.
Both inside and outside of class, Mr Russell would always take the time to check in on us and see how we are doing, be it in academics and in our personal lives. I believe Mr Russell is like no other teacher just purely based on how he would willingly sacrifice his own personal time for us if need be. Outside of how helpful he is, Mr Russell also has a very strong understanding of the O levels English syllabus. Consequently, Mr Russell is very good at explaining new content and skills such that everyone is able to understand.
All in all, learning at TTT has been a very unforgettable experience. I am beyond grateful for all the guidance I have received from the extremely passionate and supportive teachers at TTT. Thanks to them, I was able to pull through and improve from a C5 to an A2 in this subject.
Daven, Unity Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I was struggling to do well for the EL paper, often barely managing to pass the subject. Being an analytical student, I thought that there was no structure to English and I almost gave up in frustration. That was before I joined TTT.
After joining TTT, I was able to achieve an A2 for my O Levels in spite of having still been scoring C6s in my school examinations at the start of Secondary 4.
TTT is very strategic in their methods of teaching their students, always maximising every lesson to ensure no time is wasted. TTT listens to the voices of students and constantly tries to make lessons better. TTT also creates a warmth and welcoming environment like a family.
The lessons at TTT have taught me that there are structures and strategies in English. I also learnt that if we put in the hours to remember the skills and answering techniques and to commit to practice the skills by doing the selected English practice papers curated by the centre, my results will reflect my effort.
Mr Russell is always accepting of students who want to go the extra mile, and he is willing to put in the extra hours for his students. His love for his students is clear as he works harder than most teachers I know, to give only the best to his students. His passion for teaching is clear as he never fails to make class engaging and fun, while still conveying the main gist of the lessons. His drive to want the best for his students only motivates me to try even harder.
I also enjoy reading Mr. Russell’s notes, which are very clear, with no redundant information. I find myself using his notes more than the notes I receive in school. His materials are very strategic, to help the students focus on what is relevant and important.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for the tremendous amount of effort and sacrifices he has put in for his students. Thank you for never pushing a student away when he or she needs help. Thank you for marking my extra work, even when you are busy.
TTT is a tuition centre that is sure to pull your grade up. It is a tuition that I enjoy going to.
Gong Bo, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Previously, I always had difficulties passing my English Language subject and I often found myself not knowing how to answer the questions appropriately in order to score. However, this is no longer an issue. After attending lessons with Mr Russell for about a year now, I manage to improve and learn the correct skills and techniques needed in order to achieve a distinction for English Language. Mr Russell is very good, with a unique yet effective way of teaching. His lessons are always very engaging and interesting, and I soon found English Language to be one of my best subjects!
This is, of course, a result of the lessons and excellent guidance provided by Mr. Russell! One thing that I truly appreciate about his lessons is his notes. Mr Russell provides a very comprehensive and clear set of notes for every question type that would appear during O Levels. This makes studying much easier, and revision to be as simple as possible.
Thanks to his clear lessons and comprehensive notes, I was able to learn the proper techniques and strategies used and managed to score an A1 for my hybrid essay!
Mr Russell is also very good at identifying student’s strengths and limitations, and he knows exactly what one can do to improve in a particular area. This really helped me to understand my weaknesses and what I could do to work on it so as to achieve the best possible grade for O levels. Without Mr Russell’s guidance and support, I would never have been able to go from a C6 in my WA1 to an A1 for my WA2!
Madhu, School of Science and Technology
Before joining TTT, I found myself with very little motivation and interest in English as I was scoring really badly. I did a lot of practice papers but it did not result in any tangible improvement. Hence I decided to take up tuition. About a month or two after I joined TTT, not only did I find myself improving academically, I also developed an interest and passion for English. Thanks to this passion, I was able to experience a 4 grade jump in just 5 months and score an A2 for my O levels.
Unlike other tuition centres, the teachers at TTT are very dedicated and hardworking, and they would create notes and stay back for consultations. Their passion and commitment definitely motivated me to work hard for my English grades. Through the different intensive programmes organised by the teachers before the national exams, I was able to catch up and also revise others skills and content I have missed at the beginning of the year. I learnt different strategies to manage all assessment components of the english paper, including how to improve my comprehension answers, high impact content for oral discussion, as well as the skills and content required for writing mixed genre essays. I would like to thank Mr Russell for guiding me and working very hard for us by creating notes, arranging consultation sessions and also motivating us and having faith in us. Thank you TTT!
Khaneesha, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is passionate in teaching TTT students. He helped me to realise the potential that I had to excel in English and the materials prepared proved to be extremely useful for my revision before my O levels. The notes were highly detailed and informative, with various real-life examples that I could use in various essays. TTT also provided us with a multitude of drills and practice questions for various skills and techniques in comprehension such as Unusual & Effective which were not taught in school or anywhere else. These practices helped improve the way I answered the questions in English Paper 2, an area which I found to be particularly challenging for me to score. Furthermore, the teachers were always more than willing to clarify any doubts that I had regarding the skills and content that I learnt, and always encouraged me to ask more questions so I could improve.
Even now that I have moved on to poly, the notes have helped me in numerous ways for my writing assignments. The facts and statistics included in the notes, as well as the extensive list of vocabulary words have improved the way I present my information in my projects and presentations.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for all his guidance and support. Thanks to him, not only did I secure my A1 for O level and top my cohort for English, I also won the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.
Lin Yue, Nan Hua High School
The Thought Tailor offers a wide range of lessons to help me build my foundation in English. The centre not only teaches me exam skills and techniques, but also guides me through drilling practices closely to ensure I am confident in answering the questions. I also like how the lessons covered a wide range of skills and content, which helped me to feel more prepared. This included descriptive writing skills, and I was happy that I had a template to help me plan and write a creative and impactful essay.
At TTT, Mr Russell and his team have put in so much effort to enhance my learning experience. The notes are consolidated concisely and are extremely useful for my revisions. They also adapt to changes flexibly and would organise Zoom lessons occasionally to ensure different modes of learning. In preparation of the oral examination, the centre would organise oral stations to stimulate the real oral process. In this oral stimulation, I got to practice all the oral sections with different teachers, and gather different comments to improve my speaking. This was something that we do not usually get to do in school, so the practices and drills provided by the centre was extremely helpful.
Mr Russell and his assistants also guided me through different oral topics so that I know more about them and are able to develop points swiftly. That was my most memorable learning experience at TTT.
Jerun, Swiss Cottage Secondary
My experience with TTT has been truly rewarding. The materials provided are very detailed and structured to provide deeper understanding of the skills required for each component of the paper.
In terms of Paper 1, TTT provide a break down of the different essay types and the skills needed to do well in the different essays. The teachers provide sample essays which help students to gain a greater insight on how to approach and write an essay effectively.
For paper 2, TTT covers various questions types with proper technique and framework to address each type of question. This enables me to make improvements in the question types that I am weak in, allowing me to gain better results.
I also really enjoy lessons at TTT. Mr Russell is extremely patient and nurturing, and has a good sense of my strengths and weaknesses. He is always positive and passionate, which helps to create a comfortable and friendly learning environment. He is always willing to go the extra mile to stay back with students to have consultations and clear their doubts. Since lessons are tailored according to students’ needs, it has enabled me to focus and work on my weaker areas. This helped me to improve at least 3 grades in Sec 4. Thank you TTT!
Alastair, New Town Secondary
Learning at TTT was a very fruitful experience. Every lesson, Mr Russell would make sure that we have learnt something new such as how to tackle a particular essay question type or how to phrase our comprehension answers to hit all the question requirements. Mr Russell also gave us numerous drill practises and worksheets to help us sharpen our skills and ensure that we are able to apply what we have learnt. After just a few months at TTT, I was able to improve to an A2 for English. My paper 2 grades, in particular, improved tremendously. I would attribute this almost entirely to having joined TTT.
Mr Russell is a very capable teacher. After just a few consults with him, he was able to accurately pinpoint my weaknesses and teach me exactly how to score better. He helped me to improve not only my writing skills but also my learning techniques. He essentially taught me how to study better which helped me to pull up my grades not just in English but all my other subjects too. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Russell for his constant guidance and support. I would not be where I am today if not for him.
I would highly recommend TTT to any student looking for a worthwhile English tuition experience!
Wesley Moo, Unity Secondary
Who once used to be unfamiliar with the term “studying for English”, I walked out of TTT with a whole new impression of the subject.
Mr Russell provides clear, concise and compact notes, which feeds one with more than enough information for them to tackle the examinations. For instance, I recall being in a frenzy for the oral exam. However, the notes that he provided us allowed me to improve my knowledge of different genres such as technology, youths, sports, and the list goes on! The ample amount of practice Mr Russell provided alongside the help of the other TTT staff helped me build confidence in myself just a week before walking into the exam hall.
Furthermore, Mr Russell has taught us a plethora of techniques to answer our comprehension questions, which has assisted me in having more clarity in my answers. I remembered myself barely passing comprehension back in my Secondary 3 exams, but I found my grades improving steadily under his guidance.
Mr Russell also taught us methods for our essays to stand out from the rest, at the same time providing us with a lot of information through his notes to make our essays juicier.
I’m very grateful to Mr Russell for not only going out of his way to answer our queries, but also for critiquing our essays and providing us with ways to take it up a notch
Thanks to TTT, I managed to improve from a B4 to an A2. I also managed to get an A2 for O level English. TTT is a place I recommend to everyone who wants to ace their English O’s !
Xan Eu, Juying Secondary
Much to my parent’s dismay, before joining TTT, I frequently struggled with English as a subject. I am an extraordinary and talented speaker, and had a flair for writing, but I could never seem to translate it well on to paper. However, that changed upon joining TTT. I began learning the skills required to score for English, especially the different methods and approaches in which my school did not make apparent to me, which helped me understand how simple and easy it is to answer specific questions. Within just 3 months, I was able to go from a B4 to an A1.
TTT stands out from other centres as I found it to be the only centre which gave their students comprehensive and thorough lessons on the relevant and apt English skills, and provided the drills to boot. The lessons taught here finally made me understand that answering and scoring in English is not some innate ability that only certain people have, but instead is a set of skills that can be practiced just like maths or science, which really allowed me to be more motivated to improve my English.
Mr Russell is an outstanding teacher, and the best I have had in my entire life of being a student. He is abundantly hardworking and constantly tries his best to pump out the best materials for his students. He is strategic and analytical, and he knows our weaknesses and exactly how to help us tackle it. Most importantly, he is extremely encouraging and portrays faith and confidence in his students, pushing them to their limits and bringing the best out of them as a direct result. Not to mention, he is entertaining and makes lessons interesting from his stories, experiences and banter.
I would recommend TTT as I am certain that you will never find centres as high of a quality as TTT. No other centres’ teachers would put in as much effort, go to great lengths to help their students succeed. The lessons are comprehensive in every aspect of the subject and you will have no regrets joining. Guaranteed!
Mihika, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Mr Russell has very extensive and detailed notes. The notes explain concepts in a step by step manner which makes even the trickiest concepts easy to digest. The notes also usually have summaries which are very helpful to use for consolidation before exams.
Mr Russell also gives us a vast number of practice papers to attempt. Each paper he gives us has a different learning outcome. These practice papers expose us to a number of different question types and allow us to practice our skills.
Mr Russell himself is very vibrant and passionate. This makes classes very enjoyable as I can practically feel the positive energy radiating off Mr Russell. Classes are also highly interactive.
Mr Russell often poses questions to us to help us provoke our thinking. We also frequently do group work which allows us to throw around ideas with other people and learn new things. When Mr Russell teaches, there is not a single boring moment in class!
I believe that I have only been able to score A in English due to Mr Russell’s consistent guidance. Thus, I would definitely recommend joining TTT.
Jia Syn, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is an extremely patient teacher and he is one who continually spurs his students on to push harder in order to reach their fullest potential. He is also very passionate about teaching and I have gained much insights in his lessons alongside learning my English syllabus. He had helped me improve on my oratorical skills by providing multiple oral sessions before the exams, catering to the different needs of his students.
In addition, his comprehension notes had played a great part in the improvement of my English grade. Because of his lessons, I was able to easily identify each and every comprehension question type and that had made understanding texts easier. I have also learnt how to tackle one of the trickiest and hardest comprehension questions and also how to present my answers accurately to secure maximum marks. On top of that, Mr. Russell and his assistants are really helpful as they come up to you personally to explain your mistakes and guide you through the corrections.
In the 2021 O level, I managed to get an A2 for my English paper. I want to thank Mr Russell, for his utmost patience and guidance. My 2 years of learning have been enjoyable and fruitful.
Troyan, Fuhua Secondary
There are many things I like about The Thought Tailor centre. To start, I like that lessons are extremely interesting and fun. The teacher, Mr Russell, likes to lighten the mood for studies and would always have an encouraging tone during lessons. As a teacher, he easily makes students enjoy his lesson and also answer many open questions from students. He would often joke around but when it comes to studies, he would be serious and would always try to find ways to make his students understand.
My favourite lessons were those where he went through comprehension and taught us techniques to tackle it. He made it much easier for me to understand the question requirements of the component as well as helped me achieve significant improvements.
After Mr Russell’s lessons, I found that comprehension was where I could try to score the most marks as I now understood how to confront each question type. My favourite set of materials in The Thought Tailor would be the inferential drills. This is because it is a worksheet where I can try to answer and if I get it wrong, I can learn from my mistakes. Other than that, it would be the notes as when I would get confused, I can infer from the notes. I had a lot of fun learning at TTT, and thanks to TTT, I managed to obtain an A2 grade in my recent exams!
Dreena, Kranji Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I found myself having a lot of trouble with compositions and reading comprehensions. Consequently, my brother introduced me to TTT and asked me to give it a try. At first, I was slightly skeptical as I doubted the effectiveness of English tuition. However, soon after joining TTT, I saw my grades improve and I no longer doubted my brother’s words. My teacher, Mr Russell, is one of the best teachers I have ever had. Mr Russell is extremely passionate about teaching. Not only is he hardworking, Mr Russell also always tries his best to give his students the best tips.
I love how Mr Russell is able to accurately pinpoint his student’s weaknesses and seeks to help tackle them as best as he can. Mr Russell is also very encouraging and has a lot of confidence in us. He constantly pushes us to go further and hopes to bring out the best in us. Till date, I have yet to see Mr Russell give up on any of his students.
Additionally, the notes Mr Russell has given us are all crystal clear and do not have any unnecessary information. I personally found myself referring to his notes more that the notes that my school gave. Not only that, he also tries to make his lessons interesting by sharing his personal experiences and stories. He would even purposely give examples based on our interests in order to make complex concepts easier to comprehend and digest. All these help make lessons highly entertaining and interesting.
Zi Ming, Juying Secondary
TTT has changed my perception of English as a subject. English is a subject that the majority of students would believe that you do not need to study for, I used to be one of those students. However, I would often struggle in planning my essays and answering comprehension questions. That was until Mr Russell took over my English class during Secondary Two. He introduced many strategies and techniques to tackle the English papers which eased the trouble of not being able to answer the different papers. The techniques really helped me to improve, which was reflected in my results. Seeing the significant improvement I have made with the help of Mr Russell, I decided to join TTT to give myself an edge over my cohort mates for O Levels.
At TTT, the lessons there are not your typical mundane English lessons at school. The lessons at TTT are the ones that are the most fun yet fruitful as Mr Russell would occasionally make jokes to lighten up the mood or include interesting pictures in the notes.
He would also often link some topics that are discussed during lessons to current affairs which I find really engaging. Furthermore, the notes and materials provided by TTT are so much more resourceful than school notes and it helps me to recap formats and techniques while studying for examinations.
Last but not least, Mr Russell is a superb teacher who has a burning passion for teaching. He would ensure that his notes are flawless and informative. Outside of the centre, Mr Russell is a teacher who is also very nice and friendly. Thanks to TTT, I managed to get an A2 for my O level.
Chia Sim, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is an outstanding teacher as he always puts in a lot of effort into his lessons, which stems from his strong passion in teaching English and GP and helping students improve. When I first joined TTT, I did not know all the question types for comprehension questions, nor did I know that there was even a recommended step by step approach for various comprehension question types. Paper 2 comprehension has always been my biggest weakness and I am glad that TTT could help me tackle it.
Not only did Mr. Russell cover the various question types tested, he also provided many useful worksheets that aided in me in applying the concepts I’ve learnt. He was especially selective in printing out practises for us because he focuses on targeting specific skills at a time so as to ensure that we will not be overwhelmed by too many concepts. This has made learning very fun and engaging. Aside from going through the answer sheet, he would also go into detailed explanations on questions which required more attention. This targeted learning approach has proven to be very useful.
When I was taught more complex things beyond my syllabus such as a 3-point argumentative essay at TTT, I began to be intrigued about the concepts and would usually search it up during my free time outside school and lessons. These concepts encouraged me to pick up new knowledge and broadened my horizons. I still remember learning about Speech Writing (SW) last year from Mr Russell, who had shown us through videos the eloquent way that Severn Suzuki and Oprah Winfrey gave their speeches to help us gain a better idea of the many kinds of persuasive techniques that we could include in our Speech writing. When teaching oral, he also sought to teach us more unique content to enable us to have an edge over other students. I remember him discussing interesting sports like SUP Yoga and Bossaball. Additionally, he also described to us his personal experience at various commercial gyms to aid us in our elaboration during our spoken interactions for Oral, making the lesson more engaging.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for always having high expectations of me because these expectations really pushed me to work harder. Other teachers may give up on their students easily, but Mr Russell is not like them. I’m extremely thankful that Mr Russell has never given up on me. TTT also stands out from other centres because it allows students to consult their teachers on Whatsapp anytime. Arrangements for Zoom consultations are possible as well, without any additional charges. This goes to show that the teachers there are truly concerned with and dedicated to helping their students improve. I would recommend TTT to others because it is very affordable. Taking into consideration all of its strategic notes and resources provided, I firmly believe that the lessons there are worth it. If not for TTT, I believe it would have been extremely difficult for me to not only top my class in English but also achieve an A2 for my O levels.
Germaine, Chung Cheng High
English has never been my forte. In fact, it was one of my worst subjects in school. I was constantly failing my examinations, and at best, I could only achieve a borderline pass. Like everyone else, I used to think that English was very boring and dry, and it is a subject that cannot be studied for. As a result, I was under a huge amount of stress and burden as I was afraid that without a passing grade in my English, I would not be able to be promoted to the next academic level. Yet, I still had no clue on how I could improve with guaranteed results.
Fortunately, I was recommended by my cousin, who was studying at TTT for GP. Though I was hesitant, I decided to join in fear that I would not pass my EL in O Levels. After attending lessons at TTT, I realised that there were actually a number of things that I could actually study for, and that the subject can be approached and practiced with the correct methods and techniques. Through my lessons with Mr Russell, I realised that EL could actually be fun and engaging, and I was able to learn a lot of the different answering strategies and skills needed to score, which were never taught by my teachers in school!
Moreover, Mr Russell utilises a step-by-step approach to teach us in answering every component in English, especially for the various types of comprehension questions. The lessons at TTT were clear and structured, and there was a lot of emphasis and focus on the skills and methods taught. Each lesson was paired with a clear objective and Mr Russell was always very clear and in-depth when teaching. The lessons were also very engaging with lots of laughter and joy, yet it was very impactful and informative. The notes and materials provided were concise, perfect for learning new and unfamiliar techniques, and were extremely helpful for any last minute revisions before the examination.
Being a very quiet and shy person, I appreciate the fact that TTT also provides 1 to 1 consultations with the teachers to allow students to have a better understanding of their mistakes and weaknesses. The teacher focuses on each and every single individual in class, and would often identify our strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to understand which area we should be focusing on more and exactly how we can work on it, as well as allow us to clarify any doubts we may have previously.
Furthermore, he has specialised and arranged targeted skill-based drill sessions for us to have more practises on the techniques taught, where we can identify our common mistakes and correct them directly. After getting my hands on the notes, along with the help I had received during the drill sessions, I was able to see significant improvements in my understanding and application for EL. I was truly impressed when I saw significant improvements in my comprehension results, where I had improved from miserable single-digit fails to consistent, higher passes in just a short period of time! I genuinely doubt that I would have been able to go from scoring F9s to achieving a B3 in my O levels without TTT.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for being very patient and understanding with me. He had always guided me through all my mistakes and provided me with the apt notes needed when he realised that I was lacking the skills in a specific area. For example, he had provided me with a large vocabulary list when he realised that I had limited vocabulary in my essays. He also constantly provides the best for his students despite always being sleep-deprived and tired after marking our work. Our intensive drill sessions were basically held every day, and Mr Russell had to work tirelessly through the entire period. Yet, we have never heard him complain and he was more than willing to help all of us through the tough and stressful periods leading to our O Levels so that we can perform to our fullest potential without any regrets. He constantly encouraged us and provided us with all the needed motivation we needed.
TTT is truly more than a centre, better than a school. The centre always feels very homely and warm, and I look forward to attending lessons every week.
Travis, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell has a very fun and intriguing way of teaching his students and he makes his lessons interesting and engaging. His cheerfulness and dedication towards his students have truly made a lasting impression on me. I do enjoy parts of his lessons where he shares some inside jokes with the class but more importantly are the times when he can clear our doubts with clear and precise answers.
My learning has improved tremendously after I started with Mr Russell partially due to the superior notes that he provided and also because of his clear and concise teaching method.
I felt that the lessons at TTT were also very beneficial and by attending his lessons, I learnt how to score for my examinations. I was able to improve by two grades from a B4 at MYE to an A2 at O Levels in just three months!
I would like to thank Mr Russell for making learning fun and interesting again and being the light that guided my friends and I through the dark tunnel that is the GCE English O-Level examinations. I would recommend Mr Russell to other students mainly due to his superior teaching style that is very unique and efficient.
Min Qi, Clementi Town Secondary
I find classes in TTT organised, engaging and fun. Mr Russell’s teaching made me realise that it is possible to study and prepare for English examinations. More than that, lessons at TTT have really served to stretch my capabilities. With Mr Russell’s enthusiasm for his students to excel, I have seen improvements little by little, step by step. In addition to the quality education, the tuition fees are also very reasonably priced.
Compared to my school, TTT’s notes are much more concise, organised and easy to understand. The step by step methods he has in the notes allows me to grasp the technique needed to excel in the various parts of the English examination. Furthermore, he goes the extra mile to help us outside the curriculum time with English assignments or when we are in doubt about certain topics.
For paper 1, TTT’s notes have equipped me with various formats and ways I can start my essay and taught me how to use vocabulary of a higher level. It has significantly enhanced the quality of my essays as compared to before I had joined TTT. Moreover, through Mr Russell’s teaching, I have realised the importance of being specific in the way I answer and link my answers to the question in paper 2. I really appreciate Mr Russell for all of his guidance.
Jun Kiat, Juying Secondary
I had an extremely enjoyable time at TTT. The lessons taught were very in-depth, covering many things such as techniques that were not covered in school. Moreover, we were given detailed notes filled with elaborate examples that were carefully crafted by the teachers which allowed us to clearly visualise what the teachers were teaching. In particular, the oral notes and the practical oral lessons provided by the centre really helped me a lot for oral, a component that I struggled with. This is because the practical lessons provided an avenue for us to practice our oratorical skills under exam conditions while also helping to strengthen our content building skills.
Apart from all that, Mr Russell was also a very kind teacher who was attentive to his students needs and cared deeply for his students. He was extremely passionate in teaching and made the lessons enjoyable with his humorous jokes. Mr Russell was also very willing to offer extra help, be it through additional 1 to 1 consultations or through whatsapp.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the lessons conducted by Mr Russell and the learning environment at The Thought Tailor. I believe it would have been otherwise very difficult for me to have scored an A2 for my O levels.
Seth, Maris Stella
When entering my secondary school years, I was continuously hampered by the challenges the English subject posed to me, which repeatedly kept me from achieving a satisfactory score in my examinations. All these stopped when I went to The Thought Tailor.
They provided me notes that were easy to digest, it also gave me better conceptual understanding of the different components in english test. I also really liked the attentiveness and patience the teachers gave to each student, which allowed me to be able to work on my own shortcomings in the English language. I am especially appreciative of Mr Russell who guided me throughout my time in there, he punctuated the class with many insightful tips that were very helpful during my exams.
Through the help of the teachers, I was able to put a halt to my failing streak for the Summary section and score an 11/15 in that very section. I can proudly say that The Thought Tailor is an indispensable part of my journey in English literacy, and has helped me through leaps and bounds!
Yun Yun, Kranji Secondary
There are two big things I love about TTT.
Firstly, I love that their notes are very comprehensive. I really love the notes, especially the O level revision notes. Why I say the notes are comprehensive is because the notes really enabled me to understand how to properly answer the different question types in paper 1&2. The sample essays are written by other students and teachers in TTT. Whenever I was revising/ reading the essays, I would annotate and find out the meaning of certain words I wasn’t sure of. After reading the model essays, I was inspired and motivated to improve and write better essays. And some may ask how these notes benefitted me? The notes helped me to apply the skills taught in TTT such as writer’s craft (Both in paper 1&2) in my O level examinations this year. I can fully assure you of this because after my English paper, I have never felt so happy and proud after completing an English paper as I knew that I had executed all the skills I have learnt well.
Secondly, I greatly appreciate the feedback given by teachers as they helped me to identify my areas for improvement. The worksheets used in class are targeted at a specific component tested in our English papers. This helped me quickly figure out which components I had to work on more. For essays, they would get us to write essay drafts and then submit them for marking. When marking, the teachers would give highly detailed comments to allow us to easily understand where we had to improve on.
After that, we would be tasked to do corrections which the teachers would look through again.
Besides that, Mr Russell is extremely good at explaining comprehension text and teaching us how to analyse the text well. Once he went through the O level text in the TYS, I better understood why some other schools gave different answers and why they were actually wrong. Till today, I still remember before our English O level Paper 2, he sent us a long message of paper 2 tips and reminded us of some important pointers so that we don’t make the same mistakes for our national examinations.
All my small successes in English were all thanks to Mr Russell and the teachers in TTT. I really appreciate the effort the teachers had put into making the notes, curating lessons and giving us feedback just to ensure we excel in our O levels. I did not have the chance to properly thank the teachers. Hence, I shall take this opportunity to thank them. Thank you!
Yu Wei, Unity Secondary
Previously, I was never one who would be motivated for English. I did not know how to study for it, how to prepare for it, and most importantly, how to score for it. I had the common misconception that English cannot be studied, and that scoring for English needed luck and flair.
Now, after lessons with Mr. Russell first in school, and then later at TTT (after he left MOE), I realised that it is actually possible to score well if we develop the correct techniques and strategies needed to answer the questions. I changed my entire approach when answering questions, and had been consistently changing my mindset to achieve a better attitude and outlook towards the subject. TTT has given me the adequate practices needed through consistent, targeted and effective drill worksheets, allowing me to identify my strengths and weaknesses easily. TTT has helped me to see the various possible methods or solutions to tackling a problem, and has allowed me to develop the appropriate thinking process to analyse and tackle the comprehension questions effectively. And thanks to the guidance of Mr. Russell, I have consistently maintained the top position in my class, as well as a top 3 position in the cohort in Secondary 2, 3 and 4. This is coming from someone who had been scoring C6s previously. I will also always remember how my classmates and I felt so much joy when we emerged and maintained our position as the top class for English in Secondary 2, with an MSG of 2.2 (average A2), far ahead of the other classes which had an average MSG of 3.6 (average B4). Even though he left our school, his ability to produce results and dominate student rankings in Unity remained the same, with TTT students claiming the top few spots in four out of five express classes in school. I also found out that nearly all of the students who obtained a distinction for the secondary 4 prelims also came from TTT. In my class, the top 3 students, myself included, all studied at TTT. Mr. Russell is definitely someone who can produce quality results!
Mr Russell is a very fun yet impressively effective teacher who is extremely passionate in helping us master our command of the language. For example, he often cracks jokes to make us smile while simultaneously teaching us the syllabus in a comprehensive yet efficient manner. His notes are extremely thorough and meticulously-written, and they have been especially helpful in helping us study for our English exams and to master the appropriate skills, which are not taught in schools. A salient example would be his essay notes. They have been particularly helpful for my revision for O levels as it helps me to gain more clarity of what a model essay should contain, and how I can work towards achieving a distinction for my own essay.
As someone who had never seen the value of tuition, and never believed in the effectiveness of external classes, TTT is truly a centre I will never regret joining. I learnt how to analyse the requirements of this subject differently, and to approach any kind of situation in various ways. Thank you Mr Russell for putting in so much work consistently, and for never losing your faith in us. You have truly motivated us to do better and to set higher expectations and goals for ourselves. I would strongly recommend everyone to join TTT as it is one of the best decisions I have made so far. I believe TTT is the best choice as all the types of approaches, skills, techniques and strategies are thoroughly covered and evaluated critically to provide the best for their students so that they are able to achieve a good score for their O Levels!
Xavier, Juying Secondary
Where should I begin with the amazing standards of learning at The Thought Tailor Centre?
Last year, when I received my end-of-year results for English, I felt rather disappointed. I was not disappointed at the fact that I merely got a B3/4, but rather disappointed at the fact that I was unable to achieve my greatest potential. Before getting my results for end-of-years, I tried to work really hard to address the problems that I have. All I ever got then were ambiguous and rather kurt suggestions, which still left me bewildered and nonplussed. Just imagine being in a situation where you have really worked so hard for something, only to realise all of these efforts are simply futile and pointless. It was bittersweet. When asked how to annotate a text for instance, the one thing that I prominently recall to this day was “Read the text again”. At that juncture, this main worry came to my mind: Can I do well for O Level English? Well no, judging at how progress was then. Fear of failing English had been instilled ever since I started Secondary School, but without effective capabilities to do well in school, has it ever been fair to keep fearing for my grades?
I decided that I had enough.
TTT has changed my life. The immeasurable impact that it had on my life cannot be expressed truly just by words. For one, lessons are so much more focused and efficient. In my school, the main barrier that had kept me from learning effectively was a rather convoluted and messy structure. During those English lessons, at one moment I could be doing comprehension exercises, and then abruptly continuing with editing assignments. And of course it was quite a mess during the oral preparations: Intermittent lessons scraping the surface, and English Content Lectures that were hard to dissect and seave out necessary information. By comparison, while lessons at TTT are quite intense sometimes, there seems to be a much clearer direction towards things. This is essential especially if one is considering doing well in exams. But perhaps the more impactful feature would be the extensive preparation – loads of focused drill practices that cater precisely to the main problems that I had. In my school, another major barrier would be the fact that there is little to no micro process writing, in which paragraphs are written rather than full essays to analyse at a micro level. The TTT programme is full of this, and my essays have considerably improved in terms of language and content generation. This is all the more made even more efficient in the many group exercises and is certainly not seen on such a regular basis in school! Some of the highlights of the programme that I attended would include oral content lectures, in which meticulously researched, concise and thought out content were provided to enable us to tackle spoken interaction with ease, and the recent SVOCA (Editing) masterclass. Where else would you find such a centre that actually provides concise and precise strategies for editing, and even a whole content bank filled to the brim with high-impact and easy to apply information?
I feel that the main conundrum in school is that teachers often lack enough time for adequate preparation, and this could compromise the support given to students. In TTT, this is rarely the case. Perhaps the next reason why TTT is the desired place to learn English would be its unwavering support system. I vividly recall this period of time where TTT dedicated two whole months for oral drilling practice to leave no stones unturned – the vibrant cacophony of my peers drilling their reading passages and spoken interaction, juxtaposed against the clear focused criticisms from my teacher Mr Russell. Two people that I would like to bring up would be Mr Russell and Burdette.
I think that the most unique thing about Mr Russell is that he is the best of all worlds in ensuring high quality lessons, effective notes and personalised support. While anyone can simply come up with their own notes and brand it as the ultimate notes, Mr Russell not only embraces the mentality that there is always room for improvement, it is his compassion to be the best of himself for his students that makes coming for his lessons meaningful and enjoyable. On a personal level, he has inspired me to be the person I am today. He is the one who instilled meticulousness. He is the one who gave me hope that I can do well in English. He is the one who rekindled my love for the subject after a plethora of disappointments and unease. Some people may have concerns that one’s teachers are nonchalant, indifferent or even apathetic to students’ needs, especially if it comes to English, the most important subject. Your worries will certainly be alleviated here! Another key person to look out for would be Burdette. While a part-time staff member, she constantly seeks to liven up the atmosphere and be someone whom we could confide in in our times of need. She really makes TTT not just as a tuition centre, but also a support centre too!
And perhaps the most selling thing about TTT is the fact that it inculcates holistic learning. In my teenage years, I admit that I may not be the most sociable person around. However, it is the group projects that I embarked on that has really widened my social circle, and I’ve really made some wonderful friends throughout the year. This actually extended beyond the centre itself. In school, it is this programme that has made me and my peers from my school closer together. As a matter of fact, it has motivated me to form a study group where we under the same tutelage can share our ideas, help others out, and even crack jokes and humour to diffuse tension in our lives. At the end of the day, had I not joined TTT, I would perhaps be quite isolated. My experiences do not necessarily reflect those who join TTT in the subsequent future. However, I can assure you that whatever it is, you will learn some things more valuable than just merely preparing for a major exam or test.
Looking back to when I was just starting my upper secondary life. “What’s there to study for English? Nothing!” I used to tell my friends that, and I really grudge myself for this. English tests had been the bane of my existence before I attended TTT, and I looked upon it with dread and apprehension. Now, I really look forward to each test that I take, as an opportunity to apply whatever I have learnt to good use. Even though I may fail and not get the desired results I want at times, TTT always provides me the motivation to keep striving for excellence in English. TTT is more than just a tuition centre, more than a place to just learn English, and really much more than just a school! Do join the centre, because I assure you, I have put the persuasive techniques I’ve learnt to good use! (Hahaha)
Yan Liang, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is extremely passionate when he is teaching. He was very determined to help his students in every lesson I attended. He often pushes students so that we can realise our potential to excel in the subject, while at the same time cracking a few jokes and using stories to explain concepts and question types to make lessons more lively.
Through the few months of coaching I realised that the lessons have helped me tremendously. The materials prepared by him were no doubt useful for my revision before the O levels examinations. The notes were very informative and were compiled into a few pieces of paper for us to revise more easily. For example, the final lesson at the TTT centre was extremely helpful as Mr Russell revised all the necessary skills and provided notes covering all the step by step instructions for every possible comprehension question type.
I would like to thank him for constantly encouraging me and motivating me to become a better student, as well as to continuously strive for further success. I would also like to thank him for devoting so much time and effort into compiling notes which are very beneficial for my learning. Most importantly, I want to thank him for helping me to improve from a C5 in my mid-year examinations to an A2 for both my prelims and O level.
I will definitely recommend Mr Russell to my juniors and friends as I can see that he is very passionate about helping every one of us. He is also able to explain different skills really well and he gives good guided practices to help us apply them effectively. I am sure that with his help, more students will excel in the language. It was certainly a privilege for me to be able to attend his classes. Thank you.
Andrea, Juying Secondary
I have had a really enjoyable experience attending lessons at The Thought Tailor. Every lesson, we are provided with useful English notes carefully crafted by the teachers from The Thought Tailor. These notes equipped us with a myriad of tips and tricks which helped us achieve great results in English Language. Furthermore, the notes also include additional information to broaden our knowledge, aiding us in content building for essays.
The lesson approach was also very engaging and the teachers are very friendly and humorous, creating a comfortable atmosphere as we learn. Another feature that I love about the lessons is that we are allowed to work with our classmates most of the time to complete our assignments. Not only does this allow us to learn from each other through our different strengths and weaknesses, we also get to bond with our classmates at the same time.
Mr Russell is a teacher who has great passion for teaching English. His lessons are very informative and helpful, allowing us to learn a panoply of skills in those short two hours.
Every lesson was well thought out and presented in a clear manner which enables us to understand how to apply the skills taught during lesson time to excel in the different components of the English papers. He also constantly gives us constructive feedback on our work and performance to help us improve on areas we are weaker in.
All in all, I am very satisfied with the lessons conducted by Mr Russell and the learning environment at The Thought Tailor. I managed to get an A2 for O level English.
Vijay, Commonwealth Secondary
I used to be very bad at English, often scoring Ds for school examinations. This naturally resulted in me disliking the entire subject. However, after lessons at TTT, my whole perspective and attitude towards the subject totally changed due to the superior teaching strategy and amazing teaching techniques implemented by Mr Russell, which will surely make anyone (including students like me who used to hate the subject) like the subject. He ignited the passion within me to work hard for English which eventually helped me score an A2 for my Sec 4 Prelims.
At TTT, Mr. Russell understands all our struggles and problems, and he sees them as problems that can be tackled effectively, as long as we implement the right methods and strategy. Mr. Russell clearly demonstrates this by first discussing the steps and thinking skills required for each comprehension question type, before getting us to try a set of selected questions crafted by him. He would usually walk around in class and observe how we do these questions. He is extremely sharp and when we make mistakes or do not get the correct answers, he would usually check our steps and accurately identify our mistakes and misconceptions. This was extremely impressive, and certainly something that I have never encountered at Commonwealth Sec.
I also like the fact that the classes here are very well-structured, with something to learn and master in every lesson. This was not something that is common, as most of the time, the lessons in school or in other tuition centres are not structured properly, with no key learning point, besides just practices and more practices. All of the notes are also very amazing, and he often updates and improves them to ensure that his notes remain unrivalled.
Both factors listed above are rather radical, and they have changed the way I viewed this subject – previously from something that cannot be studied to something that I can actually study and craft an effective strategy to ensure improvements in my grade.
Mr. Russell is definitely the best English teacher and one of the best humans that I have ever come across. He is extremely dedicated to teaching which is one of the main reasons why all the lessons are extremely fun, structured and creative. His jokes are funny, and he often talks to us and connects with us in a way that makes him extremely approachable. Thank you Mr Russell for teaching me. I love the fact that you teach with an open mind, and I love your enthusiasm. Thank you for constantly helping me to strategize and plan for my studies and revision, and most of all, thank you for all the wonderful memories at the centre.
Nicole Tan, Unity Secondary
I joined TTT in September 2019 and attended the “Unusual and Effective” lesson as my first class. I left the class feeling shocked yet hopeful as I, like many other 15 year old Singaporeans, did not know I could “study for English” or even use a specific technique to answer certain question types. As a “B4” student, I was elated as I began on my TTT journey to clutch an “A1” for my O level.
TTT is truly more than a tuition centre. Apart from the bizarre stormtrooper standing at the reception area, the classrooms are conducive and always filled with joy as my teacher goes through the lesson. Speaking of my teacher, Mr Russell has shone a new light on the previous impression I had on tuition teachers. Tuition teachers to me were simply teachers that would teach and then promptly put an end to all interaction after the weekly 2 hours that we pay them for. Not only does Mr Russell text us to check up on our progress and answer all our questions but he also takes the time to give us interesting life advice such as guiding us on our post secondary school choices and even some of our own personal problems like mental health.
The teachers at TTT are proficient at teaching, coming up with the most detailed and powerful notes, and most importantly make tuition feel more like a second home and not just another burden to hold.
Personally, I usually do not fare as well in Paper 2 and would constantly only get borderline passes. Because of TTT, my grades went from a borderline pass to an “A” and during my recent preliminary examination, I was even top of the cohort for the Narrative Comprehension. In retrospect, I would not understand why people would second guess themselves about joining TTT. The environment, teachers, study materials, friendships made, and most importantly the grades that I achieved really speaks for the success of TTT. If I were you, I would be signing up now!
Alvina, Commonwealth Secondary
At The Thought Tailor, the classes are both engaging and well structured. Each class covers a part of composition or a part of comprehension. With each worksheet containing many questions to cover a certain question type, our answers are modelled to perfection. For each composition, many essays that have been written to perfection are given to us to review, and the best points of the essay are pointed out for us to learn from.
The teachers are also very engaging in class and ensure that all of us understand the material that they are teaching. If there is anything that we don’t understand, the teachers do not hesitate to render help through consultations or additional explanations, making the learning experience all the better.
Thanks to all of the help offered at The Thought Tailor, I managed to improve from a C5 all the way to the A2. Thank you TTT!
Pooja, Unity Secondary
TTT has played a tremendous role in my improvement for English, helping me to not only improve from a B4 in MYE to A2 for O levels but also come in top 3 in class for English. TTT has also moulded me to become a better person. Mr Russell never fails to encourage each and every single one of us to do our best and to achieve our best potential. He pays attention to each individual’s work and gives apt and suitable feedback on what our strengths and weaknesses are, as well as identify what we can improve on.
Besides that, the notes at TTT are one of a kind – the comprehensive and meticulous set of notes played a big part in helping me understand and score in English. Despite the many sleepless nights Mr Russell undergoes just for the best of his students, he never fails to give us the best.
I would definitely recommend Mr Russell to my other friends as his way of teaching and pace of teaching would really suit them, as Mr Russell is very organised, meticulous and strategic in terms of teaching and preparing us for our exams. I would like to thank my teacher for putting in the time and effort to prepare the best notes for us, as well as his effort in making sure that we were well prepared for the end of year exams this year. His effort made me love English more and I want to work very hard to maintain a good grade for English.
Amelia, Nan Hua High School
Before joining TTT, I was struggling with my paper 2 and had no motivation to work on my English as I always thought that there was no way to study for it. However, after joining, I became more interested in the English language itself and had the confidence to conquer the comprehension papers during my exams.
Mr Russell, an extremely dedicated teacher, has put in lots of effort in ensuring that all of us understand his lessons. With the enriching lessons and conducive learning environment, I became motivated to work harder for English. He has also managed to point out my mistakes and weaknesses, allowing me to spend more time focusing and improving on them. Unlike English lessons in school, I was able to practice and apply the various skills I learnt at TTT and fully understand them.
The notes provided are very detailed and well-organised, which makes it easier for us to absorb the content and master the skills taught. The oral lessons were exceptionally beneficial to me as it gave me more confidence in answering questions during the O level oral exam, and provided me with insights which could be applicable for my paper 1. TTT has helped me tremendously as a whole and is highly recommended for those who struggle with English. Thank you TTT!
Zhi Yan, Juying Secondary
Before joining TTT, I have always struggled in doing well for paper 2 due to the lack of understanding on how to answer the different question types. As such I lost confidence and always thought that I would never do well in this subject.
At TTT, Mr Russell provided us with ample practice drills on the different question types and also taught us the steps to answer the type of question strategically. This ensures that all students in TTT are able to do the best of their abilities. In addition, Mr Russell also goes the extra mile by offering extra consultation to clarify any doubts we have before examinations. The notes given in TTT are very comprehensive and are easy to understand and remember. My favourite set of materials would be the Visual Text notes as it consists of all the important things that we need to be aware of. There are also various answering formats which are easy to remember at one go. Also, there are pictures included in the notes which helps to make things easier to digest. Besides that, the TGA sessions that TTT provided us before our national exams has undoubtedly helped a lot. The intensive programme was the one that gave us the final push. Under the guidance and support of Mr Russell and TTT, I was able to gain more confidence in English and also achieve my goals which I would never expect myself to achieve before joining TTT. There is no doubt that TTT is a place where you can boost your English grades. Thanks to TTT, I managed to secure an A2 at N level. Thank you TTT!
Xuan Xin, Unity Secondary
I have enjoyed learning English much more after attending tuition and it was mostly thanks to Mr Russell. His lessons were engaging and fun as he always tries to put in elements that we all relate to, such as things that we like to do and have interest in, to allow us to be engaged as well as to better understand the lessons. He is also very passionate in teaching English and would try his best to make the best notes that suits our learning. He is also a very reflective teacher, adjusting his lessons to suit his students’ learning needs. I can still remember one particular lesson that we had last year. He realised that my friends and I were not mastering one of the more complex writing techniques effectively, and so he decided to change his notes and teachings for the lesson to make it even easier for my friends and I to pick up the skill efficiently.
I would highly recommend Mr Russell to other students because of the way he teaches. He would teach at a pace that suits the students, allowing and ensuring that all students are able to learn well. He also answers students’ questions clearly, enabling us to be able to clear all our doubts and master important skills easily.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for putting in a lot of time and effort in preparing the best notes for us and for making sure that we are able to learn well under his guidance. His passion for teaching inspired me to work harder for English so as to repay his efforts and belief in us. His effort really helped me to improve my grades such that I could go from a B4 in MYEs to A2 in O levels. I would just like to mention that the A2 I achieved for O levels was the best English result that I have ever achieved throughout the whole of my secondary school life. Frankly, Mr Russell is the best English teacher that I have ever had!
Yi Ling, Commonwealth Secondary
Before joining TTT, I lacked self-confidence and was always petrified of either failing English or just getting a border line pass. I was demoralised and I hated it and it even gave me a phobia of starting a new set of paper 1 and 2. Knowing that this was an issue, I tried to look for my English teachers in school, but they were often very busy, and they could not provide much help.
However, after joining TTT, things changed. TTT gave amazing and detailed notes for each section and gave challenging practices to try out. From these practices, I had a better understanding and awareness of what was going on. I realised that I had more confidence in myself and I wasn’t afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone to do my best for the different drill practices, prelim papers and O level papers. I eventually secured a B3 for my O levels which I was overjoyed with given that I had been struggling to pass previously.
Mr Russell has truly been very helpful on my O level journey. He often provided extra help whenever needed. He also taught us skills beyond tuition, such as important strategy tips and values in our life. The centre is also a nice place to study, and I have made many friends through some of the group tasks that we were tasked to do. I am beyond thankful to have had the opportunity to attend his English tuition!
Shan Yang, Unity Secondary
At TTT, the teachers are constantly there to answer any questions I may have, even outside of tuition sessions. The teachers are very approachable and always encourage me to clarify my doubts. In particular, Mr Russell is a very patient and understanding teacher so asking questions or asking for help becomes less daunting. He will happily work together with you to find out which topics you would need to work on more.
Also, the notes are very well made. They help me break down information and guide me during lessons such that I am able to easily understand all topics. My favourite set of notes were those on the Oral examination. I have always struggled preparing for the Oral examinations as I found it too complex and did not know how to start preparing for it. However, the notes prepared by TTT helped to categorise the different questions that may be asked and listed the various methods to prepare for those questions. Furthermore, the teachers gave me many opportunities to practice answering Oral questions. These boosted my self confidence and led me to better prepare for the Oral examinations. Thanks to TTT, I managed to improve from a B4 to an A grade. I also managed to secure an A2 for O level English.
Dhanush, Clementi Town Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I could barely pass my English exams, often getting a measly 20/50 for my comprehension paper, as well as an overall grade of C6 for English. I was with another tuition centre, but I found that I was not making progress. But after joining TTT, I saw quick improvement in my English grades. I eventually scored a B3 for O levels.
Unlike other centres, TTT is very unique because the teachers are very dedicated and they often provide a lot of after-class support to help the students do better. The lessons also covered every single component of the English paper, as well as the skills needed for each part of the paper. I think one of the most beneficial things for me was to learn the comprehension question types and also the process in answering all the different question types. This was something that I did not learn in school, and it really helped me to improve my comprehension. In under a year, I found myself doing better and getting a good pass for my comprehension tests.
Mr Russell is a wonderful teacher who is very fun, approachable and an absolute inspiration! He tells a lot of jokes in class, and his lessons are always very entertaining yet impactful.
I love attending TTT lessons and it was one of the things that I look forward to each week. I would really like to thank Mr. Russell for his effort, especially during the intensive classes, when he took extra time to mark all our work and to point out our individual mistakes. This helped me to realise what are some of my weaknesses, and also to work towards eliminating them. My school teacher even commented that I made significant improvement in essay writing!
TTT is definitely the best English tuition centre in Singapore. The fees are very affordable, and the support given by the teachers is unbelievable. My biggest regret is not joining the centre earlier.
Ivan, Juying Secondary
I really enjoy Mr Russell’s lessons. He made English easier than I originally thought it would be, as his lessons cover everything there is to cover about the English syllabus. The notes he provides for the classes are very well-structured and in-depth, making it easier for me to study at home.
He also takes the time to get to know his students better and care for their wellbeing, even going as far as to text them every so often about their current state of mind and also to advise them on what they should do.
I still miss my lessons with him, and the impact that TTT had on me is especially significant considering that I usually don’t like attending tuition (for any subjects) in general. However, TTT lessons were fun and Mr. Russell made it possible for me to be more interested in scoring higher for English. Thanks to him, I was able to score well for my O’s, going from a B4 during MYE to an A2.
Swedha, Unity Secondary
I joined TTT in early 2021 with little to no understanding of the English language. However, over the course of the intensive yet enjoyable lessons, together with the help of incredibly hardworking and passionate teachers, I was able to learn so much more about the language in ways I never thought was possible! Each lesson was well crafted and included many one to one feedback sessions where we could improve on where we lacked individually. Apart from this, the conducive study environment made studying feel pleasant. The class size was just perfect, not chaotic and just enough for fruitful discussions. The teachers really made us their priority and were more than willing to help us outside of class hours, even till midnight. The comprehensive notes were of such big help too. There was a guide to every single question style, making it really useful for revisions. Thanks to Mr Russell’s genuine and undying passion to help and nurture his students, I could really see a huge improvement in my results despite only spending a little under a year at The Thought Tailor. I eventually secured an A2 for O levels. It has been an undoubtedly fun journey in the TTT family, one I will always cherish and never forget!
Naveen, Swiss Cottage Secondary
Ever since I was young, I have always constantly struggled with the English Language subject. I thought English had a luck factor in it, but little did I know English is similar to Mathematics and there are a set of guidelines to follow, especially in terms of skills and answering techniques, which can help me to obtain a higher mark. After just 8 months at TTT, I was able to improve by four grades!
TTT has a unique and innovative approach towards English. Mr. Russell teaches comprehension, essay writing and situational writing by focusing on both the basic skills as well as more sophisticated skills, such as persuasive skills. I had fun trying them out and it really gave me some direction and structure so that I can focus on the tried and tested steps to make improvements. The drill sessions also enabled us to practice the thinking process and answering techniques for each question type and it has helped us to learn the skills required properly and with ease.
Learning at TTT is also fun. Mr. Russell makes the lessons fun and productive at the same time. He cracks a few jokes which brightens our mood for the next task of the lesson. He also has an awesome collection of star wars props which the students are allowed to use and duel with each other as a form of entertainment.
My interest in English has grown by leaps and bonds due to the innovative and highly-structured approach implemented at TTT. This has helped me to appreciate the beauty of the subject. I would like to thank Mr. Russell for his care and support, as well as for his drive and passion in wanting to deliver good lessons and good notes.
Minyu, Commonwealth Secondary
I have always struggled to score well for English ever since I entered Secondary School. Scoring C6s was a common occurrence for me. After joining TTT in the midst of Sec 4, I figured out all of my weaknesses, and was then finally able to score better than a C6. The lessons are very informative, and I’ve received countless useful notes for covering every single component of the English paper.
Moreover, the teachers at TTT have always been both patient and helpful when I had doubts during the lessons. As I was nearing my O Levels, TTT was kind enough to offer me and my peers with consultations that were free of charge. It helped me clarify all my doubts and burning questions.
Ultimately, it was definitely a blessing having TTT guide me through my Sec 4 journey towards O Levels. I was able to improve my English grade from a C6 to B3.
Ziyu, Admiralty Secondary
English lessons at The Thought Tailor are extremely effective for me as I have learnt many details about English that are not usually taught in school. For instance, they emphasise heavily on broader context and real world news which can be used widely in many aspects of English language like oral and writing.
By adding real world examples in my essays, it has made my writing improve greatly and stand out from my peers which eventually allowed me to improve by leaps and bounds in my English.
The numerous essay types and the panoply of model essays offered has allowed me to learn how to improve my writing greatly.
I would like to say that I am really thankful for The Thought Tailor’s astounding teachers and amazing learning materials as it has allowed me a smooth and clear learning experience.
Wen Yi, Juying Secondary
TTT had truly helped me tremendously last year in the lead up to my O Level English. As I was a retake student, the resources given to me via my own school was much lesser than in secondary school. This had made it even tougher to pass my O level English as I had to manage my other subjects in my tertiary education as well. It was definitely a struggle to handle subjects of different mediums so I turned to TTT for help.
Lessons at TTT had truly changed my impression on how English can be studied effectively. The lessons are organized in a way that makes them highly comprehensive and easy to keep up with. The lessons are structured and concise – they include step by step instructions on how to answer different types of structured questions. I also found that the notes provided were really simple to understand and they even included drill questions to practice the skills taught.
Furthermore, the teachers at TTT were really patient and helpful whenever I had any doubts. I could approach them via whatsapp to clear my doubts anytime so that they would not accumulate.
With their help, I managed to get a B3 in my O level English! It was definitely a big achievement and it was thanks to TTT that I managed to achieve these results!
Ke Hui, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was struggling to maintain my grade in English and I had difficulty in essay writing. However, Mr Russell was able to make the centre a fun learning environment by including group work and assignments that had fun and interesting topics which definitely inspired and motivated me to want to do better for my English paper. These assignments enabled me to think more creatively and critically to ensure that I would always do well.
Mr Russell’s passion for teaching is strong and it is evident for all to see. His lessons are energetic, creative and engaging, and the materials provided are also excellent, often pitched above my school’s standard, to ensure that we would find it easy when tackling the questions in our exam paper. He is also extremely caring, and we are able to book him for extra consultation if we need help in our work. I have been attending his classes for over two years, and I do not think that i can find another coach with a similar passion or equally superior teaching ability. This has enabled me to achieve an A grade for English, and I have managed to consistently maintain a good grade for English. Thank you Mr. Russell for your guidance!
Magaa, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was very worried about my English O levels because my grades would not go past a C5, and I did not know how to study for English. After joining TTT, I learned new strategies and techniques to answer different question types that helped me improve tremendously. TTT changed my perception of how to study for English. I always thought that some people were naturally good and people who are not as skilled can never do well. After joining TTT, my point of view completely changed and I realised that with enough knowledge of skills, as well as focused skill-based practices, anyone can study and do well in English!
My teacher Mr Russell, is a very engaging teacher and I look forward to his lessons every week. He is very passionate about English and works extremely hard for us, and this also pushes us to do better because we are motivated by his passion and drive to do better. TTT notes are very detailed and very easy to understand. The drill sets Mr. Russell provide are also very useful because we learn to become fluent and precise in answering each question.
I would like to thank Mr Russell because without him, my O-level English preparation would be a hopeless and directionless pursuit and I would not have discovered that I can actually do well in English. TTT takes care of every single aspect of your preparation for your English examination and just as I was able to improve from a C6 in my Sec 3 MYE to an A2 O level, you will also definitely improve tremendously after joining TTT.
Joe Yee, Jurong West Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I was never able to pass my comprehension papers. However, after I joined TTT for about 2 – 3 months I have seen great improvement in my comprehension grades, and obtained a 34/50 during my mid-year examinations.
The lessons at TTT are unlike the lessons at other tuition centres. Mr Russell simplifies his lessons and uses many different examples that are relatable in our lives so that we are able to understand the lesson more easily. Mr Russell also teaches us many different techniques and ways to tackle the different question types when doing comprehension which in my opinion, really helped me in finding the best answer for the questions.
Additionally, TTT has provided me with much support with their never ending sets of notes and the continuous drill sessions provided for us. These drill sessions enhanced my learning experience and made me able to better understand which skills I am weaker in and subsequently improve on.
TTT is without a doubt one of the best tuition centres I have attended and I would highly recommend students who are either weak in English or want to improve their grades to attend for lessons at TTT!
Cass, Unity Secondary
I first got to know of TTT when I contacted my ex-teacher in school and found out that he had opened a tuition centre. I decided to join the centre, because I greatly enjoyed learning under him when he was my school teacher. I feel that TTT teachers are extremely skilful and caring and they would often go the extra mile for students.
The teachers at TTT put in a lot of effort to design effective lessons, and facilitated learning through different strategies that made English easy for all of us at TTT. The learning materials were effective in stimulating our thoughts. Lessons were taught at an appropriate pace and in a step by step manner. The notes, which consisted of a variety of useful information such as model essays, step-by-step formula for comprehension questions and many more, helped shape my learning.
The teachers teach with a lot of passion here, and it helps motivate us to perform better. I would especially like to thank all my teachers at TTT for their patience and guidance in helping us through a very difficult time. I am also very happy when I received my N level results. I received an A2 for my N level and I am glad that I chose to join TTT! Thank you for helping me to come up with a useful strategy to help me improve from a B4 to an A2. Thank you, TTT!
Jannah, Regent Secondary
I really like the lessons at TTT as they provide me with the space to ask questions without feeling pressured. This is because of how friendly the teachers are. Mr Russell, in particular, consistently reminds us to ask questions if we are in doubt. He even purposely goes around the room during class from time to time to clear our doubts in case we are too shy to ask questions openly. Aside from that, I feel that Mr Russell is very capable at teaching. He always makes sure that his pace and manner of teaching is easy to follow, even for those who are struggling with English. Moreover, on whole, the teachers at TTT are very entertaining which is makes learning so much more fun and interesting.
In class, the techniques and methods that are taught really helps me a lot in understanding how to tackle difficult questions which I was unable to do before. The skills Mr Russell hones in us helps me to build up my confidence in English. My favourite part of class is the very start, when the teachers would do a recap to see if we were able to remember what we were taught last time. This helps me a lot as it tests my ability to recall information which is especially important during exams. TTT also provides many past years papers from a variety of sources which is very beneficial to me as it gives me an opportunity to practice and prepare more for my O levels. I particular like doing comprehension practises as I have been able to see quick improvement after I began employing the skills Mr Russell has taught me.
All in all, I highly recommend TTT to anyone looking for English tuition.
Darren, Juying Secondary
TTT has provided me with a lot of support during this difficult year. I initially joined because I wasn’t fully confident in my skills and wanted the additional boost to help me. Thankfully, I had no regrets because of Mr Russell. Mr Russell is a very passionate and experienced teacher who provides wonderful lessons that covers techniques and content that schools would usually not go through. He also teaches in a very structured manner that is easy to follow, and he is very meticulous and understands the strengths and weaknesses of each and every student at the centre. He is also a very caring teacher who allows students to message or call him even after lessons so that they can ask questions and get his assistance.
With such a great teacher, he has helped me to perform at my best and has prepared me for all components of the paper.
His oral training has helped me the most because he provides a lot of notes, training and even individual feedback, something that was not provided in school.
Additionally, he always praises and motivates students to do better no matter the circumstances. Overall, I see TTT as an excellent place to receive help for the English Language subject, and the lessons, notes and support given have helped me perform better.
Rachel, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was sceptical about being able to improve my English grades. I was learning English at a different tuition centre, but I did not see any improvement in my English grade. The lessons lacked direction and all I did was do several practice papers during each lesson.
However, after attending lessons at TTT, I can finally understand why my former schoolmates often raved about Mr. Russell, a teacher who previously taught at my school, but quit MOE to start his own centre. Mr. Russell is an extremely dedicated teacher, and he often curates and writes good materials. His notes are detailed, structured, with a clear learning objective. I found myself enjoying his lessons. Even during the circuit breaker period, he also adapted his lessons so that we can still carry on with effective lessons on zoom.
I really enjoyed the comprehension drilling lessons, and I loved how it was crafted to focus on a specific question type. The drill packages have enabled me to understand the thinking process and answering template for each specific question type, as well as the range of possible questions that can be tested for any set question. This allowed me to consider my answers carefully, and to avoid making the errors that most people would normally make.
Thanks to the lessons at TTT, I became more motivated for EL and I worked really hard to maintain the top 3 position in my class (fun fact: the top 3 students are all studying at TTT). For the recent prelim exams, I even managed to top my class and score an A2! This was something that made me really happy as I had started out with scoring a C6 in my S3 MYE. I would like to thank Mr Russell for his dedication and patience in guiding me and helping me to improve and maintain my english grades.
Elfie, Juying Secondary
Mr. Russell was my former teacher at Juying Secondary. He taught me in the first half of 2019, and I really enjoyed his lesson. He is a very fun and funny teacher and I felt that his lessons were really interesting and that helped me to feel more motivated in terms of studying for English. However, he decided to resign in June 2019, and in 2020, I decided to join his centre so as to prepare for my N level.
I used to take English tuition elsewhere, but the lessons there were really dull and the lessons tend to revolve around doing many practices. At TTT however, I really enjoyed the lessons. The lessons are very fun and engaging and Mr. Russell often tells jokes in class to keep the class entertained. Mr. Russell also gave very detailed notes that were simple and easy to understand. The comprehension notes also provided a step by step approach to answering questions. I learnt alot from the lessons and really understood the topics and strategies during tuition. This was something that was not taught in school.
Mr Russell is extremely approachable. If somebody does not understand anything, he would ask the student to stay back to see him for extra consultation and he would be quick to clear up any misconceptions. Overall I really enjoy his lessons and I like how he manages to conduct lessons that are both fun yet impactful.
I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Russell for helping me improve my English grade. Thanks to his lessons, I was able to get a good grade for my English prelims as well as a Grade 2 for my N level. This was the best ever result that I have achieved for English! Thank you Mr Russell and TTT!
Serene, Jurong West Secondary
Before joining TTT I didn’t know that there were ways to study English effectively and my comprehension foundations weren’t strong. However, after joining TTT, I’ve gotten a better foundation for the English Language and I’ve learnt many techniques that made studying English easier. I’ve undoubtedly enjoyed my time here at TTT as Mr Russell is encouraging and he makes his lessons engaging by creating ingenious ways for us to memorise concepts.
I looked forward to every lesson and all the intensive drills have enabled me to work on my weaker areas. At TTT, the teachers provide sufficient ways to tackle the different components of the English Language paper and they do targeted drills and practice to ensure that we master the skills. There were also additional intensive drills before the O Level English paper and it allowed students to work specifically on their weaker areas so that they have ample practice to work on those areas. Mr Russell also provides notes with ample step by step explanation and examples for us to learn with ease. With his notes and precise explanation, I’ve got a better English foundation and it made tackling English papers easier.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for his hard work and determination in guiding and pushing the 2020 O Level batch. I could not have secured my B3 for O Levels if not for him. He often remained behind at the centre just so that we could finish the intensive drills, and the consultation sessions that he provided certainly helped my friends and I to clear our doubts and also to refine our answering techniques. Lessons at TTT were tremendously beneficial and I look forward to resuming my lessons at the centre for A level GP!
Clayton, Unity Secondary
I find that the teachers at TTT are knowledgeable and very helpful. They often involve everyone during lessons, and they never fail to make the class fun and engaging. Through the lessons at TTT, I have learnt new concepts and skills. Their teaching strategies and clear explanations have aided me in understanding complex ideas and applying the right set of skills to tackle questions.
I would like to thank my tutors at TTT for investing a lot of time and effort in preparing detailed notes for us. After attending lessons at TTT, my grades improved tremendously. I even managed to score an A2 for my N Level from a C5 during my mid years! This was the best result that I have ever achieved for English. TTT lessons are very impactful and I would definitely recommend TTT to students who are looking for a very good English tuition.
Yang Ming, Yuhua Secondary
Before joining TTT, I didn’t really know how to study English as it seemed to be a subject that cannot be studied. Ever since I joined TTT, my mindset towards English has changed completely. Seeing how passionate Mr Russell is to teach and how far he is willing to go for the students has made me more motivated to study for English.
Personally, I found the comprehension drills to be particularly helpful in helping me improve my Paper 2 marks. They allowed me to fully understand the techniques and skills needed to be able to effectively tackle comprehension. The notes at TTT are also very detailed and well organised, making it very easy to follow in class and therefore encouraging me to study English! I can guarantee that no other centre’s teachers put in as much effort as Mr Russell! Also, he is easily approachable and that has encouraged me to ask questions more frequently when in doubt. My favourite parts of the lessons would be that he finds ways to make sure the lesson is not very dreadful through jokes and personal recounts which made the lessons much more enjoyable!
Thank you TTT for igniting my passion for English as well as giving me all the necessary resources to score well in English.
Wesley, Jurongville Secondary
My journey in TTT was really beneficial to me and every lesson with the other students and the teacher was amazing. TTT has taught me a lot ever since I first joined in March 2020. The teachers have been very supportive and they are my main source of support for EL.
Before joining TTT, I often obtained C6 for English. What I did not know was that there were different answering techniques to comprehension questions, and learning these skills from the teachers really helped me a lot. Most of the other learning centres often just get their students to do papers after papers and then go through the answers with them, which may not be very helpful for the students’ learning. TTT offers various in-depth notes for every skill and technique which they are teaching. They also ensure that we have fully understood the answering techniques, and it helps us become more prepared for our o levels.
TTT was the only learning centre which to me made learning fun. Compared to other learning centres, TTT is the place where I would not mind staying and coming for extra classes. It was the teachers who inspired me to love this subject and enjoy doing English papers.
They teach with a lot of passion which motivated me to do better. During the home-based learning period, my teacher even conducted a free mock exam for us when we received news from MOE that schools would cancel mid-year exams. This was really beneficial to us, and I often feel that I had more support from TTT than from any centres or even from school. I believe that I was able to jump to a B3 for my O levels from a C6 in just 5 months only due to the extensive support I received.
Zhan Ming, Unity Secondary
When I first joined the centre, I was not sure what was going to happen, and honestly I did not expect much then, because I had long been struggling in terms of getting a decent grade for EL, and I felt that it was not possible to learn or study English.
But after joining The Thought Tailor, I slowly gained a better sense of understanding in English. I learnt more skills and techniques that I never knew existed which helped me alot. I used to struggle a lot during the examinations itself but after joining the tution, not only did I gain more confidence but when I am doing the paper, it was not as hard as before. I learnt skills, actual skills that I can learn, master and apply. Through guided drills, the wonderful lessons and also group work, I was able to improve first from a borderline pass to a B3 at the end of Secondary 1, and then to a consistent A grade in Secondary 2. I even managed to top my class, and attain one of the top three places in the entire cohort for the end of year exams!
One of Mr. Russell’s strengths is that he can pinpoint weaknesses and areas of growth. I find that to be extremely important because he can tell me key areas of improvements and then strategise and find an approach so that I can eliminate my issues and see maximum results. Mr. Russell is also very kind, patient and enthusiastic, and his lessons are often very interesting. I would like to thank the centre and my teacher for the constant support which help me to not only improve my English skills but also my confidence.
Channery, Juying Secondary
Before I joined TTT Centre, my English grade often hovered around B4/Grade 4. My paper 2 and paper 1 results were very weak and I could not understand how to do each question type. However, after I joined TTT, I was able to understand the specific requirements required for each question type. Under Mr Russell’s guidance, I managed to make massive improvements to my grades and score an A2 for my N levels.
The notes at TTT are excellent, and different from anything that I have ever seen. It is detailed and well-researched and it provides explanations for the different question requirements. There are also numerous techniques that I can use to gain more marks. At TTT, Mr Russell always spends a few lessons to ensure that we understand all the skills and requirements required to do well for each section. I found this to be very useful as my teacher usually does not focus on teaching skills and they often gave us numerous practices which were not very effective.
In addition, not only does Mr Russell provide amazing lessons, he also tells jokes sometimes, which helps to make learning more fun. He would crack some jokes to let us laugh for a while but quickly guide us back on track. Without TTT and Mr Russell, I do not think that I would achieve an amazing result at the N level examination. I really appreciate Mr. Russell and all the support staff at TTT, who made this journey a happy, meaningful and fun-filled one. Thank you!
Jia En, Unity Secondary
Before I joined TTT Centre, my English grade often hovered around B4/Grade 4. My paper 2 and paper 1 results were very weak and I could not understand how to do each question type. However, after I joined TTT, I was able to understand the specific requirements required for each question type. Under Mr Russell’s guidance, I managed to make massive improvements to my grades and score an A2 for my N levels.
The notes at TTT are excellent, and different from anything that I have ever seen. It is detailed and well-researched and it provides explanations for the different question requirements. There are also numerous techniques that I can use to gain more marks. At TTT, Mr Russell always spends a few lessons to ensure that we understand all the skills and requirements required to do well for each section. I found this to be very useful as my teacher usually does not focus on teaching skills and they often gave us numerous practices which were not very effective.
In addition, not only does Mr Russell provide amazing lessons, he also tells jokes sometimes, which helps to make learning more fun. He would crack some jokes to let us laugh for a while but quickly guide us back on track. Without TTT and Mr Russell, I do not think that I would achieve an amazing result at the N level examination. I really appreciate Mr. Russell and all the support staff at TTT, who made this journey a happy, meaningful and fun-filled one. Thank you!
Wen Wei, Juying Secondary
There are many things I like about TTT. However, the one aspect of TTT that I like the most would be the teachers, in particular, Mr Russell. He is extremely kind, caring and thoughtful. He is also really patient with his students and tries to cater to every student’s needs. I was pretty weak in comprehension and I kept failing during school examinations. However, with his guided approach and comprehensive notes about question types, I slowly began to improve. While some may find that tuition lessons tend to be dull and boring, his lessons never fail to crack me up. Mr Russell manages to find a balance between being serious and also being humorous.
Beyond the engaging lessons, I quite enjoyed other aspects of his lesson plan like doing group work. I found it insightful to engage in discussions with my classmates and peers when we were planning to do essays. Although I am not the strongest writer, I managed to learn a lot from others who are more skillful writers. I vividly remember doing an essay on Octopush and the Axe Factor as our hybrid exercises. I learnt how to incorporate descriptive phrases and it helped me to expand on my vocabulary.
Lastly, my favourite set of materials from TTT would most definitely be the O Level Revision Package. This set of notes really enabled me to revise thoroughly prior to my examinations as it compiled everything that has been covered for the upper secondary students. I did not have to dig for my previous notes in order to cover all my bases.
Thanks to Mr Russell and all the materials that have been provided to me, I managed to jump from a F9 grade in semester 2 of Sec 4 to getting a B4 for O levels.
Long Teck, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was only able to achieve Bs or Cs for my EL. Yet, I had no idea how I could improve and what I could study for in order to achieve a higher grade. When I first started attending lessons at TTT, I began to realise that there were a lot of components in EL and that it is a subject that I could actually be studied for. At TTT, I was taught the different question types, as well as the relevant strategies and skills needed to answer the question effectively. The notes given were well-written and organised, offering step-by-step methods and solutions to assist us in answering the various question types – making them extremely effective and easy to understand.
At TTT, Mr. Russell would tell us some of his personal experiences and examples, which would not only help us remember the example and content better, but also make the class less tiring and more engaging. The lessons at TTT have really helped me to understand how to tackle different comprehension question types in the most effective manner – granting me enough confidence and knowledge to tackle any question that would appear during my exams. When doing past year papers, or even other school papers, Mr. Russell would analyse the questions in class, and discuss how teachers set the exam paper. This allowed me to be more aware of the distractors and requirements in a question, as well as how to answer the question in a more precise and careful manner.
I would like to thank Mr. Russell for putting in the effort into making the comprehensive set of notes and I would definitely recommend TTT to other students as it has been effective in helping me and my friends to better understand English and to achieve a better grade. I was overjoyed when I scored an A2 and came in 2nd in class during my prelim exams and I believe I could not have done it without Mr Russell’s help.
Daphne, Juying Secondary
Before joining TTT, English Language was one of the subjects that I was unable to do well in. My understanding of the skills required was simply not very good. I did not know what exactly I could do to improve my situational writing and essay writing skills. I also did not know that there is actually a way to study or practice for comprehension. My grade just continuously deteriorated from Secondary 1 onwards.
When I found out about TTT, I was a bit hesitant as I did not know if it would help me. However, till today, I have never regretted joining. Mr Russell’s lessons have always been fun and engaging. He would often joke with us but he can be very strict as well. As he got to know me better, he would also be able to tell us our strengths and weaknesses, and he would give us simple tips on how we can take a step forward and make visible progress. He always provides us with notes which are very useful. I found myself relying completely on his materials rather than my school materials when studying and preparing for the English Language examinations.
He would also often use videos or different strategies to make the class more engaging and this certainly made it easier for us to understand the skills and content taught.
Because of TTT, my results improved by three grades. During my time in secondary three, my grade was constantly stuck at grade 5. However, after joining TTT, my grade has improved to a grade 2 for my N level preliminary examinations. I managed to obtain one of the top 3 places in class for the English Language subject. Therefore, I am really glad and thankful to have had a teacher like him to guide me in my preparation for the N level examinations!
Meng Jie, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I thought that improving my score for the English Language paper depended solely on reading books and improving the range of vocabulary words that I am familiar with. Hence, I was not very motivated to study English.
The lessons at TTT have made me realise that English was more than just reading books or current affairs. Throughout my entire time at TTT, I was taught skills and techniques to help me with my essay writing, situational writing, comprehension and summary skills. Mr. Russell was the best English teacher when he was previously teaching in my school. His lessons are very meticulously prepared, and I really like his approach, especially his step-by-step strategies to tackle the different types of comprehension and essay questions. Unlike other teachers who teach in a messy and confusing manner, Mr. Russell often aims to show us macro trends and patterns for each section of the paper, as well as how to think and address the requirements of the different components.
I also like how he is extremely sharp and analytical and his drill practices covered all possible arrangements and permutations to a specific question type. His consultation sessions also helped me to become more aware of my weak areas and also how to overcome these issues. He is also very friendly, patient and approachable, and often gives us tips and advice on how to prepare for the exams. I would like to thank him for his passion and for inspiring me to do better for English. I would not have been able to improve my grades from a C5 during my S3 EOY to an A2 for my S4 CA2 if not for him!
Issac, Bukit Batok Secondary
I have had so many great and amazing memories with TTT. Before I knew of this centre, I was always scoring unsatisfactory marks for English. However, after I attended lessons at TTT, I could immediately notice a big improvement in my English. In just 7 months, I was able to experience a 2 grade jump!
The notes given allowed us to analyse and focus on the details, and they were always extremely useful and I learnt skills that were not taught in school. When I completed all my worksheets, Mr Russell would always encourage me to do more and try more complex skills. Basically, there was always a strategy, and we were always aware about how we could improve further.
In addition, Mr Russell is very funny and would often joke around in class. He is also very understanding and cultivates a family-like culture at the centre. I can always feel the happiness radiating around the class, and though I am the only student from my school, I managed to be able to communicate and interact with them without feeling shy or awkward.
I would also like to thank Mr Russell for his unconditional love as he guided us through this difficult year. Even though we are only scheduled for 2 hours, Mr Russell was always willing to extend the lesson if we requested it just to clear our doubts and to give us more time to practice. Furthermore, he was also willing to give free consultations for all and would gladly teach us even when he was very busy.
I would definitely recommend TTT to others since I have benefited so much from the lessons here. It is extremely difficult to find a teacher who is willing to stay with you and teach you even after the lesson is over, and his passion inspires me to work harder for greater success!
Kai Xian, Unity Secondary
I would really like to take this opportunity to express my utmost gratitude for the effort and time that Mr Russell at TTT has invested in all of the students. Thanks to Mr Russell, I was able to jump from a C5 during EOYs to an A2 for prelims.
The way Mr Russell teaches is unlike any other. He teaches with the end goal of helping us achieve an A grade and not just a pass. His passion and drive to help us excel is clearly evident in his interesting and effective lessons, as well as in terms of the notes that TTT provides. TTT notes are clear and well-structured, and it helps students to understand every single skill needed for all examinable components of the EL paper.
In class, Mr Russell uses all sorts of strategies to teach us and get the point across. He covered a range of skills and components that are taught in Sec 1-4, like speeches and articles to help us better prepare for our examinations. I also like his clear and concise step by step instructions and it certainly enabled students to know what to do for each component of the paper.
I just really want to thank Mr Russell for making the class interesting and exciting as I looked forward to every lesson. His motivation also definitely gave me the passion and the drive I needed to study hard for my English examinations. Within a short period of time at TTT, I was already able to feel how much more confident I was getting at English. I would definitely recommend TTT!
Jun Sen, Juying Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I had problems passing my English throughout my secondary school life. Despite having tuition at other tuition centres, I just couldn’t write well. My P2 results were also very weak. When I joined TTT, the teachers taught skills and techniques that I had not learnt before, be it in school or at any other tuition centres. They taught us how to apply the steps using a simple step by step approach. Along with other things such as text analysis and question analysis, I felt that it was actually possible to study for English. I studied harder and I started to see myself improving and passing more often. Within 4 months, instead of failing English, I improved by four grades and scored a B3 for my O levels. Thank you, TTT!
What TTT really stands out from other tuition centres is its belief that it is “‘more than just a centre, better than a school”. At TTT, I was taught by Mr. Russell and he was very friendly, kind and passionate. He always took the effort to get to know his students on a personal level. He also often texted us to show his concerns, and was always ready to help 24/7. Mr. Russell also always made the lessons interesting by making jokes or telling interesting stories, without digressing from the lessons.
Besides that, I also like the fact that TTT provides very good notes and resources. I attended many prestigious tuition centres that charged exorbitant rates, and many of these places used notes photocopied from assessment books. Yet over at TTT, all their teaching materials are painstakingly drafted by the teachers with the most precise and researched information so that we can learn our best, from the best. The teachers also write more notes, sometimes in response to any difficulties that we might face when mastering or applying the skills.
At TTT, I would like to thank Mr Russell for pushing me and the constant guidance. If not for him, I wouldn’t have scored a B3 for English and I would also still have doubts about passing it. I strongly recommend TTT for their effective skills and techniques taught so you can score in your English.
Divya, Unity Secondary
In the beginning, I was not very strong in my English Language and had actually started to dread English lessons in school. The subject seemed almost impossible to study and every single lesson was extremely boring and dry. However, at TTT, Mr Russell has helped me tremendously and the lessons made me feel more keen and interested in the subject. His unfaltering support and guidance had helped me to not lose all hope for the subject, and had instead helped me to develop a love and enthusiasm towards English.
Personally, I struggle focusing in school, and the teachers may not have the time to give enough attention to each individual student to help them adequately. However, TTT provided many practices and test papers with refined and thorough answers, which helped me to better identify my weakness and to go for the specific drills needed to focus on my weaker areas. With that said, TTT also offers a variety of drill practices and intensive programmes which cater to our needs, and allow us to concentrate and practice more on specific areas. The drill practices had helped me plenty in my learning. On top of that, Mr Russell provides school papers and directs us to focus on certain factors that we should look out for in each paper.
A specific example is in terms of the oral examinations. Mr. Russell provided us with a very thorough content and skills package, covering all the main topics for the oral examination. At first, I thought we would not have much time to study for our oral examinations. However, Mr Russell provided enough time and resources to let us practice on various topics, assessed us accordingly, and gave us constructive feedback on the key factors we should be focusing on. Not only that, Mr Russell had helped us the night before our exams, and offered meetings via Zoom for free to help us improve – which is something many teachers would not be willing to do!
Moreover, the 24-hour consultation provided is available and free for all, which proved to be very beneficial to students! Moreover, we are always offered make-up lessons if we cannot attend class, which I believe is very helpful as our school dismissal timings can fluctuate at times and we might have other sudden commitments.
Mr Russell’s passion and drive for teaching makes him a remarkable and astounding teacher. He is always ready to go to any extent to reach out to his students and to provide them with enough practices so that they are ready to answer any type of question. He is very understanding towards students and personally tracks each student’s performance to keep himself updated on their progress. I would like to thank Mr Russell for all the hardwork and dedication he had put into preparing for our lessons and resources! It was very helpful and it motivated me to do well in my exams and to make him proud! My 3 grade jump to a B3 from the start of Secondary 4 to O levels is all because of his guidance.
TTT is not just a tuition centre that provides practices, but also a home that nurtures every student and develops them to be a better student and person.
Mansib, Juying Secondary
Before joining TTT, I felt very indifferent and apprehensive about English. People often mention that “There is nothing to revise for English” or “Just read more books to improve your English” and I used to agree with those sentiments. However, joining TTT has allowed me to fully understand and gain a deeper understanding towards English.
TTT is extremely outstanding because of how structured their lessons are. Each lesson is well prepared beforehand to ensure that students will always go home having learnt something new. They go through both techniques and tactics very strategically and seek to make sure that students are able to perform at the best of their abilities. If they find that you are in need of more assistance, they will request that you book them for an additional consultation (and it is free!). The support provided at TTT is unrivalled and this is perhaps why many of us really see TTT as more than a tuition centre and better than a school. TTT has even encouraged me to expand my horizons and view learning in a whole different light. While many say that learning is a chore, it definitely is not the case when you are a student at TTT!
I would like to thank Mr Russell for making his lessons enjoyable and also very detail-oriented. He has always looked out for me and taught me many skills that will aid my understanding of things. He made me learn from my mistakes and ensured that I never make them again. Mr Russell also makes lessons very enjoyable. He is also very charismatic, sharing stories about himself to make lessons as fun as possible. All the step by step strategies, practises and notes have enabled me to fully understand the requirements of each question type.
TTT has definitely changed my life. From always getting C5, C6 and even failing my CA1, TTT has helped me to come in top 3 in the cohort for English during prelims! If you want to improve your EL results, TTT is definitely the place to go!
Adora, Jurong West Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was really struggling with my English, especially for my comprehension. I did not have much understanding of ways to answer the questions in comprehension passages, it always seemed like it is based on luck on whether I have chosen the right word to rephrase it to. TTT was recommended by my senior and I decided to give it a shot as I had no idea how to study English. However, since TTT provides notes that are very comprehensive and therefore easier to understand, studying for my English exams was made much easier.
During lessons, Mr Russell would always explain the questions based on the skill set required and the steps to answering them. He cracks jokes in-between, making the lessons more enjoyable and engaging. I always looked forward to going for tuition even though it is 2 hours long as time passes really quickly. Since the lessons are so engaging, I would always like to stay and learn more. However, even though I have to leave, Mr Russell would always be there 24/7 to answer any queries I have. Mr Russell goes through different worksheets at an incredible speed but it is always easy to understand what he is saying. In particular, his drill worksheets were really a gem to me. It helped me tremendously in remembering the steps and formats to the question types. Though I have a very bad memory, after going through the drill worksheets, the steps and skills became engraved into my brain.
Before attending TTT, English was a subject I dreaded, yet, Mr Russell’s tuition made English a pleasant subject to study. TTT helped me with not only my English skills, but also skills I needed to be a better student such as being a strategic and organised student, which led to an improvement in not only my English subject, but also my other subjects.
Abygail, Unity Secondary
As a TTT student, I have learnt to manage my studies in a more efficient manner by identifying my areas of weakness and ensuring that I tackle them to the best of my capabilities. TTT stands out from other centres because Mr. Russell discusses the syllabus in a more meticulous, in-depth manner and ensures that we fully comprehend what is tested at O levels. Through the rigorous drill practises and skills-based lessons, I have learnt to really utilise the skills that I have learnt. This helped me to achieve a 3 grade jump to B3 for my O levels in just 8 months!
Mr. Russell has really demonstrated a proper way of engaging with his students through ensuring that we are learning not just for the sake of learning but also how we could apply it to our daily lives. My teacher’s passion and drive has really inspired me to also do the same when it comes to my studies as he always makes sure that we constantly work hard and improve ourselves. In terms of lesson preparation, my teacher always has a set of notes which gives us a step by step breakdown of how we can tackle the skill.
For example for hybrid essays, he broke down clearly for us the steps we should take when we plan out the essay in terms of its structure and contents. I would like to thank my teacher Mr Russell for having constant determination and perseverance when it comes to teaching us, as well as his patience and consistent encouragement in guiding us especially when we may need more time to fully understand and improve ourselves. I would recommend TTT to other students as it is not only a tuition centre but a place which tries to create a community. I gained many amazing friends, and we often studied together before or after class, and supported each other as we prepared for the national examinations. Thank you TTT!
Mr. Russell has really demonstrated a proper way of engaging with his students through ensuring that we are learning not just for the sake of learning but also how we could apply it to our daily lives. My teacher’s passion and drive has really inspired me to also do the same when it comes to my studies as he always makes sure that we constantly work hard and improve ourselves. In terms of lesson preparation, my teacher always has a set of notes which gives us a step by step breakdown of how we can tackle the skill.
Jun Jie, Juying Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I struggled a lot with English. Back then, I did not know how to study for English and was consistently getting a C5 and even a D7 once for English. For a period, I simply did not know what to do. However, I soon found out that my ex-school teacher, Mr Russell, had opened his very own tuition centre.
Having thoroughly enjoyed learning under him in the past, I decided to give his tuition a try. After joining TTT, the struggles that I had once faced gradually faded away due to the help I received from Mr Russell. Mr Russell is a kind, caring and funny teacher who is willing to go the extra mile for his students such as clarifying the doubts that some of his students have no matter the time of the day. His lessons are clear and comprehensive that includes a step-by-step approach on how to solve each of the comprehension and composition question types which I knew nothing of before I joined TTT.
Furthermore, another thing that I enjoyed about TTT during my time there would be their notes. There are a myriad of notes that TTT has given me which includes their oral notes, vocabulary notes on how to make your essay better, notes that have many examples which enhance your understanding of the world, and many more! The help that I had received from Mr Russell has tremendously helped me improve my English and for that, I am truly grateful to Mr Russell.
Han Ze, Unity Secondary
I joined TTT in March 2020, after noticing little improvements in my English Language grades, which was firmly stuck in the B4/C5 range. I felt that my tuition sessions and school lessons were not impactful, and I was really worried about my grades, and I was quite pessimistic about the possibility of achieving my target of getting an A2 for the O level. It was during a random discussion with my classmate that I found out that my former school teacher Mr. Russell had opened a tuition centre. I was aware at that time that Mr Russell is an excellent English teacher, as he had taught me in school when I was in Secondary 1 and 2 and my class would constantly achieve the best performance in the cohort. It was no surprise that I immediately called, enquired and joined the centre.
It was good to be reunited with Mr. Russell. After a few months of his intensive lessons, I managed to see an improvement in my work and English results. At the centre, the teacher focuses on laying down a strong foundation for the students. This is usually done through notes and practises given by the teacher. The notes given at the TTT tuition centre are like no others. It provides students with easy understanding of different components such as hybrid essays. The notes are personally created by Mr. Russell and are catered specifically to meet the needs of his students. I remembered that he often created additional notes for us, especially if we are weaker, or if we had several issues or bad habits that he wanted to eradicate. He was extremely analytical and sharp in terms of pinpointing our errors, and he meticulously provided us with a step by step solution to help us overcome our difficulties and misconceptions.
Every piece of notes serves a purpose in helping the students to improve. Mr Russell believes that English is a subject that is all about learning basic skills followed by sophisticated skills, and he believes that if students constantly practice them like how they would practice problem sums for mathematics or science, we would not have any issues tackling the English Language examinations.
Under Mr Russell’s guidance, I have seen an improvement in my English Language results. Although I have not reached my target of achieving a distinction yet, I am glad to say that I have more confidence now in getting at least an A2 for my ‘O’ Levels. If I continue to work hard and follow the lead of Mr Russell. I am sure that getting an A2 is not impossible at all. TTT is a place which provides students with step by step guidance. I will definitely recommend TTT to anyone who has the desire and determination to perform well in their English Language examinations.
Bryan Koh, Juying Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I always had the fear of failing my English. I felt that the English Language examinations were very difficult and I did not know what I should do to do better. I was consistently scoring Cs and Ds. I considered reading books, news websites and also doing assessment books but it did not seem to be beneficial.
Thankfully I joined TTT. Within two to three months of joining TTT, I noticed some visible improvements in my grades as well as in terms of my attitude towards English, and I would like to thank Mr. Russell for this. Mr. Russell is a very kind teacher who is willing to do a lot for his students. He does tuition as he truly wants to help students, and not because of the money he can earn from it. This is seen from how his classes are very affordable, and he also often provides free consultation and constantly checks on our wellbeing and also on our preparation for English. Mr. Russell used to be my form teacher in school, and even though he is now a tutor, he has provided the same care and support that he used to provide for his students in school. He is extremely approachable, and this allows me to learn in a comfortable setting. Mr Russell also teaches everything clearly and precisely, with step by step instructions, written in clear and concise notes. There are also lots of extra practises to make sure that we can fully understand his lessons and apply his teachings and strategies for all comprehension and essay types. He is definitely the best English teacher that I have ever had!
Thanks to TTT, I eventually scored a B3 for my O levels which I was very pleased with as I had still been scoring Ds at the start of Sec 4. Thank you TTT for the consistent guidance and support that helped me achieve my goals!
Vimmal, Yuan Ching Secondary
Before I joined TTT, my basics were not strong. Throughout my years in Secondary 1 to 3, I had a lot of issues in terms of writing proper sentence structures and expressions. Mr. Russell was sharp in terms of identifying my issues and he gave me simple tips and tricks to help me make immediate improvements.
Furthermore, he does not just stop at just correcting mistakes. He also teaches advanced language techniques as well as comprehension skills in order to help us ace our papers. These techniques and skills were easy to apply, and my favourite set of materials would be the argumentative vocabulary list, which is structured to give certain high-impact words that we can use for different sections of the essay (e.g. this essay will expound…’). These words were easy to use and remember and it helped me to improve the quality of my essays.
Mr. Russell is not an ordinary teacher. He is one of the best English teachers that I have ever had. His teaching methods are superior, detailed and effective for all students, and he constantly works very hard to ensure that he continues to become better and better every single year. Thank you for the lessons at TTT and for helping me obtain my desired 3 grade improvement in a matter of months.
Jia Yi, Juying Secondary
Mr Russell is a teacher with great passion and enthusiasm. He never fails to motivate us to push ourselves to study harder for the language. He made English more pleasant to learn. Furthermore, he is always there to provide feedback for our work and goes the extra mile to help us cope with our learning by conducting consultation lessons and marking extra essays that we submit. Mr Russell’s creative way of teaching has equipped us with a positive attitude towards the subject.
The lessons at The Thought Tailor were enjoyable and engaging as Mr Russell would occasionally crack jokes to make lessons more interesting. At the same time, lessons are also productive and we often get to group up with our peers for idea generation and brainstorming. This allowed us to further strengthen our essay writings.
On top of that, we are provided with concise notes for us to understand the lessons better. The notes allowed us to explore a myriad of skills and tips that we might not have known before joining the centre. The notes are really useful as it helps us broaden our knowledge towards the language and also provides us with broader contexts through real life examples, aiding us in Oral examinations and essay writings.
The lessons conducted by Mr Russell helped me improve my results for the subject, and I managed to improve from a B4 to an A2. At the O level, I managed to score an A2 for English. Overall, I am very satisfied with the learning experience that I had with The Thought Tailor and would highly recommend all students to join.
Ezann, Unity Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I often struggled to do well for EL and had very little interest in the subject. However, after joining TTT, I became a more passionate learner, with a greater desire to want to learn more and do well for EL.
One of the main reasons for this transformation is due to the quality of lessons and notes at the centre. At TTT, I learnt to see that EL can be studied, and I learnt different skills and techniques to tackle comprehension, essay writing and speech writing, and this was something that I have not learnt in school. The notes are also useful and simple to understand, which makes it efficient for learning.
Another reason for this transformation is because of my teacher. Mr Russell is very patient and willing to help me whenever I encounter difficulties with my work. He is also generous, and he has bought us food as well as McDonalds breakfast before our EOY. More importantly, Mr Russell is also a unique teacher and he conducts his lessons in a fun and interesting manner which makes me more passionate about English, with a greater desire to want to learn more.
This was something that was surprising to me because I used to dislike learning English. I would definitely recommend Mr Russell to my other friends as his way of teaching and pace of teaching would really suit them, as Mr Russell is very organised, meticulous and strategic in terms of teaching and preparing us for our exams. I would like to thank my teacher for putting in time and effort to prepare the best notes for us, as well as his effort in making sure that we were well prepared for the end of year exams this year. His effort made me love English more and enabled me to jump from scoring a B4 during S1 EOY to an A2 for S2 EOY as well as come in top in class!
Sheng Hui, Yuhua Secondary
Before joining TTT my English results were always in a range of E8 to F9. I struggled a lot with English yet could not see any way to improve my grades. However, after just 6 months at TTT, I managed to score a C6 for my O Level! Personally, the C6 was a big deal to me as in the past, I always felt uncomfortable using English to communicate and had little to no confidence to pass English. Joining TTT allowed me to slowly fall in love with English and I feel fine communicating in English now.
I believe that Mr Russell’s passion to teach is what made me fall in love with English. During class, Mr Russell would go around and ask us questions which pushed us to think further for ourselves. Whenever we had questions, he also made sure to answer them with as much clarity as possible to prevent any further doubts from forming. Outside of class, Mr Russell would constantly remind us that he was always available if we had any questions or needed consultation. I greatly appreciate how willing Mr Russell was to help us improve.
Besides that, I especially love how TTT focuses on teaching us skills instead of just doing mindless practices. TTT taught me skills to not only tackle all the possible comprehension question types but also to take on various essay questions which I didn’t even know required any skills beforehand. The skills and techniques I learnt at TTT were completely new to me as my school had never taught us anything like that. If not for TTT, I believe I would have continued struggling to even understand what was going on in class and during examinations. Thus, I would highly recommend TTT to all students who are keen for a wonderful English tuition experience.
Tarasia, Juying Secondary
TTT has completely changed my view on English as a subject. I used to believe that English was a subject that was difficult to master, especially with the limited amount of time we had to prepare as best as we could for our O level examinations. However, TTT gave all of us hope to improve our English as efficiently as possible!
They produce the most intricate and effective notes that allow all of us to propel our grades significantly. TTT gives nothing but the best quality notes, excellent guidance in and out of lessons and the most fun-filled learning experience that a child could ever hope for. I still fondly remember the humour that Mr Russell injects into every one of his lessons which never ceases to amuse me. Of course, it was not all fun and games, there were times where we had to put our head down to work on essays and comprehension texts, which was where the teachers there played significant roles to guide us on the spot and correct our errors. This made learning English all the more effective and comprehensible. The teachers there are all willing to go above and beyond for their students which was what made me intrigued and forever grateful to TTT. The teachers in TTT made me want to push my limits and strive for the best because of how much effort they invested for all of us.
All the notes done by Mr Russell and the teachers in TTT are top notch. They make English comprehensible and do the gruelling work of simplifying the content for all of us students. My favourite set of notes would be the writer’s craft notes because it was applicable for both essays and comprehension texts making it a valuable set of notes to have. The writer’s craft notes provide step by step guidance on how to effectively tackle the question and the thought process of how to secure the most marks. From then on, there was a paradigm shift in the way I tackled comprehension texts, I became more direct and clear with my answers as I understood the requirements for the questions.
TTT has provided a phenomenal experience, being able to bring life to English lessons which are seen as drab and boring. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I am sure you will too.
Desny, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was constantly scoring low to average marks for my English Language, and had struggled. particularly in my comprehension. I always did poorly in my comprehension as I did not have a clear idea and view on how to answer, and what skills and techniques I should apply for the various comprehension questions.
However, ever since I joined TTT, I have learned a lot about these techniques, as well as other approaches to tackling the various comprehension question types, allowing me to finally be able to apply them in a correct and effective manner. TTT is unlike other centres. TTT truly stands out from other centres due to their structured, yet in-depth set of notes for each and every component tested. They also have targeted, intensive skills drilling programmes for the skills taught, with the lessons helping us provide a recap on how to answer the component, and worksheets designed, categorised and specifically tailored to their question types. This was especially helpful for me as this way, we were able to focus on our area of weakness and to work on them directly, as well as to enable us to see a pattern and to strengthen our application of techniques.
The classes are conducted in a clear, concise and straightforward manner. Mr Russell is also usually able to predict our queries and will clarify them directly when teaching the lesson. He also highlights certain skills and factors for us to take note of so that we can achieve a higher level of understanding. This really helped me as it allowed me to learn easily and know what exactly I need to focus on, and what important details to pay attention to when doing my work. In addition, the way he teaches is extremely engaging as he often incorporates funny personal stories into his lesson time, to keep the atmosphere light and to create a more ideal environment for all. He is very passionate about his work and is constantly encouraging his students to do better.
I am extremely grateful for Mr Russell and would like to thank him for making the class interesting and fun. He is obviously passionate about teaching. After each lesson, he would give us practices and mark them directly to check on our progress and to identify any misconceptions we may have when doing the question. TTT provides a more detailed teaching method as compared to methods learnt in school, allowing me to be more precise and careful in my work and to strive for perfection!
Thank you TTT for allowing me to better understand how to tackle English as a subject! I believe it would have otherwise been very difficult for me to experience a 2 grade jump and secure my B3 in O levels in just a few months. I highly recommend TTT to everyone looking for a fruitful English tuition experience.
Brian, Juying Secondary
I would recommend TTT lessons because the lessons are highly effective! The notes are comprehensive and cover all the skills required for each component. They were definitely better than anything that I have received in school or other EL tuition. The lessons are also very well designed. Furthermore, the teachers are very professional and they provide quality teaching. Their lessons are also very fun and informative as they seek to teach in a fun and entertaining way.
The teachers also often go the extra mile to ensure that all of their students are able to cope with their work. They would often text students and mark extra assignments and provide free consultations to help students clarify any doubts that they may have. Mr. Russell is a fantastic teacher, and I know this not only from my time at TTT, but also because he was a former teacher at my school. Though I wasn’t taught by him, I knew about his good teaching skills, as well as his dedication and love for teaching. Thanks to TTT, I managed to come under him for several months. This was perhaps the best English lesson/program that I had.
I am happy that I managed to improve a lot in the four months that I spent at TTT – from a D7 at prelims, to a B3 at O level.
Shaik, Hua Yi Secondary
Mr Russell is by far the best teacher that I have ever had in my entire life. I have never seen a teacher who can be so entertaining and also productive at the same time. Firstly and most importantly, I really like how he is more of a brother rather than an authoritative teacher. I like this because it makes learning easier and a more pleasant experience if your teacher is more of a friend rather than someone unapproachable. He is always caring, and he often checks on us to see if we are coping well in school. I could always consult him, and I looked forward to our interactions. I find this to be rather fascinating, because prior to joining TTT, I was in fact reluctant to take up English tuition. So I am therefore glad that my friend and my mum convinced me to attend this! This added support is crucial especially since this year was a difficult year for us. It was the year when we had to prepare for a national examination in the middle of a huge covid-19 outbreak.
I think the learning process at TTT was rather perfect too! The notes and worksheets that were prepared for us were of high quality, covering every single aspect of the English paper. Not a single component was left out, and there were different details that were all covered, including skills/strategy such as the thinking process, step by step approach, answering techniques, variations in questions requirements, types of questions, and some additional, more sophisticated techniques that were all covered. There were even skills notes and drills for oral communication, and even content notes for oral too, which really shows that Mr. Russell really does not leave any stones unturned. I particularly enjoyed the content notes on bossaball.
It was something that I discussed both in my oral exams as well as in my school essays and O level essays. There is always a strategy for anything and everything, and it is always efficient. I also like the fact that the notes were formatted and presented in an efficient manner, with revision/summary sheets for the key aspects of every set of notes.
TTT’s unique approach to teaching and the way they clearly explain various English techniques makes it stand out from other centres. Before coming to TTT, I was unable to answer comprehension questions as I did not know the techniques to answer them properly. TTT taught me how to answer comprehension questions with ease and improved my comprehension scores by leaps and bounds! Through the lessons at TTT, I managed to improve quickly to become one of the top scorers in my recent end of year examinations!
Gervaise, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is a very fun, passionate and engaging teacher. When I first joined the tuition centre, I honestly felt that it was just like any other tuition centre and I never knew that English was a subject that could be studied. I only joined 2.5 months before the O levels examination and I managed to make a lot of improvements. I would usually get around C6 for most of my English tests and school examinations, but I managed to achieve a B3 at the O level in 2019.
The notes provided at the centre were completely different from those given in my school. My school’s notes did not really cover the skills and content needed to tackle the subject. However at TTT, the notes were really in-depth and the notes really covered more things that the school didn’t cover. I really like that Mr Russell covered the techniques to answer each and every different question type and he also provided a lot of effective drills for us to master the necessary skills. I felt that it really helped me in my revision and my understanding of the subject. In school, they would also usually teach exam techniques only when it’s close to the exam. Many of my classmates would usually start to panic and be anxious. However, at TTT, all techniques were taught and we also did several practices to make sure that we know how to apply the step by step strategies. TTT lessons are very well structured and I felt that I was learning more than my friends in school.
I would like to recommend my teacher to other students as the way he teaches is very systematic and very organised. He teaches at a pace that suits the students and ensures that all our doubts and queries are answered. He is definitely the best English teacher that I’ve ever had in my whole secondary school life.
Sky, Juying Secondary
I have always had trouble passing my English paper, especially in terms of essay writing. In the beginning, I tried other tuition, including 1-1 tuition and group tuition but they were not effective and I continued to struggle. At the time, I found that I simply could not pass my English Language paper.
However, things changed after Mr. Russell took over my class in school. He was a very different type of teacher. Initially he was firm and strict, and wanted us to follow his methods and he wanted us to present answers in the template that he provided. Frankly, initially, I found this slightly odd as it was very different from what I was used to and I was not sure if it was worth it to follow his methods. However, I figured it would not harm to try and to my surprise, I finally managed to pass my English test. When I heard that Mr. Russell had to quit school, I was quite troubled. I did not know if I could meet a teacher like him again. The next teacher who took over my class did not really bother to teach us skills. I was feeling dejected and thought that perhaps things would be like how it was in the past, when I did not have any effective lessons in school or in tuition classes. However, I soon found out that Mr. Russell had started a tuition centre and I immediately decided to join it.
Together with a number of my classmates in my school, we all joined TTT and worked really hard in Secondary 4 to prepare for our N levels. Lessons were fun, engaging and most importantly skills-based in nature. I never thought that I would be able to secure a Grade 3 for my N level having been stuck at Grade 7 previously. I was shocked. The hard work and time at the centre had paid off! Thanks to Mr. Russell and TTT, I managed to gain an opportunity to do a direct entry into the poly foundation year.
Mr. Russell is a really unique teacher. I really enjoyed his lessons. He is like a wonderful older brother who is always there for me. Thank you for everything!
Yi Xuan, School of the Arts
When I started secondary school, I joined TTT, and learning at TTT has helped me to improve my English. One of the things that I learnt in class is how to write discursive essays. Since I was in primary school, I have not been very good at essay writing, and I often struggled to write a decent essay. However, at TTT, I like how Mr. Russell has provided a simple step-by-step approach to teach us the various skills and techniques to write an essay. In a recent class, he also taught us how to upgrade our essay, by introducing content and later even context in our essay. Through regular practice, I learnt how to master the skills, and to write a decent piece of essay.
Similarly in terms of comprehension, I find that Mr. Russell provides very good structures to help students to easily remember the skills required for comprehension, and also to take note of things that could cause students to lose marks for their comprehension.
I like the regular drill practises as well as annotation classes. They both provide me with constant opportunities to practice the skills I have learnt which will surely help to improve my English grade. His concise notes and good teaching has also enabled me to remember things easily, and this is great for students.
Gwen, Unity Secondary
Mr Russell is a really passionate and determined teacher. His passion for teaching has driven him to inspire and motivate others to push themselves to consistently acquire excellent grades. I always look forward to his class as he never fails to lighten the class’s mood with his energy and enthusiasm which makes his lesson really interesting and lively.
His understanding of the subject is also admirable and he has crafted many summaries and ‘cheat sheets’ to help us focus on what is essential, which helps to make us feel confident and secure when taking tests. The materials he has provided for my classmates and I are really helpful as it teaches us different ways and techniques to tackle different questions, be it essays, comprehension questions, or editing. This was extremely important for me because we tend to be learning without direction and without the necessary materials in school.
I would highly recommend Mr Russell as I’m sure the impact that his teaching has had on me will surely have an impact on others too. I am sure students will enjoy being in his class without having to think about needing to drag themselves to class. It’ll certainly be a pleasure for students to have Mr Russell by their side, constantly pushing them to succeed just as he was constantly there for me, pushing me even when I had no motivation to study before my O levels last year. He managed to push me, and I improved a lot, jumping from a C6 at prelims to a B3 for my GCE O Levels Examination despite only starting English tuition a few months before my GCE O levels.
Owen, Dunearn Secondary
I joined TTT in 2021, and my teacher was Mr. Russell, who is also my current JC1 tutor. There are many things that i like about the classes at TTT, and one of the key things is that Mr. Russell breaks down the skills required for the EL paper into smaller components with specific skills to focus on, with a step-by-step strategy to help me understand the question, find the answer and present the answer in an appropriate manner, consistent with the specific requirements of the question. I enjoyed doing the worksheets, which are created in an effective manner, to enable me to pick up the skills quickly, and then to try more difficult questions to see some possible variations in the question type. Given that comprehension skills is one of my weaker areas, learning how to analyse comprehension texts and then learning how to structure my response, basically helped me to solve one of the key weaknesses that I had for the English language.
I also like that there were content notes that helped me to prepare for my oral examination and also for essay questions. Mr. Russell covered all the key essay genres including hybrid writing, argumentative writing, discursive writing and personal recount, which gave me good understanding of the expectations of the questions, as well as the creative elements that I could add in to do well. This was also the case for the situational writing, in which he covered all the basic and advanced techniques of writing, and gave us sufficient practice to ensure that we would know how to strategise and write efficiently under timed conditions. With a wonderful structure and strategy, excellent teaching as well as wonderful after-lesson support, I managed to improve by 4 grades after I retook the O level. This surely proves that it is possible to prepare for the English language paper, and I am glad that I joined TTT.
Dylan, Juying Secondary
Mr Russell always takes us very seriously, willingly listening to all the possible issues that we may have and trying his best to resolve all of them. I greatly appreciate his determination to help us do well in English. Before attending tuition lessons at TTT, I thought English was a subject that could not be studied and was rather a ‘either you can or cannot’ subject.
After attending his lessons, I realised that I was completely wrong. The fact is, it is actually possible to prepare for English. After joining TTT, I started focusing more on honing the skills Mr Russell taught me, including how to answer each comprehension question type. Within a few months, I noticed significant improvement in my comprehension grades and I owe it all to Mr Russell.
The notes and materials he gave to us were also extremely useful. They included clear and concise explanations for difficult concepts as well as unique examples or tricks to give me an edge over other students. The notes allowed me to understand exactly which skills to practice and master before my exams.
Mr. Russell is also a very interesting person. He makes his lessons fun and enjoyable by making a few jokes and witty comments. This helps to keep the class environment lively such that I never feel bored in class.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for his never give up attitude towards all of us and changing my perspective towards English. I would strongly recommend him to other students as he is able to adapt his lessons to suit a student’s learning needs, overall making it easier to understand his lessons. I managed to improve from a C6 (MYE) to a B3 (O level) in just four months!
Jayden, Bukit Batok Secondary
Before I joined the centre, I only managed to get a C6 for English. My mother quickly tried to get a tutor for me, and I was recommended by many to work with Mr. Russell. With the help of my teacher, I was able to improve by 3 grades to a B3 in just slightly more than a year.
What I really like about the centre is the great notes that were easy to understand, and skill-focused, that helped me to work harder, and made me feel that EL is actually a subject that can be studied. I became more motivated to work harder, because I knew that I could take actual steps towards greater success. Also, I feel that it has boosted my confidence, as I often learnt ahead of the syllabus, so I was always prepared for whatever my school may test. The notes are also very detailed, providing extra details that are necessary but sometimes not covered in school. Essentially, the notes were very organised and super helpful!
I think a very interesting part of the experience is that I can get to make new friends. Although I was the only one from my school, it was not awkward after a few sessions, because Mr. Russell would often try to get us to do some group work which allowed us to bond. He also often made jokes to make the class environment more lively and fun. I would recommend TTT to other students as the teachers are great and their notes are the very best!
Alexis, Juying Secondary
Throughout my secondary school life, I have faced numerous challenges in coping with English. I feared that I would not do well for my prelims and O levels examination. However, my fears were alleviated within 3-4 months, thanks to TTT and Mr Russell.
The centre has always been very committed to helping the students, giving free consultations that allow students to clarify any doubts with the teacher. To me, Mr Russell has also been very dedicated to helping students. He has devoted his rest time to continuous preparation of thoroughly vetted notes and long hours of marking (usually until 5 am). Despite being deprived of rest, he never fails to inject humour in the teaching of the students.
Moreover, at the centre, students are taught detailed formats and answering techniques to tackle different types of questions. Mr Russell has also given students drilling practices to hone our skills. With great educators and a conducive environment, TTT has allowed me to improve from a C6 to a B3 in a short amount of time!
Irfan, Hua Yi Secondary
Before joining TTT, I had already lost hope for my English and had absolutely no interest in the subject. My foundation in English was very weak, and I often find myself failing my English during my exams. Furthermore, I never found English to be fun or interesting to study.
However, after joining TTT, it has completely changed my perspective of English as a subject and it has even given me hope to work harder to do well for my examinations. My teacher, Mr Russell is not any ordinary tuition teacher – he is fun, interesting and he makes English seem so simple and easy to study. In fact, he is the best English teacher that I have ever had. His notes and teaching style allows him to teach in a simple, yet comprehensive manner. Mr Russell is extremely hardworking and he is very determined to help his students to excel in their examinations.
Mr Russell teaches English in a way it can be studied, just like Maths or Science, which allowed me to get enough practice during the short amount of time I had before my O Levels. His approach to answering the different types of questions really helped me to study better for English and to actually have a clear view on what to do during the exams. The step-by-step approach is very helpful and easy to remember. With TTT, I managed to pull my grade up from a fail (E8) to a B4.
TTT gave me the hope that I never expected to experience again, and inspired me to be more motivated and driven for the subject. Since then, I have highly encouraged my friends to TTT. I am proud to be part of the centre, and I am confident that my friends would definitely like it too. I am extremely grateful to the friends who recommended me to join TTT as it has truly changed my life for the better, and to Mr Russell for always having enough faith and support for me!
Zacharias, Unity Secondary
I joined TTT two months before O levels and I was taught by Mr Russell. Mr Russell is a very interesting teacher who always makes his lessons fun and engaging.
Mr. Russell is very friendly and he builds great rapport with his students. He sincerely tries to get to know each and every one of us. He is also extremely hard working and is always determined to help his students. He actively encourages them to do their best and I feel safe under his care.
He writes good, well-structured notes that definitely cannot be found elsewhere and his lessons and his materials helped me gain a deeper understanding of the examinations and the strategies required to tackle them efficiently.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for being a hardworking and passionate teacher who tried very hard for us, even though it was a stressful period as we joined late and he had a lot of students. I am also very happy that I managed to improve from a C6 (MYE) to a B3 (O level) in just three months!
Jolena, Juying Secondary
I would like to thank Mr Russell for being a hardworking and passionate teacher who tried very hard for us, even though it was a stressful period as we joined late and he had a lot of students. I am also very happy that I managed to improve from a C6 (MYE) to a B3 (O level) in just three months!
TTT has completely changed my opinion of English. I used to have the mindset that English is a subject that does not require much practicing. However, joining TTT in 2020 has completely changed my approach towards the English Language. TTT provides their students with unrivalled and detailed notes and drill practices that are comprehensive and catered to every aspect of English Language. Beyond notes for comprehension question types, there are also content notes for essays and oral.
Furthermore, the teachers at TTT, particularly Mr Russell provides his students with thought provoking and fruitful lessons. Mr Russell uses a myriad of methods to engage his students, be it the use of videos and much more. Mr Russell’s passion for teaching and desire to inculcate important life lessons in the future generations never cease to amaze me. There were many instances whereby Mr Russell made me feel like he was not just an ordinary tuition teacher but an exceptional and top-notch teacher that wants the best for his students. One instance would be during the O levels period where Mr Russell constantly offered his students consultation slots even if it meant that he had to sacrifice his personal time. Outside of the classroom, Mr Russell is a caring and loving teacher who would go the extra mile to ensure that his students are on the right track and are doing well. With the help of TTT, my grades and comprehension of the subject has improved by leaps and bounds. Join The Thought Tailor now to have an edge above the rest!
Chen Ting, Kent Ridge Secondary
Before I joined TTT, my English results were always a C6 or D7. I was in another tuition centre for a year but I didn’t see any improvement so I decided to quit. But I was still struggling with EL in early 2020, and thankfully, there was one day I saw a TTT advertisement on my Instagram stories, and I decided to give it a try to see if I have a chance to push up my grade for O level.
After 1-2 months in TTT, I had to sit for my school’s prelim exams. When the results came back, I was surprised that I received a C5 for my English. With just 1-2 months of lessons in TTT, I was happy to have made a significant improvement in my results.
At TTT, I was taught by Mr. Russell and he was very friendly, kind and passionate. His lessons were very interesting as he tells enthralling stories to keep the class engaged in the lessons.
The notes he gave were easy to understand and effective when it comes to doing revision. His step by step approach and answering format for each question type also enabled me to answer comprehension questions with greater accuracy.
One reason that I would like to recommend you to join TTT is because their lessons are effective, fun and simple to understand. The notes also cover a lot of different techniques and skills that schools do not cover in-depth. I am sure you will not regret joining the TTT family.
Ling Shuang, Unity Secondary
My teacher, Mr Russell, has a deep knowledge and strong passion for teaching English. He is also very friendly and approachable, and I can always text him if I have any questions or doubts. Mr Russell puts in the effort to get to know each and every one of his students. He also helps us improve by giving excellent advice on what we can do better in.
The teachers in TTT also spend a lot of time making very helpful notes for the students. The notes include step by step strategies and a compilation of practices from past year papers. The step by step strategies are very easy to remember and all the practices helped me with identifying the different question types and which strategy to use. My teacher also gives out another set of summarised notes which helped a lot when I was studying for my O Levels.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for his passion and determination to help me improve. His sincerity drove me to work harder for my O Levels and get a better grade. Despite only joining 3 months before O Levels, Mr Russell helped me improve from a C5 to a B3.
Mr Russell has the ability to build caring relationships with his students. He genuinely cares about all his students and does his best to help us improve. He is truly a very caring and passionate teacher and I would like to recommend him to other students.
Ernice, Juying Secondary
Learning at TTT was an experience that I will never forget. I have been to several other centres before but they never seemed to teach EL properly, and I was actually initially a bit hesitant to attend yet another EL tuition, but lessons with Mr Russell were certainly very inspiring moments. He is a very driven and inspiring teacher who is able to tell students exactly what they need to do to do well. That came in the form of his very efficient notes and drills and I remembered learning how to identify and handle every single comprehension question type, and even how to set questions, which allowed me to train myself to analyse the text in a better way. I really like that Mr Russell was able to make EL seem like a less obscure subject, and something that was more like Maths and Science, with simple, clear steps to attain good mastery. This probably enabled me to improve from a D7 to a B3 in just 4 months!
The centre was also more like a home, rather than a school, and I remembered that my friends and I felt welcomed and we often visited the centre to consult Mr. Russell. Even after we have graduated, we still constantly meet up to play Monopoly or participate in voluntary work with the staff at the centre. The teachers were also very hardworking, setting aside extra time for consultation. I recommended all my juniors to join the centre as I am sure that they would enjoy the same experience that I had. Thank you TTT!
Kristen, Unity Secondary
Before joining TTT, I was struggling to maintain my grade in English and I had difficulty in essay writing. However, Mr Russell was able to make the centre a fun learning environment by including group work and assignments that had fun and interesting topics. All these definitely inspired and motivated me to want to do better for my English paper. These assignments enabled me to think more creatively and critically to ensure that I would always do well.
Mr Russell’s passion for teaching is strong and it is evident for all to see. His lessons are energetic, creative and engaging, and the materials provided are also excellent, often pitched above my school’s standard, to ensure that we would find it easy when tackling the questions in our exam paper. He is also extremely caring, and we are able to book him for extra consultation if we need help in our work. I have been attending his classes for over two years, and I do not think that I can find another coach with a similar passion or equally superior teaching ability. This has enabled me to jump from scoring Cs to achieving an A grade for English. Since joining TTT, I have managed to consistently maintain a good grade for English. Thank you Mr. Russell for your guidance!
Min Khant, Juying Secondary
The teachers in TTT are very determined to help us improve and they are very passionate in their teaching. I think this was the driving force behind the impressive notes and lessons that I got when I attended lessons at TTT.
TTT teachers teach with incredible clarity. They are also very patient and creative and they will always try to find a way to clarify doubts especially if their students are unsure with any of the skills covered.
The notes produced are always evolving, catered to meet any new difficulties that we have when applying the skills. I find that the teachers are reflective and I appreciate the fact that they are constantly trying to find ways to adjust the notes to suit each student. It really shows that the teachers are constantly seeking to improve, and they work very hard to ensure that the students learn and improve.
The one thing that sets TTT apart from my school lessons is the fun and enjoyable learning environment. I really enjoyed the liveliness of the lessons, and I really appreciated my teachers for making the lessons fun and engaging. I looked forward to attending each lesson because they were never boring or repetitive, which I think is essential for learning. Through the guidance of the teachers, I managed to improve from a C6 to a B3 at O level and hence, I would really recommend students to join.
Yu Heang, Unity Secondary
I have always felt troubled about how I could improve my English and I suspected that I was lacking the knowledge and methods to tackle the subject. Moreover, the fact that I did not entirely enjoy learning English made it even more challenging. Fortunately, TTT helped me solve these problems and gain a deeper appreciation for English.
The detailed worksheets and guides are what makes TTT stand out from other centres. The materials provided proved to be important resources for my revision as they were filled with step-by-step explanations of how to answer both simple and complex questions. The teachers devoted a lot of time into producing and revising notes such that they are easy to understand and cater to students of different learning needs.
My teacher also incorporates various teaching methods such as the use of audio-visual materials and assigning group work into his lessons to keep classes enjoyable. On top of that, he dedicates much time in delivering personalised feedback to ensure that students understand their weaknesses and mistakes, as well as the appropriate strategies to address them. Thanks to the help of TTT, I have gained useful examination techniques to approach the components included in the assessment for O-Levels which helped me improve from a C6 to a B3 in just 1 year!
TTT is very affordable compared to other tuition centers, and the quality of notes and teaching methods definitely do not disappoint.
Atiqah, Juying Secondary
Mr Russell is extremely passionate in teaching English. He always made sure that we students understood what was being taught during lessons. I used to dislike English a lot but Mr Russell made me fall in love with the subject. Never would I have ever thought that English could actually be such a fun subject to learn!
During class, Mr Russell would go through the notes provided in great detail which made it easy for me to understand and absorb the notes’ rich contents. The effectiveness of TTT’s notes is proven in my improved results. Of course, that was also only possible thanks to Mr Russell’s great effort in teaching. Besides the notes, he also offered us a variety of practice drills and worksheets to allow us to apply what we have learnt.
I found that this was especially helpful to me as I could receive feedback from Mr Russell when he would mark my work. His feedback would always be clear and concise, and would directly pinpoint the areas I would have to work on to improve.
I would definitely encourage my peers to join TTT as I would love for them to experience the one of a kind joy that TTT would bring to them like how it brought to me!
Austin, Unity Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I had always disliked English and felt that my poor grasp of the subject was hindering my overall progress. I always felt as though it was hopeless to study for a subject that I felt had no straightforward answer to. Fortunately, TTT taught me about the various components of the English subject as well as the respective techniques that I could use to answer them.
The centre covers everything in the syllabus and beyond. Mr Russell is an extremely hardworking and meticulous individual who is willing to spend numerous hours burning the midnight oil to mark our work or prepare extra notes to ensure that his students understand the lessons. He is also very particular about his marking schemes and notes as he would always check and ensure that they were of good quality before teaching them in class. I believe that his diligent and open-minded attitude towards teaching and his aggressive passion to always improve on his teaching makes him a unique teacher.
While their lessons are fun, TTT does not compromise on their high standards either. With the wide range of different intensive drill lessons, I am able to recognise my weaknesses in the various components that are tested for EL. These lessons allow me to practice each component until I master them. Moreover, before joining, I had always struggled with comprehension question types such as Writer’s Craft, Unusual and Effective Questions and Hybrid Essay. With their lessons, I had significantly less trouble in answering such questions as Mr Russell’s intensive skills-based lessons were the solution to my problems. In addition, his step-by-step approach for comprehension and essay writing really make understanding the lessons easy and manageable!
Mr Russell has proven to be professional, patient and supportive with his teaching. Given his experience in school, as well as his reputation as one of the best and most driven teachers in my secondary school, Mr. Russell is well-poised to answer almost any question regarding the subject. I would like to thank Mr Russell for making English such a fun subject to learn. Thanks to my teacher’s guidance, English has become much easier to learn, digest and love. In school, English lessons would feel boring as they were lacking in exciting activities. However, Mr Russell manages to make English lessons enjoyable as he always keeps his students engaged and occasionally tells jokes which make his classes laugh.
Being someone who gets distracted easily, joining TTT has allowed me to get the essential last minute drilling I needed before my O Levels. Moreover, the guidance provided has proven to be quite crucial in the development of my English skills as a student and as an individual. Thanks to TTT I was able to see a 3 grade improvement to a B3 in just a few months. I definitely would recommend TTT to my juniors if they are looking for a surefire way to improve their English grades.
Kester, Juying Secondary
I’ve always had a weak foundation in English and I was always getting F9s for my tests and exams, which made me lose a lot of confidence and motivation in English. Previously, I always thought that to score well in English, we just have to read more books and to write more essays. However, when I first joined TTT, they completely debunked that mindset, and taught me the correct approaches and techniques needed to do well in English. TTT’s teaching approaches are very interesting as they are often extremely thorough and in-depth, yet, they still manage to teach it in a very clear and understandable manner. The teaching style at TTT has shaped my thinking process and evaluation, and it taught me to be more precise and detail-oriented in my work. The notes are designed specifically to answer O Level questions, and are defined to help us master the skills in the most effective manner.
In addition, Mr Russell is very adamant about always giving us the best. Mr. Russell would often prepare the best notes, and seek to make them better, and to cover more ground (such as content notes for the oral examinations).
These materials are often not provided in school, as well as anywhere else. Although he is strict, it truly taught me how I can be more specific and demanding with how precise my answers should be, and to always strive for perfection.
I would like to thank Mr Russell for working very hard for us and I appreciate all the notes, lessons and his texts/calls. The learning environment and the culture of the class is highly commendable and it allows us to work together and support one another to strive for the best possible results. Thanks to TTT, I eventually scored a B4 for O levels. I would highly recommend TTT to my friends and my family!
Natania, Unity Secondary
I struggled a lot with comprehension because I had just transferred from NA to express. As a result, my foundation wasn’t strong. I was very hesitant to join TTT at first. Fortunately, I changed my mind when I saw many of my friends improving drastically from a D7 to a B4 in a very short period of time. Seeing how these results were promising, I joined TTT around July. Overall, it has been a really meaningful experience as I was not aware of the complexities of the English language and I have learnt them in-depth during my time there.
TTT stands out from other tuition centres because of the teachers. The teachers are always very devoted and committed to wanting their students to do well. They are always willing to help and even sacrifice their time for us to add in extra classes to help us gain a deeper understanding of our lessons. They constantly aim to make lessons interesting and engaging. Overall, my teacher is one who is highly motivated to spur his kids to greater heights.
In addition, the notes and worksheets have helped me a lot especially for comprehension and composition. They often include guided instructions and various answering techniques which are fitted to guide me towards answering my questions well. I would like to thank my teacher for always ensuring that I understood everything, for going the extra mile to help me in my work and ensuring that I fully comprehended the concepts that he was imparting.
I would recommend TTT as the teachers are very committed in what they do, and the lessons are affordable.
Matthias Yeo, Juying Secondary
Before I joined TTT, I did not understand what was being taught in school and I lacked sufficient practice to achieve the grades I wanted for my English Language paper. However, as I started attending lessons at TTT, the teachers taught me the best techniques to answer questions and to prepare for the O Levels. Over the past few months at TTT, I slowly became more confident in my abilities.
The step-by-step formats included in the detailed notes and the worksheets provided made the content easy to understand and apply. One salient example would be when we were taught how and when to use the EEP format instead of the normal PEEL format taught in schools for our mixed genre essays.
At TTT, we are provided with sufficient opportunities to practice and clarify our doubts as there were additional classes and free consultation sessions that were made available. The teachers at TTT are also very passionate about teaching, and they would go as far as to monitor our work and also check on our wellbeing to ensure that we are well-prepared for the O level. Thank you TTT for the wholesome experience and for helping me improve from a C6 to B4 in a matter of months.
Nive, Unity Secondary
The notes prepared by Mr Russell are extremely useful and all the drill practices are beneficial too. The notes are well prepared, catering to all, including those who are weak in English. Furthermore, drills and practices prepared by the teacher are extremely useful as it targets specific weaknesses such as narrative comprehension or for specific question types.
Mr Russell also covers every single comprehension skill type, and also every single situational writing and continuous writing question type. He also goes through every single O level past year exam paper, and marks all of them, even pointing out the flaws in our understanding of skills – something that not all school teachers do. He has also set aside a lot of time for oral drills, even after our usual lessons, so that we would have at least 6-8 sessions of oral tests, to ensure that we were able to apply the right strategies. Furthermore, Mr Russell would usually sit with us and point out our mistakes which I think have allowed me to know the areas I have to practice more on.
Most importantly, what I really like about Mr Russell is his dedication to teach us. When he was my teacher in school, he used to work very hard which motivated my entire class to do well. Even after starting his own centre, Mr Russell continues to stay up past midnight to respond to our doubts and to give us consultation, which other centres normally do not do. I believe that his passion and dedication in teaching us is an outstanding characteristic which actually motivated me to do my best.
Roycedon, Juying Secondary
I would have to admit that before I joined TTT, I felt that English is just a subject that one could never be good at. I felt that there was no format for answering comprehension questions and doing well in this subject was basically a matter of luck or some innate ability. All these thoughts dissipated when I joined TTT. At TTT, I learnt a plethora of useful English skills that my school did not teach. These skills proved to be useful in dealing with a variety of English questions and I became more confident. This helped me to achieve a 2 grade jump in just 7 months.
I believe that TTT is not an ordinary tuition centre. TTT teachers make use of a step by step teaching structure that is easy to follow. They also provide many detailed and useful notes on how to tackle different aspects of the paper. Furthermore, they have tried to create a homely and warm experience for students, by encouraging students to study at the centre, and also to take breaks by playing some board games and lightsabers during the holidays. They also provide free consultations for weaker students who need extra help.
These facilities and the amazing support system provided is something that is not seen elsewhere, both in school and also at other centres. Hence I truly believe in TTT’s motto: more than a centre, better than a school.
The teachings offered in TTT have shaped me into a more understanding, adaptable, proactive student. This has also impacted my life in a meaningful way. I have learnt that nothing is impossible as long as you put your mind and soul into it. I truly have to thank my teachers at TTT for helping me to see how I can analyse situations and problems better, and how to prepare effectively for the English language paper.
Gayatri, Unity Secondary
When I joined TTT at the start of 2021, Mr Russell and the teachers there made me feel like I belonged and welcomed me with open hands. Mr Russell always started the lessons on time and with full enthusiasm. Given that he had lessons throughout the whole day, the fact that he could still cover the agenda for the lesson shows how organized and capable he is in teaching his students.
I am truly very thankful for all the time he has spent guiding us. The way Mr Russell taught gave us a chance to really improve our knowledge of the English language and I am proud to say that we could definitely see the improvement in our grades. His concise notes, growth mindset and desire to get all of us to score really well had motivated all of us to have open minds and to put in our utmost efforts in all the work he assigned us. He made sure we were attentive in his lessons whilst he explained the learning outcome. He gave us sufficient time to complete tasks that were designed for us for each lesson. The great thing about the materials given to his students is how the notes guide us in answering any question type. We would receive homework in his lessons and the notes that came together with it would assist us in answering the question and ensure that we deepen our understanding on the various question types that come along with different topics in the English language.
As a teacher, Mr Russell has portrayed diligence and passion. I believe he has nurtured me well and I have grown to be someone who has developed a greater understanding of the English language. I still have much to learn from him and I look forward to future sessions at The Thought Tailor.
Jia En, Juying Secondary
My journey at TTT was memorable, yet tough. It was tough as I had to go through all the different components in English which I never knew existed when I relied solely on school! Before joining TTT, I struggled greatly in my English Language, and have always gotten a U grade in my report book. It was always extremely devastating and unmotivating as English is the most important subject. However, after joining TTT, my grades have quickly jumped from a U to a Pass!
The lessons were always well-prepared, with a clear objective in mind. The resources prepared are always created with the goal to let students understand and master the skill in the most effective way possible. The step-by-step strategy really enhanced my understanding, as well as broadened my ability to tackle skills that I was struggling with. Afterwards, they provided worksheets with carefully selected questions to help us develop greater experience. I am extremely grateful for this, especially in terms of the oral examination component. My school teachers did not have the proper time to really help me improve significantly but Mr Russell provided me with constructive feedback, effective notes, and great advice to help me to improve.
He also emphasised the importance of the oral examination and did multiple sessions to ensure that I make concrete improvements.
Mr Russell is also very engaging. He would always attempt to use different techniques to make the class laugh and to catch student’s attention. He is very passionate., and constantly checked on us to view our progress. A memorable thing I will never forget was summary writing. He had asked us to redo the summary writing until we were able to capture all the points. It was a great way to show what the gaps in understanding were and how we could resolve it. Furthermore, he never hesitated to give us extra consultation. He would always guide us patiently throughout and has never once lost any sort of faith in us.
I would like to thank him for his unwavering support and guidance throughout my entire journey at TTT. Even though it was only a short year with him, I have learnt a lot and would definitely remember all the things that he has done for us. Thank you.
Joe, Juying Secondary
In the past, I was struggling in school and I was not sure how to study for English or how to improve for EL. I tried to do something about it but I felt that it was difficult to even secure a pass for my EL exams in the past.
However, ever since I joined TTT, I realised that there is actually a way to get through the syllabus. The lessons at TTT were very well-structured and the teachers focused on teaching skills, which my school didn’t cover. The skills were taught in a simple, structured manner, and studying for the English Language became much easier for me. We were told to apply the strategies in a step by step manner, and we were given a lot of drills and practices to ensure that we understood how to apply the various strategies. This was extremely useful for comprehension and essay writing.
In just five months, I managed to make a 4 grade jump from a F9 (31%) to a C5 at O level. I believe that I would have done even better if I had joined the centre earlier. To those that don’t like the English language as a subject and are struggling with it, I must say that TTT will change your perception towards how to learn and prepare yourself for the O level EL paper.
Joelle, Unity Secondary
My teacher, Mr Russell, explains the lessons in great detail and he is also willing to repeat again if any of his students could not understand certain parts. I signed up for classes on a Monday night and asit w sometimes quite tiring to attend tuition after school, but Mr. Russell often makes some small jokes or quick chats to create a positive and happy learning environment in class.
Mr Russell always strove to make better notes for us. I felt encouraged by his actions, and it inspired me to work hard and improve my English. TTT creates their own materials and my teacher even provided summaries of some of the notes to help make learning faster and more effective. Mr Russell also sometimes showed videos, especially when teaching content for oral and argumentative writing, and this helped us to remember some of the content better. He is also very willing to write more notes for us, especially in areas that we may find more difficult to pick up the concepts or skills.
I am very grateful to Mr Russell for his guidance during the few months before my O levels. If it wasn’t for his teaching, I wouldn’t have been able to score a B4 for O levels having consistently been scoring C6 previously. I would definitely recommend Mr Russell and TTT to other students as the teachers at TTT put in a lot of effort in creating better materials for TTT students.
Hui Qing, Juying Secondary
The teachers at TTT are very easily approachable and helpful. Concepts and techniques taught are easy to understand. It allows both weaker students like me, and stronger students to understand and prepare for their EL paper.
The notes are easy to comprehend and are designed in a clear and concise manner to help students focus on the necessary skills needed to help them make improvements.
Although I only attended TTT for 3 months, the teachers there have helped me tremendously, helping me to improve by three grades. The teachers at TTT are very caring and they patiently taught me how to answer respective questions appropriately, thus allowing me to improve.
TTT teaches us different techniques and creates opportunities for us to apply them in respective situations. The teachers there are very proactive and approachable, which allows us to ask questions without the fear of being judged.
Joel, Unity Secondary
In the past, I would often struggle in terms of doing well for comprehension and I would often feel like giving up, but once I entered secondary school, I realised that I could actually do quite well in this area. This was thanks to Mr. Russell, who was my teacher in school, and now my current teacher at TTT. At TTT, I learnt various comprehension techniques and understood the various approaches, answering format and thinking skill required for each question type.
The drills enabled me to do constant practices in that area and also to understand whether there are any gaps in my understanding of the skills and what to do (or what not to do).
I also enjoy the essay and situational writing lessons, and I like the fact that Mr. Russell tends to prepare us in advance, usually around 1-2 months before my school teacher begins on a new form of writing. This allows me to master and perfect the writing techniques required even before my school teacher teaches them.
Thank you Mr. Russell for the constant encouragement. There are times when I did not secure an A1, but he would constantly encourage and motivate me to do even better. I will continue to work harder to secure an A grade in Secondary 3.
Charlene, Unity Secondary
The Thought Tailor is filled with many passionate and dedicated teachers. They are all extremely willing to help, offering me guidance whenever I need it. More often than not, one of the staff there would reach out and ask if I have any doubts that need to be clarified.
My teacher, Mr Russell, is strict yet highly engaging. He planned many meaningful and interesting lessons for us. He also offers extra lessons for free to those who need extra help.
At TTT, besides the high-quality teachers, there are also high-quality notes. The notes are extremely detailed and effective. They help me to study more quickly and efficiently. Their notes consist of many methods to answer certain questions so the students can pick out the method that suits them the most. My favourite set of notes would be the one on visual text. It is filled not just with words but also pictures which motivates me to study and helps me to understand things more easily.
The tuition centre is also super aesthetic and comfortable. I believe the teachers had put in a lot of effort to decorate the place. During break time, we are allowed to play with the board games there in order to help us de-stress from all the studying. Personally, I feel that TTT has built a very conducive learning environment.
Thanks to TTT, I was able to achieve a 3 grade jump in a very short period of time. I have absolutely no regrets about joining TTT and would highly recommend this tuition centre to everyone looking for English tuition.
