F.A.Q
1. Is Economics tuition a necessity?
Singapore is often referred to as a “Tuition Nation,” and even Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has observed that tuition has become a minor national obsession. Singaporean parents are willing to invest significantly in tuition, believing it to be essential for academic success. According to the 2008 report on household expenditures by the Department of Statistics, Singapore households spent around $820 million on private tuition (both centre- and home-based), up from $470 million a decade earlier.
In today’s competitive environment, tuition is often seen as a way to secure distinctions, improve exam performance, and gain an academic edge. However, Dr. Anthony Fok emphasises that tuition is a supplement, not a necessity, nor a replacement for the foundational learning that takes place in school. Its purpose is to fill gaps in knowledge, clarify difficult concepts, and guide students in effective exam preparation, rather than being an obligatory pathway to success.
Well-structured tuition, especially in subjects like Economics, can be highly beneficial for students who need additional support in applying concepts, integrating topics, and mastering evaluation skills. It also helps students develop exam strategies, practice past-year questions effectively, and stay updated on current affairs. Nonetheless, tuition is most effective when paired with the student’s own effort, self-study, and engagement in class. In essence, tuition enhances learning, but it cannot replace a student’s dedication and curiosity—these remain the true keys to academic achievement.
2. What is the difference between H1 Economics and H2 Economics?
For H1 Economics students, the examination format only consists of Paper 1 Case Studies. For H2 Economics students, the examination format consists of Paper 1 Case Studies and Paper 2 Essays. There are a few topics which are not in the GCE A Level Economics H1 syllabus such as International Trade, Cross Elasticity of Demand, Income Elasticity of Demand, Cost and Production and Market Structure.
3. Are ten-year-series guides still relevant or helpful for students?
The ten-year-series (TYS) has been a staple resource for GCE O and A-Level students in Singapore for more than four decades. These annual compilations include examination questions from the past ten years and have traditionally been valued for helping students understand exam formats, question styles, and common topics. Many students find TYS useful because it provides practice with real past-year questions, allowing them to benchmark their performance against actual exam standards and timing. Practicing with TYS papers also helps students build exam stamina, time management skills, and familiarity with the types of calculations or essays required.
However, in recent years, the predictive value of TYS has diminished. Examination patterns have evolved, with a greater focus on higher-order thinking skills, application of economic concepts to real-world scenarios, and evaluation of policies in specific contexts. Questions now tend to be more dynamic, integrated, and analytical, meaning exact repeats are less common. Students relying solely on TYS may find that while they can answer standard or conceptual questions, they are less prepared for novel or multi-layered questions that require critical thinking, synthesis, and evaluation.
This is why TYS should be used as one of several revision tools, rather than the only resource. It provides exposure to past questions, but students also need comprehensive study materials that cover the syllabus thoroughly, explain underlying concepts, and model high-quality answers. For Economics, this means not only practising questions but also understanding current economic developments, learning how to apply theory to real-life contexts, and developing evaluation and essay-writing skills.
Recognising these needs, Dr. Anthony Fok has authored a series of Economics guide books designed to complement TYS. These include:
- Evaluation Points Guides – offering structured ways to critique economic policies, assess assumptions, and weigh pros and cons.
- Diagrams Compendium – providing clear, step-by-step explanations of essential graphs and their applications in answering questions.
- Summary Notes Book – condensing the syllabus into key concepts and principles for efficient revision.
- Model Essays – demonstrating high-scoring essay structures, integrated arguments, and the use of current affairs in context.
By combining TYS practice with such comprehensive guides, students gain a balanced approach: they develop exam familiarity and timing from TYS, while also mastering conceptual understanding, application, and evaluation skills through supplementary materials. This approach not only improves confidence but also equips students to handle unfamiliar and higher-order questions, which are increasingly prevalent in the modern GCE Economics examination.
4. Why do so many students find Economics challenging?
Many students struggle with Economics because success at the GCE A-Level goes far beyond memorising content. In recent years, there has been a clear shift away from testing lower-order thinking skills such as simple knowledge recall and basic comprehension. Instead, examination questions increasingly demand higher-order thinking skills—application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Students who rely heavily on regurgitating lecture notes often find themselves stuck at the mid-level bands, as such answers lack depth, relevance, and critical insight.
One major challenge lies in application. Students must be able to interpret real-world economic scenarios and explain them accurately using the appropriate economic concepts. This requires a strong conceptual foundation and the ability to identify which theories are relevant in a given context. Misapplication of concepts, even if definitions are correct, can significantly weaken an answer.
Another difficulty is analysis and synthesis. High-quality Economics answers require students to integrate multiple topics—such as demand and supply, market failure, macroeconomic objectives, and policy tools—into a coherent and logical line of argument. Students must also be able to reconcile conflicting viewpoints, for example, weighing short-term benefits against long-term costs or balancing economic growth against equity and sustainability. This level of thinking is challenging because it requires students to see Economics as an interconnected discipline rather than isolated chapters.
Evaluation further differentiates top-performing students. Examiners expect candidates to assess the effectiveness and limitations of economic policies, taking into account factors such as time lags, unintended consequences, assumptions, and the specific economic context (e.g. Singapore versus a global economy). Strong evaluation is not generic; it is nuanced, balanced, and context-specific. Many students struggle here because evaluation cannot be memorised—it must be constructed logically within the essay.
In addition, clarity of expression is crucial. Examiners reward quality over quantity. Essays that are overly long but poorly structured often score lower than concise, well-organised responses with clear arguments, precise economic terminology, and sharp evaluation. Logical flow, clear paragraphing, and focused explanations are essential but often underestimated by students.
Economics is also challenging because it is a dynamic and current subject. Students are expected to stay updated on global and local economic developments, particularly those affecting Singapore. Quoting relevant and up-to-date examples, data, and policies helps demonstrate real-world understanding and strengthens application and evaluation. However, many students either lack awareness of current affairs or struggle to link news events meaningfully to economic theory.
Ultimately, excelling in Economics requires more than content knowledge. Students must be able to think critically, apply concepts accurately in the right context, integrate ideas across topics, and communicate their arguments clearly and concisely. It is this combination of analytical thinking, real-world awareness, and disciplined exam technique that makes Economics challenging—but also rewarding—for students who master it.
Questions About JCECONOMICS.COM
5. What makes Dr. Anthony Fok special?
Dr. Anthony Fok is widely recognised as a leading JC Economics tutor in Singapore, distinguished by both exceptional results and a holistic approach to teaching. He was featured in The Sunday Times in 2008 as one of the five most sought-after tutors in Singapore, with parents going to great lengths to secure places in his classes due to his strong track record. Over the years, more than 600 students have achieved distinctions under his guidance. Consistently, over 50% of his students score an A each year, while more than 85% attain A and B grades, reflecting the effectiveness and rigour of his teaching approach.
What truly sets Dr. Fok apart is his remarkable ability to spot examination questions with high accuracy, allowing students to focus their preparation strategically and confidently. He is also the only Economics tutor to be featured as a “Super Tutor” across major international and local media platforms, including The Straits Times, BBC, Bloomberg, and CNN, underscoring his reputation both in Singapore and globally.
Beyond results, Dr. Fok believes his popularity comes from more than imparting Economics knowledge. He motivates students to love the subject, helps them look beyond grades, and teaches values and life lessons that remain relevant long after graduation. By bridging the gap between what is taught in schools and what appears in national examinations, he shortens the learning process and builds clarity and confidence. To many students, Dr. Fok is more than a tutor—he is a mentor and a trusted friend who finds deep satisfaction and purpose in teaching.
6. How do you keep students motivated?
Most Junior College (JC) students are generally self-motivated as evident from their own initiative to sign up for tuition. They know that the stakes are high and extra effort is required in order to secure their distinctions to qualify for the top local and overseas universities. Dr. Anthony Fok constantly messages his students on a regular basis to keep in touch with them on a personal level as a friend rather than as a tutor. He lends a listening ear when students need support and encouragement, especially during examination period.
7. Does Dr. Anthony Fok teach H3/ IB Economics?
Dr. Anthony Fok only specialises in teaching A-level Economics for H1 and H2 students.
8. Does Dr. Anthony Fok provide one-on-one tuition? Is group tuition regarded as less effective?
No. Dr. Anthony Fok’s schedule is fully booked for group tuition at Bishan, Bukit Timah and Tampines.
In contrast to home tutors who may not have the relevant teaching experience and structured lesson materials in place, Dr. Anthony Fok’s detailed lessons plans optimises lesson delivery. Through interactive group discussions, students are able to gain a better and deeper understanding of the subject content. This is supported by the proven track record as shown from the quality results produced and positive testimonials from former students.
9. Apart from Bishan, Bukit Timah and Tampines, does Dr. Anthony Fok teach at any other locations?
No.
10. Is Dr. Anthony Fok the only teacher?
Yes. All Economics tuition lessons are entirely taught by Dr. Anthony Fok. This is to ensure top quality in lesson delivery. He is a ‘one-man-show’ tutor. All lessons are delivered live.
11. What if Dr. Anthony Fok is unable to make it for lessons (e.g. reservist or sick)?
There will be no relief teacher. The lesson will be cancelled and a replacement class will be arranged.
12. Does Dr. Anthony Fok offer a trial class?
Due to the limited vacancies available, JCEconomics.com is unable to offer a trial lesson. However, in the unlikely event that you do not benefit from the lessons, you are free to withdraw from the classes at the end of 4 lessons.
13. Does Dr. Anthony Fok have a 'waiting list' of students?
The popular time slots for JC 2 Economics classes are usually fully booked by March. Interested students will be placed on a waiting list.
14. Can I ask my own questions in class?
Definitely! No one should leave the classroom in doubt. Students can arrange for a separate consultation on an ad-hoc basis with the tutor. In addition, all students are given Dr. Anthony Fok’s personal mobile number upon registration. They can text him even after tuition hours to seek help in Economics.
15. What is Dr. Anthony Fok's track record?
The name list of students who have scored distinctions are listed on the website on an annual basis. The percentages of students who scored ‘A’s and ‘B’s are also listed on the website. Do note that Dr. Anthony Fok teaches a large pool of students on a yearly basis. The sample size of students is much larger as the students come from all walks of life, not merely from the top branded schools.
16. Are all the testimonials listed on the website Dr. Anthony Fok's former tuition students?
Yes. All the testimonials listed on the website were written by students from Dr. Anthony Fok’s Economics tuition classes. Photographs also accompany the testimonials given for verification.
17. Can we have a look at Dr. Anthony Fok's certificates?
The academic certificates of Dr. Anthony Fok are displayed prominently at the tuition centre in Bukit Timah.
18. How does Dr. Anthony Fok segregate the students from H1 Economics and H2 Economics?
All students are placed in the same tuition class. However, H2 students will attend additional payable classes to cover the extra topics covered in the H2 syllabus. H1 students do not need to attend the additional class.
19. If the topic covered during the tuition lesson differs from the topic covered in school, can everyone accommodate me?
As this is a group tuition class, there are usually students from different schools in the same group. Therefore, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be learning the same topic at the same time. If you have learnt what Dr. Anthony Fok happens to be teaching at the moment, learn it again from a different perspective. You may learn something you didn’t know before. If you haven’t learnt what Dr. Anthony Fok is teaching in class, you should pay attention and learn it well so that you will be well prepared when your teachers teach you the same topic in school. The idea is you probably will be taught twice for every topic – once by your school teacher and once by Dr. Anthony Fok. You will also probably do a lot more essay questions than your peers and therefore, you should be more competent and confident with the topics.
20. Can you tell us what will appear in this year's A level Economics examination? Do you spot questions?
Dr. Anthony Fok believes in ensuring that all the topics are adequately revised and covered during the tuition classes. It is important not to ‘gamble’. Legitimately, nobody should have prior access to the papers set by the Ministry of Education of Singapore in collaboration with the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate. Nonetheless, being very familiar with the past-year examination questions since he is an author of the answers to the ten-year-series, he can readily tell students in which year this particular type of questions has most recently come out and how often it has come out in the past. He makes it a point to always keep abreast of the latest exam trends, both local and overseas, and update my notes accordingly for the benefits of his students.
21. Can Dr. Anthony Fok guarantee me a distinction?
No genuine tutors can guarantee distinctions. Students need to work hard together with Dr. Anthony Fok’s proper guidance.
22. Can Dr. Anthony Fok help to mark the essays I write?
Yes. Dr. Anthony Fok will personally mark any extra essays that you choose to do. He will also provide written feedback on how you can improve on your work.
23. Are the books written by Dr. Anthony Fok a replication of the notes given in Economics tuition classes?
No. There will not be any duplication of notes found in the books written and the notes that are distributed during lesson time. Students are strongly encouraged to purchase the guidebooks to help them with the revision at home
24. How will the books written by Dr. Anthony Fok help in my revision?
Dr. Anthony Fok has written an entire series of Economics books catering to students sitting for the GCE ‘A’ level examination. The books cover specific skill sets that students might wish to improve on.
For example, there are different books on drawing diagrams, writing evaluation points, scoring for essays and case studies, etc.
Students are strongly encouraged to purchase the books to help them improve on their weakness.
25. Can I buy Dr. Anthony Fok's Economics notes instead of attending the lessons?
The notes are not for sale. It is the delivery of the lessons that makes Dr. Anthony Fok’s lessons unique and not merely the notes.
26. What is so special about the lessons?
Please refer to the testimonials written by Dr. Anthony Fok’s former students. It would be better to hear from the students who have personally experienced and benefited from his conduct of lessons.
27. What are some value-added services that Dr. Anthony Fok provide?
- Students are welcomed to stay behind after class to clarify any doubts they might have at no extra charge.
- Students can book an ad-hoc appointment with Dr. Anthony Fok for a personal consultation during weekdays to seek help in topics they are unsure of.
- Students can request for additional notes or revision packages, which include model essays and key concepts to revise on.
28. I am very weak in Economics. How can Dr. Anthony Fok help me?
Economics is unlike other subjects like Mathematics or Sciences. In order to do well for Economics, students need to be equipped with the necessary skills to interpret examination questions correctly and construct arguments effectively within exam conditions to score and excel.
Some students do badly for Case Studies because they are not exposed to real world context or examples. In fact, many essay questions are usually linked to Singapore context or other developed countries like USA or Japan and developing countries like Vietnam, Brazil, China and India. Students need to have the relevant knowledge of these countries in order to write well. Bearing this in mind, Dr. Fok has crafted special notes to give students the Grade A, i.e. the Level 3 marks (highest marks given for distinction grade). In order to hit Level 3 (L3), students need to give evaluation and analysis points. His notes will summarise all these evaluation and analysis points
29. I am a JC 2 student. My JC 1 foundation is weak. How can Dr. Anthony Fok help me?
On the first lesson, Dr. Anthony Fok will speak personally to all new students to give guidance on how to study for Economics. He will also pass a copy of the previous lessons’ materials so that he/she can catch up. Another suggestion is for JC 2 students to join the JC 1 classes as well. This will help them to catch up on their foundation topics.
30. Does Dr. Anthony Fok conduct crash courses for last minute JC 2 students?
No. However, there are intensive revision programme classes conducted in December for JC 1 students to catch up on their foundation topics.
31. Does Dr. Anthony Fok conduct additional classes during June or December holidays?
Yes. Please refer to the ‘Intensive Revision Programme’ and ‘Case Study Workshop’ links on the website.
32. Will it be too late to start attending lessons at any point in time?
It is never too late as long as you are willing to work hard. There are students who have joined Dr. Anthony Fok’s classes 3 months’ before A-levels and have scored As in Economics. Please read the testimonials from his former students.
33. Is 1.5 hours of curriculum time a week sufficient?
Yes. A carefully structured 1.5-hour tuition session is more than enough to cover the syllabus effectively. Over the years, numerous batches of students under Dr. Anthony Fok’s guidance have achieved distinctions and top grades with this lesson duration. The key to success is lesson quality, not length.
Unlike some tuition centres where students spend a large portion of class time completing essays or exercises on their own—effectively turning lessons into “babysitting sessions”—Dr. Fok’s lessons are highly focused and fully utilitarian. Every minute is dedicated to teaching, explaining concepts, guiding diagrams, applying theory to real-world examples, and practising evaluation for essays. There is no wasted time; students are actively learning throughout the session.
Practice and reinforcement are carried out through carefully assigned home assignments, allowing students to consolidate what they have learned in class. This approach ensures that class time is used for high-value teaching, while independent practice at home builds confidence, exam skills, and mastery of the syllabus.
Each 1.5-hour lesson is carefully structured to ensure students:
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Master complex concepts efficiently
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Learn to apply theory in the correct context
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Build critical thinking and analytical skills
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Practise high-quality essay writing under guidance
With comprehensive revision materials, model essays, and practice questions provided, students maximise productivity both in and out of class. Every session is purposeful, directly contributing to exam readiness.
In short, it is the effectiveness and focus of teaching—not the duration of the lesson—that drives results. With 1.5-hour focused sessions and diligent home practice, students can confidently master the syllabus, avoid wasted time, and achieve excellent results.
34. Which schools do tuition students hail from?
Students come from different colleges in Singapore. There are private candidates sitting for the GCE ‘A’ level examination that attends the classes as well.
35. If I can't attend my allocated tuition lesson, can I attend a makeup lesson?
Yes. You could possibly join other classes within the week. All classes are repeated within the same week (i.e. the first class starts on a Saturday and the last class ends on a Sunday).
36. What is the class size?
The actual class size may differ from time to time due to students attending make-up lessons. Dr. Anthony Fok is a highly sought-after Economics tutor with exceptional classroom management and lesson delivery skills. The mere fact that his classes are big, speaks volume of his ability to deliver results and keep the students engaged. Good lecturers can be very effective even to larger groups of students. It is the quality of teaching that matters.
37. What are your opening hours?
The centre is only open during lesson hours. Please SMS 8251 3684 if you have any enquiries to make.
Payment And Registration Matters
38. How do I sign up?
To register, please SMS student’s full name, school, selected time-slot to 8251 3684. A confirmation SMS will be sent upon successful placement.
39. Do you provide any placement diagnostic test?
No. However, upon registration, students may wish to bring down their latest Economics examination scripts for Dr. Anthony Fok to review. He will review and analyse the student’s strengths/ weaknesses and provide suggestions on how to improve. Please photocopy a copy of the examination papers for him to review.
40. What do I have to pay upon registration?
$480 / 4 lessons + one-time $120 material fee per year (non-refundable)
41. What is the $120 one-time material fee paid for?
The $120 material fee is collected upfront to pay for the printing of notes and worksheets throughout the year. It is non-refundable.
42. Do you issue a receipt upon collection of fees?
Yes. An official receipt will be given.
43. When are the monthly fees due?
Fees are payable at the beginning of each month. There will be pro-rating of fees if the student begins lesson in the middle of the month. However, there is no pro-rating of fees if the student misses any lesson, regardless of the reasons.
44. What if there are 5 lessons in the month?
All of our programs are based on a month-to-month commitment. If there are 5 lessons during the month, the fees will be pro-rated.
45. What if the student joins during the middle of the month?
The fees will be pro-rated based on the number of remaining lessons in the month of registration.
46. Will there be price revision from time to time?
In the unlikely event that the tuition fees are revised, parents will be notified at least 1 month in advance.
47. What are the modes of payment?
We only accept payment by Paynow only to UEN: 201431776E.
48. In the event of planned absence from class (e.g. due to overseas trips, school camps or sports competitions), can I seek a refund of tuition fees?
There is strictly no refund of fees. Students are advised to plan their schedule ahead of time and attend the makeup lessons within the same week. In the event that students are unable to make it for the makeup lesson, there will not be any refund of fees.
49. Is there any discount?
Students on the MOE’s financial assistance scheme may wish to apply for a discounted fee. Approval will be granted on a case-to-case basis.
50. Will the class schedule change during the year?
The class schedule will be fixed for the entire year.
Others
51. Can I have a chat with Dr Anthony Fok personally?
Due to Dr Anthony Fok’s busy schedule of conducting lessons, writing books and attending conferences, he will not be able to chat personally with potential signups. Please contact the administrative staff via SMS for enquiries.
52. I tried calling your number but nobody is picking up the call.
Please SMS your enquiry to 8251 3684 instead.
53. We have business proposals for Dr Anthony Fok. How can we reach him?
Please send an email with the brief business proposal to [email protected].
54. We are from the local media. Can we interview Dr Anthony Fok?
Please send an email to [email protected].