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A-Level Tuition Singapore/GP Tuition/General Paper Tutor

Theme: How does the European debt crisis affect the lives of Singaporeans?

A. INTRODUCTION
The definition of a recession is a contraction in the total amount of goods and services produced – known as gross domestic product (GDP) – on a quarter by quarter basis for a total period of six months.

In 2009, the Singapore economy contracted 2% with the biggest contraction of 4.1% in manufacturing sector (electronics, chemicals, transport engineering, precision engineering and general manufacturing).
MTI Press Release: 19 Feb 2010

B. THE EFFECTS OF RECESSION
You may wish to show the following documentary on the impact of the 2009 recession.

C. THE EUROZONE CRISIS
The following articles and videos provide a clear explanation of the eurozone crisis. Unfortunately, due to copyrights issues, we are unable to replicate them in the resource package. However, we have provided a summary of the articles and videos so do check them out!

1. This article provides a timeline and a quick summary of the events leading up to the eurozone crisis.
“World leaders probably spent more time worrying about the eurozone crisis than anything else in 2011.And that was in the year that featured the Arab Spring, the Japanese tsunami and the death of Osama Bin Laden. What’s more, 2012 looks set to be not much different. But as eurozone governments hammer out new rules to limit their borrowing, are they missing the point of the crisis? Follow the path to find out…”
What really caused the eurozone crisis?

2. This New York Times article provides a more detailed explanation of the causes that led to the eurozone crisis.
“The global financial system is highly interconnected. So problems in one part of the world can reverberate almost everywhere else – risking a cascade of default, contagion, contracting credit and collapsing economic activity. Exhibit A now is Europe…”
It’s All Connected: An Overview of the Euro Crisis

3. This presentation explains further the European debt crisis, with clear diagrams and flowcharts.
“The European debt crisis explained: The debt levels around the globe are unprecedented in peacetime. The odds of restructurings and/or defaults are higher than most believe. When does debt become unsustainable? The video shows the debt levels of numerous countries have reached “problem” levels…”

4. For a peak into how the person in the street is affected by the eurozone crisis:
“The eurozone crisis has been under way for three years and has led to sharp welfare cutbacks and a credit crunch throughout the continent. But one of the most serious effects of the financial crisis has been an alarming spike in suicides in debt-burdened Greece, Ireland and Italy. Last Wednesday, about a 1,000 people gathered in central Rome for a candle-lit vigil to honor Italy’s economic victims. Statics show that from 2009 and 2010, some 400 small-business owners took their lives. There have already been 23 crisis-related suicides since January…”
Amid Europe’s Debt Crisis, A Sharp Rise In Suicides

Big player
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Bank
European Union
Eurozone and the Euro

E: THE BIG QUESTIONS
• Examine how a struggling economy impacts the lives of different groups (professions, income, family) of people.
• “Our leaders have failed us.” Consider this in the light of global economic crisis.
• To what extent should the government be held accountable for ensuring its citizens’ prosperity?
• Given that the world’s economies are increasingly connected, what implications would a country’s failing economy have on the rest of the world?

GP Tutor

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O-Level Additional Mathematics Tuition Singapore

Memorise all the differentiation formulae and differentiation techniques

1. d/dx(X^n) = nX^n-1
2. d/dx (sin X) = cos X
3. d/dx (cos X) = -sin X
4. d/dx (tan X) = sec^2 X
5. d/dx (e^x) = e^x
6. d/dx (lnX) =1/X

Chain Rule
dy/dx = dy/du x du/dx

Product Rule
d/dx (uv) = udv/dx + vdu/dx

Quotient Rule
d/dx (u/v) = (vdu/dx – udv/dx) / v^2

O-Level Additional Mathematics Tutor

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O Level E Maths Tuition Singapore/Tuition O Level E Maths/Tutor

Simple Interest

Interest, I = (PRT)/100
Where P = Principal
R = Interest Rate per yr in %
T = Time in yr

From O-Level Elementary Mathematics Singapore Tutor

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O-Level Singapore/O-Level/Physics and Chemistry Tuition/Physics Tutor

Lights – Key Concepts

Laws of Reflection:
1st Law of Reflection
The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflecting surface all lie in the same plane.

2nd Law of Reflection
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror

The image is of the same size as the object.
It undergoes lateral inversion.
It is upright.
*It is virtual
*The distance of the image from the mirror is equal to the distance of the object from the mirror.

Constructing Ray Diagrams

1. Ray diagrams are used to locate the position of a mirror image.
2. Some applications of mirrors include the periscope, for observing blind corners and avoiding parallax error on instrument scales.

Refraction at Plane Surfaces

Refraction occurs because the speed of light changes when travelling through different optical media.
The two Laws of Refraction are:
The incident ray, the normal and the refracted ray all lie in the same plane.
For two particular media,

Sin i/ Sin r = Constant

where i is the angle of incidence in air.
where r is the angle of refraction in the medium.

Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection takes place only when light travels from optical denser to a less dense medium.
The critical angle c is the angle of incidence in the optically denser medium at which the angle of refraction in the less dense medium is 90°.
The critical angle c is given by Sin c = 1/n

Converging Lens

Lenses are used to converge and diverge a beam of light.
The main features of a thin converging lens are:
Optical centre C
Focal point F
Focal length f
Principal axis

From O Level Physics Tutor

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O-Level Singapore/O-Level Physics Tuition/Physics Tutor

Lights – Key Concepts

Laws of Reflection:
1st Law of Reflection
The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflecting surface all lie in the same plane.

2nd Law of Reflection
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror

The image is of the same size as the object.
It undergoes lateral inversion.
It is upright.
*It is virtual
*The distance of the image from the mirror is equal to the distance of the object from the mirror.

Constructing Ray Diagrams

1. Ray diagrams are used to locate the position of a mirror image.
2. Some applications of mirrors include the periscope, for observing blind corners and avoiding parallax error on instrument scales.

Refraction at Plane Surfaces

Refraction occurs because the speed of light changes when travelling through different optical media.
The two Laws of Refraction are:
The incident ray, the normal and the refracted ray all lie in the same plane.
For two particular media,

Sin i/ Sin r = Constant

where i is the angle of incidence in air.
where r is the angle of refraction in the medium.

Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection takes place only when light travels from optical denser to a less dense medium.
The critical angle c is the angle of incidence in the optically denser medium at which the angle of refraction in the less dense medium is 90°.
The critical angle c is given by Sin c = 1/n

Converging Lens

Lenses are used to converge and diverge a beam of light.
The main features of a thin converging lens are:
Optical centre C
Focal point F
Focal length f
Principal axis

From O Level Physics Tutor

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A-Level Physics Tuition Singapore/H2 Physics Tuition/JC Physics Tutor

Hi All A-Level/JC/H2/H1 Physics Students

Summary: Waves

1) Progressive waves: it consists of a disturbance moving from a source to surrounding places as a result of energy transfer from one point to another.

a) Transverse Waves: a progressive wave in which the direction associated with the motion of disturbance is at right angles to the direction of travel of the wave
Examples: rope waves, electromagnetic waves

b) Longitudinal Waves: a progressive wave in which the direction associated with the motion of disturbance is along the same direction as that of the wave
Example: sound waves, seismic waves

2) Phase and Phase Difference
Two points on a wave are in the same phase when they are precisely in the same state of disturbance at the same time. i.e. same displacement from the equilibrium position, vibrating in the same direction and having the same velocity.

Any 2 points on a wave that are separated by a distance λ (wavelength) or multiples of λ are in phase. Any two crests or any two troughs are in phase, whereas a crest and a trough are in anti-phase or π radians (180 deg) out of phase with each other.

3) Frequency f: number of complete vibrations, or cycles that pass through a given point per unit time. depends on source frequency.

4) Wavelength λ: distance between corresponding points on the wave that are in phase with each other.

5) Velocity of wave v = f x wavelength

For complete summary, please contact Mr Ong @9863 9633

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A-Level Mathematics Tuition Singapore/JC Maths/H2 Math Tuition and Tutor

Hi A-Level/H2 Math Students

J1 – completed Conics and Graphing Technique. Next lesson will be Binomial Theorem and Functions

J2 – completed complex numbers. Next lesson quiz on complex numbers and application of integration

From A level Math Tutors

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A-Level Chemistry Tuition Singapore/H2 Chemistry Tuition/JC Chemistry Tutor

Hi All A-Level/JC/H2/H1 Chemistry Students

HYDROCARBONS – SUMMARY

ALKANES

• saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula of CnH2n+2 for aliphatic alkanes and CnH2n for cyclic alkanes.
For example: hexane, C6H14 and cyclohexane, C6H12
• non-polar molecules and their physical properties, such as melting point and solubility is affected by induced dipole – induced dipole interactions (chemical bonding)
• C atoms are sp3 hybridised and forms 4 single bonds with other atoms.

Reactivity

• generally unreactive as they are non-polar and all the bonds (C-C and C-H) are saturated.
• much of the chemistry of alkanes involves free radical chain reactions, which take place under vigorous conditions and usually yield a mixture of products.
• preparation of alkanes is not suitable for the lab preparation of halogenalkanes due to low yield and difficulty in separating the mixture of products.

Cracking / Pyrolysis of Alkanes

• In order to produce smaller hydrocarbons which are more useful and in greater demand as fuels for example, larger alkanes can be broken into smaller alkanes, alkenes and hydrogen by the process
known as cracking or pyrolyisis, which can be done either at very high temperatures (thermal cracking) or using catalyst (catalytic cracking)

For complete summary please contact Mr Ong @ 9863 9633

[admin]

A-Level Economics Tuition Singapore/H2/H1 Economics Tuition

Hi J1 H2 Economics Tuition Students

Microeconomics Topic 1.2 : Resource Allocation in Competitive Markets

1 Economic Objectives and Economic Choice

1.1 Economic Objectives

In market economies, the economic objective is to achieve Economic Efficiency. Economic Efficiency is a situation where each good is produced at the minimum cost and where individuals and firms get the maximum benefit from their resources. For a society to achieve Economic Efficiency, it must achieve both Productive Efficiency and Allocative Efficiency.

• Productive Efficiency is efficiency in production. This is where production of each item in the economy is at minimum cost. Producing any other way would cost more.

• Allocative Efficiency is where the society has allocated its scarce resource to producing the combination of goods and services so that the satisfaction derived by the society in consuming the goods and services produced is maximum.

! Stop and Think : Are there non-economic objectives?

1.2 Economic Choice

1.3 Economic Systems
1.3.1 The Centrally Planned / Command Economy (less emphasis)
1.3.2 The Market Economy (Key emphasis)
1.3.3 Mixed Economies

Economic choice and systems will be discussed during the lesson

A Level Economics Tuition – Admin

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O Level Chemistry Tuition Singapore/Chemistry O Level Tuition/Tutor

Chapter 10 – Chemical Calculations

What does an equation tell us?

A balanced chemical equation shows important facts about a reaction
a) The reactants
b) The products
c) The ratio of the amounts (in moles) of the reactants and the products
d) The state of each reactants/products if indicated

It is the relationship between the amounts (measured in moles) of reactants and products involved in a chemical reaction.

Exam based questions will be discussed in the lessons

O level Chemistry Tuition Tutor

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A-level Physics Tuition Centre Singapore/JC Physics Tuition/H2 Physcis Tutor

Measurement

1. All physical quantities consists of a numerical magnitude and a unit.

2. Base Quantities

A base quantity is defined in terms of a standard. It is not defined in terms of other physical quantities.

The are seven base units defined in the SI system.
Mass-kg
Length – m
Time – s
Mole
Temperature – k
Luminous Intensity – cd
Current – A

3. Derived Quantities

A derived quantity in Physics can be obtained from the multiplication or division of the base quantities; no numerical factors are involved.

4. Homogeneity of physical equations

A physically correct equation must be homogenous.
A physical equation is said to be homogeneous if each of the terms separated by plus, minus or equality signs on the left and right side of the equation has the same dimensions, i.e., have the same base units.
i.e If the equation A = B + C is homogenous, than
the units of A = the units of B = the units of C
Note that you cannot add units together.

5. A physical equation may be homogeneous but it may be physically incorrect for the following reasons:

(a) it cannot find the value of dimensionless constants.
(b) combinations of quantities which end up dimensionless will not be revealed.
(c) only relationships which involves the product or quotient of physical quantities can be obtained. No information about exponential or logarithmic functions can be deduced.
(d) dimensional consistency does not, in general, validate a relationship.

From A level Physics Tutors

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A-Level Tuition Singapore/GP Tuition/General Paper Tutor

How has the regulation of arts and the media evolved in Singapore? How has new media affected this development?

A. INTRODUCTION

1. Defining “Art”:
“Art” comprises sub-disciplines such as Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, Visual Arts, Plastic Arts, Literary Arts, Conceptual Arts, Decorative Arts, Applied Arts, Design, Crafts, Performing Arts and even Video Games (thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts, an independent federal agency supporting artists and arts organizations and bringing the arts to all Americans).

2. Definition of “the Media”:
“The Media” includes communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data, or promotional messages are disseminated. Media includes every broadcasting and narrow casting medium such as newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax, and internet. Media is the plural of medium and can take a plural or singular verb, depending on the sense intended.

3. Definition of “New Media”, the Social Media of the New Millennium:
“New Media” encompasses forms of electronic communication (as Web sites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos).

4. Definition of Regulation:
A rule designed to control the conduct of those to whom it applies. Regulations are official rules, and have to be followed.

B. THE ADVENT OF NEW MEDIA

Impact on Cohesion in Society
Speaking yesterday at the National Community Engagement Programme (CEP) dialogue, Minister Teo Chee Hean highlighted the Internet and social media as one of three driving forces whose impact on the cohesion of our society can be “double-edged”. The Internet and social media can be “an enabler of active citizenry and positive change” but “can (also) disrupt social order and harmony”, he said. Hence, a fine balance has to be struck between allowing free expression online and exercising some check, he said. “At some point in time, there is a need for some organisation – whether it is self-policing or the state to step in,” said Mr Teo. Early intervention is better because “if we take a step too late … emotions would have already been inflamed and it would be hard to calm people down again.”

About 600 community and grassroots leaders attended the annual National CEP dialogue to discuss ways to strengthen the Republic’s social cohesion and resilience to crises. Along with Mr Teo and Mr Chan, Dr Yaacob, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Lim Swee Say and Minister of State for Manpower and National Development Tan Chuan-Jin also held discussions with the participants. The question of how free the Internet should be cropped up in Mr Tan’s session. He said differing levels of maturity and sensitivity among netizens throw up questions worth pondering on, such as whether the voices online represent the majority – and, if not, should we allow the minority to dictate our views and lives.

The other two driving forces that Mr Teo highlighted were globalisation and extremism. Increased flows of people and ideas across the world can improve cross-cultural understanding, but more diverse peoples living in a dense city like ours can also result in “greater consciousness of the differences in behaviour and norms”, he said. Terrorist groups can also spread their ideological messages more quickly and further today – but the threat of extremism can also rally people to collectively fight for peace and harmony, he added.

Impact on Politics and Governance

Militants of the Arab Spring uprisings this year proved adept at using internet activism in confronting repressive regimes. Opposition leaders built support online, and inflammatory sites drew thousands of posts and served as forums for organizers and their followers. Protesters found community and strength in numbers online, and social networking sites, used recreationally in the West, became powerful tools in the hands of activists. However, governments can also use the internet to track activists and spread propaganda, or they can develop a “kill switch” that shuts down communications, reports Michael Teague for Al Jadid. Internet literacy and the flurry of protests in the Middle East caught technologically unsophisticated governments off guard. But a year later, the element of surprise is gone. Traditional grassroots activism and great personal sacrifice of all kinds are still essential for overthrowing unresponsive and ruthless regimes. – YaleGlobal

5. Have Your Say:

Quite often, the state media is accused of being the mouthpiece of the government while new media (given its “viral” nature and lack of immediate censorship) is thought to be a source of unadulterated truthful content. Read the following article.
That WikiLeaks went to the press with the Afghanistan war logs shows old-fashioned news organisations still have a role to play…shocking material and a flair for public relations may be enough to get you noticed. But if it’s credibility you want, then old-fashioned news organisations still have something to offer.

Do you get your updates on current issues more from in the mainstream news or the reports from the blogsphere? What steps do you take to ensure that what you read is reliable? How do you evaluate the credibility of your sources? (Student Ambassadors can do a straw poll and/or start a discussion on the issue of reliability on their school’s online portal)

6. The Big Question: If you were the leader of a country, to what extent would you regulate the arts, the media and, in particular, the new media? Give reasons for your answer.
Tip: In determining your answer, consider the varying degrees of freedom seen in other countries and its implications. Consider your own country’s unique considerations against your observations of circumstances elsewhere.

GP Tutor

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O Level E Maths Tuition Singapore/Tuition O Level E Maths/Tutor

Variations

Direct variation
If y is directly proportional to x^2
y = kx^2 where k is a constant

Inverse variation
If y is inversely proportional to x
y = k/x where k is a constant

Joint variation
if y is directly proportional to X^2 and inversely proportional to z
y = kz/x^2

From O-Level Elementary Mathematics Singapore Tutor

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O-Level Additional Mathematics Tuition Singapore

Sum and Product of Roots

Quadratic Equation
ax^2 + bx + c = 0

x = -b +- Sq rt (b^2 – 4ac) / 2a

Sum of roots = -b/a

Product of roots = c/a

Equation : x^2 – (sum of roots)x + (product of roots) = 0

O-Level Additional Mathematics Tutor

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O-Level Singapore/O-Level/Physics and Chemistry Tuition/Physics Tutor

Thermal Properties of Matter – Key Concepts

1. Internal energy is made up of kinetic energy and potential energy.

2. An increase in temperature leads to an increase in kinetic energy component of the internal energy.

3. Heat capacity C is the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of a body by 1 K (or 1 deg C).

4. Heat capacity depends on the mass and the material of the object.

5. The specific heat capacity c is defined as the amount of thermal energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg (unit mass) of a material by 1 K or 1 deg C.

6 For the same amount of thermal energy supplied, materials of lower specific heat capacity will heat up to a higher temperature than materials with a higher specific heat capacity.

From O Level Physics Tutor

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