I WAS overwhelmed by the responses to my online letter, 'Private tuition: Why Singapore education can't do without it' (Jan 20), though not all were flattering.

Not every student needs private tuition. Some do well even with self-study.

Much can be done in schools to make tuition less necessary, but private tuition is still necessary for some.

Yes, private tuition can be expensive and it is unfair to those who cannot afford it. So is open-heart surgery. High cost and necessity are related but neither excludes the reality of the other.

Licensing of private tutors is a good idea but how effective can it be?

Someone has said that in school, lessons are given before tests. In life, tests are given before lessons. Some failures can be fatal. It is cheaper to learn from teachers and tutors than become failures.

A well-balanced diet makes diet supplements unnecessary for most but not for all. Tuition for some is a necessity. Call it a necessary evil, if you like.

Ee Teck Ee

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 28, 2009.