O-Level Combined Science Tuition in Singapore
O-Level Combined Science tuition in Singapore prepares Secondary students for the GCE O-Level Combined Science examination under the MOE syllabus, where two of Physics, Chemistry and Biology are studied as one subject — Physics + Chemistry (5086), Physics + Biology (5087) or Chemistry + Biology (5088). A tutor covers both chosen components, corrects the misconceptions that cap grades, drills the Paper 5 practical, and trains the structured-answer technique O-Level markers reward so both halves feed one strong grade.
Last updated May 2026
Two sciences, one paper, explained
Two sciences, one grade: what Combined Science involves
O-Level Combined Science tuition in Singapore prepares Secondary students for the GCE O-Level Combined Science examination to the MOE syllabus, where students study two of Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the common combinations — Physics + Chemistry (5086), Physics + Biology (5087) or Chemistry + Biology (5088). Tutors cover both chosen components, the Paper 5 practical and the structured-answer technique O-Level markers reward.
- 01GCE O-Level Combined Science (5086 / 5087 / 5088)
- 02Physics + Chemistry, Physics + Biology or Chemistry + Biology
- 03Two science components folded into one grade
- 04Concept clarity across two disciplines at once
- 05Structured-answer keywords and exam technique
- 06G3 / Express and G2 / Normal (Academic) support
Both components, mapped
Physics, Chemistry and Biology across the Combined syllabus
Both chosen components plus the Paper 5 practical, MOE-aligned
Combined Physics component
The calculation-led half of the subject
Measurement and kinematics; Forces, moments and energy; Thermal physics and kinetic model; Waves, light and sound; Electricity, circuits and magnetism
Combined Chemistry component
The definitions-and-equations half
Particulate nature of matter; Atomic structure and chemical bonding; Stoichiometry and mole calculations; Acids, bases, salts and qualitative analysis; Metals, the mole and organic chemistry basics
Combined Biology component & exam craft
The recall-led half plus answering technique
Cells, movement of substances and nutrition; Human physiology and transport; Homeostasis, coordination and reproduction; Molecular genetics, inheritance and ecology; Structured-answer keywords, Paper 5 practical and timing
From Lower Sec science to the Combined paper
Where O-Level Combined Science tuition fits in the Singapore pathway
Mapped to Full Subject-Based Banding and the GCE O / N-Level
- 1
Lower Secondary 1–2
Integrated Lower Secondary Science before the subject splits — the foundation that underpins both Combined Science components.
- 2
Secondary 3 (G3 / Express)
Combined Science chosen as a two-component subject; the syllabus and structured-answer technique that tuition drills are built here.
- 3
Secondary 4 (G3 / Express)
Consolidation across both components, Paper 5 practical skills and intensive O-Level Combined Science preparation.
- 4
G2 / Normal (Academic) 4–5
N-Level Science at the lower band, then preparation for the O-Level Combined Science papers on the N(A) route the following year.
- 5
GCE O / N-Level (SEC from 2027)
Combined Science assessed as one subject across Paper 1, two Theory papers and the Paper 5 practical, on the A1–F9 grade scale that the SEC exam carries forward.
Before you choose
What parents ask before Combined Science tuition starts
Both components feed one grade
Combined Science produces a single O-Level grade from two science components carried in two equally-weighted Theory papers. A weak component drags the whole subject down, so neither can be neglected — O-Level Combined Science tuition deliberately protects the weaker one.
Combined and Pure are different commitments
Combined Science packs two sciences into one subject; Pure Science studies each as a full separate subject with more depth. The choice affects subject combinations and some JC and course eligibility — make it a deliberate decision early.
Weight tuition toward the weaker component
Because both components share one grade and contribute equal Theory-paper marks, the largest improvement usually comes from lifting the weaker science. An asymmetric Combined Science tuition plan that does this beats splitting hours evenly out of habit.
The Paper 5 practical counts
Combined Science includes the Paper 5 practical (1 h 30 min, 30 marks, 15% of the subject) with no optional questions. Planning, accurate observation and inference are coachable, so we build them alongside written-paper technique and treat the practical as revisable marks.
Picking a science pairing
O-Level Combined Science combinations and how they compare
The three current Combined Science routes tuition prepares
| Combination | Typical learner | Watch-out | Tuition focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics + Chemistry (5086) | Maths-comfortable students | Calculation-heavy structured questions | Quantitative technique + bonding/stoichiometry clarity |
| Chemistry + Biology (5088) | Life-science-leaning students | Volume of biology recall and keywords | Definitional precision + structured recall |
| Physics + Biology (5087) | Mixed-aptitude students | Bridging two contrasting disciplines | Balanced two-component plan, no neglected half |
| Combined vs Pure | Pathway-dependent choice | JC H2-science / course eligibility impact | Advisory + chosen-route coaching |
Families we coach
The students Combined Science tuition is shaped for
We match the tutor to the child's combination and banded level
Parents of Upper Secondary students
Want both science components covered properly so the single Combined Science grade is protected through to the national exam.
- One weak component capping the grade
- Misconceptions across two sciences
- Structured-answer keywords
Parents of imbalanced-component students
A child strong in one science but weak in the other within the same Combined Science subject.
- Asymmetric component strength
- Catching up the weaker science
- Holding the stronger one steady
Parents of G2 / Normal (Academic) students
On the N(A) route, sitting Science at the lower band first and bridging toward the O-Level Combined Science papers.
- Pace and depth on the N(A) timeline
- Bridging to O-Level standard
- Exam-technique gaps
Families weighing Combined vs Pure Science
Choosing between Combined and Pure Science with JC, polytechnic and course pathways in mind.
- Pathway and eligibility uncertainty
- Workload balance across subjects
- Aligning with target courses
Inside the paper set
How the O-Level Combined Science papers are built
The exact 5086 / 5087 / 5088 paper set, marks and weighting behind one grade.
The SEAB scheme of assessment for Combined Science
Combined Science (5086 Physics + Chemistry, 5087 Physics + Biology, 5088 Chemistry + Biology) is one subject. Every candidate sits Paper 1, Paper 5 and TWO of the structured Theory papers (2, 3, 4) matched to their two chosen components.
| Component | What it covers | Marks / weight | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Multiple Choice | 40 compulsory MCQs covering both chosen components, with roughly equal coverage of the two sciences. | 20% | 1 h, 40 marks |
| Paper 2 — Physics (Theory) | Taken by 5086 and 5087 students. Section A: 55 marks of compulsory structured questions. Section B: 10 marks, two questions, answer one. | 32.5% | 1 h 15 min, 65 marks |
| Paper 3 — Chemistry (Theory) | Taken by 5086 and 5088 students. Same shape: Section A 55 compulsory marks, Section B 10 marks answer one of two. | 32.5% | 1 h 15 min, 65 marks |
| Paper 4 — Biology (Theory) | Taken by 5087 and 5088 students. Same shape as Papers 2 and 3 for the Biology component. | 32.5% | 1 h 15 min, 65 marks |
| Paper 5 — Practical Test | One or two compulsory questions on each of the two sciences, no optional questions; 3–6 marks (about 10–20% of the paper) sit in a modification/extension element. | 15% | 1 h 30 min, 30 marks |
What each component actually examines
The two chosen components are examined from their own subject sections; tuition maps every dropped mark back to a specific strand, then targets that strand directly.
Physics section (Paper 2)
Measurement and kinematics, forces and energy, thermal physics, waves/light/sound, electricity and magnetism — the calculation-heavy spine that rewards correct units, formula choice and working.
Chemistry section (Paper 3)
Particulate model, atomic structure and bonding, stoichiometry and the mole, acids/bases/salts and qualitative analysis, metals and organic basics — equation-led, with ion tests feeding the practical.
Biology section (Paper 4)
Cells and movement of substances, nutrition and human physiology, transport and homeostasis, inheritance and ecology — recall-heavy, rewarding precise definitions and labelled diagrams.
Assessment objectives across papers
Roughly half the marks test Knowledge with Understanding and half test Handling Information and Solving Problems, with Experimental Skills assessed through Paper 5 — so memorising content alone caps the grade.
How we teach it
The two-track method behind a Combined Science grade
The Eduprime approach that protects the weaker science while holding the stronger.
The weighted two-track plan
Because both components share one grade and equal Theory-paper marks, we run the two sciences as two tracks on one timetable — protecting the weaker science without letting the stronger slide.
- 1
Split the diagnostic
We assess each science on its own — Physics calculation accuracy, Chemistry equation/keyword recall, Biology definitional precision — so we know which component is really capping the grade.
- 2
Set the weighting
Hours tilt toward the weaker component (often two-thirds early on) while the stronger one is maintained with spaced review, since lifting the lagging science moves the single grade most.
- 3
Drill the marking keywords
Each component has command words and definitional vocabulary the marking scheme rewards — 'resultant force', 'rate of reaction', 'active transport' — so we drill answers to the exact terms, not to length.
- 4
Interleave both sciences
Sessions alternate the two components so neither is forgotten between school topical tests, mirroring how Paper 1 examines both sciences together.
- 5
Time the papers and practical
Closer to the exam we run timed Paper 1, both Theory papers and Paper 5 practical tasks to marking-scheme standard, then re-weight the plan to whatever is still leaking marks.
A real Combined Science structured question, solved the marking-scheme way
The problem
In a Chemistry section question, 50.0 cm³ of 2.0 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid is added to excess magnesium. (a) Calculate the moles of HCl used. (b) Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂. Calculate the maximum volume of hydrogen produced at room temperature and pressure (1 mole of gas occupies 24 dm³ at r.t.p.).
Worked solution
- 1Convert the volume to dm³: 50.0 cm³ ÷ 1000 = 0.0500 dm³.
- 2Moles of HCl = concentration × volume = 2.0 mol/dm³ × 0.0500 dm³ = 0.10 mol. (a) answer.
- 3Read the mole ratio from the balanced equation: 2 HCl produce 1 H₂, so moles of H₂ = 0.10 ÷ 2 = 0.050 mol.
- 4Volume of H₂ at r.t.p. = moles × 24 dm³ = 0.050 × 24 = 1.2 dm³.
- 5Check the question gave magnesium in excess, so HCl is the limiting reactant — using HCl moles is correct, and units (dm³) match what was asked.
Answer: (a) 0.10 mol HCl; (b) 1.2 dm³ of hydrogen at r.t.p.
The marks live in the steps, not the final number: convert units first, take the mole ratio straight from the balanced equation, and check which reactant is limiting. Structured Theory questions award method marks even when the final arithmetic slips, so every line of working is shown.
Where marks move
Turning two components into one strong O-Level grade
Where Combined Science marks are won, lost and recovered.
The Singapore-Cambridge O-Level grade ladder
Combined Science is reported on the GCE O-Level A1–F9 scale (carried forward into the SEC exam at G3), where A1 is the strongest and a pass is C6 or better. Both components fold into this single grade.
- A1
Distinction
The top O-Level grade; both science components are strong and exam technique across all papers is secure.
- A2
Distinction
High distinction, typically one careless-error band below the top.
- B3 / B4
Merit
Strong overall; usually one component is lagging the other and is the clear target for gains.
- C5 / C6
Credit (pass)
A pass; C6 (around 50–54 marks) is the minimum pass grade. A weak component is often capping the grade here.
- D7 / E8
Sub-pass
Below pass; one or both components have foundational gaps to rebuild before drilling exam technique.
- F9
Ungraded
Core concepts in at least one component need rebuilding before exam-technique or past-paper work.
Where Combined Science marks are usually lost
Most dropped marks across the two components are predictable and fixable — habits, not raw ability.
Letting the weaker component quietly cap the single grade while over-revising the strong one.
Run a separate diagnostic per component, then weight hours toward the weaker science — both feed one grade through equally-weighted Theory papers.
Writing answers without the keywords the marking scheme requires (e.g. 'reactivity', 'rate of reaction', 'resultant force', 'active transport').
Drill the exact definitional vocabulary each section rewards; structured answers earn marks on the right terms, not on length.
Treating Paper 5 practical as un-revisable and walking in cold.
Practise observation, recording to the right precision, inference and the modification/extension element that carries roughly 10–20% of the practical marks.
Spending too long on Section B's optional 10-mark question and rushing the compulsory Section A.
Bank Section A's 55 compulsory marks first, then commit to the one Section B question you can answer most cleanly.
Dropping units, significant figures or balanced equations in Physics and Chemistry calculations.
Make 'units, equation, working, check' a fixed routine so calculation marks are not lost on presentation.
Marking lens
What lifts a Combined Science answer from pass to distinction
The standard our tutors hold each component to, read across the grade ladder.
How structured answers move from pass to distinction
The same question can earn a C or an A depending on how the answer is built. We coach to the right-hand column across all three sciences.
| Criterion | Pass-level answer (C) | Distinction-level answer (A) |
|---|---|---|
| Recall & definitions | States the idea loosely or with a near-miss term | Uses the exact syllabus keyword the marking scheme rewards |
| Calculation working | Reaches an answer but skips steps or drops units | Shows units, equation and each step so method marks are secured |
| Application to data | Describes the data without explaining it | Links the data to the underlying concept and draws the inference asked |
| Practical (Paper 5) | Records observations vaguely or to wrong precision | Records precisely, infers correctly and handles the modification element |
The SG picture
O-Level Combined Science and the post-secondary pathway
How a Combined Science grade shapes JC, poly and ITE options
The single O-Level Combined Science grade feeds the aggregate that decides post-secondary placement — the SG context that makes the subject choice and the grade matter.
L1R5 / ELR2B2 aggregate
Combined Science counts as one relevant subject in the JC L1R5 and polytechnic ELR2B2 aggregates, where a lower score is better — so the grade directly affects cut-off-point eligibility.
Combined vs Pure for JC
Some H2 science routes at JC assume the depth of Pure Science; Combined Science suits broader combinations and polytechnic pathways. We coach either route and advise on the trade-off.
Full Subject-Based Banding (G3 / G2)
Under Full SBB, Combined Science is taken at G3 (former Express standard) or bridged from G2; tuition matches the pace and depth of the band the child is actually placed in.
Two of three sciences
MOE schools offer the three pairings (5086 / 5087 / 5088); the third science is not examined for that candidate, so tuition focuses squarely on the two chosen components.
Transition to the SEC exam (2027)
From 2027 the O / N-Level exams merge into the Singapore-Cambridge SEC, with Combined Science continuing at G3 on the A1–F9 scale — the technique we teach carries straight across.
Why Eduprime
Why families rely on Eduprime for Combined Science
What separates a real two-science specialist from generic tuition
Both components, never half a subject
We cover both of your child's sciences — whether one tutor across the pairing or two paired specialists — so neither component is quietly neglected into a capped grade.
Per-component diagnostic before we teach
A free first-session diagnostic assesses each science separately, so coaching targets the component actually dragging the grade with evidence behind every hour.
Weighted plan, not even hours
Time is tilted toward the weaker science while the stronger is maintained — because lifting the lagging component moves the single Combined Science grade most.
Marking-keyword and practical drilling
We drill the exact definitional vocabulary each section rewards and build Paper 5 practical technique, where students routinely leave marks on the table.
Current SEAB syllabus, not outdated codes
Coaching follows the live 5086 / 5087 / 5088 format and assessment objectives, kept aligned through the move to the SEC exam — not stale 5076-era material.
Fair pay keeps good tutors
Tutors are paid fairly and on time, so the strong ones stay with your child through to the O-Level instead of churning mid-year.
Lesson formats
Ways to cover both sciences with us
Choose the format that fits your child's combination and your schedule
1-to-1 home tuition
A specialist tutor comes to you, weighting hours across both sciences for fully personalised coaching.
- Both components on one timetable
- Asymmetric plan for the weaker science
- Parent visibility at home
- Best for significant gaps
1-to-1 online
Live one-to-one over a shared whiteboard, with equations, diagrams and practical write-ups recorded for revision.
- Flexible timing
- Recorded working to review
- No travel time
- Same specialist tutors
Small group (2–4)
A small, combination-matched group sharing cost, with peer discussion of structured answers and practical technique.
- Lower cost per student
- Peer discussion of mark schemes
- Combination-matched grouping
- Structured-answer and practical drills
Fees
Combined Science coaching: what it costs
Transparent, market-rate packages — confirmed after a free diagnostic
Trial
Try a specialist before committing
S$200–400
4 sessions · ~S$50–100 / session
- Free per-component diagnostic
- Weak-component report
- Weighted plan recommendation
- First progress note
Regular
Weekly coaching through the school year
S$50–100 / hr
Monthly sessions · billed monthly
- Weekly 1-to-1 or small group
- Both components on a weighted plan
- Monthly progress notes
- Paced to school topical tests
Sec 4 Intensive
Pre-O-Level timed-paper and practical push
S$65–120 / hr
Flexible sessions · by tutor seniority
- Timed Paper 1 and both Theory papers
- Paper 5 practical technique
- Marking-scheme keyword drills
- Prelim-gap closing
Free tutor re-match if the fit isn't right after the first lesson.
Figures are typical Singapore market rates for O-Level Combined Science tuition and are indicative only; your exact rate depends on level, tutor experience, format, location and whether one tutor covers both components or two specialists are paired, and is confirmed after a free diagnostic. GST applies where relevant.
Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level (5086 / 5087 / 5088), graded A1–F9 certification
The O-Level Combined Science qualification, explained
What the Singapore-Cambridge certificate records — and how the single grade is built
Eduprime is an independent tuition provider preparing students for the SEAB / Cambridge examination. We are not an examination board and do not award the certificate; tuition aligns to the published MOE syllabus and assessment format.
Paper 1 — Multiple Choice (both sciences)
20%40 compulsory MCQs, 1 hour, covering both chosen components.
Two Theory papers (one per component)
65% totalTwo of Papers 2 (Physics) / 3 (Chemistry) / 4 (Biology), each 1 h 15 min and 65 marks, Section A 55 compulsory + Section B 10 (answer one of two).
Paper 5 — Practical Test
15%1 h 30 min, 30 marks; compulsory questions on each science plus a modification/extension element.
- A1 / A2
Distinction — both components secure and answering technique sharp across all papers.
- B3 / B4
Merit — strong overall, usually with one component to lift further.
- C5 / C6
Credit and a pass; C6 (around 50–54 marks) is the minimum pass grade.
- D7–F9
Below the pass band — foundational gaps in one or both sciences to rebuild before drilling.
Accountability
Track both science halves as the grade improves
We keep parents informed between lessons — accountability across both sciences, not guesswork
Per-component progress notes
What was covered in each science, what improved, and the next focus — in plain language for parents.
Grade-band tracking
Where the child sits against the A1–F9 grade ladder and which component is moving the single grade.
Timed-paper log
Paper 1, both Theory papers and Paper 5 practical scores over time, marked to the SEAB standard.
Keyword & practical checklist
Which marking-scheme keywords are secure and which practical skills still need drilling.
Our tutors
The Combined Science tutors who balance two disciplines
Specialists matched to your child's combination and learning style
- MOE Combined Science (5086 / 5087 / 5088) syllabus expertise
- NIE-trained or experienced ex-/current MOE teachers (where available)
- Confident across at least two of Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- Trained in the O-Level structured-answer and Paper 5 practical standard
- Cleared Eduprime screening and a subject assessment
Mr Tan W.
11+ years
NIE-trained, B.Sc (NUS); 11+ yrs Combined & Pure Science
Physics + Chemistry (5086), calculation technique, weak-component recovery
“In Combined Science the grade is decided by whichever science you've been avoiding. We find that one first.”
Ms Chong P.
9 years
B.Sc Life Sciences (NUS), PGDE (NIE); ex-MOE Biology teacher
Chemistry + Biology (5088), keyword precision, structured recall
“Biology marks are won on the exact word the scheme wants — we drill the vocabulary as carefully as the content.”
Mr Raj S.
8 years
B.Eng (NTU); 8 yrs Physics & Combined Science tuition
Physics + Biology (5087), bridging two contrasting sciences, exam pacing
“A balanced two-component plan beats panicking over the science you fear the week before the paper.”
Ms Devi K.
7 years
B.Sc Chemistry, PGDE (NIE); practical-skills coach
Paper 5 practical technique, qualitative analysis, careless-error reduction
“The practical is the most coachable paper in the subject, yet the one most students walk into cold.”
What families say
What parents share about our Combined Science coaching
Representative experiences from families we've worked with
My son was fine in Physics but his Chemistry was pulling the whole Combined Science grade down. The tutor weighted lessons toward Chemistry and his structured answers finally used the right keywords. The grade moved up by two bands over the year.
Mrs Tan W.
Parent of Sec 4 boy · Tampines · 1-to-1 home
We started in Sec 3 and I liked that the tutor diagnosed each science separately instead of treating it as one subject. The monthly notes told me exactly which component was improving and which still needed work.
Mr R. Kumar
Parent of Sec 3 boy · Bukit Batok · 1-to-1 online
My daughter kept losing marks on the Paper 5 practical and we didn't even know it could be practised. After a few sessions on observation and inference her practical marks were much steadier.
Mdm Sarah A.
Parent of Sec 4 girl · Pasir Ris · Small group
Honest about what was realistic — no promises of an A1, just steady work on the weaker Biology component and clear feedback. By the prelims both sciences were closer together.
Mrs Goh L.
Parent of Sec 4 girl · Clementi · 1-to-1 home
The free diagnostic alone was useful — it showed us his Physics calculations were the real gap, not the Chemistry we'd been worrying about. We carried on and the improvement was clear by mid-year.
Mr Lee K.
Parent of Sec 4 boy · Sengkang · 1-to-1 online
Switched to Eduprime after a tutor kept cancelling elsewhere. Consistency and the progress tracking across both sciences made the difference for our family during the O-Level year.
Mrs Ng S.
Parent of Sec 4 girl · Jurong East · Small group
Student journeys
Balancing two sciences to one strong grade: journeys
Representative paths from one capped science to a balanced grade
Strong in Physics but a weak Chemistry component capping the single Combined Science grade in Sec 4.
- Per-component diagnostic confirmed Chemistry, not Physics, was the gap
- Hours weighted two-thirds to Chemistry bonding and stoichiometry
- Structured-answer keywords drilled to the marking scheme
Chemistry structured-answer marks rose steadily through the prelims while Physics held; entered the O-Level with both sciences closer together.
Sec 4 boy · ~2 terms
Capable but losing Paper 5 practical marks and unsure how to revise for it.
- Practical technique broken down — observation, recording precision, inference
- Modification/extension element practised explicitly
- Timed practical tasks run to marking-scheme standard
Practical marks became consistent and stopped dragging the written-paper performance before the exam.
Sec 4 girl · ~3 terms
Started Sec 3 behind in both sciences after a shaky Lower Secondary, on the G2 / N(A) route.
- Foundations rebuilt in both components early
- Pace matched to the N(A) timeline toward the O-Level papers
- Interleaved drilling so neither science was forgotten
Moved into the exam year able to focus on application and past papers, with the basics already secure.
Sec 3 boy (N(A) route) · Across Sec 3
Your first month with us
How Combined Science coaching is sequenced over the year
From first call to a weighted, two-component Combined Science plan
- 1
Free diagnostic
We discuss the child's combination, banded level, recent results and which component is weaker.
~15 min - 2
Tutor matching
We shortlist MOE-syllabus-trained tutors who cover both components, or a specialist pairing — home or online.
1–3 days - 3
Component diagnostic
The first lesson assesses each science component separately to set an asymmetric, targeted plan.
Lesson 1 - 4
Weighted rebuilding
Tuition is weighted toward the weaker component while maintaining the stronger, with structured-answer keywords drilled.
Ongoing - 5
Paper drilling + practical
Past-year and prelim-style Paper 1 and Theory papers, plus Paper 5 practical skills, under timed marking-scheme conditions.
Toward O-Level - 6
Review & adjust
Progress is reviewed against school results and the component weighting adjusted each term.
Each term
Two sciences, one plan
What O-Level Combined Science tuition with Eduprime covers
Honest scope — no guaranteed grades, just structured Combined Science coverage
- Sec 1–5
- MOE levels supported
- 3 combinations
- 5086 · 5087 · 5088
- 1-to-1
- or small group
- Islandwide
- home or online
Parents' questions answered
O-Level Combined Science: parents' most common questions
Straight answers on Combined vs Pure, the single grade, the 5086/5087/5088 papers and the practical
Arrange a Combined Science diagnostic
Start O-Level Combined Science Tuition in Singapore
Free diagnostic and a science specialist matched to your combination.
- Tutors for 5086, 5087 or 5088
- Per-component diagnostic finds the weaker science
- Weighted plan + Paper 5 practical drilling
Eduprime — Singapore's O-Level Combined Science specialists, aligned to the SEAB 5086 / 5087 / 5088 syllabus and assessment.
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