Homework: A Necessary Evil

Some people say homework is the most important teaching tool. Others say it’s just meaningless work. But the truth is that homework is a necessary evil. Children (and even some parents) may not like homework. But it has real benefits. First, homework helps the student go over what they learned at their own pace. That way, they can practice the concepts they learned in school. Second, homework helps parents and children bond. Kids often turn to parents for help, and this makes their relationship stronger. Third, and most important, homework helps the teacher know which students need their help. Then they can focus on those students. It's true that homework can be stressful. But that problem must be blamed on the teacher, not the homework itself. Instead of giving too much homework, teachers must learn to give interesting and creative homework. Such homework will not just help students ask questions. It will also encourage them to find the answers on their own.

Homework: Is It Necessary?

Supporters of homework call it a necessary evil. While it may not be evil, it is definitely not necessary. Homework takes away from important family time, when kids and parents do fun activities together. Also, not all parents are able to help their kids with homework. So, homework can weaken the bond parents share with their kids. Teachers often don’t use homework to pinpoint their students’ weak and strong areas. Instead, they use homework to force students to cover lessons they couldn’t finish in class. Because teachers often give too much homework, students can suffer great amounts of stress. Some students even pass this stress on to parents who try to help. Schools should stop giving out homework in order to lessen the burden on students and parents.

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Select the correct answer.
How are the two passages different?
A.
The first passage says that homework helps parents and their children bond; the second passage says it weakens their bond.
B.
The first passage says that homework makes students more responsible; the second passage says it makes them less responsible.
C.
The first passage says that homework makes students more creative; the second passage says it makes them less creative.
D.
The first passage says that homework help parents see their kids’ work; the second passage says it helps parents ignore their kids’ work.
E.
The first passage says that homework helps the teacher-student relationship; the second passage says it weakens their relationship.