Is it useful or is it a curse?

Homework seems to be always with us. It is a constant in an ever-changing world. Homework is a subject that can stir powerful emotions. Some students appreciate the opportunity to expand their knowledge. Others get stressed and lose sleep if they find it too difficult or cannot finish assignments on time.

Of course, many factors are out of your control. It is the teacher who decides the content as well as the amount of homework you receive. You must remember that whatever your opinion, teachers have your best interests at heart. They have an investment in your success.

So the first thing to do is to discuss with your teacher any issues you have. Most teachers will listen. If they can, they will often adapt the work they ask you to do at home to maximise its value to you. Remember that teachers were students themselves when they were younger.

But if that does not work, there are several things you can do. First of all, make a plan. This will help you to spread your workload. Many students delay starting work until it is too late. This leads to frustration.

Secondly, try to find a quiet place to work. Noise can be distracting. If your home is too noisy, you could go to a public library. The advantage of this is that you can use more books to help you.

Thirdly, find another person to help you. This might be a brother or sister or mother and father at home. It might even be a friend or a classmate. Talking to someone else and asking their opinion can be a great help.

Finally, pay attention in class. The reason why many people have difficulty at home is because they have not listened to the teacher in school. If you follow this advice, homework will not disappear. But hopefully it will be less of a problem!

Glossary

constant (n) - stable; not changing

to stir (v) - to arouse; to create

to adapt (v) - to adjust

frustration (n) - irritation; dissatisfaction

advantage (n) - benefit; gain

Comprehension

1. What seems to be always with us?

2. Who has an investment in your success?

3. What helps to spread your workload?

4. Where can you do your homework if your home is noisy?

5. Why do many people have difficulty with their homework at home?

Writing style

Sometimes you want to write your points as a list. This can work quite well as long as you do not do this too often. Decide which word goes in the spaces in the short piece below.

secondly, firstly, finally, thirdly

I have a system I use to do my homework. (6) ____________ I put all my books neatly on the table. (7) ______________ I get a glass of water from the kitchen because work makes me thirsty. (8) __________ I make sure my door is shut to keep out the noise. (9) _____________ I open my books and begin work. Homework is a chore but my system helps me.

Crossword

When you do homework, you need lots of equipment. Look at the words below and write the correct answer in the crossword.

pen, pencil, ruler, eraser, calculator, scissors

1. You draw with this.

2. This uses ink to write with.

3. An electronic device to help with mathematics.

4. Use these to cut paper.

5. You can get rid of mistakes with this.

6. A measuring device that can also draw a straight line.

Answers: 1. homework; 2. your teacher; 3. a plan; 4. the public library; 5. because they didn't listen to the teacher; 6. Firstly; 7. Secondly; 8. Thirdly; 9. Finally

Crossword: 1. pencil; 2. pen; 3. calculator; 4. scissors; 5. eraser; 6. ruler