UNIT 7. WHAT´S THE USE OF HOMEWORK?

WHY HOMEWORK?

There are several advantages to homework, if it is given in the correct amounts and at the right time. First of all, students do need some practice of new material learned in school. They need to sit quietly at home and find out how well they understand the new information and ideas. Secondly, homework helps the teacher to know what the students have or have not learned.The teacher can then change the next lessons to match.A third point is that homework can involve parents in the education of the child. Family members can encourage the child and see his or her progress.

However, too often there are negative aspects to homework.Many teachers give too much homework, and often teachers do not coordinate the quantity given. The children do not have free time to relax or play sports. A further point is that unnecessary assignments raise the stress level of the student. This can actually lower productivity and performance, instead of raising it. However, the main argument against homework is that most of it is just boring practice.The students learn nothing new – the teachers just give it because they are expected to. I agree that some practice is good, but endless practice of the same material does not lead to improvement.

In conclusion, the need to give homework must be considered carefully. It can be helpful in certain circumstances, but students and teachers must understand the value and importance of homework. In my opinion, finding the balance between free time and homework will lead to a happy and successful school experience for our children.

VOCABULARY FROM UNIT 7

1. Ritual: something you do on a regular basis
2. Advocates: supportes believers of one sid of a controversy
3. Foundation: basis; an idea from which a system develops
4. Fluctuated: changed from one level to another
5. Tangible: real; something that can be measured
6. Self-esteem: feeling good about yourself
7. Sacrifice: give up something you want or enjoy
8. Duty: something you must do
9. Demanding: difficult; challenging
10. Monitor: carefully check or examine
11. Accountable: considered responsible
12. Distraught: very upset
13. Obedient: willing to do what is asked
14. Outlawed: made illegal
15. Held accountable for: held responsible for
16. Bucle down: concentrate and do your work
17. Came to mind: ocurred to (me)
18. count on: depend on, rely on
19. Hopping mad: really angry
20. Pays off: leads to good results

GRAMMAR: MAKE, LET, HELP, and GET

Are used to talk about things that someone can allow another person to do, here´s an example:

We got them to clean our house