his or her homework. Many times they will resort to copying the homework, having others do their assignments, or cheating in tests. Bad habits such as these are likely to haunt kids through their lives and have an adverse effect on their moral judgement. Students will, almost always take the easy way, when it comes to homework

The use of homework is effective when used by the rule “less is more”. Overwhelming kids with loads of homework can cause them stress and possible physical injury. Homework takes away from the small amount of time kids get to spend with their parents and siblings. A limit on their physical and social activities can also take a large toil on their lives, and could hinder their health and future relationships.

This is not to say that homework should be abolished, but it should be limited. The homework should also be creative and interesting so that the child enjoys it.

reinforce (v) : make a feeling or an idea stronger
counter-productive (adj) : having the opposite effect to the intended
excessive (adj) : greater than what seems reasonable
dates (v) : exists
curriculum (n) : the subjects that are included in a course of study
obesity (n) : the state of being very fat
precious (adj) : valuable or important
overwhelming (adj) : very great
toil (n) : hard unpleasant work
hinder (v) : to make it difficult for somebody to do something

1. What is the main purpose of giving homework to children?
2. How can excessive homework decrease students’ interest in studies?
3. Why do many teachers defend large amounts of homework?
4. How does homework take time away from important elements of daily life?
5. Is the writer in favour of or against homework? Support your answer.