In recent years, homework has become a very hot topic. Many parents and educators have raised concerns about homework and questioned how effective it is in enhancing students’ learning. There are also concerns that students may simply be getting too much homework, which ultimately influences quality family time and opportunities for physical activity and play. Research suggests that these concerns may be valid.

Academic vs. Non-Academic Benefits

The goal of homework is not simply to improve academic skills. Research finds that homework may have some non-academic benefits, such as building responsibility, time management skills, and task persistence (毅力). Homework may also increase parents’ involvement in their children’s schooling. Yet too much homework may also have some negative impacts on non-academic skills by reducing opportunities for free play. Homework may also interfere with physical activity.

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Research suggests that homework should not exceed (超过) 1.5 to 2.5 hours per night for high school students and no more than 1 hour per night for middle school students. Homework for primary school students should be minimal and assigned with the aim of building self-regulation and independent work skills.

What Can Parents Do?

★Focus on providing general monitoring, guidance, and encouragement, but allow children to complete their homework as independently as possible. Research shows that allowing children more autonomy in completing homework may benefit their academic skills.

★Only provide help when your child asks for it and step away whenever possible. Research finds that too much parental involvement and controlling involvement with homework is associated with worse academic performance.

★Set specific rules around homework. Research finds an association between parents setting rules around homework and academic performance.

★Stay calm and positive during homework. Research shows that mothers’ showing positive emotions while helping with homework may improve children’s motivation in homework.

★Praise your child’s hard work and effort during homework. This type of praise is likely to increase motivation.

1.Which of the following words can replace the underlined part “interfere with”?

A Enhance.

B Sustain.

C Disturb.

D Assign.

解析：选C。C词义猜测题。根据划线部分前面的“too much homework may also have some negative impacts on non-academic skills by reducing opportunities for free play.”可知，过多的家庭作业也可能会减少自由玩耍的机会，从而对非学术技能产生一些负面影响；再结合后面的“may also”可知，这里依旧讲的是家庭作业带来的不好的影响，它会妨碍学生的体育运动。故选C。

2.What is many parents’ attitude towards homework?

A Optimistic.

B Skeptical.

C Tolerant.

D Mixed.

解析：选B。B推理判断题。根据文章第一段内容可知，近年来，许多家长和教育工作者对家庭作业表示担忧，并质疑家庭作业在提高学生学习方面的有效性。也有人担心，学生可能只是得到了太多的家庭作业，这最终会干扰高质量的家庭时间以及体育活动和玩耍的机会。由此可知，他们对家庭作业持怀疑态度。故选B。

3.Who was the passage written for?

A Parents.

B Teachers.

C Headmasters.

D Students.

解析：选A。A推理判断题。根据文章中的“What Can Parents Do?”“when your child asks for it”和“Praise your child’s hard work”可知，该文章是写给父母阅读的。故选A。

4.Which can be put back into the “ ▲ ”?

A How Often Do Parents Help With Their Kids’ Homework?

B What Is The “Right” Amount Of Homework?

C How Should Parents Help With Homework?

D What Are The Potential Risks And Benefits Of Homework?

解析：选B。B段落大意题。根据本段中的“not exceed (超过) 1.5 to 2.5 hours per night”“no more than 1 hour per night”以及“should be minimal”可知本段主要描述每天做作业的数量。故选B。