Thank you for purchasing the following enhanced e-book —another quality product from

 ______________________________________
Daily 
Warm-Up
9
Nonfiction: Current Events
The Homework Debate
Groans arise from students everywhere at the mention of 
homework. Over the years, many studies have pondered 
the question of how much homework is necessary.
The primary argument against too much homework is 
that it pressures children to learn too much too soon.
The concern is that homework only prepares them for 
tests and more homework, not current life experiences.
As a result, learning ceases to become meaningful at an 
early age. In addition, some studies have shown that too 
much homework too soon makes a student feel negative 
about learning. As a result, children might be less 
inclined to do things that will enhance their education.
Some children come from home environments that 
make it difficult to complete assignments. Homework 
might not be as helpful for these students. One 
proposed solution to this would be offering a longer 
school day, but people are concerned about the potential 
negative impacts on students’ health and family life.
The arguments against homework are strong and make 
valid points. However, homework can supplement 
student learning. Appropriate homework allows 
students to interact more with academic content. One of 
the arguments for homework says students should spend 
extra time engaging in academic content. This is based 
on research that shows a relationship between higher 
academic scores and time spent in academic content.
Homework does have value. Some studies suggest the 
current trend of more in-depth homework is producing 
lower scores. But other research shows that 
appropriate homework increases student achievement.
The proper amount of homework has long been subject 
to debate and changing trends. The goal is to keep 
students challenged, keep them learning, and keep 
them motivated. In this modern age, new trends will 
continue to take shape. The question is, what will these 
trends be, and how will they affect homework?
Text Questions
● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 
 1 . What does the word enhance mean as it is used in the second paragraph?
a. to improve the quality of
b. to increase in value
c. to make more attractive
d. to improve the clarity of a photograph 
 2 . Which of the following is a valid argument for homework?
a. It prepares students for tests and more homework.
b. Studies show that spending more time in academic content increases student achievement.
c. Homework may have a negative impact on students’ health and family life.
d. Some students are unable to complete homework assignments at home.
 3 . Based on what you read, what can you infer about appropriate homework?
a. It should be relevant.
b. It should contain practice questions for the test.
c. It should never offer any new learning.
d. It should repeat only what students read in textbooks.
 4 . Which statement seems least like an opinion?
a. Learning should relate to current life experience.
b. Children might be less inclined to do things that would enhance their education.
c. Homework does have value.
d. The proper amount of homework has long been subject to debate and changing trends.
 5 . In your opinion, how will computers affect what students should learn and the homework they should
be assigned?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
©Teacher Created Resources 
79 
#3658 Daily Warm-Ups: Reading

---

Name