یادداشت نظر: آیا باید تکلیف مدرسه را ممنوع کرد؟

برخلاف مقاله‌ی متعادل، یادداشت نظر سعی می‌کند شما را متقاعد کند. به موضع نویسنده، شواهدی که می‌آورد و زبانی که استدلالش را قوی نشان می‌دهد دقت کنید.

یادداشت

It's time to rethink homework

Every evening, in millions of homes, the same scene takes place: a tired child, a stressed parent and a pile of worksheets. I believe it is time to seriously reduce — and for young children, abolish — homework.

Let's start with the evidence. Research on primary school children has found little connection between homework and academic achievement. In other words, eight-year-olds who spend an hour on worksheets do not, on average, learn more than those who spend that hour playing, reading for pleasure or helping to cook dinner.

Meanwhile, the costs are real. Children who already spend six or seven hours at school need time to rest, move and simply be children. Homework also widens inequality: a child with educated parents and a quiet room has a huge advantage over one who shares a small flat and has no one to ask for help.

Of course, critics will argue that homework teaches discipline and responsibility. But are there not better ways to learn these qualities? Looking after a pet, joining a sports team or learning a musical instrument all require commitment — and children actually enjoy them.

For older students, some homework makes sense, especially preparing for exams. But it should be meaningful, not busy work. Five well-designed questions are worth more than fifty repetitive ones.

Finland, whose schools consistently perform well in international comparisons, gives relatively little homework. Perhaps it's time we asked ourselves why we give so much.

کلمه‌های کمکی

abolish (لغو کردن)، academic achievement (پیشرفت تحصیلی)، on average (به‌طور میانگین)، widens inequality (نابرابری را بیشتر می‌کند)، critics (منتقدان)، commitment (تعهد)، busy work (کار بیهوده و وقت‌پرکن)، repetitive (تکراری).

سؤال‌ها

1. What is the writer's main opinion?
2. What evidence is given about primary school children?
3. How can homework increase inequality, according to the writer?
4. What counter-argument does the writer mention, and how does she respond?
5. Does the writer think all homework is bad?
6. Why does the writer mention Finland?

ترفندهای متقاعدسازی

شروع با یک صحنه‌ی زنده · شواهد پژوهشی · In other words برای ساده‌سازی · سؤال بلاغی (are there not better ways…?) · پرداختن به نظر مخالف (Of course, critics will argue…) · یک مثال واقعی. با او موافقید؟ یک جواب ۱۰۰ کلمه‌ای بنویسید.