Some people believe that school children should not be given homework....(IELTS Band 9 Sample Essay)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people believe that school children should not be given homework by their teachers, whereas others argue that homework plays an important role in the education of children.

Discuss both of these views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 1

The debate surrounding homework in schools polarizes educators, parents, and policymakers. On one hand, some argue that homework is an unnecessary burden on students, stifling their natural curiosity and imposing undue stress. On the other, proponents believe homework is indispensable in reinforcing classroom learning, fostering discipline, and preparing students for the rigors of academic and professional life. This essay will explore both perspectives, ultimately endorsing the nuanced role homework plays in education.

Critics of homework posit that after hours spent in classrooms, requiring students to engage in additional academic tasks is both counterproductive and detrimental to their well-being. They emphasize the importance of leisure time in a child's development, arguing that pursuits such as play, family interaction, and rest are equally vital for holistic growth. For instance, the Finnish education system, renowned for minimal homework yet high student performance, exemplifies this philosophy, suggesting that quality trumps quantity in educational practice.

Conversely, supporters of homework underscore its benefits in consolidating knowledge, promoting self-discipline, and bridging the gap between home and school. Homework assignments provide a platform for revisiting and reinforcing classroom teachings, enabling students to master complex concepts through repetition and practice. Furthermore, tasks assigned for home completion foster time management and independent problem-solving skills, qualities imperative for success beyond school. A notable example is Singapore, where rigorous homework is credited for its students' top rankings in international assessments.

In conclusion, while the debate on homework's efficacy continues, it's clear that its value depends on its application and context. Overburdening students with excessive homework can be counterproductive, yet judiciously assigned tasks that reinforce learning can be immensely beneficial. Therefore, a balanced approach, recognizing the importance of leisure alongside academic rigors, is essential. Schools should strive for homework that enriches students' learning experience without overshadowing the joys and discoveries of childhood.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 2

Debates regarding the necessity of homework in the education system continue to persist. While some individuals opine that homework adds to the stress and strain faced by students, others argue that it plays a pivotal role in their academic development. Although there are compelling arguments against homework, I firmly believe that it is an essential component of education that should not be abolished.

Those in opposition to homework often cite that it fails to improve academic performance. For instance, Finland, a country that has adopted a no-homework policy, consistently outperforms countries where homework is mandatory. Additionally, some parents claim that homework hinders their children's ability to participate in extracurricular activities, spend time with their families, and engage in other essential developmental activities. Furthermore, research has shown that playtime is equally crucial to academic success as study time, as it facilitates creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Despite these claims, I argue that homework is critical to independent learning and problem-solving, both of which are crucial skills for success. By working on homework assignments alone and at their own pace, students are compelled to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. For example, a student's comprehension of analytical issues is enhanced through practicing exercises at home, consolidating their understanding of the subject. Moreover, homework instills the habit of independent study in children, equipping them with the skills needed to work alone as adults.

In conclusion, while there may be valid arguments against the necessity of homework, its benefits to a student's development and academic performance should not be ignored. Homework allows students to reinforce their understanding of the material, develop essential skills, and prepare for adulthood. As such, I believe that homework is a vital component of the education system that should be retained.

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Sample Essay 3

The debate over whether school children should be given homework continues to divide opinions. While some argue that it is a necessary part of education, others believe that it is an unnecessary burden. In my opinion, homework is an important tool for students to improve their academic performance, but it must be implemented in a way that is not overly demanding.

On the one hand, there are those who argue that homework has little to no benefit for children. They argue that children already have a full day of learning at school, and that adding additional work after school is simply too much for them to handle. Furthermore, it is argued that homework can have negative effects on children's mental and emotional well-being, leaving them stressed and overworked. For example, in South Korea, some students have been known to stay up until the early hours of the morning to complete their homework, which has led to a rise in cases of sleep deprivation and mental health issues.

However, I believe that homework is a necessary aspect of education as it provides students with the opportunity to consolidate what they have learned in class and apply it in a real-world context. For instance, if a student is struggling with a particular topic, homework allows them to practice it and get a better understanding of the subject matter. In addition, homework teaches children the valuable skills of time management, self-discipline, and responsibility, which are essential for success in later life. For example, if a child has a project to complete, they will learn how to break it down into manageable tasks and allocate time for each one.

Furthermore, homework can provide a valuable link between teachers, students, and parents. When children bring their homework home, parents can engage with what their children are learning and provide support and guidance where needed. This can help to foster a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork, which can be invaluable in later life.

In conclusion, while there are some valid arguments against homework, I believe that it is an essential part of education. However, it must be implemented in a way that is not overly demanding and takes into account the needs and abilities of individual students.

Sample Essay 4

Some people consider that students should not be required to do homework, while others insist that in order to broaden their ability, homework is an essential factor. Though home assignments might deter students from exploring the extracurricular potentials, in my opinion, it allows them to get into the deeper of the specific knowledge area.

People, who believe that children should not be assigned to do homework, argue that they need to focus on many other tasks these days. For example, some children take part in sports club, enrol in art institutes, engage in cultural and volunteer organizations, and they enthusiastically get involved in these dynamic activities. Hence, these students do not find enough time to spend for the same task that they do in their schools. In other words, for these students, doing homework is almost like wasting time for repetitive tasks that hinder them from expanding the horizon of their talent and interest, because it is too difficult to find spare time after covering all the homework. Whereas, to develop any special attributes, students are supposed to dedicate adequate amount of time and concentration on those fields.

On the other hand, it is a well-recognised notion that homework helps to improve children’s intelligence further. As students’ school stay is a limited time, teachers can only make them familiar with the topic overview and basic knowledge. That means, if the students want to dive deeper in the school subjects, they should spend enough time in their homework. Otherwise, they might forget easily what they were taught in their school. In fact, if the students cannot explore further details of their school specified knowledge areas, they will pass with merely basics and superficial concepts which might not help them to sharpen their subject knowledge for future endeavours.

To conclude, doing homework might bother some students as it can occupy their time at the cost of diverse interest and activities. However, I believe that it is worth spending time for homework because its contribution in terms of digging deeper into a subject discipline is simply incredible for honing a student’s in-depth subject knowledge.

Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score