2019版高考英语一轮复习 Unit 5 Travelling abroad基础达标练 新人教版选修7.docVIP

Unit 5 Travelling abroad **阅读理解。 After a year of examining studies concerning whether homework is effective, NYC P.S. 116 elementary school decided that math worksheets and essay assignments were actually a waste of time. In February, Principal Jane Hsu sent a letter to parents stating that the Pre-K through fifth grade students would not be given any traditional homework to encourage kids to have free time for reading, playing outside, or doing activities they enjoy. The negative effects of homework have been well established, Hsu wrote in a note to parents. They include: children’s frustration and exhaustion, lack of time for other activities and family time and, sadly for many, loss of interest in learning. Some parents, however, disagree with the policy change, believing that a lack of focus will cause children to fall behind. Homework has been part of education from the beginning, and has increased in volume in recent years. Hsu’s advice that children should read and spend time with their families has upset some parents to the point of considering pulling their children out of P.S. 116. This group feels that homework assignments give children a goal to work toward. Others feel so strongly about the importance of homework that they have begun giving their own homework assignments to their children. An Australian Childhood Foundation survey found that 71% of Australian parents feel they do not spend enough quality time with their children mainly because of the time spent running the household or the time spent helping with homework. Education experts in Australia are saying that parents should stop helping. Doing so will give kids more independence, will give parents more free time, and will help reduce the number of homework-induced arguments in the family. While some research suggests that homework has little academic benefit for elementary students, other research shows homework can help kids develop independence, and confidence. It can also contribute to a se