Question 19
IGCSE_MODEL_QUESTIONS_VOL1
•
2024
•
ENGLISH_LANGUAGE
•
objective
The motion for a school debate is: "This house believes that homework should be abolished." Write the opening speech (approximately 200 words) for the proposition side, including a definition of the terms, two main arguments, a brief rebuttal of the opposition's likely points, and a concluding statement.
Answer Options
A.
Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, the motion before us reads: \"This house believes that homework should be abolished.\" By ‘homework' we mean any compulsory academic task assigned to be completed outside scheduled class time, and ‘abolished' means its complete removal from the curriculum.
Our argument is that homework significantly harms students' mental health, causing anxiety and burnout.
The opposition will likely argue that homework reinforces learning, but we contend that in‑class activities are sufficient.
In conclusion, we urge you to vote in favour of the motion.
B.
Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, the motion before us reads: \"This house believes that homework should be abolished.\" By ‘homework' we mean any compulsory academic task assigned to be completed outside scheduled class time, and ‘abolished' means its complete removal from the curriculum.
Our first argument is that homework significantly harms students' mental health. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 68 % of secondary‑school pupils report heightened anxiety directly linked to nightly assignments, leading to sleep deprivation and burnout. The second argument concerns efficacy: research across OECD countries shows no measurable improvement in exam scores when homework time exceeds thirty minutes per day, indicating diminishing returns.
In conclusion, abolishing homework will protect students' well‑being and redirect instructional time toward more effective, engaging learning methods. We therefore urge you to vote in favour of the motion.
Correct Answer
C.
Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, the motion before us reads: "This house believes that homework should be abolished." By ‘homework' we mean any compulsory academic task assigned to be completed outside scheduled class time, and ‘abolished' means its complete removal from the curriculum.
Our first argument is that homework significantly harms students' mental health. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 68 % of secondary‑school pupils report heightened anxiety directly linked to nightly assignments, leading to sleep deprivation and burnout. The second argument concerns efficacy: research across OECD countries shows no measurable improvement in exam scores when homework time exceeds thirty minutes per day, indicating diminishing returns.
The opposition will likely argue that homework reinforces classroom learning and cultivates discipline. However, reinforcement can be achieved through in‑class activities and collaborative projects, which also develop social skills. Discipline, meanwhile, is better fostered by structured school routines rather than punitive after‑school work.
In conclusion, abolishing homework will protect students' well‑being and redirect instructional time toward more effective, engaging learning methods. We therefore urge you to vote in favour of the motion.
D.
Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, the motion before us reads: \"This house believes that homework should be abolished.\" Our first argument is that homework overloads students, leading to stress and reduced free time. The second argument is that modern technology provides alternative ways to reinforce learning, making homework redundant.
The opposition may claim that homework builds discipline, but discipline can be taught through classroom routines. In conclusion, we should eliminate homework to improve student wellbeing.
Correct Answer
C
Correct Option:
Honourable judges, teachers and fellow students, the motion before us reads: "This house believes that homework should be abolished." By ‘homework' we mean any compulsory academic task assigned to be completed outside scheduled class time, and ‘abolished' means its complete removal from the curriculum.
Our first argument is that homework significantly harms students' mental health. A 2022 study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that 68 % of secondary‑school pupils report heightened anxiety directly linked to nightly assignments, leading to sleep deprivation and burnout. The second argument concerns efficacy: research across OECD countries shows no measurable improvement in exam scores when homework time exceeds thirty minutes per day, indicating diminishing returns.
The opposition will likely argue that homework reinforces classroom learning and cultivates discipline. However, reinforcement can be achieved through in‑class activities and collaborative projects, which also develop social skills. Discipline, meanwhile, is better fostered by structured school routines rather than punitive after‑school work.
In conclusion, abolishing homework will protect students' well‑being and redirect instructional time toward more effective, engaging learning methods. We therefore urge you to vote in favour of the motion.
About This Question
This is
Igcse Model Questions Vol1
2024
English Language
Question 19.
It is one of the
objective
questions from the
2024
Igcse Model Questions Vol1
English Language
examination.
Difficulty level:
Hard
.