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Christian Moreno
Ms. Gardner
English 10H
4 May 2015
A Beneficial Learning Device: Why Homework Should Not Be Abolished
Why has homework become such a controversial topic in society today? While some
believe that homework provides a variety of benefits for students, others argue that it causes
stress and eliminates students free time. The topic is important because students make up a
significant portion of people, and people are highly opinionated about the benefits and
drawbacks to assigning students homework. Homework should not be abolished because it
covers topics at a faster rate, allows for students to practice skills taught in class, and teaches
students work ethic and responsibility.
Many argue that homework should be abolished because it causes stress and worries
amongst students. For instance, Sarah Boesveld, a writer for National Post in Ontario, Canada,
writes about a teacher that had half of their class failing, then refrained from assigning
homework and the class grades skyrocketed (Boesveld). In addition, Valerie Strauss of
Washington Post states that fifty six percent of high schoolers stated that homework was a
primary cause of stress (Strauss). The anecdote about the class grades improving, and the fact
from the survey support the point that homework is a major stressor for students, and does little
to improve the learning experience. In short, homework abolitionists believe that because
homework has lead students to lose interest in learning, homework should be abolished. As a
side note, it is agreeable that in some cases, it is necessary to reduce a homework load due to

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stressing of students. While it is true that homework may cause troubles for students, however, in
a manageable amount, it is beneficial.
Admittedly, some students mental health may improve with the abolition of homework.
Despite this fact, homework quickens and betters the learning process. For example, John W.
Griffith of Ashbury Park Press says that homework allows for parents to explain concepts to
them if necessary (Does Homework Work?). The fact that students are able to receive help from
parents, or tutors, is a tremendous assistance to their learning and will surely benefit them if they
are struggling. Also, students are able practice problem solving and use of their brain regularly
(Does Homework Work?). Problem solving is an important skill and will make for an easier and
faster learning experience for students. Based on these points, homework is a valuable concept
that yields an array of positive results for students. In conclusion, if homework holds an amazing
potential for students to learn, why would this opportunity not be presented to them?
Furthermore, homework allows for students to practice a variety of skills learned in class.
Kerry Rizzuto, another writer for Ashbury Park Press says, An essential element of the
Common Core State Standards calls for students to cultivate and expand their critical thinking
skills, and homework is often cited as a tool for accomplishing this important endeavor (Does
Homework Work?). Homework assists to provide students with critical thinking skills, along
with other variations of thinking depending on the assignment. Basic skills such as grammar,
spelling and multiplication tables require drill, and the length of the school day may not allow
sufficient time for this in class (Does Homework Work?). Practicing skills that require repetition
is another essential task that is needed in order to progress in academics, and without homework,
how would it be done? Due to the points that homework allows for practice, it is an essential

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addition to the learning experience. Therefore, practicing lessons and concepts from class is
something that should be done by all students.
Ultimately, homework should not be abolished teaches students responsibility. Monica
Fuglei, from Concordia Online Education supports this point. She states, Responsibility and
time management are highly desirable qualities that benefit students long after they graduate
(Fuglei). Time management and responsibility are skills required not only for academic
endeavors, but in other tasks as well. Homework will hopefully refine these key life-skills so that
students may excel in anything that they may strive for. Another supporter of the concept that
homework invokes responsibility is Rizzuto, saying,Moreover, learning how to begin projects,
search for answers, and solve problems are skills that adults use daily and must be learned early
through homework (Does Homework Work?). Learning time management and responsibility for
projects is the key to success in most areas and homework helps hone this skill. Research
Spotlight on Homework argues, At the elementary school level, homework can help students
develop study skills and habits (Research Spotlight On Homework). Learning early to develop
study skills is extremely important and is a crucial skill to begin developing early. Therefore,
homework should not be abolished because it teaches students proper learning habits. In
conclusion, if homework begins these beneficial habits, why should it be abolished?
In conclusion, homework should not be abolished because it permits the covering of
topics and material faster, allows for students to practice skills, and learn important work ethic
and responsibility. Also, abolition of homework would make for a lazier and less skillful society.
As a final note, be wary of all of the movements to abolish homework, while no homework may
sound nice, it also comes with a cost. While lack of homework may relieve stress, it would take
quite a toll on the values and importance of knowledge in society.

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Works Cited
Boesveld, Sarah. "No More Homework." National Post. 06 Sep. 2014: A.3. SIRS Issues
Researcher. Web. 05 May 2015.
"Does Homework Work?." Asbury Park Press. 10 Sep. 2013: n.p. SIRS Issues
Researcher. Web. 05 May 2015.

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Fuglei, Monica. "The Homework Debate: How Homework Benefits Students."Concordia
Portland Online. N.p., 21 Nov. 2013. Web. 11 May 2015.
"Research Spotlight on Homework." Rss. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 May 2015.
Strauss, Valerie. "Homework Hurts High-Achieving Students, Study Says." Washington
Post - Blogs. 13 Mar. 2014: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher.Web. 05 May 2015.