Name: _____________________________ Grade 9 ____________________ PERFORMANCE TASKS 2-3 Less Homework, More Success Did you know that Finnish students, who have some of the highest academic achievements in the world, typically spend less than 30 minutes on homework each night? Students should have less homework because it reduces stress, allows for more family time, and encourages a healthier balance between school and personal life. First, too much homework causes unnecessary stress. Studies have shown that excessive homework leads to anxiety and burnout among students. By reducing homework, students can focus better on learning without feeling overwhelmed. Second, less homework means more time with family. Families today often struggle to connect because of busy schedules. With less homework, students can spend quality time with loved ones, strengthening family bonds. Finally, less homework allows students to engage in other important activities like sports, hobbies, and rest. These activities are crucial for physical and mental well-being. When students have time for personal growth, they become more well-rounded individuals. In conclusion, reducing homework is essential for students’ overall development. By lowering stress, increasing family time, and promoting personal growth, we can create a better educational experience. It’s time to rethink how we assign homework and prioritize the well-being of our students. ESSAY ANALYSIS: Title of the Essay: Type of Essay: Less Homework, More Success Persuasive Essay Hook and strategy used Introduction (10 points) Interesting fact or trivia Thesis Statement: Body Paragraph 1 (10 points) Body Paragraph 2 (10 points) Body Paragraph 3 (10 points) Conclusion (10 points) Did you know that Finnish students, who have some of the highest academic achievements in the world, typically spend less than 30 minutes on homework each night?” "Students should have less homework because it reduces stress, allows for more family time, and encourages a healthier balance between school and personal life." Topic Sentence: "Too much homework causes unnecessary stress." Supporting Details or Evidence: "Studies have shown that excessive homework leads to anxiety and burnout among students." Topic Sentence: “Less homework means more time with family.” Supporting Details or Evidence: "Families today often struggle to connect because of busy schedules." Topic Sentence: "Less homework allows students to engage in other important activities like sports, hobbies, and rest." Supporting Details or Evidence: "These activities are crucial for physical and mental well-being." Restatement of the Thesis Statement: "Reducing homework is essential for students’ overall development." Closing Statement: "It’s time to rethink how we assign homework and prioritize the well-being of our students." Name: _____________________________ Grade 9 ____________________ PERFORMANCE TASKS 2-3 Less Homework, More Effective Learning Did you know that students in Finland, a country with one of the best education systems in the world, spend significantly less time on homework yet outperform many nations academically? Homework has long been a staple of education, but its excessive use has become a growing concern. While some say homework helps reinforce learning, I believe students should have less homework. Less homework reduces stress, supports overall growth, and improves learning results. Excessive homework places undue pressure on students. Studies reveal that 56% of students identify homework as a significant stressor. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among younger learners who are still developing their time-management skills. By reducing homework, educators can help alleviate this pressure, promoting a healthier mental state for students. Students need time for activities beyond academics. Extracurricular pursuits such as sports, music, and social interactions are essential for a child’s physical and emotional growth. Research indicates that students involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to develop leadership skills and self-confidence. Reducing homework creates the space students need to explore these interests, resulting in more well-rounded individuals. Spending excessive time on homework doesn’t always translate to better understanding or academic success. After a certain point, cognitive fatigue sets in, and students struggle to retain information. Educational researchers suggest that productive study sessions should be limited in duration to maintain efficiency. Less homework allows students to consolidate what they’ve learned in school without becoming overwhelmed, making their learning experience more effective. Critics often argue that homework builds discipline, responsibility, and time-management skills. They believe that completing assignments independently teaches students the importance of hard work and prepares them for real-world challenges. While this may hold true in moderation, overwhelming students with excessive homework often leads to procrastination and disengagement rather than fostering responsibility. Students can develop these skills through meaningful classroom activities, manageable homework assignments, and extracurricular experiences. A balanced approach ensures that students are prepared for the future without sacrificing their well-being or personal growth. In conclusion, reducing homework is not about eliminating it entirely but about finding the right balance. By assigning less homework, educators can help students manage stress, focus on holistic development, and enhance the quality of their learning. It’s time to adopt a smarter approach to homework—one that values student well-being and long-term success. ESSAY ANALYSIS: Title of the Essay: Type of Essay: Introduction (10 points) Less Homework, More Effective Learning Hook and strategy used Thesis Statement: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 1 (10 points) Body Paragraph 2 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Topic Sentence: Supporting Details or Evidence: Argumentative Essay Did you know that Finnish students, who have some of the highest academic achievements in the world, typically spend less than 30 minutes on homework each night?” Interesting fact or trivia While some say homework helps reinforce learning, students should have less homework. Less homework reduces stress, supports overall growth, and improves learning results. Excessive homework places undue pressure on students. Studies reveal that 56% of students identify homework as a significant stressor. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among younger learners who are still developing their time-management skills. By reducing homework, educators can help alleviate this pressure, promoting a healthier mental state for students. Students need time for activities beyond academics. Extracurricular pursuits such as sports, music, and social interactions are essential for a child’s physical and Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 3 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Counterargument: (10 points) Rebuttal: Conclusion (10 points) Restatement of the Thesis Statement: Closing Statement: emotional growth. Research indicates that students involved in extracurricular activities are more likely to develop leadership skills and self-confidence. Reducing homework creates the space students need to explore these interests, resulting in more well-rounded individuals. Spending excessive time on homework doesn’t always translate to better understanding or academic success. After a certain point, cognitive fatigue sets in, and students struggle to retain information. Educational researchers suggest that productive study sessions should be limited in duration to maintain efficiency. Less homework allows students to consolidate what they’ve learned in school without becoming overwhelmed, making their learning experience more effective. Critics often argue that homework builds discipline, responsibility, and time-management skills. They believe that completing assignments independently teaches students the importance of hard work and prepares them for real-world challenges. While this may hold true in moderation, overwhelming students with excessive homework often leads to procrastination and disengagement rather than fostering responsibility. Students can develop these skills through meaningful classroom activities, manageable homework assignments, and extracurricular experiences. A balanced approach ensures that students are prepared for the future without sacrificing their well-being or personal growth. By assigning less homework, educators can help students manage stress, focus on holistic development, and enhance the quality of their learning. It’s time to adopt a smarter approach to homework—one that values student well-being and long-term success. TOPICS: 1. Should schools adopt a four-day school week? 2. Should plastic bags be banned worldwide? 3. Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports? 4. What is the most important school subject? 5. Why is high school an important part of one’s life? SCORING RUBRIC: ESSAY: ANALYSIS: 1. Focus ____/ 10 2. Organization ____/ 10 3. Sentence Fluency - ____/ 10 4. Grammar____/ 10 TOTAL: _____ /40 SUBMISSION: January 27, 2025 (Monday) 1. Introduction ____/ 10 2. Body Paragraph 1 ____/ 10 3. Body Paragraph 2 ____/ 10 4. Body Paragraph 3 ____/ 10 Counterargument/ Rebuttal ____/ 10 5. Conclusion ____/ 10 TOTAL: _____ /60 Title of the Essay: Type of Essay: Hook and strategy used Introduction (10 points) Thesis Statement: Body Paragraph 1 (10 points) Topic Sentence: Supporting Details or Evidence: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 2 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 3 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Conclusion (10 points) Restatement of the Thesis Statement: Closing Statement: Title of the Essay: Type of Essay: Hook and strategy used Introduction (10 points) Thesis Statement: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 1 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 2 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Topic Sentence: Body Paragraph 3 (10 points) Supporting Details or Evidence: Counterargument: (10 points) Rebuttal: Conclusion (10 points) Restatement of the Thesis Statement: Closing Statement:
