You can do a few things to make homework less stressful. First, be sure you understand the assignment. Write it down in your notebook or day planner if you need to, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what is expected. It is much easier to take a minute to ask the teacher during or after class than to struggle to remember later that night! If you want, you can also ask how long the particular homework assignment should take to complete so you can plan your time.
Second, use any extra time you have in school to work on your homework. Many schools have libraries that are specifically designed to allow students to study or get homework done. The more work you can get done in school, the less you will have to do that night.
Third, pace yourself. If you don’t finish your homework during school, think about how much you have left and what else is going on that day, and then plan your time. Most middle students should have between 1 and 3 hours of homework a night. If it is a heavy homework day, you will need to devote more time to homework.
No one is expected to understand everything, and maybe you need some help. The first place to turn for help is your teacher. But what if you don’t feel comfortable with your teacher? If you are in a big enough school, there may be other teachers who teach the same subject. Speak to other teachers directly and you may be in luck. Sometimes it just helps to have someone explain something in a different way. Moreover, you might also be able to get some help from another student. If there is someone you like who is a good student, think about asking that person if you can study together.
1. The most important thing that you should do when you get your assignment may be ________.
A. to know when you hand it in
B. to understand it and its requirements
C. to know how long it takes to complete it
D. to remember it in order to plan the time
2. If you have any free time left at school, you should ________.
A. use it to do your homework in the library
B. spend time with your friends
C. use it to understand the assignment
D. use it to make your day planner
3. When students need some help, they should ________.
A. never ask other teachers for help
B. always turn to their own teachers for help
C. ask any good students at the subject in your school
D. go to their teachers or other teachers teaching the same subject
4. The main idea of the first three paragraphs is ________.
A. to get help when you need it
B. to do homework immediately
C. to create a homework plan
D. to ask your teachers for more explanation
5. According to the passage, all of the following are correct EXCEPT that ________.
A. it takes a student more than three hours a night if there is much homework
B. it is good to have the explanation in a different way
C. you only do your homework at home between 1 and 3 hours a night
D. it is very useful to take a minute to ask the teacher during or after class
