Homework is a waste of time

I tend to disagree with your definition. Even though my definition is noticeably similar, the definition is more general than yours. "schoolwork assigned to be done outside the classroom" (1) This definition then expands to include not only worksheets that teachers have provided, but essays that are required to be written or questions from workbooks. Rebuttals "he is improving his ability to process linguistic information and to make lasting semantic memories. This is because, it build patterns in his mind on how to connecting the meanings of words. He can then use this skill set for other courses." For some students this maybe the case, however, majority of students cannot simply memorize theories instantaneously unless these students have photographic memory. This is due to us only learning 10% of what we read after 3 days of reading the material. (2) we can only learn from using these skills in practical methods, for example, maths is applied practically through doing worksheets. "On the other hand, when he fills out an exercise sheet, he is only drilling the pattern that relate to that particular subject thereby only preparing for the test of that subject. " Drilling exercise sheets is sometimes essential when studying for tests. The aim of homework is to practice the theories learned in class and to cement that knowledge in the mind. It's also a time to find any flaws in your understandings and to work extra hard to thoroughly understand the concept. "improve his social skills by socialising which he could give friends and romantic relationships." As much as social skills can promote mental health and to find relationships, it is not essential towards a career. This is the prime reason why single-sex schools are created. It is to help students not get distracted by the opposite sex and to have a more career based education. "Developing his social skills will even help his career as it teaches him how to influence people." It is important to understand that people who are in different social classes (3) will tend to not socialize with each other. This is due to a higher social status and income. (eg you would not regularly see celebrities befriending the homeless.) The only way to influence people in a higher social class than you would be to befriend someone whose social status falls in between your social class and the social class you are planning to achieve. This often is very difficult to achieve as there are many few people that fall into that category. "In addition, when a student gets a career, he ends up using only a small portion of the knowledge that he learned at school. Therefore, what he mainly relies on is the previous skill sets that he acquired." High school is not designed for acquiring jobs, they are designed to give every student a broad knowledge of subjects. This is necessary in opening student's minds to subjects they haven't tried but might enjoy. "Students must also concern themselves with their health and doing unnecessary course takes away time that they could spend preparing healthy meals or exercising." That is not necessary due to many students being teenagers. Teenagers generally experience growth spurts at this age. This means that teenagers figure are not affected by eating excessively as most of that energy goes into fueling muscle growth and hormonal development. Arguments Homework is essential to a school child's life as it reinforces things learnt in class as many students only remember 10-20% of what teachers say in class after 3 days (2) , it is essential to engage in participatory activities such as homework as this increases the remembering rate to 65% after 3 days. (2) By doing homework students will form good study habits, these study habits will eventually carry over to their jobs and careers which would then help them have a fruitful career. By doing homework students are continually promoting values such as dedication and persistence. These are essential for when obtaining jobs or for any task in life. So by doing homework you are not only promoting school work but habits that will ensure a bright future. Homework also generally leads to better grades which then leads to a better grades when applying for separate colleges or universities. By dedicating time towards studying towards something, you are improving your chances of being accepted into a higher-caliber education facility which then leads to more career options. On the other hand socializing does not earn you higher grades as it does not directly contribute towards an improved education. This means that lower grades = more limiting options when choosing colleges of universities. This then leads to having to study for longer periods of time before transferring over to another field. This can simply be avoided by achieving a desirable final mark which then leads to a clear path without transfers to achieving your dream job. I await my opponents arguments and wish him luck (1) http://dictionary.reference.com... (2) http://changingminds.org... (3) http://ukdesperatehousewifeusa.files.wordpress.com...