【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. scrap / skræp / (v.) – to remove or get rid of
Example: They scrapped the parts which they think are no longer important.
2. move / muv / (n.) – an action, especially one meant to achieve a goal
Example: The revision in the policy is a move towards improving the school.
3. carry out / ˈkær iˌaʊt / (phrasal v.) – to execute or accomplish something
Example: They carried out the plan after preparing for a year.
4. take part / teɪk pɑrt / (idiom) – to be involved in something
Example: The project was a success because everyone took part in it.
5. alert / əˈlɜrt / (adj.) – able to come up with thoughts and ideas clearly
Example: She had trouble answering the teacher’s question because she was not mentally alert.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A primary school in Scotland has scrapped homework after parents and students voted in favor of the move.
Inverlochy [IN-ver-loh-kee] Primary School carried out a six-week trial of the no-homework policy last year. Afterward, the school conducted a survey on the students, parents, and teachers about adopting the policy permanently. In the survey, nearly 80% of the students and more than 60% of parents voted in favor of the no-homework policy. On the other hand, the school’s teachers were divided on the issue.
Since students are no longer given homework, the school encourages them to use their free time to play and to read books and comics. Parents who took part in the survey expressed their support to the policy.
For instance, a children’s book author whose daughter attends the school said that homework stresses children and parents out. He said that students have a lot of after-school activities, but they need time to be kids. Another parent who also voted in favor of the policy said that because her son has several after-school activities, he had to do his homework at night, thus he had trouble staying alert.
On the other hand, while the policy received positive response in Inverlochy, a similar move received criticism in another primary school. King’s Road Primary, also in Scotland, received complaints after the school stopped giving homework without consulting or informing parents beforehand. In addition, one parent was disappointed by the policy because she uses homework to monitor what her child is learning.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you agree with the school’s move to scrap homework? Why or why not?
· Aside from playing and reading books and comics, what other after-school activities are beneficial to children’s learning?
Discussion B
· Aside from banning homework, what other changes would you like to be implemented in your country's education system?
· What is the importance of implementing changes in the education system?
