Let Our Weekends Be Free

4th Grade Common Core RI.4.1 Opinion article 195 words ⏱ 25 minESL A2

An opinion article by a student who wants schools to stop giving weekend homework, with her arguments, the opposing view and her suggestion.

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Let Our Weekends Be Free — by Nora Perez, 8th grade

At the end of every school week, my teachers give us homework "for the weekend". On Saturday, while my family is resting, I am sitting at my desk with a maths worksheet. I believe that schools should stop giving homework on weekends.

First, children need rest, just like adults. Most adults do not bring their work home on Saturday. Students work hard all week, and a free weekend helps us come back to school with fresh energy.

Second, the weekend is family time. It is often the only time when we can visit our grandparents, go on a trip or simply eat a long meal together. Homework takes these hours away from us.

Some teachers say that without weekend homework, students will forget what they learned. I understand this worry, but I do not agree. Two days are not enough to forget a whole week of lessons. Besides, students can still read a book or practice on their own if they want to.

My suggestion is simple: teachers can give a little more homework during the week, and keep the weekend free. I am sure we will return on Sunday happier and readier to learn.

📘 Word bank
worksheet
a page of exercises
rest
time to relax and not work
fresh
new and full of energy
worry
a feeling of being afraid something bad will happen
Besides
also; in addition
suggestion
an idea you offer to others

✏️ Questions

  1. Fact, opinion & point of view

    What is Nora's opinion?

  2. Key details

    According to paragraph 2, what do most adults NOT do?

  3. Key details

    Write TWO things families can do together on the weekend, according to Nora.

  4. Reference words

    In paragraph 3, "these hours" refers to…

  5. Author’s purpose & structure

    What does Nora do in paragraph 4?

  6. Reference words

    In paragraph 4, what is "this worry"?

  7. Word meaning

    In paragraph 2, to come back "with fresh energy" means to come back…

  8. Key details

    What is Nora's suggestion?

  9. Inference

    Why does Nora believe that students will not forget their lessons over the weekend?

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