What does the phrase 'busywork set by routine' suggest?
Teachers often set homework out of habit, and parents often demand it as a sign of seriousness. The evidence for its benefit is weaker than either would like to think. Studies tend to find that homework helps older pupils more than younger ones, and that the benefit levels off after an hour or so a night. For young children, the gains are small, while the costs, in tired children and strained evenings, are real. This does not mean that homework should be abolished. Practice that consolidates what has been taught, and tasks that pupils can complete without help, are likely to be useful. What is hard to justify is the large quantity of busywork set by routine. A good rule is that a task should be set only if the teacher can say what it is for.
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Tasks given out of habit that keep pupils occupied without teaching them anything new
- Step 1: 'Busywork' means work that occupies time without a real aim.
- Step 2: 'By routine' suggests it was set out of habit.
Answer
Tasks given out of habit that keep pupils occupied without teaching them anything new.
Why not the others: The phrase does not suggest enjoyment, advanced skill, parental design or legal duty.
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