1. Discussion and debate

Conversation Workbook, level B2, lesson 1. Discussion and debate.

Exercise 3. Listen to the conversation. Debate: Homework should be abolished.

Today's motion is: Homework should be abolished in primary and lower secondary schools. Daniel, you're speaking for the motion.

Thank you. As I see it, children already spend six or seven hours a day at school. Adding two more hours of homework leaves them no time for sport, music or simply being with their families.

I take your point, but surely some practice at home is necessary? You can't learn a language or math only in class.

Admittedly, practice matters. But research suggests that for younger children, homework has very little effect on results.

What makes you say that? Is there any evidence for that?

There is. Several large studies have found almost no link between homework and test scores before the age of twelve or so.

To some extent, I'd agree. But it isn't just about test scores. Homework teaches kids to organize their time and work on their own.

Can I just come in here? Those skills can be taught at school, in project work, without –

If I could just finish my point ... Many parents also say homework is the only way they know what their kids are learning.

Let's come back to the main question. Anna, would you accept any limit on homework?

I'll grant you that two hours a day is too much. What it all comes down to is quality, not quantity. Fifteen minutes of useful work is better than an hour of copying.

Well, on that point, at least, we agree.

Exercise 4. Your turn. Listen, stop the recording and answer. Then listen to a possible answer.

A. Disagree politely.

Social media does far more harm than good.

I take your point, but surely it also helps people stay in touch and find information?

B. Ask for evidence.

Young people today don't read books at all.

What makes you say that? Is there any evidence for that?

C. Concede a point, keep your position.

Public transport should be free for everyone.

Admittedly, it would reduce traffic. But someone still has to pay for it, and that means higher taxes.

D. Finish your point.

Sorry, can I just come in here?

If I could just finish my point ... I think a ban would only move the problem somewhere else.

E. Soften your answer.

Online learning will replace schools.

To some extent, maybe. But I'm firmly convinced that students need real teachers and classmates.

F. Sum up.

So, what is your conclusion?

What it all comes down to is balance: technology can help, but it can't replace people.

This is the end of the recording.