English Y7-The Homeschooling Debate

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Section A: Reading

The homeschooling debate

Read the following article about homeschooling, then answer to the question.

Children learn at different speeds. They have different abilities and interests, so in a school with fixed
timetables and content, it's no wonder that many children don't do as well as they could. Intelligent
students can be bored in large classes and less talented students can feel lost. In short, nobody wins.

One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is that children get the sole attention of an adult. This
means that the learning they do can be completely designed for them. The child who likes to learn by
reading and listening can spend all day doing just that. The child who likes to learn by doing things and
getting their hands dirty can also have their needs met.

The debate over homeschooling gives rise to opinions on both sides. Leading child development expert
Ben Richards claims if ‘Students have learning experiences designed specifically for them, they make
better progress.’ This seems to have some truth: research in 2009 suggested that homeschoolers scored
higher marks on test than those who had been through the school system.

Many parents who support homeschooling feel that they can have more control over how their child
develops. Parents who want their children to remain creative and keen about learning say that schools
kill their child’s natural curiosity. A survey conducted among parents who support homeschooling
suggests they feel school restricts freedom and individual thought.

However, many people say that homeschooling has damaging disadvantage. For instance, young people
who don’t go to school don’t get the chance to work with others or play in teams. They take longer to
learn how to interact and form friendships without their parents in the background. Homeschoolers
don’t get to mix with children from other backgrounds.

Yet the reality is that school is not the only place where children make friends. Neighbours, sports clubs
and other organisations offer plenty of opportunities for young people to mix with others. If it is done in
the right way, homeschooling might well be the very best way to educate young people for our modern
world.

1. Give one word from the first paragraph (lines 1-3) that means ‘nobody wins’.

_____________________________________________________________________(1)

2. What is a significant advantage of homeschooling for children, according to the second


paragraph?

______________________________________________________________________(1)

3. Look at paragraph 3 (lines 8-11). What piece of evidence is given to suggest


homeschooling is better?
 _________________________________________________________________
 ________________________________________________________________(2)

4. What is the main purpose of this text? (1)

Tick () one box.


to inform the parents that homeschooling is good for children
to persuade parents that homeschooling is good for children
to advise the parents that homeschooling is good for children
to entertain the parents that homeschooling is good for children

5. List three disadvantages of homeschooling mentioned in the article?(3)

 ________________________________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________________________________

 ________________________________________________________________________

6. What argument is given against the disadvantage in the final paragraph? How convincing do you
think this argument is? Write the summary at least four point and clear understanding.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_________________________________________________________________________________(5)

Section B: Writing

Write a speech explaining what you like and dislike about school. You should write three paragraphs.

You could consider include:

 You like about your school


 You dislike about your school
 Give a detailed explanation of to inform and educate (10)
Space for your plan:

Write your speech:


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Write for your plan: (10 marks) Hailey


1. Introduction :
 Emphasize the positive aspects of school and its wonderful nature.
 Highlight the main point: the opportunity to make new friends and the comparison
of school to a big, colorful playground.
 Introduce the role of teachers as friendly guides, making learning exciting and akin
to an adventure.
2. Challenges and Solutions
 Acknowledge that there might be some things we don't like as much, such as having
to sit still and tricky math problems.
 Share a positive perspective by emphasizing that we can always ask for help from
teachers or friend.
 The excitement of learning in school and the journey of becoming big, smart kids.
3. Conclusion
 Summarize the main message: even if there are things we might not love every day,
the fun parts, like making new friends and discovering cool things, make school an
adventurous and exciting place.

Writing:

Today, let's talk about school, a place where we do lots of fun and exciting things!
One thing that is super cool about school is making new friends. School is like a big,
colourful playground where we can learn and play together. Our teachers are like
friendly helpers who guide us and teach us new things every day, making our school
days full of smiles and laughter.

Do you know what's really awesome about school? It's like a magical treasure chest
filled with books that have amazing stories and adventures. We get to learn how to
use our super-smart brains to discover new things! Sometimes, there might be
things that we don't like as much, like sitting still for a long time or tricky math
problems that make our heads spin a little. But guess what? We can always ask our
teachers or friends for help, and they are there to make everything fun and
exciting!

In school, we are like little explorers, learning to be big, smart kids. Even if there
are things we might not love every day, let's always remember the fun parts and all
the new things we get to discover together. So, keep smiling, keep learning, and
let's have a fantastic time in school!

Write for your plan: (10 Marks) Kaylee


1. Introduction (Positive Outlook):
 Express enthusiasm about school being a wonderful place.
 Highlight the opportunity to make new friends.
 Compare school to a big, colorful playground for learning and playing.
 Introduce the role of teachers as friendly guides who make learning exciting.
2. Transition (Acknowledging Challenges):
 Acknowledge that, despite the wonderful aspects, there might be a few things
that are not as enjoyable.
 Mention the challenge of sitting still for a while and the energy of the students.
 Bring up the potential difficulty of tricky math problems.
3. Resolution (Encouraging Perspective):
 Emphasize that challenges can be overcome by seeking help from teachers or
friends.
 Highlight the excitement of learning and growing into big, smart kids.
 Encourage a positive perspective by focusing on the fun parts, such as making
new friends and exploring the exciting world of school.

Writing:

School is such a wonderful place, and there are many things to like about it! One of the
best things is that we get to make lots of new friends. School is like a big, colorful
playground where we play and learn together. Our teachers are like friendly guides who
help us every day, teaching us exciting new things. They make learning fun, just like an
adventure!

But you know, there might be a few things that we don't like as much. Sometimes, we
have to sit still for a little while, and that can be a bit tricky, especially when we have so
much energy! Also, those math problems might seem a bit tricky at first, but guess
what? We can always ask our teachers or friends for help! School is a place where we are
learning to be big, smart kids, and that's so exciting!

So, even if there are some things we might not love every day, let's always remember
the fun parts, like making new friends and discovering cool things together. School is a
place full of adventures and learning, and we get to explore it every day!

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