Free English is part of Litlings, the classroom app for phonics and early English.
Litlings Free English Litlings for schools
Free English / Lesson plans / Level 3
Level 3Week 22WritingReadingSpeaking

Should homework be banned? Write a balanced argument

Students read a balanced argument, sort arguments for and against banning homework, practise linking words that connect ideas across paragraphs, and plan and write their own article.

Ages 11 to 14B160 minutesChecked 7 November 2026

At a glance

From
Level 3, Bridge English: Week 22, Agreeing and disagreeing
Grammar
so do I / neither do I; however, on the other hand
Key language
On the one hand... / On the other hand... / However,... / In addition,... / Furthermore,... / Although... / In conclusion,...
Children make
An article of about 100 to 120 words with an introduction, two paragraphs of arguments and a conclusion.
Class size
Works with 10 to 50 children; pair and group steps say how to scale.

Objective

Students present both sides of an issue before giving their own view, using linking words to connect ideas within and across paragraphs. This links to UK Year 5/6 grammar: building cohesion within and across paragraphs.

Success criteria for children

  • I can give arguments for and against.
  • I can link ideas with however, on the other hand and in addition.
  • I can end with a conclusion that gives my own view.

Timing: 60 minutes

MinutesStageWhat happens
0 to 6Warm-up: take a sideStudents stand on a line between agree and disagree.
6 to 16Read the modelRead the balanced argument; find the four parts.
16 to 26Teach: linking wordsAdd, contrast and conclude.
26 to 38Practice: sort and linkWorksheet tasks 1 and 2.
38 to 44PlanTask 3: plan the four parts.
44 to 56WriteWrite the article, about 100 to 120 words.
56 to 60Exit ticketWrite a conclusion sentence.

Materials

Step by step, with teacher talk

0 to 6 minWarm-up: take a side

  1. Read: "Schools should ban homework." Students stand on a line from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Ask two students from different parts of the line to give one reason.

6 to 16 minRead the model

  1. Students read the model and label four parts: introduction, for, against, conclusion. Check as a class.
  2. Ask: "Does the writer say only one side?" (No: both.) "Where do we find the writer's own view?" (Conclusion.)

16 to 26 minTeach: linking words

  1. Sort the linking words from the text on the board: adding (in addition, furthermore), contrasting (however, on the other hand, although), concluding (in conclusion).
  2. Show how a linking word at the start of a paragraph links it to the one before. Students find two examples in the text.
Concept-check questions
  • Which word shows a different idea, in addition or however? (However.)
  • Which word begins the final paragraph? (In conclusion.)

26 to 38 minPractice: sort and link

  1. Students complete tasks 1 and 2. Check aloud and discuss any answers with two possible words.

38 to 44 minPlan

  1. Students choose their own title (for example, "Should school uniform be compulsory?" or "Should phones be banned in school?") and complete the plan boxes with two arguments for and two against.

44 to 56 minWrite

  1. Students write in their books. Success check: both sides, three different linking words, a conclusion that gives their own view.

56 to 60 minExit ticket

  1. See below.

Differentiation

Support

  • Give a paragraph frame: "On the one hand,... However,..."
  • Provide a bank of arguments for and against to choose from.

Stretch

  • Add a counter-argument paragraph and answer it.
  • Use a formal subject: "It can be argued that..."
  • Check the register: remove any contractions and informal words.

Reading passage

An original model. It gives reasoned arguments on both sides. It is a style model, not a research summary.

Reading passage: Should homework be banned?

Introduction. Many schools give homework, but some people believe it should be banned. This article looks at both sides before reaching a conclusion.

For banning. On the one hand, homework can make children tired and take time away from family, sport and sleep. In addition, children who have no quiet space or computer at home may find it harder to finish, so homework can be unfair.

Against banning. On the other hand, short regular tasks can help children practise what they learned in class. Furthermore, homework teaches children to organise their time, which will help them in secondary school. However, it only works when the tasks are short and clear.

Conclusion. In conclusion, homework should not be banned, but it should be shorter, and teachers should check that every child can complete it. A balance is best.

Questions

  1. What is the writer's question?
  2. Give one argument for banning homework.
  3. Give one argument against banning it.
  4. Which linking word shows a contrast in the last "against" sentence?
  5. What is the writer's own view?

Printable worksheet

Prints on its own A4 page. Use Print the worksheet above, or print the whole plan and the worksheet starts on a new page. One copy per child, or one per pair to save paper.

Litlings Free English · Level 3 · Week 22NameDate

Both sides of the argument

1. Write F (for banning homework) or A (against banning).

  1. ( ___ ) It takes time away from sleep.
  2. ( ___ ) It helps children practise skills.
  3. ( ___ ) Some children have no quiet place to work.
  4. ( ___ ) It teaches children to plan their time.
  5. ( ___ ) It makes some children stressed.
  6. ( ___ ) It shows parents what their children are learning.

2. Choose the best linking word.

HoweverIn additionAlthoughIn conclusionOn the other hand
  1. Homework can be tiring. , it helps children practise.
  2. Homework helps children learn. , it shows parents what is happening in class.
  3. homework has benefits, it should be shorter.
  4. , homework should be kept, but made fairer.

3. Plan your article. Title: _

Introduction
Two arguments for
Two arguments against
Conclusion (my view)
Free to copy for classroom use.english.litlings.com/lesson-plans/balanced-argument-should-homework-be-banned-writing-lesson/

Answer key

Reading passage questions

  1. Whether homework should be banned.
  2. It can make children tired and take time from family, sport and sleep (or: it can be unfair for children without a quiet space).
  3. It helps children practise, or teaches them to organise their time.
  4. However.
  5. Homework should not be banned, but it should be shorter and fair.

Worksheet

  • 1: F, A, F, A, F, A.
  • 2: However (or On the other hand); In addition; Although; In conclusion.
  • 3: answers will vary. Check two arguments on each side and a conclusion that gives the student's view.

Exit ticket

Write a conclusion sentence for your article that starts with "In conclusion," and gives your view. Use one linking word that shows balance.

Homework

Write your article neatly. Ask someone at home to read it and say which side they agree with.

Teaching this to a whole class?

Litlings lets you plan lessons like this one, set photo and voice homework, and see who needs help. Free for up to 40 pupils.

Start free with Litlings

More lesson plans

He said he was...: interview a classmate and report itLevel 3, Week 21 How do we get to school? A survey and chart projectLevel 3, Week 23 All 60 lesson plansFilter by level, age, skill and topic Level 3: Bridge EnglishThe full 36-week programme, A2 to B1
Sources and free resources