Educational Theorist: Recent editorials have called for limits on the amount of homework assigned to schoolchildren younger than 12. They point out that free-time activities play an important role in childhood development and that homework in large quantities can severely restrict children's free time, hindering their development. But the actual average homework time for children under 12—little more than 30 minutes per night—leaves plenty of free time. In reality, therefore, the editorials' rationale cannot justify the restriction they advocate.


Which of the following, if true, would most seriously call into question the educational theorist's conclusion?



A. Some teachers give as homework assignments work of a kind that research suggests is most effective educationally when done in class.


B. For children younger than 12, regularly doing homework in the first years of school has no proven academic value, but many educators believe that it fosters self-discipline and time management.


C. Some homework assignments are related to free-time activities that children engage in, such as reading or hobbies.


D. A substantial proportion of schoolchildren under 12, particularly those in their first few years of school, have less than 10 minutes of homework assigned per night.


E. Some free-time activities teach children skills or information that they later find useful in their schoolwork.


There’s nothing to be confused about when you have conclusions/opinions of different people in the same argument.


The argument given is by an educational theorist. The question is also based on the conclusion of the theorist. 


Let’s analyze the stimulus-


Premise/ evidence/ Data


Recent editorials have called for limits on the amount of homework assigned to schoolchildren younger than 12.


Their opinion- they point out that free-time activities play an important role in childhood development and that homework in large quantities can severely restrict children's free time, hindering their development.


Theorist’s opinion- the editorials' rationale cannot justify the restriction they advocate.


Reason?


the actual average homework time for children under 12—a little more than 30 minutes per night—leaves plenty of free time.



Now, we need to find an option that weakens the theorist’s conclusion which goes against the editorials’ rationale. 

A talks about homework given in general. The argument is about homework given to children below 12. Eliminate


B- talks about the benefits of h.w. according to many educators. The volume/ time taken for h.w. is what is in question. Eliminate


C- Some homework assignments are related to free-time activities that children engage in, such as reading or hobbies. 


does not impact the conclusion. The amount of h.w./ time taken for h.w.- more or less? Not clear.  Eliminate


D- It is given in the theorist’s conclusion that the average time taken by children to do their h.w. is a little more than 30 minutes. Option B says that a substantial portion of children below 12 does not take more than 10 minutes. This means that the remaining portion of children below 12 takes more than 30 minutes to do their h.w. This reduces the free time. Option D is in favor of the editorials and against the theorist. Hence correct.


E- Irrelevant. Eliminate