七、阅读短文，回答问题
For students, homework is part of their daily lives. But have you ever wondered who invented homework and why?
Back in ancient Rome, there already was homework. For example, Pliny the Younger, a famous Roman writer, lawyer and official, often asked his students to do at-home activities to improve their speaking skills. Another person who played an important role in the development of homework is Horace Mann. He brought the idea of homework from Europe to America in the 19th century. Later, the idea spread to other places of the world.
Homework was once used as a punishment (惩罚) for some students. As education develops, people begin to make good use of homework as a learning tool. Usually, when students go back home from school, they might quickly forget what their teachers taught in class. So, homework is used to improve learning. Another purpose of homework is to encourage the students to manage their own after-school time. Besides, in order to get better scores, one must have enough knowledge about different subjects. And homework can help students reach this goal.
Too much homework is bad for students. But a suitable amount of daily homework is a necessary and important task that can help students study well. What’s important is to take it seriously and get it done efficiently (高效地).
1. Who was Pliny the Younger?
A famous Roman writer, lawyer and official.
2. Where did Horace Mann bring the idea of homework?
From Europe to America.
3. Why is homework used to improve learning?
Because students might quickly forget what their teachers taught in class.
4. What must one have in order to get better scores?
Enough knowledge about different subjects.
5. How should students deal with homework according to the last paragraph?
They should take it seriously and get it done efficiently.
