i (to do) my homework for half an hour

Best Homework Tips To Cut Study Time In Half

by Susan Kruger, M.Ed. | Sep 20, 2011 | Articles

Charlie is a perfect example of an intelligent young man in search of the best homework tips to cut his study time in half.

He is a smart young man, but he wasn’t always showing it in school.

When I first met him, he was in the middle of eighth grade, taking one of my study skills classes.

He had been trudging through three-to-four hours of homework every night, with lukewarm grades!

His mom was concerned because homework was “stressing him out” and was the source of many family arguments.

Within a few short weeks, however, Charlie learned study skills and the best homework tips that helped him cut his homework time to less than one hour every night –  and improved his grades !

I asked Charlie to share the best homework tips and top three study skills  that made the most difference for him.

After noticing a significant improvement in his study productivity, this is what Charlie had to share.

1. Get Organized!

“Many times, I had to ask my dad to drive me back to school because I forgot stuff in my locker.

“He was never happy with that, it took a lot of time, and he always wondered whether I would ever learn how to do my homework properly.”

To help Charlie get organized, we condensed his 14 different folders and notebooks down to ONE binder.

It was instantly easier for him to track papers, assignments, and notes because everything went in one place.

By doing this, we also reduced the volume of his supplies by 60%, which instantly resulted in a more organized book bag and locker.

Just doing this one simple thing helped him know he was on his way to learning the best homework tips.

We also talked about his locker routine, so he was less likely to forget things at school.

Charlie recalled, “You pointed out that every time I’m at my locker, I’m in a rush. I’m rushing to class, to lunch, to the bus…no matter when I’m at my locker, it’s always a rush.

“So, I had to figure out how to get what I needed quickly. I broke it down, and now I ask myself two questions every time I’m at my locker, which keeps me focused and helps me get everything I need.”

2. Power Down!  

“But this was huge for me.

“When you said that electronics will always control us unless we learn to control them, I decided to take the advice one night. I turned off my cell phone, the TV, and the computer.

“I couldn’t believe how fast I got my homework done! For me, this was one of the best homework tips ever!”

Charlie’s experience is something I am hearing more and more in my study skills classes over the last several years.

“I always figured that the TV, cell phone, and stuff helped make homework less boring,” he said.

“Now, I realize it is the other way around. When everything is off,  I can concentrate better , get my homework done faster, and then have more free time to do that stuff later.”

3. Think of Homework as a Study Guide!  

“I don’t just hunt for answers, I try to think about what I am doing and make connections to anything I can; something my teacher said in class or sometimes, I’ll think of links to something completely different.

“I also use the key question you shared: ‘How can this homework assignment help me study for the next test?’

“It’s simple, but it keeps me thinking more about my homework, instead of just trying to get it done. When I’m really thinking about what I am doing, I get it done faster.

“And, I’m getting better grades because I know I have the best homework tips to help me!”

Schools Do Not Teach How to Learn

Study skills – which are  strategic  learning skills – are not taught in schools.

The national and state standards that teachers have to abide by are ALL content.

There is absolutely no focus on  teaching students how to learn .

Charlie was floundering because he had no system for success.

Once he learned a system of strong study skills plus the best homework tips, however, he was unstoppable!

Every student can benefit  from learning study skills ; “good” students are thrilled to learn how to get those good grades in less time.

“Struggling” students are thrilled to learn that there is a reason why they are struggling (no one taught them  how  to study) and that there  are  study skills that work!

But what if there is more to the problem? How do you know if your child needs additional help?

Identifying Homework Problems

Many research studies confirm that “ten minutes per grade level” is the optimal amount of homework.

For example, a first-grader should do ten minutes of homework each night, a sixth-grader up to 60 minutes, and a 12th-grader up to 120 minutes.

With proper study skills, this amount of homework time can be cut in half, but these time limits are a good benchmark for what is reasonable at each grade level.

During this time, students need to complete homework with minimal support from you as the parent. If this is routinely NOT the case for your child, then something is not right.

If that is the case, determine the root of the problem; is it your child or the homework?

If your child is struggling to complete homework within the “ten minute” guideline, he may simply need to get organized and learn a few strategic study skills, plus the best homework tips, like Charlie did.

Recognizing If Your Child is Experiencing Learning Challenges

If your child is having a hard time sitting still, needs things repeated several times, is squinting excessively, or simply isn’t “getting it,” despite several attempts, these may be signs that something more than just study skills is needed.

Talk to your child’s teacher and pediatrician right away. Keep notes on your observations and stick to your guns!

If there is a learning challenge, you may meet with some resistance along the way, but your persistence and friendly cooperation with teachers and doctors will be the key to getting proper help for your child.

Your child needs a strong foundation so he or she can learn the best homework tips effortlessly.

Do not be quick to judge these challenges as “laziness.”

Laziness is rare in students! If it is apparent, then it usually happens after a student has experienced so many difficulties in school that he feels defeated.

In fact, when I hear a parent or teacher say things like “He’s lazy,” “She’s just not trying,” or “If she would just try harder,” it triggers a strong warning in my mind that there is likely something else going on.

Usually, there is.

Homework itself can be the problem, if too much is being assigned or if it is not assigned appropriately.

Homework should only be a review of content covered in class. The purpose is to provide practice, not instruction!

If your child is complaining that he “never learned this in school,” that may be true.

In these cases, arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher(s) and politely explain your concerns.

Most of the time, teachers are simply not aware of these problems because they typically don’t get feedback; most families just suffer in silence and don’t communicate appropriately.

You must use your judgment to determine how far to push homework issues with teachers, but you should not be suffering in silence!

Homework is a significant source of stress and frustration for many students and their families, but it doesn’t have to be.

When homework struggles require active intervention, look for the cues, and trust your instincts.

However, 90% of the time, a few excellent study skills are all you need to make a world of difference with the best homework tips, which can help cut study time in half.

These tips helped Charlie out by greatly improving his grades and cutting homework time in half.

Now, I’d like to hear if you worked for you.

Write in and let me know which tips you are going to try!

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the 5 best homework help websites (free and paid).

Other High School , General Education

Listen: we know homework isn’t fun, but it is a good way to reinforce the ideas and concepts you’ve learned in class. But what if you’re really struggling with your homework assignments?

If you’ve looked online for a little extra help with your take-home assignments, you’ve probably stumbled across websites claiming to provide the homework help and answers students need to succeed . But can homework help sites really make a difference? And if so, which are the best homework help websites you can use? 

Below, we answer these questions and more about homework help websites–free and paid. We’ll go over: 

• The basics of homework help websites
• The cost of homework help websites 
• The five best homework websites out there 
• The pros and cons of using these websites for homework help 
• The line between “learning” and “cheating” when using online homework help 
• Tips for getting the most out of a homework help website

So let’s get started! 

The Basics About Homework Help Websites–Free and Paid

Homework help websites are designed to help you complete your homework assignments, plain and simple. 

What Makes a Homework Help Site Worth Using

Most of the best sites allow users to ask questions and then provide an answer (or multiple possible answers) and explanation in seconds. In some instances, you can even send a photo of a particular assignment or problem instead of typing the whole thing out! 

Homework help sites also offer more than just help answering homework questions. Common services provided are Q&A with experts, educational videos, lectures, practice tests and quizzes, learning modules, math solving tools, and proofreading help. Homework help sites can also provide textbook solutions (i.e. answers to problems in tons of different textbooks your school might be using), one-on-one tutoring, and peer-to-peer platforms that allow you to discuss subjects you’re learning about with your fellow students. 

And best of all, nearly all of them offer their services 24/7, including tutoring! 

What You Should Should Look Out For

When it comes to homework help, there are lots–and we mean lots –of scam sites out there willing to prey on desperate students. Before you sign up for any service, make sure you read reviews to ensure you’re working with a legitimate company. 

A word to the wise: the more a company advertises help that veers into the territory of cheating, the more likely it is to be a scam. The best homework help websites are going to help you learn the concepts you’ll need to successfully complete your homework on your own. (We’ll go over the difference between “homework help” and “cheating” a little later!) 

You don't need a golden piggy bank to use homework help websites. Some provide low or no cost help for students like you!

How Expensive Are the Best Homework Help Websites?

First of all, just because a homework help site costs money doesn’t mean it’s a good service. Likewise, just because a homework help website is free doesn’t mean the help isn’t high quality. To find the best websites, you have to take a close look at the quality and types of information they provide! 

When it comes to paid homework help services, the prices vary pretty widely depending on the amount of services you want to subscribe to. Subscriptions can cost anywhere from $2 to $150 dollars per month, with the most expensive services offering several hours of one-on-one tutoring with a subject expert per month.

The 5 Best Homework Help Websites 

So, what is the best homework help website you can use? The answer is that it depends on what you need help with. 

The best homework help websites are the ones that are reliable and help you learn the material. They don’t just provide answers to homework questions–they actually help you learn the material. 

That’s why we’ve broken down our favorite websites into categories based on who they’re best for . For instance, the best website for people struggling with math might not work for someone who needs a little extra help with science, and vice versa. 

Keep reading to find the best homework help website for you! 

Best Free Homework Help Site: Khan Academy

• Price: Free!
• Best for: Practicing tough material 

Not only is Khan Academy free, but it’s full of information and can be personalized to suit your needs. When you set up your account , you choose which courses you need to study, and Khan Academy sets up a personal dashboard of instructional videos, practice exercises, and quizzes –with both correct and incorrect answer explanations–so you can learn at your own pace. 

As an added bonus, it covers more course topics than many other homework help sites, including several AP classes.

Runner Up: Brainly.com offers a free service that allows you to type in questions and get answers and explanations from experts. The downside is that you’re limited to two answers per question and have to watch ads. 

Best Paid Homework Help Site: Chegg

• Price: $14.95 to $19.95 per month
• Best for: 24/7 homework assistance  

This service has three main parts . The first is Chegg Study, which includes textbook solutions, Q&A with subject experts, flashcards, video explanations, a math solver, and writing help. The resources are thorough, and reviewers state that Chegg answers homework questions quickly and accurately no matter when you submit them.  

Chegg also offers textbook rentals for students who need access to textbooks outside of their classroom. Finally, Chegg offers Internship and Career Advice for students who are preparing to graduate and may need a little extra help with the transition out of high school. 

Another great feature Chegg provides is a selection of free articles geared towards helping with general life skills, like coping with stress and saving money. Chegg’s learning modules are comprehensive, and they feature solutions to the problems in tons of different textbooks in a wide variety of subjects. 

Runner Up: Bartleby offers basically the same services as Chegg for $14.99 per month. The reason it didn’t rank as the best is based on customer reviews that say user questions aren’t answered quite as quickly on this site as on Chegg. Otherwise, this is also a solid choice!

Best Site for Math Homework Help: Photomath

• Price: Free (or $59.99 per year for premium services) 
• Best for: Explaining solutions to math problems

This site allows you to t ake a picture of a math problem, and instantly pulls up a step-by-step solution, as well as a detailed explanation of the concept. Photomath also includes animated videos that break down mathematical concepts to help you better understand and remember them. 

The basic service is free, but for an additional fee you can get extra study tools and learn additional strategies for solving common math problems.

Runner Up: KhanAcademy offers in-depth tutorials that cover complex math topics for free, but you won’t get the same tailored help (and answers!) that Photomath offers. 

Best Site for English Homework Help: Princeton Review Academic Tutoring

• Price: $40 to $153 per month, depending on how many hours of tutoring you want 
• Best for: Comprehensive and personalized reading and writing help 

While sites like Grammarly and Sparknotes help you by either proofreading what you write via an algorithm or providing book summaries, Princeton Review’s tutors provide in-depth help with vocabulary, literature, essay writing and development, proofreading, and reading comprehension. And unlike other services, you’ll have the chance to work with a real person to get help. 

The best part is that you can get on-demand English (and ESL) tutoring from experts 24/7. That means you can get help whenever you need it, even if you’re pulling an all-nighter! 

This is by far the most expensive homework site on this list, so you’ll need to really think about what you need out of a homework help website before you commit. One added benefit is that the subscription covers over 80 other subjects, including AP classes, which can make it a good value if you need lots of help!  

Best Site for STEM Homework Help: Studypool

• Best for: Science homework help
• Price: Varies; you’ll pay for each question you submit

When it comes to science homework help, there aren’t a ton of great resources out there. The best of the bunch is Studypool, and while it has great reviews, there are some downsides as well. 

Let’s start with the good stuff. Studypool offers an interesting twist on the homework help formula. After you create a free account, you can submit your homework help questions, and tutors will submit bids to answer your questions. You’ll be able to select the tutor–and price point–that works for you, then you’ll pay to have your homework question answered. You can also pay a small fee to access notes, lectures, and other documents that top tutors have uploaded. 

The downside to Studypool is that the pricing is not transparent . There’s no way to plan for how much your homework help will cost, especially if you have lots of questions! Additionally, it’s not clear how tutors are selected, so you’ll need to be cautious when you choose who you’d like to answer your homework questions.  

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using Homework Help Sites?

Homework help websites can be a great resource if you’re struggling in a subject, or even if you just want to make sure that you’re really learning and understanding topics and ideas that you’re interested in. But, there are some possible drawbacks if you don’t use these sites responsibly. 

We’ll go over the good–and the not-so-good–aspects of getting online homework help below. 

3 Pros of Using Homework Help Websites 

First, let’s take a look at the benefits. 

#1: Better Grades Beyond Homework

This is a big one! Getting outside help with your studies can improve your understanding of concepts that you’re learning, which translates into better grades when you take tests or write essays. 

Remember: homework is designed to help reinforce the concepts you learned in class. If you just get easy answers without learning the material behind the problems, you may not have the tools you need to be successful on your class exams…or even standardized tests you’ll need to take for college. 

#2: Convenience

One of the main reasons that online homework help is appealing is because it’s flexible and convenient. You don’t have to go to a specific tutoring center while they’re open or stay after school to speak with your teacher. Instead, you can access helpful resources wherever you can access the internet, whenever you need them.

This is especially true if you tend to study at off hours because of your extracurriculars, work schedule, or family obligations. Sites that offer 24/7 tutoring can give you the extra help you need if you can’t access the free resources that are available at your school. 

#3: Variety

Not everyone learns the same way. Maybe you’re more of a visual learner, but your teacher mostly does lectures. Or maybe you learn best by listening and taking notes, but you’re expected to learn something just from reading the textbook . 

One of the best things about online homework help is that it comes in a variety of forms. The best homework help sites offer resources for all types of learners, including videos, practice activities, and even one-on-one discussions with real-life experts. 

This variety can also be a good thing if you just don’t really resonate with the way a concept is being explained (looking at you, math textbooks!).

Not so fast. There are cons to homework help websites, too. Get to know them below!

3 Cons of Using Homework Help Websites 

Now, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of online homework help. 

#1: Unreliable Info

This can be a real problem. In addition to all the really good homework help sites, there are a whole lot of disreputable or unreliable sites out there. The fact of the matter is that some homework help sites don’t necessarily hire people who are experts in the subjects they’re talking about. In those cases, you may not be getting the accurate, up-to-date, and thorough information you need.

Additionally, even the great sites may not be able to answer all of your homework questions. This is especially true if the site uses an algorithm or chatbot to help students…or if you’re enrolled in an advanced or college-level course. In these cases, working with your teacher or school-provided tutors are probably your best option. 

#2: No Clarification

This depends on the service you use, of course. But the majority of them provide free or low-cost help through pre-recorded videos. Watching videos or reading info online can definitely help you with your homework… but you can’t ask questions or get immediate feedback if you need it .

#3: Potential For Scamming 

Like we mentioned earlier, there are a lot of homework help websites out there, and lots of them are scams. The review comments we read covered everything from outdated or wrong information, to misleading claims about the help provided, to not allowing people to cancel their service after signing up. 

No matter which site you choose to use, make sure you research and read reviews before you sign up–especially if it’s a paid service! 

When Does “Help” Become “Cheating”?

Admittedly, whether using homework help websites constitutes cheating is a bit of a grey area. For instance, is it “help” when a friend reads your essay for history class and corrects your grammar, or is it “cheating”? The truth is, not everyone agrees on when “help” crosses the line into “cheating .” When in doubt, it can be a good idea to check with your teacher to see what they think about a particular type of help you want to get. 

That said, a general rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure that the assignment you turn in for credit is authentically yours . It needs to demonstrate your own thoughts and your own current abilities. Remember: the point of every homework assignment is to 1) help you learn something, and 2) show what you’ve learned. 

So if a service answers questions or writes essays for you, there’s a good chance using it constitutes cheating. 

Here’s an example that might help clarify the difference for you. Brainstorming essay ideas with others or looking online for inspiration is “help” as long as you write the essay yourself. Having someone read it and give you feedback about what you need to change is also help, provided you’re the one that makes the changes later. 

But copying all or part of an essay you find online or having someone write (or rewrite) the whole thing for you would be “cheating.” The same is true for other subjects. Ultimately, if you’re not generating your own work or your own answers, it’s probably cheating.

5 Tips for Finding the Best Homework Help Websites for You

Now that you know some of our favorite homework help websites, free and paid, you can start doing some additional research on your own to decide which services might work best for you! Here are some top tips for choosing a homework help website. 

Tip 1: Decide How You Learn Best 

Before you decide which site or sites you’re going to use for homework help, y ou should figure out what kind of learning style works for you the most. Are you a visual learner? Then choose a site that uses lots of videos to help explain concepts. If you know you learn best by actually doing tasks, choose a site that provides lots of practice exercises.

Tip 2: Determine Which Subjects You Need Help With

Just because a homework help site is good overall doesn’t mean that it’s equally good for every subject. If you only need help in math, choose a site that specializes in that area. But if history is where you’re struggling, a site that specializes in math won’t be much help. So make sure to choose a site that you know provides high-quality help in the areas you need it most. 

Tip 3: Decide How Much One-On-One Help You Need 

This is really about cost-effectiveness. If you learn well on your own by reading and watching videos, a free site like Khan Academy is a good choice. But if you need actual tutoring, or to be able to ask questions and get personalized answers from experts, a paid site that provides that kind of service may be a better option.

Tip 4: Set a Budget

If you decide you want to go with a paid homework help website, set a budget first . The prices for sites vary wildly, and the cost to use them can add up quick. 

Tip 5: Read the Reviews

Finally, it’s always a good idea to read actual reviews written by the people using these homework sites. You’ll learn the good, the bad, and the ugly of what the users’ experiences have been. This is especially true if you intend to subscribe to a paid service. You’ll want to make sure that users think it’s worth the price overall!

What’s Next?

If you want to get good grades on your homework, it’s a good idea to learn how to tackle it strategically. Our expert tips will help you get the most out of each assignment…and boost your grades in the process.

Doing well on homework assignments is just one part of getting good grades. We’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting great grades in high school in this article.

Of course, test grades can make or break your GPA, too. Here are 17 expert tips that’ll help you get the most out of your study prep before you take an exam.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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About 3.5 hours of homework a day for high schoolers? That’s too much.

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A poll of public school teachers finds that on average, high school students are assigned 3.5 hours of homework per weeknight, or more than 17 hours a week. Or that’s the teachers’ perspective, anyway.

If that’s how it actually plays out, it strikes me as too much by far.

I’m no homework-denier. When you look at the research , it’s clear that homework, at least at the high school level, contributes to higher achievement. But I’m also in the camp that says kids, including teenagers, need well-balanced lives that include extracurricular activities, outside pursuits, physical activity, fun with friends and family, and just hanging around accomplishing nothing. Not that close to four hours of homework a night doesn’t leave room for other things. There must be at least a spare 20 minutes a day somewhere in there to fit in all those non-academic activities, if the kids don’t dawdle over dinner.

I have my doubts that the average teen actually spends that much time on homework. Perhaps the teachers were overreporting for the University of Phoenix School of Education poll, or perhaps they aren’t aware of the extent to which high school students are able to work the system and minimize the time investment. But it’s also clear that a lot of kids are doing a lot of outside schoolwork — and in some cases, far too much.

Elementary school teachers, obviously, set their sights a lot lower, assigning what they thought of as about half an hour of work per day, according to the poll. But parents report widely that elementary teachers also have some unrealistic ideas of how long the homework takes — in the opposite direction. They don’t take into account the fatigue and frustration that slow young children. Little hands are much slower at printing and writing. Teachers too often seem to think half an hour of homework means what they can accomplish in 30 minutes, not what a 9-year-old is capable of doing.

Schools like to talk about reducing the homework load but seldom appear to do much about it. Especially as the state embarks on the new curriculum tied to Common Core standards, which are supposed to be more about thinking, explaining and writing than rote or mechanistic schoolwork, principals should be required to do a thorough examination of the homework their teachers are assigning.

Here are a few common-sense guidelines:

• Is each piece of homework really worthwhile, or is some of it being assigned out of habit or a feeling that this is what the teacher is supposed to do? It’s one thing for students to practice a new math skill or puzzle out some problems, another to be assigned busywork that doesn’t add to skills or knowledge. A lot of it is busywork, and it should be banned. In addition, do students really need to do 40 practice problems to show they’ve mastered the work, or would 15 do just about as well?
• A related concern: Is the homework a relevant way to show mastery that represents a worthwhile investment of time? A middle school biology teacher I know assigns students to make a large model of the human body, using mostly trash from around the house. But it’s not just an art project. Their use of materials, and their presentation, must show that they understand the function of that part of the body. The student who uses an old CD, cut in half, to represent ears, or an old hand pump to represent the heart is showing that understanding. In contrast, 40 hours of work spent gluing sugar cubes together to represent a California mission, a longstanding assignment for many fourth-graders studying California history, is a bad use of student time; it shows relatively little about youngsters’ understanding of the missions, and that little could be proved just as well by spending an hour drawing a mission floor plan.
• The mission example leads to the third rule, one that should be so firmly entrenched that it is couched in biblical language: “Thou shalt not assign homework that requires major parental involvement.” Some of those sugar-cube missions couldn’t have been built by anyone short of an architect. The assignment should be well within the grasp of the little hands and developing brains of the children who are asked to do it. To get personal here: I already did my share of homework, many years ago.

Have any suggestions to add to the list?

One interesting note from the poll: Very experienced teachers tend to assign significantly less homework than those who have put in less time in the classroom. Could be they have a lesson or two about homework to share with their less veteran colleagues.

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“Half An Hour” vs. “Half Hour”: Which Is More Correct? (Important Facts)

30 minutes has two main synonyms. The first one is “half an hour” and the other is “a half hour”. But which one is correct?

“Half An Hour” vs. “Half Hour”: Which Is More Correct?

Both “half an hour” and “a half hour” are grammatically correct. However, “a half hour” is more commonly used as an adjective. “It’s a half-hour show”. But “half an hour” is usually a noun. “Please wait for half an hour”.

Why Do We Say “A Half” But “An Hour”?

First, of all, it’s time to dispel a myth that your English teacher probably taught you.

At school , you were probably taught that words that began with A, E, I, O and U used “an”. But words that began with a consonant began with “a”.

But, here’s the dilemma with that.

Both “half” and “hour” begin with the letter H. Yet we say “an hour” but “a half”.

The reason for this is that the “A vs AN” rule is not based upon letters but sounds. The reason we say “an hour” is that “hour” sounds like “our” .

“Half An Hour” Is More Popular Than “A Half Hour”

One way to determine the “correct” way to say something is to see which is more popular. Something being unpopular does not mean it’s wrong. It does however mean that the alternative is more likely to be correct.

According to Google Ngrams, “half an hour” is significantly more popular. It’s fair to say that “half an hour” is 100% a grammatically correct phrase.

However, even though “a half hour” is not used as often, it’s still more popular today than it used to be. As language changes, there is potential for it to take over.

Situations Where “A Half Hour” Is Better Than “Half An Hour”

There is one situation where it could be better to use “a half hour” than “half an hour”. And that is when you’re using the idea of 30 minutes as an adjective.

In case you need reminding, an adjective is a descriptive term. Usually, when we use “a half-hour” to describe, we’re talking about a task, or piece of performance.

For example, I might say “It’s a half-hour film” instead of “it’s a film that lasts for half an hour”.

I might also say “this is only a half-hour task. I should be free in a bit”.

5 Examples Of “Half An Hour”

• “I should be about half an hour. I still have to iron my outfit, do my hair, and take the bins out”
• “You have only been waiting for half an hour. Shut up. Stop being impatient.”
• “The new film is on in half an hour. I’ll make sure to get back home as soon as I can so I don’t miss any of it”
• “I waited for the bus for half an hour. When it finally came, I had to stand because it was so full”.
• “Just walk for half an hour a day. Then, you’ll be on track to lose weight”.

4 Examples Of “A Half Hour”

• “It’s a half-hour film, and it stars Ryan Reynolds. So of course, I’m going to go and watch it on my lunch break”.
• “This is a half-hour task. When you finish it, you are free to go into the forest or do whatever else you want to”.
• “The problem is it’s a half-hour podcast. So it’s too long for a quick listen, but not long enough to put in the background while I do a long task”.
• “The half-hour show that was on last night was really good. It was about why robots might take over the world”.

General Q&A About “Half An Hour” And “A Half-hour”

• Do I hyphenate Should it be “half-hour” or “half hour”? It’s up to you. Generally, people do hyphenate when using it as an adjective because the two words are acting like one.
• What is half an hour in time? There are a few ways of phrasing it. ½ an hour. 0.5 hours. 30 minutes. 1800 seconds. Or even 1.8e+6 milliseconds.
• Why do people say “half an hour”instead of “half of an hour”? Because it’s easier. Why say more words than you need to?

And there we have all of the main differences between “half an hour” and “a half hour”. Both of them are grammatically correct, but there are some situations when one might make more sense to use than the other.

With that being said, I hope you’ve gotten use out of this article and you’ll feel more confident next time you want to use either of them.

You may also like:

An hour or A hour? Here’s the correct version + FULL explanation

How To Correctly Write “1.5 Hours” In Numbers And Words

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

• Half day or Half-day? (Helpful Examples)
• Year and a Half or Year-And-A-Half? (Helpful Examples)
• Begun vs. Began: Which Is Correct? (Helpful Examples)
• 24 Hours Notice or 24 Hour’s Notice or 24 Hours’ Notice?

How long does it take for you to finish your homework?

<p>Last year when I was a freshmen it took me 2-3 hours to do my homework and 1 hour to study. I hate it when my classmate or just some random person ask me if they can copy my homework. I spend like 1 hour doing notes and reading from my ap human geography textbook and it would take them 3-7 minutes to copy it!! Uh uh, that is not fair! Any way, I always do my homework from 7:30pm-10:30pm then I would wake up at 5:30 and finish it untill 6:30.</p>

<p>so you let them copy your hw?</p>

<p>If I took 45 minutes or more to work on any assignment then I wouldn’t let them copy it. I usually tell them straight out that I don’t like people copying my work, then I would offer to help them complete it. Also there was a time when this girl, who doesn’t do much than 30 minutes of homework a night, ask me if she could borrow my folder in spanish so she can erase all of my name and write hers for binder check. I told her that it would take a long time to replace all of my names because there is probably 130 pages worth of work. I can’t believe she had the nerve to ask that.</p>

<p>so do you let people copy your homework?</p>

<p>It typically doesn’t take me that long… maybe an hour on a bad night. Because of all my online class periods I am able to get most everything done at home. </p>

<p>I wouldn’t let people copy my homework, but seeing as no one can ask I don’t have to deal with that. :)</p>

<p>Lmao. My school is one big cheating circle. A ton of us freshman year had like all the same classes and first period we all had english honors which we did jack in there so, everyone would do like different homework, and we’d switch AP Human for Geometry Honors homework… Algebra 2 people would switch with Biology, it was actually kinda funny.</p>

<p>Of course, I didn’t participate. ;)</p>

<p>My teacher eventually goes;</p>

<p>Is there some sort of underground cheating ring of math homework going on in here? And everyone goes no, it’s much more than just math, lol.</p>

<p>But anyways, the only HW that takes me awhile to do is AP World</p>

<p>Like 30 minutes to an hour, if I have any at all. On the weekends I might do 2 or 3 hours in little segments. On bad nights where I have papers (not often), more than that.</p>

<p>Unless they’ve done something for me I don’t let them copy. If they need it really bad, I make them pay me some cash for it.</p>

<p>About 3 hours total each night, more on weekends. Subject to change.</p>

<p>It usually depends on how many homeworks there are that day…</p>

<p>on average: about 2 to 3 hrs?</p>

<p>I usually take 30 minutes but if I have a test i might spend more time on the homework. But i have a feeling it’s going to change with all the AP’s I’m going to be taking this year.</p>

<p>Mine, too. Urg. People copy each other’s work ALL THE TIME, and that doesn’t even consider cheating to most people anymore. What is more annoying is that they type all their notes in their calculator for tests, and get more than half of the answers to the test questions before they take it. I didn’t participate in their cheating circles, but those people make their cheating so obvious. Because the majority of the school population (or at least the majority of the smart kids) does this, it’s hard for someone to say something. </p>

<p>OK, back to the topic: the time takes to do my hw depends. I always wait until the last minute, and end up spending 4 or so hours on one assignment.</p>

<p>Time between start and finish: 10 hours Time actually spent doing work : 10 to 30 minutes…</p>

<p>-___- I have problems focusing.</p>

<p>I’m unbanned! Yes!</p>

<p>I usually finish all of my HW in my study hall, and so never actually have any work at home. </p>

<p>I occasionally get an assignment that requires uber-intensive computer work and can’t finish it at school, but those rarely take me more than half an hour or so to complete.</p>

<p>uhm i start doing my hw around 5~6 and dont get done until midnight/1 a.m. If i have a test , im up until like 2 or 3 a.m. depending on the subject (this was for APUSH and the teacher crammed and filled us up with useless hw and very wordy/detailed questions that came from that stupid America Paegant book). I hope my load is lightened up senior year…</p>

<p>It depends how much work I have, usually not much more than an hour, though I do need to spend a bit of time on memorization for japanese each night…</p>

W t f - why did you get banned? lol. I’m glad for you though, that you’re unbanned :]</p>

<p>I have 5 APs right now and really any homework I have [that I do at home anyway] is reading for AP Euro - maybe… 30 min-1 hour every night, because it’s heavy reading. Other than that, sometimes some calc bc work that I can do during my “advisement” class which is really just “do nothing/study/whatever” and only 20 minutes long.</p>

<p>I did most of my homework in school during my classes but whatever didn’t get done usually took me about 30 some minutes</p>

<p>Depends on what subject and if I understand it.</p>

<p>If it’s something easy like Math, then tops 30 min. If it’s something tough like Chemistry, then it can go on for the whole night.</p>

<p>I’m writing an AP Physics B outline right now, on Chapter 2, and it’s 12:20. I’ve been working for 2 hours :(</p>

<p>yah, I was banned for a week for, like, questioning moderator policy, or something. Silly ban, lol, but it helped me get off of CC for my first week of school!</p>

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How to Finish Your Homework

Last Updated: March 2, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 279,997 times.

While studying can differ for different age groups, many of the things that get in the way are the same. Whether it's your environment or time management skills, it easy for things to discourage you from finishing your homework. With a little organization and help, your homework can become approachable.

Managing Your Time

• For instance, try setting aside a time you know you can work well such as an hour or 2 before dinner, or if you're a night owl, after dinner.

• Work in hour blocks, with 50 minutes spent studying and 10 minutes spent taking a break.
• It can also be helpful to move around when you are taking your break, especially if you are working at a screen. Go for a walk outside to get your blood circulating and enjoy some fresh air.
• You might also want to eat a healthy snack on your break to improve your focus. Avoid junk food and choose something like a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, veggies, or a small portion of cottage cheese.

• Identify which assignments are worth the most points for each class. Most likely these will take the longest to complete. [5] X Research source
• Consider how long you have to do each project, and if possible, see when the assignment is introduced. Oftentimes, primary and secondary school classes do not have syllabi, so it might be harder to plan out an entire term, but if you are in college, you will most likely have a syllabus with at least a partial course schedule. Knowing how long you have to complete an assignment will help you prioritize which assignments to do first. You can also ask the teacher how long you have to complete an assignment. [6] X Research source

• Use highlighters or stickers to mark which assignments are most important.
• If you're using an online or mobile schedule, create alerts or notifications for the projects and any time-sensitive steps for those projects.

• Don't let a big project overshadow the smaller assignments you need to complete!

• Assignment outlines can help you visualize the necessary tasks to get the assignment done.

Creating a Productive Work Environment

• A desk or table would be a better location than a couch or a bed.

• Turn your phone off or on silent (not vibrate). It might be best to put the phone out of sight, or in another room while you work, as the temptation to text or get on social media can be as much of a distraction as actually using social media.
• Use an app that blocks social media. There are plenty of applications out there that can help block social media and other distracting sites (such as shopping or gaming sites). [10] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source

• Use a white noise app to block out noise.
• Use earplugs or noise-blocking earmuffs. [12] X Research source
• Work in a quiet place, such as a library or a home office, if you have one.
• Avoid listening to music while studying. Studies have shown that although listening to music while studying lowers overall performance, this does not affect everyone equally. [13] X Research source However listening to music before studying has been shown to improve performance on cognitive tasks. [14] X Research source

Using Your Resources

• If you're too afraid to ask a teacher during class, see if you can stay behind to ask your questions.

• First, contact your school to see if there are any after-school tutoring programs. While not all primary and secondary schools offer tutoring, a vast majority of universities do. If your school does not offer tutoring, they may know of other resources for you to contact.
• Then, contact your library to see if they offer any tutoring. [18] X Research source
• In some areas, there may also be free community tutoring programs. Contact your local community center for more information.
• There are plenty of private tutors out there as well, but they can be costly (ranging from $20 to $100 an hour). [19] X Research source You can find tutors online through a number of websites, such as Craigslist or Angie's list.

• If you need to work at a library after school, ask your parents or search the web to find your local library.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Don't feel too stressed or you'll be doing less work than you actually can. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
• Maintain a healthy diet. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3

• Recommended time doing homework varies by age. The National PTA recommends about 10 minutes per grade level per night (30 minutes a night for the third grade). Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0
• Some people may need additional help in order to focus on their homework and finish it. If you are struggling in school, ask your parents or teachers about what resources may be available, and seek out professional help or ask your parents to do so, if necessary. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 9
• If you are under the age of thirteen, you may need to obtain your parents’ permission before downloading any computer applications. Thanks Helpful 30 Not Helpful 13

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• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html
• ↑ https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/power-habit-charles-duhigg
• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/article/research-tested-benefits-breaks/
• ↑ https://www.wma.us/about/titan-blog/post/~board/titan-blog/post/how-to-prioritize-school-assignments-and-homework
• ↑ https://jhsap.org/self_help_resources/school-life_balance//
• ↑ https://lsc.cornell.edu/how-to-study/studying-for-and-taking-exams/guidelines-for-creating-a-study-schedule/
• ↑ https://success.oregonstate.edu/learning/concentration
• ↑ https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/07/28/parenting-children-in-the-age-of-screens/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/homework.html/
• ↑ https://absn.northeastern.edu/blog/8-things-to-keep-in-your-at-home-study-space/
• ↑ https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/171/
• ↑ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/acp.1731
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/talk-to-parents.html
• ↑ https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2412&context=etd
• ↑ https://blogs.chapman.edu/scst/2016/02/09/what-tutoring-is-and-what-tutoring-is-not/
• ↑ https://undergrad.stanford.edu/tutoring-support
• ↑ https://www.ideaedu.org/idea-notes-on-instruction/encouraged-students-to-use-multiple-resources-e-g-internet-library-holdings-outside-experts-to-improve-understanding/

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I take two hours to do my homework every day.

• Thread starter brian&me
• Start date Jun 4, 2018

brian&me

Senior member.

• Jun 4, 2018

1. It takes me two hours to do my homework every day. 2. I take two hours to do my homework every day. I wonder if both of the two sentences are idiomatic. Thanks in advance.  

Thanks, Loob. I'd also like to know if I could say this: my homework takes me about two hours everyday .  

• Jun 5, 2018

Thanks, Loob. I wonder if I could say I take two hours on my homework every day .  

That doesn't sound as natural. You could say "I spend two hours on my homework..." or "I spend two hours doing my homework..." "Spend" doesn't mean the same as "take" but in this sentence I believe you can use them interchangeably.