In July, China introduced the "double reduction（双减）" policy. It hopes to cut down students' learning burden（负担）by cutting down homework and after-school classes. More than two month passed.
"Our homework is clearly less than before," said 13-year-old Shen Yuzhe from Beijing. "We don't need to buy workbooks anymore. The exercises are almost from the textbook（课本）."
According to Shen, teachers are also giving them more chances to do experiments（实验）and learn from real life. This is a much better way to learn things than just reading the books."
For 13-year-old Zhang Hangming from Tianjin, the best thing about "double reduction" is that they can now spend more time taking part in clubs and activities, such as dancing, volleyball and drama. "My school finishes one hour later than before. As a result, I can finish my homework at school. "
Both Shen and Zhang find there are fewer exams now. "Exams help me to study harder. Each exam shows my progress（进步）and my weak points," Zhang said.
"Some students now spend more time having fun when they finish the homework early. But if you use all the free time to relax, you might fall behind your peers（同龄人）," he said.
| A. Then I can go to my favorite soccer club. B. But they think it's not necessarily a good thing. C. Shen also pointed out that self-discipline（自律）becomes the key. D. How do students feel about it? E. For example, we went to research earthworms（蚯蚓）in a field during a biology（生物）class. |
