A variety of ideas and strategies for homework assignments that can be stimulating and useful to second language learners are presented. Underlying principles are that homework can: give control; develop confidence; promote creativity; support differentiation by task and outcome; encourage pupil independence; support parent-school communication; and provide practical ways of lightening the burden of assessment. Specific homework tasks and homework design techniques are outlined for development of each language skill (speaking, listening, reading, writing) and for addressing such issues as pronunciation, encountering new words, tying homework in to classwork, memorization, self-assessment, developing homework materials from a textbook, tape recordings, making use of radio and television broadcasts, dictionary use, reading tasks, encouraging reading for information and pleasure, providing appropriate materials, and using computers. Sections are devoted to homework planning (integrating homework assignments into departmental planning, using homework to support assessment, pupil participation in homework planning, recycling homework tasks) and establishing departmental policy. Contains 19 references. (MSE)