Neutral:
* Assignments: A general and formal term.
* Tasks: Simple and straightforward.
* Exercises: Implies practice or drills.
* Schoolwork: Broad term encompassing all work from school.
* Studies: A more intellectual-sounding term.
* Work: Simple and to the point.
* Preparation: Emphasizes the preparatory nature of the work.
Positive:
* Enriching: Suggests learning and growth.
* Challenging: Implies difficulty in a positive way.
* Stimulating: Suggests intellectual excitement.
* Rewarding: Hints at a sense of accomplishment.
* Educational: Focuses on the learning aspect.
Negative:
* Tedious: Implies boredom and repetition.
* Dreaded: Expresses strong aversion.
* Burdensome: Suggests an overwhelming amount of work.
* Tiresome: Highlights the exhausting nature of the work.
* Grueling: Implies extreme difficulty and exhaustion.
* Overwhelming: Suggests too much work to handle.
* Time-consuming: Focuses on the length of time required.
* Mind-numbing: Suggests extreme boredom.
* Annoying: Expresses irritation.
Informal:
* Chores: A casual, almost dismissive term.
* Homework (itself): The most common and straightforward term.
* Stuff: Very informal and vague.
* Assignments (informal): Same as formal, but used in casual settings.
The best word to use will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.