作业 (zuòyè) is the standard word for homework or school assignments. Unlike 功课 (gōngkè), which can also mean subjects/courses and is often used with 门 (yī mén gōngkè), 作业 specifically refers to the assignments themselves. In work contexts, 作业 means a specific task or operation, while 任务 (rènwu) is a broader mission or duty.