The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

make-work \make-work\ n.
   Active work of litle value, such as assignments given by
   teachers to students to keep them busy while the teacher
   performs other tasks, or chores performed to while away time;
   also called busywork.

   Syn: busywork.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

busywork \busywork\ n.
   active work of little value, performed merely to occupy time,
   avoid boredom, or to look busy; as, while he was waiting he
   filled the days with busywork.

   Syn: make-work.
        [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

busywork
    n 1: active work of little value; "while he was waiting he
         filled the days with busywork" [syn: busywork, make-
         work]

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

24 Moby Thesaurus words for "busywork":
   assignment, chare, charge, chore, commission, duty, errand,
   exercise, fish to fry, homework, job, job of work, labor,
   make-work, matters in hand, mission, odd job, piece of work,
   project, service, stint, task, things to do, work