Essential A1 English Words for School and Studying

Raúl Maguiña

Langcom Founder | Cambridge and SIELE Examiner

July 18, 2026

A1📚 Vocabulary⏱️ 4 min read
Learning basic English words for school and studying helps you talk about your classes and daily academic life. These words are very important for A1 learners. They help you understand what happens at school or university. For example, you will learn words like exam (a test), notes (things you write to remember), and break (a short rest). Knowing these words makes it easier to communicate with teachers and classmates. It also helps you understand study materials in English. This lesson will teach you seven common words: break, timetable, notes, marks, term, exam, and studies. Master these to improve your everyday English conversations about education.

What is a break?

A break is a short time when you stop working or studying to rest.

It is a good time to relax before you start again.

  • We have a 15-minute break after two classes.

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What is a timetable?

A timetable is a list of times and events.

It shows when your classes start and finish.

  • My school timetable shows English class on Monday at 9 AM.

What are notes?

Notes are short pieces of information you write down.

You write notes to remember important things from a lesson or a book.

  • I always take notes during my English lesson.

What are marks?

Marks are the scores you get in a test or for your schoolwork.

If you do well, you get good marks.

  • She got high marks on her last English exam.

What is a term?

A term is one part of the school year.

Many schools have three terms in a year.

  • The first term starts in September.

What is an exam?

An exam is a formal test.

Teachers use exams to see what you have learned.

  • I have an important English exam next week.

What are studies?

Studies (plural) means the work you do to learn something.

It can also mean a course of education.

  • My English studies are very important to me.
Key Education Vocabulary
Word Meaning
break A short rest period during work or study.
timetable A schedule of classes or events.
notes Written information to help you remember.
marks Scores you get in a test or for schoolwork.
term A period of study in a school year.
exam A formal test of what you have learned.
studies The work of learning or education (plural noun).

Examples

  • We have a 15-minute break after two classes.
  • My school timetable shows English class on Monday at 9 AM.
  • I always take notes during my English lesson.
  • She got high marks on her last English exam.
  • The first term starts in September.
  • I have an important English exam next week.
  • My English studies are very important to me.

Practice

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Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Using ‘study’ as a noun for ‘studies’:

  • Incorrect: My study is difficult.
  • Correct: My studies are difficult. (Use the plural noun studies for your education or learning.)

Using ‘note’ instead of ‘notes’ for general written information:

  • Incorrect: I take a note in class.
  • Correct: I take notes in class. (When referring to the activity of writing down information, use the plural notes.)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between exam and test?

An exam is usually a more formal and important test, often at the end of a course or term. A test can be shorter and less formal.

Can I say study instead of studies?

Study is a verb (e.g., I study English). Studies is a plural noun meaning your education or learning (e.g., My studies are going well).

Is mark the same as grade?

Yes, they are very similar. Mark is common in British English for a score in a test. Grade is common in American English.

About the Author: Raúl Maguiña

Raúl Maguiña is the Director of Asociación Educativa Langcom, an Authorized Cambridge English Preparation Centre in USA. With over a decade of experience in language education and international certification, he has helped thousands of students, teachers and educational institutions across 25 countries achieve Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, and Michigan English certifications.

Learn more about Langcom →

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