What Are School Subjects?

School subjects are the different areas of knowledge that students learn at school. Each subject focuses on a specific topic or skill.

For example, in maths, you learn about numbers, and in history, you learn about the past.

Common School Subjects in English

Here are some of the most common school subjects you will learn in English:

• Art: This is where you learn to draw, paint, and create things with your hands.

• Biology: In this subject, you study living things like plants and animals.

• Chemistry: Here, you learn about different substances and how they react with each other.

• English: This is the class where you learn to read, write, and speak in English.

• Geography: You study maps, countries, cities, and the Earth's environment.

• History: This subject teaches you about events and people from the past.

• Maths (or Math): You learn about numbers, calculations, and shapes.

• Music: In this class, you learn to sing, play instruments, and understand different types of music.

• Physical Education (PE): This is the class where you do sports and exercise to stay healthy.

• Physics: Here, you study energy, motion, and how the physical world works.

• Science: This is a general subject that can include biology, chemistry, and physics.

Talking About Your Favorite Subjects

You can use simple sentences to talk about the subjects you like or dislike.

• To say what you like, you can say: My favorite subject is music. or I like art.

• To say what you don't like, you can say: My least favorite subject is maths. or I don't like chemistry.

Examples

• My favorite subject is history because I love learning about the past.
• We have maths class every Monday and Wednesday.
• In biology, we studied how plants grow.
• She is very good at art; her drawings are amazing.
• For PE, we usually play football or basketball.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Using 'Topic' instead of 'Subject'

Spanish speakers sometimes confuse subject with topic. In English, subject refers to a class at school, while topic is what you talk or write about.

• Incorrect: My favorite topic is maths.

• Correct: My favorite subject is maths.

'Math' vs 'Maths'

Both are correct! Maths is more common in British English, and math is more common in American English. For the A2 Key exam, both are acceptable.

Frequently asked questions

What is a school subject?

A school subject is a specific area of study or a class you take at school, like history, science, or art.

Why is this vocabulary important for the A2 Key (KET) exam?

This vocabulary is important for the A2 Key exam because you might need to talk about your daily life, school, or interests. For example, in the speaking part, you could be asked about your favorite subject or what you study at school. Knowing these words helps you answer clearly.

Can I use abbreviations for subjects?

Yes, some subjects have common abbreviations. For example, Physical Education is often called PE. It's good to know both the full name and the abbreviation.

Related lessons

• Education vocabulary