From “math wizards” to “history buffs,” every student has their favorite (and sometimes dreaded) school subject. If you’ve ever wanted to sound like a pro when discussing subjects and courses in English, you’re in the right place! We’ll dive into vocabulary that covers everything from physics to philosophy—so next time someone asks about your schedule, you’ll know exactly what to say. Whether you’re a science whiz, a literature lover, or just trying to survive gym class, this guide has got you covered. Let’s enroll in some fun vocabulary, shall we?
Vocabulary for Subjects and Courses
- Mathematics (Math)
Definition: The study of numbers, shapes, and patterns.
Example: “Math is her favorite subject because she loves solving problems.” - Biology
Definition: The science of life and living organisms.
Example: “In biology, we studied the structure of cells.” - Physics
Definition: The science of matter, energy, and the forces acting on them.
Example: “Physics explains why things fall and how they move.” - Chemistry
Definition: The science that studies substances, their properties, and how they interact.
Example: “The chemistry lab is filled with experiments and colorful reactions.” - Geography
Definition: The study of Earth’s landscapes, environments, and the relationships between people and their environments.
Example: “In geography, we learned about different climates and regions.” - History
Definition: The study of past events and how they shape the present and future.
Example: “History classes are filled with fascinating stories from the past.” - Literature
Definition: The study of written works, such as novels, poetry, and plays.
Example: “We read classic novels in literature class.” - Philosophy
Definition: The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and ethics.
Example: “Philosophy makes you think deeply about life’s big questions.” - Economics
Definition: The study of how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed.
Example: “Economics explains why prices rise and fall.” - Psychology
Definition: The science of behavior and the mind.
Example: “Psychology helps us understand how people think and feel.” - Sociology
Definition: The study of society and social behavior.
Example: “In sociology, we examined how cultures develop.” - Political Science
Definition: The study of politics, government systems, and political behavior.
Example: “Political science teaches us about democracy and leadership.” - Art
Definition: The study and practice of creative expression through various media, such as painting and sculpture.
Example: “Art class is a place where students explore their creativity.” - Music
Definition: The study of sound, melody, rhythm, and instruments.
Example: “In music class, we learned how to read sheet music.” - Physical Education (PE)
Definition: A course focused on physical fitness, exercise, and sports.
Example: “PE class is all about staying active and learning new sports.” - Computer Science
Definition: The study of computers, programming, and technology.
Example: “Computer science is essential in today’s tech-driven world.” - Foreign Language
Definition: The study of a language other than one’s native language.
Example: “Many students take a foreign language, like Spanish or French.” - Business Studies
Definition: The study of business principles, such as marketing and management.
Example: “Business studies prepares students for the corporate world.” - Engineering
Definition: The application of science and math to solve problems and design structures.
Example: “Engineering students often work on projects involving bridges and machines.” - Environmental Science
Definition: The study of the environment and ways to protect it.
Example: “Environmental science focuses on issues like climate change.”
Key Phrases and Idioms for Talking About Subjects and Courses
- “Hit the books” – To study hard.
Example: “Exams are coming, so it’s time to hit the books.” - “Pass with flying colors” – To do very well in a test or course.
Example: “She passed her history exam with flying colors.” - “Back to basics” – Returning to fundamental concepts or principles.
Example: “When you’re confused, sometimes it’s best to go back to basics.” - “A for effort” – Recognition for trying hard, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect.
Example: “He didn’t score well, but he gets an A for effort.” - “Make the grade” – To reach the required standard or pass a course.
Example: “He studied hard to make the grade in physics.”
Adjectives for Describing Subjects and Courses
- Challenging – Requires a lot of effort or skill (e.g., “Physics can be a challenging subject.”)
- Fascinating – Very interesting (e.g., “Geography is a fascinating way to learn about the world.”)
- Interactive – Involving participation (e.g., “Computer science is very interactive with hands-on projects.”)
- In-depth – Thorough and detailed (e.g., “The history course provides an in-depth look at ancient civilizations.”)
- Practical – Useful and based on real situations (e.g., “Business studies offer practical knowledge for future careers.”)
- Engaging – Captures the student’s attention (e.g., “Art class is very engaging and allows for creativity.”)
- Intensive – Requires a lot of work in a short time (e.g., “The summer math course is intensive but rewarding.”)
- Foundational – Basic and essential (e.g., “Mathematics is foundational for many subjects.”)
- Complex – Involving many different parts and difficult to understand (e.g., “Chemistry involves complex formulas.”)
- Flexible – Offers different options or methods (e.g., “Online courses are flexible for students with busy schedules.”)
Common Questions About Subjects and Courses
- “What’s your favorite subject?”
- “Is this course difficult?”
- “Do we need any special materials for this class?”
- “Is there a lot of homework in this subject?”
- “What topics are covered in this course?”
- “How many credits is this course worth?”
- “Who is teaching this class?”
- “Do I need a prerequisite for this course?”
- “Can I take this class online?”
- “Is there an exam at the end of the course?”
Example Paragraph
Imagine you’re deciding on subjects for the new semester. You’ve got options like chemistry, where every formula feels like a mystery to solve, and art, which lets your creativity run wild. You think about business studies, which sounds practical, but then foreign language tempts you with the chance to master a new way of speaking. You hear that history is fascinating but challenging, and physical education is a guaranteed workout. Finally, you make your choice and decide it’s time to hit the books and make the grade!