Talking about school subjects is a great way to start a conversation, especially if you’re meeting someone for the first time or learning more about someone’s background.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply reflecting on your own education, school subjects are a common topic that can lead to fun, thoughtful, or even surprising discussions.
In this guide, I want to explore How To Talk About School Subjects In English.
Together, we will examine useful vocabulary, questions, and phrases to help you express your opinions clearly and confidently.
We’ll also cover various subjects — from English and science to art and physical education — so you’ll be prepared for any school-related conversation.
Why Is This Topic Useful for English Learners?
Knowing how to talk about school subjects can help in many real-life situations:
- Making small talk with classmates or co-workers
- Talking about your education in job interviews or academic settings
- Sharing opinions in classroom discussions or writing assignments
- Comparing education systems across different countries
- Talking about your education in tests such as IELTS or TOEFL
It also helps learners practice:
- Giving opinions and reasons
- Using subject-specific vocabulary
- Talking about past experiences and future goals
- Making cultural comparisons
By exploring this topic, you can gain more confidence and fluency in expressing yourself.
Useful Phrases and Sentence Starters
Here are some helpful expressions you can use when talking about school subjects:
My favourite subject is…
I’m not very good at…
I used to enjoy…
In my country, students study…
I think [subject] is important because…
I always found [subject] difficult, but useful.
Practising these sentence starters will make it easier to join conversations and express your thoughts clearly.
So, are you ready to dive in?
Let’s get into it…
Categories of School Subjects: STEM and Humanities
When we talk about school subjects, we can group them into different categories.
Two common categories are:
- STEM
- Humanities
Understanding these categories can help you talk more clearly about your interests and strengths.
What Is STEM?
STEM is an acronym. It stands for:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
STEM subjects focus on solving problems, doing experiments, using logic, and building or designing things. These subjects often lead to careers in science, medicine, technology, and engineering.
Examples of STEM subjects:
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Engineering (in some schools or universities)
Useful phrases:
I’m interested in STEM subjects.
STEM subjects are important for the future.
I enjoy problem-solving and working with data.
What Are The Humanities?
The Humanities are subjects that explore people, culture, language, history, and the arts.
They help us understand how people live, think, feel, and express themselves. Humanities often focus on creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
Examples of Humanities subjects:
- History
- Literature / English
- Philosophy
- Art
- Music
- Foreign Languages
- Social Studies
Useful phrases:
I prefer the humanities because I enjoy writing and reading.
The humanities help us understand human behaviour.
I like learning about culture and society.
The Importance Of Both
Some people prefer STEM subjects, while others enjoy the humanities.
But both are important!
STEM helps us develop technical and logical skills.
The Humanities help us understand people, cultures, and ideas.
Many jobs need skills from both areas — for example, being able to write well and use technology.
Example discussion question:
► Are you more of a STEM person or a humanities person?
► Do you think one group of subjects is more useful than the other?
► Talking about these categories can help you express your interests more clearly.
It also shows that you understand how education is organised in English-speaking countries.
Common School Subjects
In English conversations, people often talk about individual school subjects — which ones they like, dislike, or find useful.
Below is a guide to help you speak about the most common school subjects, including example vocabulary, expressions, and discussion ideas.
English
What to talk about:
- Your likes and dislikes
- Favourite types of literature (novels, poems, plays)
- Writing skills, grammar, and language challenges
Useful vocabulary:
essay, grammar, novel, poem, reading comprehension, vocabulary, punctuation
Sample phrases:
I love reading stories and discussing characters.
Grammar is difficult for me, but I enjoy writing.
My favourite book is Of Mice and Men — the story was so powerful.
Discussion question:
► What kind of stories do you like to read in English class?
Mathematics
What to talk about:
- Your experience with solving problems
- Favourite areas like algebra, geometry, or statistics
- How maths is used in daily life
Useful vocabulary:
equation, algebra, geometry, percentage, calculation, graph, measurement
Sample phrases:
I like maths because I enjoy finding solutions.
I never understood fractions when I was younger.
I use maths for budgeting and shopping.
Discussion question:
► Do you think maths is a useful subject for life?
Science
What to talk about:
- Experiments and practical work in labs
- Favourite branches (biology, chemistry, physics)
- How science helps us understand the world
Useful vocabulary:
experiment, hypothesis, biology, reaction, force, microscope, atoms
Sample phrases:
I enjoyed chemistry because of all the hands-on experiments.
Biology was interesting — we learned about how the body works.
Science explains how things happen in nature.
Discussion question:
► Which area of science do you find the most interesting?
History
What to talk about:
- Historical events and what you learnt
- Time periods you enjoyed (e.g., ancient, medieval, modern)
- Why understanding history matters
Useful vocabulary:
revolution, war, civilisation, empire, timeline, primary sources, historical figures
Sample phrases:
I liked learning about ancient Egypt.
History helps us understand how the world has changed.
I find historical battles a bit boring, but I like learning about culture.
Discussion question:
► Which period of history would you like to visit if you could?
Geography
What to talk about:
- Maps, countries, and physical geography
- Favourite natural features (mountains, rivers, deserts)
- How geography connects to global awareness
Useful vocabulary:
continent, region, climate, population, map, ocean, capital city
Sample phrases:
I enjoyed learning where different countries are on the map.
We studied the climate in different parts of the world.
Geography taught me a lot about the Earth and its people.
Discussion question:
► What’s the most interesting country or place you studied in geography?
Physical Education (PE)
What to talk about:
- Favourite sports or fitness activities
- The role of health and exercise in school
- Experiences in team games or physical challenges
Useful vocabulary:
exercise, warm-up, stretching, stamina, competition, fitness, teamwork
Sample phrases:
I loved playing football in PE class.
I wasn’t very sporty, but I liked doing yoga or stretching.
PE helped me understand how to stay healthy.
Discussion question:
► What sport or physical activity do you enjoy the most?
Art
What to talk about:
- Painting, drawing, sculpture, and other creative forms
- Favourite artists or art movements
- Your own experiences with making or viewing art
Useful vocabulary:
paint, sketch, sculpture, canvas, abstract, gallery, creativity
Sample phrases:
I liked art class because it let me be creative.
I once made a clay model of a tiger — it was fun.
Van Gogh is my favourite artist. His style is so unique.
Discussion question:
► What kind of art do you enjoy creating or looking at?
Music
What to talk about:
- Music genres you enjoy (classical, pop, rock, jazz)
- Instruments you have played or would like to play
- The role of music in your life or school
Useful vocabulary:
rhythm, melody, lyrics, instrument, composer, band, genre
Sample phrases:
We learnt to play the recorder at school.
I like listening to music when I study.
I once performed in a school choir.
Discussion question:
► Which type of music helps you relax or focus?
Foreign Language
What to talk about:
- Which languages you’ve studied
- What was easy or hard about learning a new language
- How language connects to culture
Useful vocabulary:
grammar, fluency, pronunciation, verb, accent, bilingual
Sample phrases:
I studied Spanish for three years.
Learning new vocabulary is the hardest part for me.
Language is a great way to understand another culture.
Discussion question:
► If you could speak any language fluently, which one would it be?
Computer Science / IT
What to talk about:
- Using computers and technology in school
- Experiences with coding or learning software
- Importance of digital skills
Useful vocabulary:
coding, programming, keyboard, app, website, data, software
Sample phrases:
We learned how to use Word and Excel in school.
I built a simple website for a class project.
Computer skills are useful for almost every job.
Discussion question:
► How has technology changed the way students learn?
Discussing Interest Levels
Everyone has different opinions about school subjects.
Some people love maths or history, while others find them boring or difficult.
In English, it’s useful to know how to talk about what interests you, what doesn’t, and why.
This helps you express your personality and preferences clearly in conversations or discussions.
Talking About Interesting Subjects
You can show enthusiasm by talking about what you like and what excites you in a subject.
Useful phrases:
I’ve always been interested in…
I really enjoyed learning about…
This subject made me feel curious and motivated.
I liked doing group projects and class presentations.
The teacher made the lessons fun and exciting.
Example sentences:
Science was my favourite because we did lots of experiments.
I found geography exciting. I loved learning about different countries.
Art helped me relax and express myself.
Discussion ideas:
► What was your most interesting school project?
► Which subject made you want to learn more outside of class?
Talking About Boring or Challenging Subjects
Not everyone enjoys every subject.
It’s okay to express boredom or difficulty — just try to be respectful and explain why.
Useful phrases:
I found [subject] boring because…
It was hard for me to understand…
I didn’t enjoy the way it was taught.
I had trouble staying focused during this class.
I wasn’t very good at it, so I lost interest.
Example sentences:
I never liked maths — the numbers confused me.
I found history boring because it was just memorising dates.
I didn’t enjoy PE because I wasn’t good at sports.
Follow-up idea:
- Even if you didn’t like a subject, try to say something positive or explain how you stayed motivated.
Useful strategies to mention:
- I tried to improve by studying with friends.
- I watched videos online to help me understand.
- Even though it was hard, I knew it was important.
Discussion questions:
►What subject did you struggle with the most?
►How did you try to stay motivated in a subject you didn’t enjoy?
Optional Extension: Changing Opinions Over Time
Sometimes, our feelings about a subject can change.
Example sentences:
I used to hate writing essays, but now I enjoy it.
At first, I didn’t like physics, but the teacher helped me understand it.
When I was younger, I thought geography was boring. Now I love learning about different places.
This kind of conversation not only helps you share your school experience but also shows that opinions can change, and that learning is a journey.
Relevance to Life
Sometimes we wonder, Why do we need to learn this?
This is a common question for students, and it’s a great topic for conversation in English.
In this section, you’ll learn how to talk about which school subjects are useful for everyday life or future careers, and which ones might feel less practical — and why.
Subjects That Are Useful for Life
Many school subjects help us develop skills we need in real life — not just for tests, but for solving problems, working with others, and making decisions.
Useful phrases:
I use maths when I go shopping or plan my budget.
Learning English helped me when travelling, and helped me to communicate better.
Science teaches us how the world works and how to stay healthy.
PE helps us stay fit and understand teamwork.
Example sentences:
Maths is useful because I can calculate discounts or manage money.
Learning a foreign language helped me talk to new people online.
History taught me to think critically about current events.
Discussion questions:
► Which school subjects have helped you the most in daily life?
► How do you use what you learned in school today?
Subjects That Seem Less Useful
Some subjects might seem less practical — especially if we can’t see how they connect to our lives or careers.
It’s okay to express this politely.
Useful phrases:
I didn’t see the point of learning…
I didn’t think I would ever use this in real life.
At the time, it felt like just memorising facts.
Example sentences:
I never saw how ancient history would help me in my job.
Poetry was hard to understand, and I didn’t use it much after school.
I enjoyed art, but I didn’t think it was very practical.
Discussion questions:
► Are there subjects you thought were a waste of time? Why?
► Did your opinion change later?
Interdisciplinary Skills (Combining Subjects)
In the real world, we often use knowledge from different subjects at the same time.
This is called interdisciplinary learning.
Examples:
- A doctor uses science (medicine), math (measurements), and language (explaining clearly).
- A journalist uses English (writing), history (context), and technology (publishing online).
- A game designer needs math, art, and computer science.
Useful phrases:
I realized that writing clearly is important in science too.
Art and technology work together in design careers.
Subjects connect more than I thought.
Discussion questions:
► Can you think of a job that uses more than one school subject?
► Which two subjects would you combine to make a new course?
This section helps learners think more deeply about their education and shows them how school learning connects to the real world — a useful skill for interviews, essays, or discussions.
Classroom Applications (Teacher’s Corner — Optional)
This section is designed to help teachers use the topic of school subjects in the classroom.
These activities focus on speaking, listening, writing, and group interaction.
They are suitable for intermediate to upper-intermediate learners and can be easily adapted for lower or higher levels.
Warm-up Activities
Use these short, interactive exercises to get students thinking and talking about school subjects.
1. Find Someone Who…
Give students a list of prompts, e.g.:
- …liked science in school.
- …struggled with maths.
- …studied a foreign language.
Students walk around and ask classmates questions like:
► Did you like science in school?
► Which foreign language did you study?
2. Subject Word Race
Write the names of school subjects on the board.
In teams, students race to list as many words or phrases related to each subject as possible.
(e.g., For maths: calculator, multiplication, geometry…)
Speaking and Listening Tasks
Encourage students to speak fluently and listen actively.
1. Debate: The Most Important School Subject
Divide the class into small groups.
Each group defends one subject as the most useful.
Encourage use of phrases like:
I believe [subject] is important because…
One reason this subject matters is…
2. Role Play: Choosing Elective Subjects
One student is a school counsellor, and another is a student choosing electives.
Use prompts:
- I’m not sure if I should take art or computer science.
- What subjects will help me in the future?
Writing Prompts
These activities can be done in class or as homework. They help learners develop coherence and clarity in written English.
1. Personal Reflection
Describe your best or worst school subject and explain why.
- Which subject has helped you most in life?
2. Creative Writing
Invent a new subject for your school.
- What would students learn?
- Why is it important?
Group Projects
Encourage teamwork and critical thinking.
1. Design Your Dream School Timetable
In small groups, students create a weekly timetable.
They must explain:
- Why they chose certain subjects
- How many hours each subject gets
- Which subjects are optional or required
2. Survey and Present
Students ask classmates about:
- Favourite subject
- Hardest subject
- Most useful subject
Then they create a chart or poster and present the results to the class.
These activities not only build fluency and vocabulary but also give students a chance to express personal opinions and learn more about each other — while practising real-world English.
Conclusion
Talking about school subjects in English is a great way to share personal experiences, express opinions, and build conversation skills.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or someone reflecting on past school days, this topic connects to everyone in some way.
Summarising the Conversation
In this lesson or article, you learnt how to:
- Talk about common school subjects like English, maths, science, art, and more
- Understand the difference between STEM and Humanities
- Express your likes, dislikes, and experiences in each subject
- Discuss which subjects are useful in real life
- Use vocabulary, sentence starters, and discussion questions to improve your fluency
You also explored how different school subjects can help in future careers, personal growth, and everyday situations.
Expressing Openness to Different Perspectives
Remember, everyone has different strengths, interests, and school experiences.
► Some people love numbers, others love stories.
► Some enjoy experiments, others enjoy painting or sports.
Useful closing phrases:
Everyone learns in different ways.
We all have different talents and interests.
All subjects have value, even if we don’t see it at first.
These are respectful and thoughtful ways to end a conversation about school and learning.
Follow-up Practice Ideas
To continue improving your English, try these activities:
1. Write a Short Paragraph
Topic: My favourite school subject and why I like it.
Focus on using descriptive vocabulary and giving clear reasons.
2. Interview a Classmate, Friend, or Teacher
Ask:
- What was your favourite subject?
- Did you have a subject you didn’t enjoy?
- How has school helped you in life?
Share their answers in class or in writing.
3. Prepare a Short Talk (1–2 minutes)
Choose a subject and talk about:
- What you learnt
- What you liked or disliked
- How it’s useful in life
This topic offers many opportunities for English learners to build confidence, share their stories, and understand how education connects us across cultures and experiences.
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