Studying
If you are a student, the phrases and sentences given in this lesson will allow you to talk about your studies.

Asking for things

• Have you got a spare pen  / pencil?
• Are there any pencils in that box?
• Are there any calculators?
• Have you got an eraser?
• Is there any paper left?
• Can you lend me your pen?
• Have you got some bloating paper?
• Have you got a notepad?

Asking for information

• Should I write on both sides of the paper?
• Should I put labels on the diagram?
• Which computer shall I use?
• Can I use this computer?
• Should I take a print-out?
• How do you spell that word?
• When is the lunch break?
• What does the word ‘sophisticated’ mean?
• When is my next lesson?

Asking for and giving explanations

The simplest way to ask for explanation is to start your question with Why?

• Why does oil float when you pour it on water?
• Why do I need to mix these two chemicals?
• Why does Hamlet pretend to be mad?

The phrase Could you explain…? can also be used to ask your teacher to explain something.

• Could you explain why plastic does not conduct electricity?
• Could you explain why oil floats when you pour it on water?
• Could you explain why iron rusts?

To ask for a reason, use the phrase What is the reason…?

• What is the reason for the poet’s unhappiness?