When you need this

Classes are the topic every student shares, so they're the safest small talk on campus. Before a lecture, in the hallway, at lunch: "What are you taking?" works with anyone.

A few words are worth learning early. In the US, you take a class; you don't "do" it or "study" it. A big class in a hall with two hundred students is a lecture. A small class where everyone talks is a seminar, or a discussion section. Science classes often have a lab too. Every class gives you credits, and you need a certain number to graduate. Some classes are required; the ones you pick for fun are electives.

American schools usually split the year into two semesters, fall and spring. Some schools use shorter terms called quarters. British universities often say "term" and "module" where Americans say "semester" and "class".

Phrases

asks which classes someone has this term

names a class you have

you must take it for your major

a class you choose because you want to

a big class where the teacher talks and students listen

a practical class where you do experiments

points each class gives you toward graduating

a lot of reading and homework

asks if you're in the same small group of a big class

the class is more difficult than you expected

the class you enjoy most

you haven't finished the reading yet

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Practice · 3 min

Say the line that fits.

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Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.