Introduction 📚
Starting school in an English-speaking country can be challenging when you don’t know the right words for school supplies. Let’s learn how to talk about classroom materials and school supplies in English!
Basic Vocabulary 📝
Essential School Supplies
- notebook / notepad
- pencil case / pencil box
- backpack / school bag
- eraser / rubber
- pencil sharpener
- ruler / measuring stick
- scissors
- glue stick
- calculator
- folder / binder
- highlighter
- sticky notes
Types of Writing Tools
- ballpoint pen
- fountain pen
- mechanical pencil
- colored pencils
- markers / felt-tip pens
- whiteboard marker
- chalk
Useful Expressions and Examples 🎒
When Shopping for Supplies
Example 1: “Do you have any three-ring binders in stock?”
“I’m looking for a pack of college-ruled paper.”
When Borrowing Items
Example 2: “Could I borrow your eraser for a minute?”
“Do you have an extra pencil I could use?”
When Organizing Supplies
Example 3: “I need to organize my pencil case.”
“Let’s sort out our school supplies.”
Conversation Examples 🗣️
At the School Supply Store
A: “Can you help me find some supplies for school?”
B: “Of course! What do you need?”
A: “I need a new calculator and some notebooks.”
B: “The calculators are in aisle three, and notebooks are in aisle five.”
In the Classroom
A: “I forgot my pencil at home. Could I borrow one?”
B: “Sure! Would you like a mechanical pencil or a regular one?”
A: “A mechanical pencil would be great!”
B: “Here you go. Just return it when you’re done.”
Grammar Points 📖
Using Articles with School Supplies
-
Use “a/an” for single items Example: “I need a notebook.”
-
Use “the” for specific items Example: “The pencil on my desk is broken.”
-
No article for plural items Example: “I bought pencils and erasers.”
Common Mistakes ❌
Incorrect: “I need borrow pencil.” Correct: “I need to borrow a pencil.”
Incorrect: “Do you have ruler?” Correct: “Do you have a ruler?”
Situational Phrases 📏
Asking for Supplies
- “Do you have any spare paper?”
- “Could I borrow your scissors?”
- “Where can I find the staplers?”
Describing Supply Problems
- “My pen is running out of ink.”
- “The lead in my pencil broke.”
- “My eraser is worn down.”
Classroom Expressions 🏫
Common Instructions
- “Take out your notebooks.”
- “Put away your supplies.”
- “Share your materials with your partner.”
Adjectives for Supplies 🌈
Describing School Items
- brand new
- used
- broken
- dull (for pencils)
- sharp
- colorful
- organized
- messy
Organizing Phrases 🗂️
Storage Terms
- pencil holder
- supply cabinet
- desk drawer
- supply box
- storage bin
Shopping Terms 💰
School Supply Shopping
- back-to-school sale
- school supply list
- supply pack
- bulk purchase
- discount
- clearance
Summary 📚
Learning the right vocabulary for school supplies helps you navigate the classroom with confidence!
Key Points to Remember
- Learn the basic supply vocabulary
- Practice borrowing and lending phrases
- Master article usage with supply terms
Remember to use these phrases in your daily school life to become more comfortable with English!