Schools in the United States

LISTENING • A1 • SHORT ANSWERS
Schools in the United States
Listen to the audio, then write short answers (1–4 words) in the boxes.
1
In the United States, many children go to what kind of school?
2
Are public schools free or expensive?
3
At about what age do children usually start school?
4
What school do children go to first?
5
Name one subject students learn in elementary school.
6
Around what time does school usually start?
7
Where do many students eat lunch?
8
After school, what can children do? (one thing)

Schools in the United States

LISTENING • A1 • TIMELINE

Put the events in order

Choose the correct order (1–8). Then click Check answers. Empty items are not checked.

David explains that students in the U.S. usually go to elementary school, middle school, and high school.

He says high school is often from grade 9 to grade 12.

He says students study many subjects like English, history, math, and biology.

He adds that students can choose extra classes, for example art, drama, or computer class.

In many schools, students wear normal clothes, not uniforms.

Teachers give homework, and students have tests.

Schools also have sports teams, like basketball and football.

After high school, many students go to college or university.

Schools in the United States

LISTENING • A1 • FILL THE GAPS

Schools in the United States

Listen again and type the missing word(s) exactly. Empty answers are not checked.

1

Many schools have a big building, a ___, and a library.

2

Students often use ___ in class.

3

They also have school ___.

4

A ___ school bus picks up children in the morning.

5

In the classroom, students sit at ___.

6

They listen to the ___.

7

After school, some students do activities like music club or ___.

8

She thinks American schools have many ___ for students.

Schools in the United States

🎧 Listening A1 — Schools in the United States

Three speakers describe American schools: stages, subjects, and activities (Present Simple).

public school elementary / middle / high school subjects after-school clubs
🎒 School life

SCRIPT 1

Anna
  • 1

    Hi, I’m Anna. In the United States, many children go to public school.

  • 2

    Public schools are free. Children usually start school at about five years old.

  • 3

    They go to elementary school first.

  • 4

    In elementary school, students learn reading, writing, math, and science.

  • 5

    They also have art and music.

  • 6

    School usually starts in the morning, around 8:00, and finishes in the afternoon.

  • 7

    Many students eat lunch at school.

  • 8

    After school, some children do sports or join clubs.

  • 9

    I think schools in the U.S. are busy, but they can be fun and friendly too.

Useful words: public school, free, elementary school, science, finish, clubs.

SCRIPT 2

David
  • 1

    Hello, I’m David. In the U.S., students usually go to elementary school, middle school, and high school.

  • 2

    High school is often from grade 9 to grade 12.

  • 3

    Students study many subjects, like English, history, math, and biology.

  • 4

    They can also choose some extra classes, for example art, drama, or computer class.

  • 5

    In many schools, students wear normal clothes, not uniforms.

  • 6

    Teachers give homework, and students have tests.

  • 7

    Schools also have sports teams, like basketball and football.

  • 8

    After high school, many students go to college or university.

Useful words: middle school, high school, grade, subjects, uniforms, tests, college.

SCRIPT 3

Maria
  • 1

    Hi, I’m Maria. I like learning about schools in America.

  • 2

    Many schools have a big building, a gym, and a library.

  • 3

    Students often use computers in class.

  • 4

    They also have school buses.

  • 5

    A yellow school bus picks up children in the morning and takes them home after school.

  • 6

    In the classroom, students sit at desks and listen to the teacher.

  • 7

    Some students also do activities after school, like music club or soccer practice.

  • 8

    Schools often have special events too, like school plays or a sports day.

  • 9

    I think American schools have many opportunities for students.

Useful words: gym, school bus, pick up, classroom, activities, events, opportunities.