Talking About Your Favorite Subject

Learn how to share which school subject you enjoy the most. This lesson provides simple, clear phrases to talk about your favorite subject and explain why you like it.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 4 min

BEGINNER

You:

What is your favorite subject?

Friend:

My favorite subject is math.

You:

Why do you like math?

Friend:

I like it because it is easy for me.

You:

That's great! My favorite subject is English.

Friend:

Oh, why do you like English?

You:

I like to read books and stories.

Friend:

That's cool. I like to read too.

You:

I will read a book for you.

Friend:

Thank you!

Vocabulary

subject

An area of knowledge that is studied in school, college, or university.

What is your favorite subject?
My favorite subject is science.
I have a lot of subjects this semester.

favorite

Preferred before all others of the same kind.

My favorite subject is math.
What is your favorite color?
My favorite food is pizza.

Grammar Tip: Using 'because'

The word 'because' is a great way to give a reason for something. It's a simple, friendly way to start a conversation and show you are paying attention.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'What do you like to subject?'

✅ The correct form is 'What is your favorite subject?' or 'What subject do you like?' The word 'favorite' is a better way to ask about a preferred subject.

This is a key part of using the right word for a specific situation. It's better to ask about a 'favorite' subject to get a more specific answer.

❌ Just saying 'I like it.'

✅ The correct form is 'I like it because...' and then give a reason. This is more polite and shows you are interested in the conversation.

This is a simple social cue. The phrase 'I like it' can sound blunt or uninteresting. It's better to give a reason to keep the conversation going.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to make a simple request in a formal setting.
Practice using phrases like 'What is your favorite subject?' and 'I like it because...'
Listen for the person's answers and respond with a simple 'Thank you.'
Remember to say thank you at the end of the conversation.

INTERMEDIATE

You:

What subject do you enjoy the most this year?

Friend:

I'd have to say history. It's fascinating to learn about the past.

You:

Oh, that's interesting. What do you find so captivating about history?

Friend:

I love discovering how events from long ago have shaped the world we live in today. Plus, the stories are incredible.

You:

That makes sense. For me, I'm really enjoying science, especially biology. I find it amazing to learn about how living things work.

Friend:

That's cool. I'm not a big fan of science, but I can see why you would like it. The human body is pretty complex.

You:

It is! I'm glad we found something we can agree on.

Friend:

Me too. I'll see you later.

You:

See you later.

Friend:

See you later.

Vocabulary

fascinating

Extremely interesting.

It's fascinating to learn about the past.
The movie was fascinating.
Her story was fascinating.

captivating

Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.

What do you find so captivating about history?
The story was captivating.
Her voice was captivating.

Grammar Tip: Using descriptive adjectives

Using descriptive adjectives like 'fascinating' and 'captivating' is a great way to make your language more interesting and engaging. It's a great way to make your speech more personal and practical.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'I like history.'

✅ Add more detail to your sentence, like 'It's fascinating to learn about the past.'

Adding more information makes your speech sound more natural and engaging. It's a key part of an intermediate-level conversation.

❌ Using a weak word like 'good.'

✅ Use a more engaging word like 'fascinating' or 'captivating.'

This shows you are an engaged student and makes the conversation more personal and practical.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to make a polite request with more detail.
Practice using a conversational tag like 'I'd have to say...'
Listen for more specific questions and be prepared to give a detailed answer.
Remember to use more descriptive words like 'fascinating' and 'captivating.'

ADVANCED

You:

Of all the subjects we're currently studying, which one do you find to be the most compelling?

Friend:

That's an excellent question. I've been quite engrossed in our literature class. The depth of analysis and the exploration of human psychology through prose are truly remarkable.

You:

I can appreciate that. Literature offers a unique window into the human condition. For me, however, I'm finding our physics course to be the most intellectually stimulating.

Friend:

Oh, really? I find physics to be a bit overwhelming at times. What is it about the subject that resonates with you?

You:

The elegant simplicity of the underlying principles, coupled with their ability to explain the fundamental workings of the universe, is truly awe-inspiring. It's like deciphering the very language of reality.

Friend:

I admire your passion. While I don't share the same enthusiasm, I can certainly appreciate your perspective.

You:

I appreciate your candor. It's refreshing to have a conversation about a subject with someone who has a different perspective.

Friend:

Me too. I'll see you later.

You:

See you later.

Friend:

See you later.

Vocabulary

compelling

Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.

Which one do you find to be the most compelling?
The story was compelling.
He gave a compelling speech.

engrossed

Having all one's attention or interest absorbed by someone or something.

I've been quite engrossed in our literature class.
He was engrossed in his book.
She was engrossed in the movie.

Grammar Tip: Using the phrase 'I can appreciate that.'

This phrase is a formal and very polite way to show empathy for someone's situation. It is more sophisticated and less demanding than 'That's hard.' It shows that you are listening carefully and value the other person's opinion.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple language like 'I like physics.'

✅ Use more descriptive and formal phrases like 'I'm finding our physics course to be the most intellectually stimulating.'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone and vocabulary. Using words like 'intellectually stimulating' and 'awe-inspiring' shows a high level of fluency and a precise understanding of the situation.

❌ Not providing a clear and specific plan.

✅ Provide a clear and specific plan, e.g., 'The elegant simplicity of the underlying principles, coupled with their ability to explain the fundamental workings of the universe, is truly awe-inspiring.'

This shows you are an informed person and helps the other person understand your goals more quickly and professionally. It's a key part of advanced communication.

Notes for Learners

Open the conversation with a formal phrase like 'Of all the subjects we're currently studying, which one do you find to be the most compelling?'
Be ready to use and understand specific terms like 'compelling,' 'engrossed,' and 'intellectually stimulating.'
Acknowledge the person's help with a phrase like 'I can appreciate that' and end the conversation professionally.
Remember that maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is key, even when you are frustrated.