español · A1 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Classroom essentials
Follow instructions and name the materials used to learn.
Understand the choice
Follow basic classroom instructions and name the materials used to read, write, ask, and answer. Pair nouns with the command that naturally uses them.
Core rule: Simple affirmative tú commands often use the third-person singular present form: abre, escribe, mira, escucha.
Notice it in context
Abre el libro y escribe la respuesta con un lápiz.
Open the book and write the answer with a pencil.
Abre and escribe are two affirmative tú commands joined by y.
La profesora escribe en la pizarra.
The teacher writes on the board.
En marks the surface used for writing.
¿Cuál es la respuesta a la pregunta?
What is the answer to the question?
Respuesta a is the natural noun-preposition pairing.
What to remember
- Tarea can mean homework, assignment, or task.
- Bolígrafo is often shortened informally to boli in Spain.
Common trap: Do not confuse carpeta with carpet; it normally means folder or binder.