high school and secondary school
Same meaning: "High school" (US) = "Secondary school" (UK)
a term / a semester
Both mean part of the school year. "Term" (UK), "Semester" (US)
a nursery school / an elementary school
Related but not the same level: Nursery = preschool (ages 3–5) Elementary = primary (ages 5–11)
a child / a student
A child can be a student, but not all students are children (some are teenagers/adults)
a graduate / a student /undergraduate
A graduate was a student. Now they’ve finished school/university. undergraduate=university student
a principal / a teacher
Both work at a school. A principal is the boss; a teacher teaches students.
pass an exam / fail an exam
You succeed or not on a test.
pass an exam / fail an exam
You succeed or not on a test.
cheat / misbehave
Cheat = copy or lie in exams. Misbehave = act badly (talking, fighting, etc.).
be punished / be suspended
Both are consequences, but: Punished = stay after school, get a warning, etc. Suspended = sent home from school for a serious reason.
make somebody study something / let somebody study something
“Make” = force “Let” = allow (give permission)
a public school / a private school
In the US: Public = free, government-run Private = paid, independent (Note: in the UK, “public school” can mean a private, elite school)
history / a story
“History” = real past events, subject “Story” = made-up tale or narrative
Attic and basement
Both are extra spaces in a house used for storage. One is at the top, the other at the bottom.
Gate vs. entrance
Gate is usually for entering the property; entrance is the door into the house.
patio and yard
patio: concrete yard: grass
