Pencils. Why pencils? - Another question for Americans

[thismaz]

I was watching BtVS3:1 'Anne', the other day and there is a scene with Willow and Xander in the library, when Giles rushes off after another possible lead on Buffy's whereabouts. They are studying and both of them are holding pencils. These two are supposed to be in their final year of High School. They are 17 going on 18. Why don't they have pens? And it occurred to me, again, that I can't remember ever seeing any of the High School students use pens. It is always pencils.

So I'm asking if there is a reason for that. Anybody know?

Comments

[vikingwriter.livejournal.com]

My math teachers insisted, under pain of death and/or dismemberment, that we use pencil in case we made mistakes. That or they were underlining/margin-note-writing in their textbooks (which are school property and they usually charge you a fine if they come back marked up). Or they were simply left over from Willow's floating-pencil practices? ;)

[texanfan.livejournal.com]

Any computer read test has to be filled in with pencil. Essays and such would be written in ink but multiple choice is done in pencil. In all probability, it was what was on hand that day on the set.

[kidcyclone.livejournal.com]

I kinda thought it was cos they could be used as an impromptu stake in a pinch- granted, school takes place during daylight hours and technically that should keep the walking undead at bay, but you can't be too careful if you live on a Hellmouth... :>

[dangerous-story.livejournal.com]

I don't think they care here. Though when we were younger we were supposed to use pencils but after 10th grade, I don't think they care. Hmm.

I just like pencils, though I do like red ink pens. lol. And ballpoint blue ones. :D