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

[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

[thismaz.livejournal.com]

I just like pencils, though I do like red ink pens.
I like pencils too. I write all my stories in pencil. Somehow it doesn't look as messy as pen, when the page is covered in crossed out words. Red pens remind me too much of teachers' comments in the margins of my homework *g*
I think we were given pens at school from age 6, but it is far too long ago, so I can't be sure.