I assume you mean the difference in semantics. (In terms of syntax, 'should' selects a bare infinitive verb as a complement whereas 'ought' selects the to-infinitive.)

In the most common uses, should and ought are interchangeable, so in your examples, I would say they're synonymous. But there are a number of constructions where you can only use 'should', for example:

It is regrettable that he should be unhappy.
If he should be unhappy, apologize for me. 
How surprising it is that he should be unhappy.
I sent my mother flowers lest she should think I had forgotten her.


> On Jan 28, 2015, at 10:25 AM, Scott Woods <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
> Dear List,
> 
> How would you explain the difference between "ought to" and "should"? 
> 
> You ought to study. You should study. You ought to go home. You should go home. We ought to exercise. We should exercise.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Scott Woods
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