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Beginner (A1) level in English
01.03.2025
4 minutes to read
People often confuse Beginner with the "zero level," but they are not the same. Beginner is already an entry-level stage where a person can understand and use certain phrases. It's the foundation upon which the journey toward fluency begins. What does the Beginner level mean? It means the ability to understand simple questions and answers, use basic vocabulary, and construct short sentences. At this stage, fundamentals are established: pronunciation, phrase structure logic, and basic grammar rules.
Table of contents
- What is the Beginner Level in English
- What a person at the Beginner (A1) level should know
- Topics covered in the Beginner level program
- What a student with Beginner (A1) English can do
- Reading
- Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Table: Beginner (A1) Skills
- How to determine if you're at the Beginner level and move forward
- Conclusion
Beginner Level (A1) is the starting point in the English proficiency system. It's considered the simplest level, yet it plays a crucial role in forming basic language skills. This level is intended for people who are just starting to learn English and do not yet feel confident even in the most basic communication situations.
What is the Beginner Level in English
What a person at the Beginner (A1) level should know
A person at the Beginner A1 level should have a set of specific skills that provide elementary English proficiency. It’s not just about memorizing words, but about being able to use them in basic everyday situations. For example, someone at this level can introduce themselves, say where they're from, talk about what they do, place an order in a café, or ask for directions.
It’s important that an A1 student understands the structure of simple sentences and feels confident using standard phrases. They should also be familiar with topics like personal information, basic needs, and everyday communication. Knowledge of word order, pronouns, the basics of the verb “to be,” and numbers from 1 to 100 are all part of the essential foundation. These are not just memorized constructions, but real tools for “survival” in a language environment — even in its most basic form.
It’s important that an A1 student understands the structure of simple sentences and feels confident using standard phrases. They should also be familiar with topics like personal information, basic needs, and everyday communication. Knowledge of word order, pronouns, the basics of the verb “to be,” and numbers from 1 to 100 are all part of the essential foundation. These are not just memorized constructions, but real tools for “survival” in a language environment — even in its most basic form.
Topics covered in the Beginner level program
The Beginner A1 program is designed with logical progression. It includes topics that can be quickly applied in real life. The main goal is to prepare students to understand speech in simple situations and teach them how to talk about themselves.
Common topics include: “Greetings,” “Family,” “Work,” “Food,” “Places,” “Numbers,” “Days of the Week,” “Weather,” “Hobbies,” and more. There is a strong focus on dialogues and practical use — not just learning words, but knowing how to ask and answer questions with them. For example, the topic “Shopping” includes phrases like “How much is it?”, “Can I help you?”, “I’d like…”. This makes learning functional rather than theoretical. The goal is to teach students how to “survive” in everyday English.
Common topics include: “Greetings,” “Family,” “Work,” “Food,” “Places,” “Numbers,” “Days of the Week,” “Weather,” “Hobbies,” and more. There is a strong focus on dialogues and practical use — not just learning words, but knowing how to ask and answer questions with them. For example, the topic “Shopping” includes phrases like “How much is it?”, “Can I help you?”, “I’d like…”. This makes learning functional rather than theoretical. The goal is to teach students how to “survive” in everyday English.
At the Beginner level, students can already use English in real life, though with limitations. They are able to understand and respond to simple information. Skills develop gradually, but even at this stage, students can begin to feel more confident — especially with regular practice.
- It’s important to note that Beginner is not “zero” and not “useless.” It’s a practical level that allows for traveling, speaking with native speakers, understanding signs and menus, and using public transport. It also gives access to online resources, simplified reading, and watching films with subtitles. A student at this level can ask questions, respond, hold simple dialogues, and use standard phrases — all of which are solid progress.
What a student with Beginner (A1) English can do
Reading
At this level, reading is limited to short and clear texts — instructions, signs, labels, e-mails, postcards. But these are the most common in everyday life. It’s also important to learn to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words from context — a key focus at the beginner stage.
Examples:
Examples:
- “This is my mother.” – the student understands it refers to a family member.
- “Turn left at the bank.” – the person can navigate their surroundings.
Listening
At A1, the student should be able to understand:
- slow and clear speech on familiar topics;
- simple instructions like “Open your book,” “Write your name”;
- dialogues where phrases are repeated and supported visually.
Writing tasks at the A1 level aim to build clarity and structured thinking. Students learn to fill out forms, write short self-introductions, describe their family or room, and send basic messages to friends.
Sample tasks:
Sample tasks:
- Write 3 sentences about yourself;
- Fill in a form: name, age, country, hobbies;
- Describe your day in 5–7 simple sentences.
Writing
Speaking
Speaking is the key to communication. A Beginner student can:
- ask questions like “Do you like coffee?”
- talk about themselves: “I am a student. I live in Kyiv.”
- express simple opinions: “I like football.”
Vocabulary
Beginner vocabulary includes:
- objects: table, phone, car, pen;
- actions: go, eat, sleep, play;
- feelings and states: happy, tired, hungry;
- adjectives: good, small, big, fast;
- common phrases: I don’t know, Thank you, I’m sorry.
Beginner-level grammar includes:
- to be: “I am happy,” “She is my sister”
- Present Simple: “I work in a shop,” “He likes pizza”
- question words: what, where, who, how
- negations: don’t, doesn’t
- possessive pronouns: my, your, his, her
- quantifiers: many, much, some
Grammar
Table: Beginner (A1) Skills
How to determine if you're at the Beginner level and move forward
It’s easy to tell if you’re at the Beginner level. If you:
To move up to A2:
- can’t confidently say 5 sentences about yourself;
- confuse “is” and “are”;
- are afraid to speak aloud;
- often think in your native language before speaking —
To move up to A2:
- review what you’ve learned daily;
- learn full phrases instead of single words;
- use English every day, even just for 5 minutes;
- don’t be afraid of mistakes — they’re part of real progress.
Conclusion
Beginner (A1) is the beginning of your journey. This is where habits are formed, confidence builds, and motivation starts to grow. You might not speak fluently yet, but you’ve already started. You understand simple phrases, read short texts, and watch videos with subtitles.
Don’t underestimate your progress. Beginner is a meaningful and important step forward.
Don’t underestimate your progress. Beginner is a meaningful and important step forward.
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