11.03.2021
Beginner Level — start learning English from
ground up
The Beginner English level is the very first step in learning English. According to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), or the Pan-European System for Assessing Knowledge of Foreign Languages, this level is assigned the name A1. The same designation is given to the Elementary level, also an initial one.
If you can provide basic information about yourself, understand the most common phrases and English at school has left at least some imprint, then the Elementary level is suitable for you. But if you have never studied English or “know” it at the level of common words and expressions: football, passport control or “Do you speak English?” then you should start your English learning with the Beginner level.
Who should start with the Beginner level
Let’s clarify one more time, in which cases you should start your English studies from this level:
- if it’s the first time your are learning a foreign language;
- if you have learned other languages before, but not English;
- if you have learned English before, but you can’t remember anything, or if you want to organize your knowledge starting from the beginning;
- you really want to learn English, but you are afraid you don’t have the skills.
The most important in any process is to start. Starting from the very basics you will be able to properly immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the English language.
What will you get after completing the Beginner level
After mastering this English level you will have the following skills:
- speaking about yourself, your family and your friends;
- using simple phrases and expressions in a conversation. Your vocabulary will be around 500–700 words;
- the opportunity to make a purchase in a store in an English-speaking country by yourself;
- writing a simple short text, like a postcard or a letter for a friend;
- reading rules, and the skills to read simple texts;
- understanding simple adapted audio texts.
And of course, you will get acquainted with the basics of English grammar, which will help make your speech literate and more diverse. The main topics that you will discover within the Beginner level are: affirmative, interrogative and negative sentences with the verb to be and in the tenses Present, Past and Future Simple; constructions there is/are; basic modal verbs should, can, need to; personal and possessive pronouns (I – my); constructions “verb + -ing”, I’d like.
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How will be your skills developed on the Beginner level
The main goal of the entire training program is to teach you how to speak. To do this, during each course you will improve the basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
From the very first lesson you will start working on the speaking skill. By the end of the course, you will already be able to build the simplest sentences, although you will probably speak slowly so far. This is an important stage, because it lays the foundation for further development.
To learn how to pronounce sounds correctly, to choose the right intonation, the element of listening is actively used. You will be able to understand simple dialogues and even the speech of a foreigner, but only when he speaks slowly and very clearly.
The initial stage of mastering the reading skill is to get acquainted with the alphabet, the basic rules of pronunciation. You will understand easy dialogues, ads, Instagram posts, etc.
And finally, you will master writing. It is important at this stage to learn that pronunciation and spelling in English can be seriously different. By the end of the course, you will be able to write a few lines about yourself, your family, and fill out a registration form at the hotel.
An integrated approach is an important part of language learning. In one lesson and even one exercise, several skills will be trained at once.
How long does it take to complete the Beginner level
The duration of your studies at this level depends on various factors: the frequency of your classes, the individual characteristics of the student. On average, this stage can take you from two to four months. At this level, the most important thing happens, and it’s not just getting the initial skills. You will develop your interest for a foreign language, and the desire to continue studying.
We hope our article was useful for you. We invite you to take our English courses for adults at our school to start learning English or to improve your knowledge. Take an English level test on our website and sign up for a free trial lesson of English online. With EnglishPapa, you will definitely begin to speak English!
