CEFR guide
What is level A1?
A complete guide to the 6 English levels (A1 → C2) with clear descriptions, real-life examples and learning goals.
A1BeginnerUnderstand familiar phrases and introduce yourself.
At A1 you can understand and use very familiar everyday expressions: greetings, introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions about where you live, people you know and things you have — when people speak slowly and clearly.
~90–100cumulative study hours< 3.0IELTS120+TOEIC (L+R)
Can do at A1 level
- Introduce yourself and others
- Ask and answer simple personal questions
- Understand signs and very short notes
- Fill in forms with your name, nationality and address
- Use numbers, prices and times
Real-life situations
Meeting someone newSay hello, your name, where you are from and what you do.
Ordering foodOrder a drink, ask the price and pay.
Asking for directionsAsk where the toilet or the station is.
Filling in a formAt a hotel, clinic or class registration.
Common topics at A1
- Self & family
- Home
- Food & drink
- Shopping
- Time & dates
- Daily routine
Key grammar points
- The verb to beI am a student. She is from Hanoi.
- Present simpleI work in an office.
- There is / there areThere are two cafés near my house.
- Pronouns & possessivesThis is my brother. His name is Nam.
- Can / can'tI can swim, but I can't drive.
- Wh- questionsWhere do you live?
Essential vocabulary areas
Numbers & coloursJobsHousehold objectsFoodDays & monthsCountries