Learning elementary English at CEFR A1 level? Find success with tips! #EnglishHelp

Julia wants to learn English. She signs up for a class — and they tell her she’s in the “A1 level.” Huh? What does that even mean?

They explain it’s the first level in something called the CEFR, a system that helps people know how good they are at a language. A1 means you're just starting out — but there's more to it than that.

So, what can you actually do in English the A1 level? And how can you improve? Let’s find out!

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is a popular way to describe language skills and it’s now used all over the world — especially for languages like English.

Other similar frameworks include ACTFL (USA), CLB (Canada), and ILR (USA). It’s not tied to any one test, but most language exams show how their scores match up with CEFR levels.

How does the A1 level work?

This level is elementary, so you're expected to:

1. Introduce yourself and other people

2. Ask and answer questions about personal details

3. Use everyday expressions

4. Communicate in a simple way

You'll be evaluated through 4 skills:

• Listening: understand simple words and phrases about yourself, family, and everyday life.

• Reading: read short texts and sentences using familiar, everyday vocabulary.

• Writing: write short messages like postcards and fill in forms with basic personal information.

• Speaking: Talk about yourself, where you live, and people you know using simple sentences.

Everyday vocabulary:

• Days of the week and months

• Numbers and prices

• Countries and nationalities

• Colours

• Personal possessions

• Parts of the body

• Family and friends

• Food and drinks

• Household rooms and objects

• Clothes

Communication functions:

• Exchanging greetings

• Giving personal information

• Asking for, and telling the time

• Describing people

• Giving information about objects

• Describing places

• Describing habits and routines

• Expressing likes and dislikes

• Describing simple actions

Grammar

• Questions words

• Possessive adjectives and

  pronouns

• Present simple

• There is/There are

• Imperatives

• Present continuous

• Prepositions of place

• Modals: can, can’t, do, doesn’t

• Simple adjectives

• Comparatives and superlatives

Quiz: What is Julia learning?

Julia is practicing speaking about parts of the body and wants to improve her vocabulary. She can...

A. Describe how the human digestive system works.

B. Simply describing body parts like head, arms, and legs.

C. Use medical terms like “ligament” and “tendon”.

D. Give a presentation about how to stay physically fit.

• Practice like it’s a real exam. Find sample exams and pretend you're actually taking them. Set a timer and make sure there are no distractions. This helps you learn how to manage time and see what you need to work on.

• Create flashcards either on paper or use an app like Quizlet. It's super helpful for remembering vocab and verbs.

• Practice speaking with friends and family who speak English.

• Read in English. These short stories are a good example.

• Listen to English through podcasts or YouTube. Even just 5–10 minutes a day helps your ears get used to the language.

Apps:

• Duolingo is awesome for boosting your vocabulary.

• ELSAis perfect for practicing your pronunciation.

• HelloTalk is great for chatting in English and meeting people who want to learn your language.

Learning platforms:

If you feel like you need a teacher to practice with, Preply and iTalki are awesome online platforms. You’ll find plenty of skilled tutors at a price that fits your budget, anytime and anywhere. Since the classes are one-on-one, they can tailor the lessons to your specific needs.