Beginner/Early Intermediate: What to Expect

Forms & Functions

Forms 1-10

• Understands common social vocabulary, single words, or words that sound like words from their native language
• Understands simple words or expressions, questions and statements
• Understands speech that is spoken at a slower rate and will require that you rephrase and repeat what you are saying
• May have to pause for a while after you speak to process what you have said and be able to respond

• A beginner is able to write some letters in the alphabet (not all English Language Learners have the same alphabet that we do)
• The beginner can copy what someone else has already written and even remember a few words or phrases from memory
• Can take some memorized vocabulary or phrases and recombines it to make new phrases
• Writes name, date, where they were born and other autobiographical information
• Writes all the letters in the alphabet
• Spelling makes some sense and is somewhat correct

• A beginner is able to read single words and/or some phrases that are strongly supported by pictures or context.
• He or she can recognize and understand common words or phrases and words that are the same or similar to words from native language.
• Students can read learned vocabulary around specific tasks like a menu, schedule, maps or signs.
• Students can read material that is slightly more difficult that what would be expected if it is supported or has been previously taught.

• Student can use previously learned phrases around learned topics to communicate minimally
• Vocabulary works for expressing needs and some basic courtesies such as: hello, how are you, I’m fine, good to see you, etc.
• It is common at the beginning for a beginner to use only two to three words.
• A beginner often has long pauses and use the same words as the person with whom they are talking.
• A beginner communicates mostly through learned phrases
• Sometimes it seems that their language is spontaneous; however one soon realizes that a beginner isn’t yet able to precisely express their thoughts and is able to speak in general terms, but unable to be personal.
• Vocabulary is very basic and has little description.
• A strong accent may be present.