Begin With Words

Beginner guides

Six short guides answering the questions every new language learner asks — in the order they usually come up.

1What Does A1 Language Level Mean?The CEFR entry level — everyday expressions and basic phrases — and how to tell when you have reached it. 2How Many Words Do You Need to Speak a Language?Around 1,000 words carries a simple conversation; 3,000 word families cover 95% of everyday speech. 3The First 100 Words to Learn in Any LanguagePronouns, question words, the twenty commonest verbs, connectors, numbers and courtesy formulas. 4Should You Learn Vocabulary or Grammar First?Vocabulary first — words carry meaning, grammar only arranges it. Where the line falls, and when it moves. 5How Many Words Should You Learn Per Day?Five to ten. The ceiling is low because every new word creates six months of reviews. 6How to Memorize Vocabulary FasterReview by retrieving, not rereading, and space the retrievals out — the two changes that halve the time.

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