Beginner · A1

What is an A1 graded reader?

An A1 graded reader is a book pitched at beginner English — the first CEFR level. At A1 you know everyday words and very simple sentences, so the reading is built around the most frequent words and short phrases, with as much support as possible. On The Reading Corner, reading at A1 means a classic story narrated aloud with almost every word highlighted as you go, so your eyes and ears build those first few hundred words together.

You can browse free graded readers with audio by level, or start with a suggested book further down this page.

Download the free A1 reading list (PDF) →

Who this level is for

• You're just starting to learn English.
• You know a handful of everyday words and set phrases.
• You want maximum support — to hear and see nearly every word.

What you can do at A1

• Understand familiar everyday words and very basic phrases.
• Follow very short, simple texts one phrase at a time.
• Recognise names, words and simple sentences in a short story.

How reading along works at A1

You know everyday words and very simple sentences. Reading along, you'll hear and see almost every word highlighted — a gentle way to build your first few hundred words with audio support.