Photo: Grizzlyil, CC BY 4.0
English for Beginners: Your First Hour
A friendly, live first hour of English for beginners from France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Poland and the rest of Europe. The teacher speaks slowly and simply and shows everything on screen. You practise the English sounds that are hard for Europeans, then greet people, introduce yourself, use numbers, order at a café, and try it all in a short role-play with other students.
After this hour you can
- Say hello and goodbye at any time of day
- Introduce yourself and ask someone their name
- Say where you are from and where you live
- Say numbers from 1 to 10, a phone number and a price
- Order a coffee, ask the price and ask for the bill
- Ask people to speak slowly or say it again
- 0′–5′
Welcome
Know how the class works.
- 5′–12′
English sounds
Say "th", "w", "h" and the short "i" in English words.
thank you
say THANK yoo (tongue between your teeth for "th")
You say this when someone helps you or gives you something.
this / the
say dhis / dhuh (tongue between your teeth, with voice)
"this" = the thing here; "the" is the most common word in English.
+ 5 more on your phrase sheet
- 12′–19′
Greetings and goodbyes
Say hello, ask "How are you?", answer, and say goodbye.
Hello! / Hi!
say heh-LOH / HAI
Use "Hello" with everyone. "Hi" is more friendly and informal, and also very common.
Good morning.
say good MOR-ning
Say it before 12 o'clock (noon).
+ 7 more on your phrase sheet
- 19′–27′
Introducing yourself
Say your name, country and city, and ask other people.
My name is … / I'm …
say mai NAYM iz … / aim …
Say your name. "I'm Anna" is the most natural in conversation.
What's your name?
say wots yor NAYM
Ask someone their name.
+ 6 more on your phrase sheet
- 27′–33′
Numbers 1 to 10
Say numbers from 1 to 10, a phone number and a simple price.
one
say wun
1
two
say too
2
+ 8 more on your phrase sheet
- 33′–41′
At the café
Order a drink and food, ask the price and ask for the bill.
Can I have a coffee, please?
say kan ai HAV uh KOF-ee, PLEEZ
The easiest polite way to order. Change "a coffee" for what you want.
I'd like …
say aid LAIK …
Another polite way to order: "I'd like a tea, please."
+ 7 more on your phrase sheet
- 41′–47′
Survival phrases
Say sorry, say you do not understand, and ask people to speak slowly or say it again.
Sorry!
say SOR-ee
For a small mistake, or when you bump into someone.
Excuse me.
say ik-SKYOOZ mee
To get attention (a waiter, a stranger) or to pass someone.
+ 7 more on your phrase sheet
- 47′–57′
Practice: at the café
Meet someone new and order at a café, only in English.
- 57′–60′
Recap and this week
Remember the key phrases and know what to practise this week.
You already know many English words from films, music and the internet, so you will understand more than you think. The difficult part is that English spelling does not always match the sound: "though", "through" and "tough" all sound different. Today we focus on speaking and listening, and on a few sounds like "th" and "w" that many European languages do not have.
- Zoom on a computer, tablet or phone
- A microphone; headphones with a mic are best
- Somewhere you are happy to speak out loud
- Pen and paper, if you like. No English needed.
Do I need to know any of the language already?
No. Every class is for complete beginners. We start from hello, and everything is explained in English. If you already know a little, it will be a good warm-up, but it will feel easy.
What happens in the hour?
A short welcome, then the sounds (or, for Japanese and Korean, a first look at the writing), greetings, introducing yourself, numbers to ten, ordering at a café and the phrases that get you out of trouble. Then you practise in small breakout rooms and we finish with a recap. Each class page shows the hour minute by minute.
Will I have to speak?
Yes, that is the point, but gently. Most of the time the whole class repeats together with microphones on, so nobody is singled out. Near the end you practise in breakout rooms of 2 or 3. Your camera is up to you.
How big are the classes?
At most 12 people, so everyone gets to speak and ask questions.
How much is a class?
One class is one payment, and you see the price before you pay. Nothing renews and there is no subscription.
Can I cancel or move my class?
Yes. Write to support@bunevents.com at least 24 hours before the start and we will refund you in full or move you to another time, whichever you prefer.
