Identify Arabic as a right-to-left script with 28 letters
F1Lesson 1 of 12◇ Core language
Welcome to Arabic — The Alphabet Family
مرحباً بكم في اللغة العربية
Arabic Script & Sounds · Script and sound foundations
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Learning Objectives
Focus on these outcomes rather than trying to memorise everything at once.
Recognise the first 7 letters of the alphabet (أ ب ت ث ج ح خ) by shape and name
Understand that letters change shape depending on their position in a word
Revision plan
- 10 minWarm-upWhat do you already know?
- 15 minStep 1Meet the first letter family (أ ب ت ث)
- 15 minStep 2Letters ج ح خ — the bowl family
- 10 minStep 3Position concept — a first look
- 10 minPlenaryFinal check — Letter match
Exam connection: This unit builds the script foundation for all subsequent units and all four exam papers. Paper 1 Listening and Paper 2 Reading both require you to process Modern Standard Arabic in script form.
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Vocabulary
Tap each card to reveal the meaning, category and example.
Three-step recall
- Say the Arabic aloud.
- Cover the meaning and recall it.
- Use six items in your own spoken or written sentences.
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Quizzes
Use the two short checks. Errors show you what to revise next.
Quiz 1 — Meaning check
0 / 61. What does ت mean?
2. What does ب mean?
3. What does أ mean?
4. What does أَبْجَدِيَّة mean?
5. What does خ mean?
6. What does اللُّغَة العَرَبِيَّة mean?
Quiz 2 — Match Arabic and English
العربية
English
Matched: 0 / 6
Stretch challenge
Choose three matched items and combine them into one accurate sentence or short exchange.
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Grammar
Read the rule, notice the pattern and then produce your own examples.
Core rule / strategy
Introduction to right-to-left writing direction; concept of letter families (letters that share a base shape)
Notice the pattern
- أ
- ب
- ت
- ث
Accuracy checklist
- Check the subject and verb or noun/adjective agreement.
- Check gender, number and tense or time frame.
- Use the lesson structure in a complete, meaningful sentence.
- Read the sentence aloud and correct anything that sounds incomplete.
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Check a model pattern after you try
Compare your sentences with these lesson patterns. Check the same agreement, tense or word order.
Now correct one of your own sentences if needed.
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Skills Practice
Practise listening, reading, speaking and writing with the same lesson language.
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Listening
Listen for key details. Listen twice: first for the overall meaning, then for evidence.
🎧 Recorded audio coming soon — use the device voice for listening practice now. Keep the transcript hidden for your first two listens.
اِقرَأْ بِصَوتٍ واضِح: أ، ب، ت، ث، ج، ح، خ، حَرْف، أَبْجَدِيَّة، اللُّغَة العَرَبِيَّة. لاحِظِ الشَّكلَ والصَّوتَ واتِّجاهَ الكِتابة.
- What is the main topic or situation?
- Write two key details you hear.
- Which word or phrase helped you decide?
Check your listening
A successful answer identifies the main topic, at least three accurate words and one relevant detail. Replay once, then reveal the transcript only if you still need support.
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Reading
Underline known words before answering.
مرحباً بكم في اللغة العربية. أ ب ت ث ج ح خ. أ ب ت ث. أ ب ت ث ج ح خ.
- What is the main idea or situation?
- Choose one phrase and explain what it means in this context.
- Find one example that shows the lesson language or grammar in use.
- What extra detail could you add to make the text more complete?
Reading support
Start with names, numbers, repeated words, connectors and familiar verb patterns. You do not need to translate every word.
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Speaking
Build your answer, then ask a follow-up question.
- Read five lesson items aloud, then demonstrate the sound or script pattern in two examples.
- Use at least three useful items from this lesson and one complete sentence with the target grammar.
- Add one reason, detail or example instead of giving only a short answer.
Useful frame:في رَأيي.. لِأَنَّ.. أَيضاً.. وَمِن جِهَةٍ أُخرى..
Working alone? Record yourself for 30–60 seconds, listen back once, and improve one pronunciation, grammar or fluency point.
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Writing
Plan, write, check and improve.
Task: Create a short practice line using the lesson letters or sound pattern. Keep it accurate rather than long. Target: 40–60 words.
Need help? Build your answer in small steps
- Opening: one clear sentence that answers the task.
- Detail: add two relevant pieces of information.
- Extend: add a reason, opinion, time phrase or example.
- Check: compare agreement, spelling and tense with the lesson rule.
Patterns from this lesson you can adapt:
Try first without opening this support. Adapt the patterns; do not copy them as a complete answer.
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Activities
Complete the activities in order, or choose the one that addresses your weakest area.
Independent revision: if an activity mentions a partner, cards, a picture or classroom equipment, use paper/notes on your device and complete both sides yourself. For speaking, record your answer and listen back once.
Warm-up10 min
What do you already know?
Study the word "العربية" on paper. Ask yourself: What do you notice? Which direction does it go? Has anyone seen Arabic before — where? Take 5–6 responses. Then reveal: Arabic has 28 letters, is written right to left, and is the language of the Quran, 400+ million speakers, and 22 countries. Look at a world map highlighting Arabic-speaking countries briefly.
Step 115 min
Meet the first letter family (أ ب ت ث)
Introduce letters أ ب ت ث as a family sharing the same base dot pattern (0, 1, 2, 3 dots). Write each on paper with its name and sound. Drill: your partner says letter name, you repeat. Trace letters in the air. Focus on the isolated form only at this stage. You copy into exercise books, writing each letter 5 times carefully.
Step 215 min
Letters ج ح خ — the bowl family
Introduce ج ح خ as a family (same bowl shape, differentiated by dots: 1, 0, 1 above). Drill names and sounds. You add to exercise books. Pair activity: Partner A writes a letter, Partner B names it. Swap. Check your pencil direction (right to left).
Step 310 min
Position concept — a first look
Notice that Arabic letters join together in words. Study أبجد on screen and point out how letters connect. Remember: "We will learn how to join them — but first we master the shapes." No writing of joined forms yet. If you already speak some Arabic at home: ask if they can identify any letters they recognise from Islamic Studies.
Plenary10 min
Final check — Letter match
Use a small card with 4 Arabic letters (from أ–خ) and 4 transliterated names in jumbled order. You draw lines to match letter to name in 3 minutes.
Useful to have
Things you can make or find to help you revise this lesson:
- Letter flashcards (أ–خ)
Stretch challenge
If you already speak some Arabic at home: during the pair activity, ask them to write a short word from Islamic Studies that contains one of today's letters and share it with a partner (e.g. أَلله, تَوبة). Encourage them to explain the letter they can identify.
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Plenary
Finish with a quick check and one clear next step.
Key takeaways
- Identify Arabic as a right-to-left script with 28 letters
- Recognise the first 7 letters of the alphabet (أ ب ت ث ج ح خ) by shape and name
- Understand that letters change shape depending on their position in a word
- Grammar focus: Introduction to right-to-left writing direction; concept of letter families (letters that share a base shape)
Final check
Final check card (letter-to-name matching). partner observation during tracing and pair activity.
Optional follow-up
Practise writing letters أ ب ت ث ج ح خ three times each in exercise book. Draw a picture next to each letter of something that starts with that sound (can be in any language).
Confidence check
How secure do you feel after this lesson?
Remember: quick revision works best when you revisit weak vocabulary and correct errors, not when you try to complete everything in one sitting.