The Pre A1 Starters Cambridge exam, part of the Cambridge English Young Learners (YLE) tests, is designed for primary school students and requires mastery of over 500 key words. In this article, FLYER provides a comprehensive list of Cambridge Starters vocabulary, organized into the 12 most common topics, along with practical guidance on using the Starters vocabulary book effectively. This resource helps students prepare confidently for the exam. Parents and teachers, start exploring below!
1. 12 Cambridge Starters Vocabulary Topics
TOPIC 1: AT THE ZOO
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| bird | /bɜːd/ |
| chicken | /ˈtʃɪk.ɪn/ |
| cow | /kaʊ/ |
| elephant | /ˈel.ɪ.fənt/ |
| crocodile | /ˈkrɒk.ə.daɪl/ |
| dog | /dɒɡ/ |
| duck | /dʌk/ |
| frog | /frɒɡ/ |
| giraffe | /dʒɪˈrɑːf/ |
| goat | /ɡəʊt/ |
| hippo | /ˈhɪp.əʊ/ |
| horse | /hɔːs/ |
| lizard | /ˈlɪz.əd/ |
| monkey | /ˈmʌŋ.ki/ |
| mouse (singular)/mice (plural) | /maʊs/ |
| sheep | /ʃiːp/ |
| snake | /sneɪk/ |
| spider | /ˈspaɪ.də/ |
| tiger | /ˈtaɪ.ɡə/ |
TOPIC 2: AT THE CLOTHES SHOP
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| Brown bag | /braʊn bæɡ/ |
| Pink handbag | /pɪŋk ˈhændˌbæɡ/ |
| Green jeans | /ɡriːn dʒiːnz/ |
| Purple classes | /ˈpɜːr.pəl ˈklæs.ɪz/ |
| Black hat | /blæk hæt/ |
| Clothes | /kloʊðz/ |
| Blue jacket | /bluː ˈdʒæk.ɪt/ |
| Red T-shirt | /red ˈtiːˌʃɜːrt/ |
| Grey/gray trousers | /ɡreɪ ˈtraʊ.zɚz/ |
| Yellow shirt | /ˈjeləʊ ʃɜːt/ |
| Shoe | /ʃuː/ |
| Sock | /sɒk/ |
| Watch | /wɒtʃ/ |
| Orange dress | /ˈɒrɪndʒ dres/ |
| Angry man | /ˈæŋɡri mæn/ |
TOPIC 3: MY BODY
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| arm | /ɑːm/ |
| ear | /ɪə/ |
| eye | /aɪ/ |
| face | /feɪs/ |
| feet | /fiːt/ |
| foot | /fʊt/ |
| hair | /heə/ |
| hand | /hænd/ |
| head | /hed/ |
| leg | /leɡ/ |
| mouth | /maʊθ/ |
| nose | /nəʊz/ |
See more: 23 must-know topics in Cambridge Starters Grammar
TOPIC 4: MY FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| Ms | /mɪz/ |
| Women | /ˈwɪmɪn/ |
| Sir | /sɜː/ |
| Children | /ˈtʃɪldrən/ |
| Mrs | /ˈmɪsɪz/ |
| Give | /ɡɪv/ |
TOPIC 5: MY FAVORITE FOOD
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| bread | /bred/ |
| breakfast | /ˈbrekfəst/ |
| cake | /keɪk/ |
| candy/sweet(s) | /ˈkændi/ |
| carrot | /ˈkærət/ |
| chicken | /ˈtʃɪkɪn/ |
| chocolate | /ˈtʃɒklət/ |
| coconut | /ˈkəʊkənʌt/ |
| dinner | /ˈdɪnə/ |
| drink | /drɪŋk/ |
| fish | /fɪʃ/ |
| fruit | /fruːt/ |
| ice cream | /ˈaɪs kriːm/ |
| lunch | /lʌntʃ/ |
| milk | /mɪlk/ |
| onion | /ˈʌnjən/ |
| pineapple | /ˈpaɪnæpl/ |
| rice | /raɪs/ |
| tomato | /təˈmɑːtəʊ/ |
| water | /ˈwɔːtə/ |
| watermelon | /ˈwɔːtəmɛlən/ |
TOPIC 6: AT HOME
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| apartment/flat | /əˈpɑːtmənt/ |
| armchair | /ˈɑːmtʃeə/ |
| bath | /bɑːθ/ |
| bathroom | /ˈbɑːθruːm/ |
| bed | /bed/ |
| bedroom | /ˈbedruːm/ |
| box | /bɒks/ |
| bookcase | /ˈbʊkkeɪs/ |
| clock | /klɒk/ |
| cupboard | /ˈkʌbəd/ |
| dining room | /ˈdaɪnɪŋ ruːm/ |
| garden | /ˈɡɑːdən/ |
| house/home | /haʊs/ /həʊm/ |
| hall | /hɔːl/ |
| kitchen | /ˈkɪtʃɪn/ |
| lamp | /læmp/ |
| mat | /mæt/ |
| mirror | /ˈmɪrə/ |
| painting | /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/ |
| radio | /ˈreɪdiəʊ/ |
| sofa | /ˈsəʊfə/ |
| television/TV | /ˈtelɪvɪʒən/ |
| cat | /kæt/ |
| living room | /ˈlɪvɪŋ ruːm/ |
TOPIC 7: AT SCHOOL
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| basketball | /ˈbɑːskɪtbɔːl/ |
| classroom | /ˈklɑːsruːm/ |
| close | /kləʊz/ |
| computer | /kəmˈpjuːtə/ |
| class | /klɑːs/ |
| draw | /drɔː/ |
| eraser | /ɪˈreɪzə/ |
| rubber | /ˈrʌbə/ |
| football | /ˈfʊtbɔːl/ |
| soccer | /ˈsɒkə/ |
| hockey | /ˈhɒki/ |
| mouse | /maʊs/ |
| music | /ˈmjuːzɪk/ |
| open | /ˈəʊpən/ |
| page | /peɪdʒ/ |
| part | /pɑːt/ |
| pen | /pen/ |
| pencil | /ˈpensl/ |
| ruler | /ˈruːlə/ |
| tick | /tɪk/ |
TOPIC 8: AT THE BEACH
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| badminton | /ˈbædmɪntən/ |
| camera/take a photo | /ˈkæmərə/ |
| fishing | /ˈfɪʃɪŋ/ |
| hit a ball/baseball | /hɪt ə bɔːl/ |
| jump | /dʒʌmp/ |
| kick a ball | /kɪk ə bɔːl/ |
| kite | /kaɪt/ |
| paint/painting | /peɪnt/ |
| piano | /piˈænəʊ/ |
| sand | /sænd/ |
| shell | /ʃel/ |
| sing a song | /sɪŋ ə sɒŋ/ |
| sun | /sʌn/ |
| swim | /swɪm/ |
| table tennis | /ˈteɪbl tenɪs/ |
| tennis | /ˈtenɪs/ |
| throw a ball/catch a ball | /θrəʊ ə bɔːl/ |
| walk | /wɔːk/ |
TOPIC 9: MY STREET
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| bike | /baɪk/ |
| bookshop | /ˈbʊkʃɒp/ |
| bus | /bʌs/ |
| car | /kɑː/ |
| helicopter | /ˈhelɪkɒptə/ |
| lorry/truck | /ˈlɒri/ |
| motorbike | /ˈməʊtəbaɪk/ |
| park | /pɑːk/ |
| plane | /pleɪn/ |
| run | /rʌn/ |
| shop/store | /ʃɒp/ |
| stop/go | /stɒp/ |
| train | /treɪn/ |
| tree | /triː/ |
TOPIC 10: WHERE IS MONKEY
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| between | /bɪˈtwiːn/ |
| next to | /nekst tuː/ |
| in | /ɪn/ |
| under | /ˈʌndə/ |
| in front of | /ɪn ˈfrʌnt əv/ |
| on | /ɒn/ |
| behind | /bɪˈhaɪnd/ |
TOPIC 11: NUMBERS
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| one | /wʌn/ |
| two | /tuː/ |
| three | /θriː/ |
| four | /fɔː/ |
| five | /faɪv/ |
| six | /sɪks/ |
| seven | /ˈsevən/ |
| eight | /eɪt/ |
| nine | /naɪn/ |
| ten | /ten/ |
| eleven | /ɪˈlevən/ |
| twelve | /twɛlv/ |
| thirteen | /ˌθɜːˈtiːn/ |
| fourteen | /ˌfɔːˈtiːn/ |
| fifteen | /ˌfɪfˈtiːn/ |
| sixteen | /ˌsɪkˈstiːn/ |
| seventeen | /ˌsevənˈtiːn/ |
| eighteen | /ˌeɪˈtiːn/ |
| nineteen | /ˌnaɪnˈtiːn/ |
| twenty | /ˈtwenti/ |
TOPIC 12: COLORS
| Vocabulary | IPA Transcription |
|---|---|
| black | /blæk/ |
| brown | /braʊn/ |
| green | /ɡriːn/ |
| grey/gray | /ɡreɪ/ |
| orange | /ˈɒrɪndʒ/ |
| pink | /pɪŋk/ |
| purple | /ˈpɜːpl/ |
| red | /red/ |
| yellow | /ˈjeləʊ/ |
To make it easier for parents and teachers to support children in learning Starters vocabulary, feel free to download the PDF files of vocabulary images and practice exercises below.
Parents and teachers can also download a free PDF of the Pre-A1 Starters Cambridge vocabulary book, arranged by topic and provided by Cambridge, from the following link:
This book is also suitable for children as it includes:
- Writing practice sections (Let’s Write), fill-in-the-blank exercises, and answer keys for children to check their work.
- Fun vocabulary games to make learning more engaging.
- A complete Pre-A1 Starters vocabulary list, organized from A to Z.
In addition to the vocabulary topics mentioned above, young learners should pay attention to common names that often appear in the Starters Cambridge exam, such as:
| Alex | Grace | Nick |
| Alice | Hugo | Pat |
| Anna | Jill | Sam |
| Ben | Kim | Sue |
| Bill | Lucy | Tom |
| Dan | May |
2. 200+ Starters Practice Tests on The Virtual Test Platform
To help children practice the vocabulary effectively, parents and teachers can explore The FLYER Virtual English Testing Platform. This comprehensive tool is specifically designed to help children prepare for the Cambridge Starters exam, offering 200+ Cambridge Starters exam practice tests that cover all components (Listening, Reading & Writing, and Speaking). In particular:
- These tests have been carefully compiled to match the format (up to 90%) following Cambridge’s latest standards.
- The automatic scoring system and answer key will help students review and study effectively at home.
- Interactive exercises and game simulations stimulate children’s brain activity and interest in learning.
- A variety of enjoyable features – such as friendly challenges, bite-sized practice activities, and vocabulary reviews – further enhance the learning experience.
Parents and teachers can also use AI FLYER Bingo, an AI assistant that encourages children to speak English daily, to help children build stronger vocabulary habits. Through interactive speaking tasks, this feature helps improve listening comprehension and pronunciation naturally.
In addition, the Learning Report feature gives parents a clear overview of children’s learning progress. All results are automatically saved and analyzed, providing insights into proficiency levels, strengths, and areas that may need more attention.Notably, by using FLYER’s virtual testing platform, parents and children can save up to 80% on Cambridge exam preparation costs.
Learn more: Download FREE Cambridge Starters Test Papers with Answers and Audio + Test Prep Books [UPDATED 2025]
3. Effective use of the Pre A1 Starters Cambridge Vocabulary Book
The Cambridge Pre A1 Starters Vocabulary Book is a helpful resource for children to build a strong foundation in English vocabulary. To support parents in using this resource effectively at home, FLYER shares the following practical tips:
3.1. Discussing the Content of the Pictures
Parents can discuss with children what they see in the pictures. Use the suggested questions in the “Let’s talk!” section as discussion prompts to help children practice speaking in English.
See more: 9 Pre-A1 Starters Activities for Kids
3.2. Finding Vocabulary in the Pictures
The Cambridge Pre A1 Starters vocabulary list features a wide range of words accompanied by simple illustrations. Parents can make learning more engaging by asking children to find and name words within these pictures. This interactive approach encourages children to ask questions, describe what they see, or even test adults by pointing to objects they want to learn.
Parents can download the Pre A1 Starters flashcards, designed in alignment with the official word list, to support children’s vocabulary development at home. Each flashcard pair includes a color illustration and a matching word card. Simply print, glue the two sides, and cut them out to create a hands-on learning resource.
Regarding the Starters Digital exam, the learning content is largely similar to the paper-based version. Therefore, parents whose children are preparing for the digital format can confidently use the same vocabulary picture book and apply the learning tips mentioned above.
In addition, Cambridge provides an official wordlist specifically for the Starters Digital exam. Parents can download this list to help their children become familiar with the expected vocabulary through consistent, at-home practice.
See more: Cambridge’s Home Study Plan for Starters, Movers, and Flyers
4. FAQs about Starters Cambridge Vocabulary
The Cambridge Starters vocabulary list includes around 400 to 500 words, carefully chosen to match the abilities and interests of young English learners.
No, the exam emphasizes familiar topics and practical application. While learning the wordlist boosts confidence, it’s more crucial for children to understand and use words naturally rather than memorize them all.
Yes, Starters Digital includes tasks and activities based on the official vocabulary list, ensuring consistency between learning and assessment.
Definitely! The wordlist is a great resource for creating engaging games, activities, flashcards, and conversations, whether at home or in the classroom.
Conclusion
We hope that the Pre-A1 Starters Cambridge vocabulary list and the learning resources compiled by FLYER will be a valuable companion for children as they prepare for their first-level Cambridge YLE English exams.
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