Read and write Arabic-Indic numerals 0–10 (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩)
F1Lesson 7 of 12◇ Core language
Arabic Numbers (0–100) and Basic Numerals
الأرقام العربية من صفر إلى مئة
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.
Count from 0 to 20 in Arabic orally
Read two-digit and three-digit numbers written in Arabic script
Revision plan
- 8 minWarm-upRecognise the familiar
- 15 minStep 1Numerals 0–10: read, write, say
- 15 minStep 2Numbers 11–20 orally
- 12 minStep 3Numbers Bingo
- 10 minPlenaryReal-world numbers
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 ثَلاثَةَ عَشَر mean?
2. What does أَرْبَعَةَ عَشَر mean?
3. What does عَشَرَة mean?
4. What does أَرْبَعَة mean?
5. What does واحِد mean?
6. What does سِتَّة 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
Arabic numbers are written left to right (unlike the script). Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٩) are the original numerals — our "Arabic numerals" in the West derive from them. Numbers 11–19 formed from units + 10. Tens: عشرون، ثلاثون etc.
Notice the pattern
- صِفْر
- واحِد
- اِثْنان
- ثَلاثَة
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.
- عشرون، ثلاثون
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: صِفْر، واحِد، اِثْنان، ثَلاثَة، أَرْبَعَة، خَمْسَة، سِتَّة، سَبْعَة، ثَمانِيَة، تِسْعَة. 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.
أحد عشر. اثنا عشر.
- 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:
- أحد عشر
- اثنا عشر
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-up8 min
Recognise the familiar
Write this down: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 then below: ٠ ١ ٢ ٣ ٤ ٥ ٦ ٧ ٨ ٩. Ask: "Which of these do you recognise?" Most you will know the top row. Explain: the bottom row is where our numbers come from — they were brought to Europe by Arab mathematicians in the Middle Ages. The shapes are different but the values are the same. You immediately feel a connection between Arabic and your own world.
Step 115 min
Numerals 0–10: read, write, say
Study each Arabic-Indic numeral alongside its word. Drill: your partner shows numeral, you say word (3 rounds). Then write: your partner says number, Write the Arabic-Indic numeral in books. Do all 10 numerals. Then Notice how to write them (formation — some are mirror images of what English speakers expect). Write ٠–٩ in order 3 times in books.
Step 215 min
Numbers 11–20 orally
Introduce 11–20 orally only (reading and listening). Study number cards with numerals and words. Drill in order (11–20), then random order. Highlight the pattern: أحد عشر (one-ten), اثنا عشر (two-ten) etc. Note: 13–19 the unit comes first in Arabic (different from English "thirteen"). You practise in pairs: Partner A holds up fingers (11–20), Partner B says the Arabic number.
Step 312 min
Numbers Bingo
Make a 3×3 bingo card with Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٢٠ range). your partner calls a number in Arabic (word form). Identify the numeral and mark it. First to complete a row wins. Play 3 rounds. This reinforces listening comprehension and number recognition simultaneously.
Plenary10 min
Real-world numbers
Look at 4 images: a price tag in an Arabic country (e.g. ١٥ دولار), a football score shown in Arabic numerals, a house number, a phone number. Read the numbers aloud. Discuss: where might you see Arabic numerals in the UK? (Middle Eastern shops, restaurants, websites, Quran publications.) Write today's date in Arabic-Indic numerals in their books as a closing activity.
Useful to have
Things you can make or find to help you revise this lesson:
- Number flashcards (٠–٩)
- Number pronunciation audio
- Number line 0–20 display
Stretch challenge
If you already speak some Arabic at home: write the numbers 1–10 in both word form AND Arabic-Indic numeral form from memory. Then write their age, house number and year of birth using Arabic-Indic numerals.
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Plenary
Finish with a quick check and one clear next step.
Key takeaways
- Read and write Arabic-Indic numerals 0–10 (٠١٢٣٤٥٦٧٨٩)
- Count from 0 to 20 in Arabic orally
- Read two-digit and three-digit numbers written in Arabic script
- Grammar focus: Arabic numbers are written left to right (unlike the script). Arabic-Indic numerals (٠–٩) are the original numerals — our "Arabic numerals" in the West derive from them. Numbers 11–19 formed from units + 10. Tens: عشرون، ثلاثون etc.
Final check
Bingo activity (listening comprehension). Numeral writing in books (check with your partner). Real-world number reading in plenary.
Optional follow-up
Write the numbers 1–20 in Arabic (word form) three times. Learn them for a speaking test next lesson. Ask a family member if they know any Arabic numbers.
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.