A-Level French A* Revision Tips

NSR

Nathania

Medical Student

Studying a language at A-level can be difficult since it’s very different from other a-levels. Below are 5 tips to help you whilst revising to get an A* in A-level French. Bonne chance!

1. Learn your grammar

 

People often find learning grammar boring but having a good understanding of grammar will help you achieve your A* in A-level French. There are French grammar books that you can use to help improve your grammar skills. Alternatively, you can create your own personal list of grammar points that you have come across and that you can continue to add to throughout your studies. This way you can constantly refer to this list when writing essays. Revision cards can also be useful in remembering different tenses and important grammar rules.

2. Practice speaking French

 

To become more confident in the speaking exam as part of your A-level French, you want to try to practice speaking in French as much as possible. Try practicing with your friends both in lesson and outside of lesson. You could organise a weekly lunchtime session where you meet up to discuss a particular topic in French. If you have the opportunity to speak to a French native that can be very helpful as they will be able to correct your pronunciation and any mistakes that you’re making. You can also practice by yourself at home by reading French text out loud slowly to help you improve in confidence.

3. Immerse yourself in the culture

 

There are many different resources that you can use to gain a greater insight into French culture but will help you achieve an A style in a level French. For example, try reading French newspapers and listening to the French news in the mornings. This will give you a greater idea of French culture and what is currently happening in France. Listening to French music can be helpful, after listening to a song try to translate it to English and see how much you can translate. This means that you are actively learning and you can add any new words you learn to your French vocabulary.

4. Study French consistently

 

A-level French requires consistency, particularly because it is a language and it is easy to forget things after a while. Try to practice your French every day even if it’s only for an hour. Set yourself different tasks when you study to ensure that you’re increasing your ability everyday such as writing essays and asking your teacher to mark them. If you want to push yourself further, try changing your phone’s default language to French. This will mean you’re exposed to French from the moment you wake up and will increase your familiarity with the language.

5. Use A-level French exemplars

 

Each exam board releases examples of A-level French students’ essays which are an excellent resource. You can check these out on your exam boards website. Take note of what each student does well and what gains you more marks. For example, using impersonal expressions helps to improve your grammatical range and will mean your writing sounds more French. This will show the examiner that you know what you’re doing and will push you towards an A*.

 

 

FAQs

→What does it take to get an A* in A-Level French?

To get an A* in A-Level French, you need to have a strong command of the language, including a wide range of vocabulary, advanced grammar structures, and effective communication skills. You also need to be able to analyze and interpret complex texts, both written and spoken, and express your ideas clearly and coherently.

→What are some tips for studying A-Level French?

To study A-Level French effectively, it’s important to practice regularly, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible, and focus on areas where you need improvement. You should also try to read and listen to authentic French materials, such as news articles, podcasts, and films.

→How can I improve my writing skills for A-Level French?

To improve your writing skills for A-Level French, you should practice writing regularly, using a range of different styles and formats. You should also pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and use a variety of sentence structures to add depth and complexity to your writing.

→How important is speaking practice in A-Level French?

Speaking practice is an essential component of A-Level French, as it allows you to practice your communication skills and develop fluency in the language. You should try to speak with native speakers as much as possible, and practice speaking in a variety of different contexts, such as debates, presentations, and conversations.

→What resources are available for studying A-Level French?

There are a variety of resources available for studying A-Level French, including textbooks, online tutorials, and language exchange programs. Your school or college may also provide additional resources and support, such as study groups or one-on-one tutoring.

→What should I do if I’m struggling with A-Level French?

If you’re struggling with A-Level French, you should reach out for help as soon as possible. This could mean asking your teacher or tutor for extra support, joining a study group, or seeking out additional resources online. Remember, it’s never too late to turn things around and improve your understanding of the language.

→How hard is it to get an A in A-level French?

Getting an A in A-Level French is considered to be a challenging task, as it requires a solid command of the language, including a wide range of vocabulary, advanced grammar structures, and effective communication skills. However, with dedication, hard work, and effective study strategies, it is possible to achieve an A in A-Level French. It is important to note that the difficulty of achieving an A may vary from person to person depending on their individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. The level of difficulty may also depend on the specific exam board and the requirements for obtaining an A in their grading scheme.

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