Listening

Lots of people find Listening tasks hardest to do well in. The vocabulary isn't necessarily more difficult, but it does sound a lot different to what you might expect. There are things you can do.

• Learn your vocabulary thoroughly - there is absolutely no substitute for this.
• Make a note of the kind of words and phrases that frequently appear in exam papers.
• Listen to French being spoken while reading a transcript in French. You often recognise the words when you see them and this will help you familiarise yourself with the sounds. You can do this with past papers and at places like the BBC French language site.
  
• Access French audio-visual materials online. You will hear how French should sound and, eventually, you will be able to pick out information. Try Mon JT Quotidien or other sites recommended in class.
• Make sure you read your instructions and questions carefully!