Intermediate 2

As I promised all (!) of you; information to help you revise. I'll add to this when I can.

You need to go over things like grammar, particularly tenses, and all of the basics that could trip you up. You also need to be up-to-date with your Directed Writing preparation as you could potentially achieve full marks in this. Some of the links I've recommended to S4 will be of use to you too.

The BBC Learning Zone has lots of interesting clips as does Mon JT Quotidien. Do listen to them, even if you don't get much from it because it does help you get used to hearing how French should sound and to listening for the duration of a clip from your listening paper.

Les clés de l'actualité junior. It is no longer updated but the archive goes back years. I have some exercises I've created from this but you could specify your own topics to revise (e.g. espace, santé, loisirs).

The Resource Pack we've used this year. Attempt the reading exercises not done in class and read the transcripts while listening to the audio files (if you haven't got them, bring in a USB key).

The SQA past paper section has the 2007 and 2008 papers, including the 2008 Listening audio file. Listen while reading the transcript as this will help you to get used to how French sounds. Previous past papers have been or will be done in class but you can also buy these in bookshops. If they don't have the CD, we can arrange for you to copy them.

The Ashcombe School has lots of excellent exercises aimed at preparing their pupils for GCSE/AS level. The vocabulary is similar even if the tasks are different. You should aim for the Higher Tier of GCSE.

S4 Revision

Your revision should be well underway by now and you should be reviewing chunks of vocabulary for a set period of time each day. In my previous post, I linked you to some useful sites where you could do this using interactive exercises. I have also mentioned in class where to find a vocab list and other useful materials.

The SQA past paper section has the 2008 Listening audio file for Foundation and General (and Credit). Listen while reading the transcript as this will help you to get used to how French sounds. The Intermediate 1 paper will also help you with this, although the format of the exam is different. Previous past papers have been or will be done in class but you can also buy these in bookshops. If they don't have the CD, come to school with a USB key after the holidays and do the rest of your revision in the meantime.

Good Dictionary Skills are invaluable and this sheet from the Collins website will help you make sure you know how to use a dictionary efficiently and effectively.

At the BBC Languages site there are a variety of resources that can help you. Look out for the video clips you can listen to with subtitles in French. You may remember them from class this year.

The Ashcombe School has lots of excellent exercises aimed at preparing their pupils for GCSE. The vocabulary is similar even if the tasks are different.

There are also a variety of resources you can buy in shops. However, make sure that you do look over the free resources and advice first, e.g. BBC Bitesize.

Revision

Revision should be based around your work from throughout S3 and S4 and the vocab list from Métro Pour l'Ecosse. However, here is a reminder of some of the sites I've recommended to my S4 F/G classes recently.

BBC Bitesize for Standard Grade French

France Live has worksheets that can help you practice Reading skills and find out more about France.

Fusée has some useful exercises using real internet sites.

Language Guide - vocabulary, grouped by topic, complete with sound.

Quia - type in the topic you want to revise.

Revision World - aimed at GSCE but provides useful vocabulary.

Zut (not available 9AM-4PM weekdays)

International Day of Francophonie

La francophonie is a way of referring to the group of people worldwide united by the common everyday use of the French language. The 20th of March is a day when this bond, as well as cultural differences, can be celebrated.

Wikipedia guide to the history of the French language.

What is la Francophonie?

La Francophonie dans le monde.

How French affected the development of the English language.

The BBC Learning Zone has lots of interesting clips.

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!
  

Bienvenue!

This is a new blog for my French classes. Here you will be able to find a variety of resources to help you with homework and revision.