Study Notes
Overview
This guide provides a deep dive into the AQA GCSE French assessment objective focused on vocabulary range. Examiners are trained to reward candidates who can demonstrate a broad and sophisticated lexicon, moving beyond high-frequency words to employ more nuanced and topic-specific language. This is not simply about knowing more words; it is about using them accurately and appropriately to convey meaning with precision. A significant portion of marks in both Paper 4 (Writing) and Paper 2 (Speaking) are awarded for this skill. This guide will break down what constitutes a 'range of vocabulary' in the eyes of an examiner, from using synonyms and intensifiers to deploying complex grammatical structures and manipulating time frames effectively. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear roadmap for elevating your language and securing higher marks.
Key Concepts for Vocabulary Range
The Vocabulary Pyramid
Think of your vocabulary as a pyramid. To achieve top marks, you need to build from a solid base to a sophisticated peak.
- Base Tier (Basic Vocabulary): These are the high-frequency words you learn first (e.g., bon, grand, intéressant, je suis, il y a). While essential, relying solely on these will limit your marks.
- Middle Tier (Intermediate Vocabulary): This is where you start to show more variety. It includes better adjectives, opinion phrases, and intensifiers (e.g., passionnant, magnifique, selon moi, vraiment).
- Top Tier (Advanced Vocabulary): This is the goal. It involves using sophisticated synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and complex grammatical structures that demonstrate a high level of linguistic competence (e.g., captivant, exceptionnel, quant à moi, il faut que + subjunctive).
Manipulating Time Frames
Examiners explicitly reward candidates who can successfully and accurately use a variety of tenses. In a single response, you should aim to seamlessly integrate the past, present, and future.
- Past: Use the perfect tense (passé composé) for specific past actions (e.g., j'ai visité, je suis allé(e)) and the imperfect tense (imparfait) for descriptions and habitual actions in the past (e.g., c'était, je jouais).
- Present: Use the present tense for facts, current actions, and regular habits (e.g., je visite, c'est).
- Future: Use the near future (futur proche) for immediate plans (e.g., je vais visiter) and the simple future (futur simple) for more distant or certain future events (e.g., je visiterai).
Complex Structures
Integrating complex structures is a direct way to signal to the examiner that you are a higher-tier candidate. These constructions show that you can manipulate language beyond simple sentences.
- 'Avant de' + Infinitive: Used to say 'before doing something'. Example: Avant de sortir, je dois finir mes devoirs. (Before going out, I have to finish my homework.)
- 'Après avoir/être' + Past Participle: Used to say 'after having done something'. Example: Après avoir mangé, nous sommes allés au cinéma. (After having eaten, we went to the cinema.)
- Si Clauses (Conditionals): Show your ability to discuss hypothetical situations. Example: Si j'avais plus d'argent, j'achèterais une nouvelle voiture. (If I had more money, I would buy a new car.)
- Relative Pronouns (qui, que, où, dont): Used to connect clauses and create more fluid, complex sentences. Example: J'adore la ville où j'habite. (I love the town where I live.)
- The Subjunctive: (Higher Tier) Essential for expressing opinions, doubts, and necessities. Triggered by phrases like il faut que, bien que, pour que. Example: Il faut que je fasse mes devoirs. (I must do my homework.)