What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level French?

In the essay, balance factual information with nuanced analysis; avoid simply listing statistics without interpretation.

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level French? (2)

For the speaking exam, prepare a range of spontaneous phrases to link ideas, such as 'En revanche', 'Il est indéniable que', and 'Cela soulève la question de'.

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level French? (3)

Use the 5-minute preparation time effectively to structure thoughts, but avoid writing whole sentences.

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level French? (4)

Ensure the discussion on the theme is broadened beyond the initial stimulus card to cover other aspects of the sub-themes.

What should I focus on for Edexcel A-Level French? (5)

Use a variety of complex language, such as the subjunctive, passive voice, and relative pronouns, to access higher mark bands.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level French?

Confusing 'mariage' with 'PACS' and assuming they carry identical rights and responsibilities.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level French? (2)

Overgeneralising French family trends without acknowledging regional or socio-economic variations.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel A-Level French? (3)

Failing to use the subjunctive mood appropriately when expressing doubt or hypothetical scenarios about family life.

French

Edexcel

A-Level

Specification: Pearson-A-Level-French

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Ready to practise?

AI-powered quizzes tailored to your specification

Start Practising

Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%

Understand and respond to spoken language including face-to-face interaction

AO2

25%

Understand and respond to written language drawn from a variety of sources

AO3

30%

Manipulate the language accurately, in spoken and written forms, using a range of lexis and structure

AO4

20%

Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing 'mariage' with 'PACS' and assuming they carry identical rights and responsibilities.
•Overgeneralising French family trends without acknowledging regional or socio-economic variations.
•Failing to use the subjunctive mood appropriately when expressing doubt or hypothetical scenarios about family life.
•Relying on description rather than analysis of social trends.
•Failure to justify viewpoints with pertinent examples or references.
•Inconsistent use of complex grammatical structures.
•Lack of spontaneity in interaction, often due to over-reliance on prepared notes.
•Failure to elicit points of view or check for understanding during the discussion.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•In the essay, balance factual information with nuanced analysis; avoid simply listing statistics without interpretation.
•For the speaking exam, prepare a range of spontaneous phrases to link ideas, such as 'En revanche', 'Il est indéniable que', and 'Cela soulève la question de'.
•Use the 5-minute preparation time effectively to structure thoughts, but avoid writing whole sentences.
•Ensure the discussion on the theme is broadened beyond the initial stimulus card to cover other aspects of the sub-themes.
•Use a variety of complex language, such as the subjunctive, passive voice, and relative pronouns, to access higher mark bands.
•Engage the examiner by asking for their opinions to demonstrate natural discourse.
•Focus on the cultural and social context of France specifically, as required by this theme.
•Use the 5-minute preparation time effectively to structure thoughts, but avoid writing whole sentences.

Specification Topics

10 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the evolving nature of family structures in contemporary French society, examining shifts such as increased divorce rates, the rise of blended families, and the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships. It equips learners with the linguistic and analytical tools to discuss these social changes, evaluate their causes and consequences, and compare them with trends in the UK. The focus is on using authentic French-language sources to build argumentation skills essential for the A-level speaking and writing assessments.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives2 tips3 pitfalls

Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance

Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française focuses on social issues and trends within France. It examines the evolution of family structures, the French education system, and the world of work, including attitudes toward employment, the right to strike, and gender equality.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Ready to master French?

Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your Edexcel A-Level specification.

Get Started Free

French

Ready to practise?

Key Features

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Theme 4: L’Occupation et la Résistance

Prescribed Literary Texts

Theme 2: La culture politique et artistique dans les pays francophones

Prescribed Films

Theme 3: L’immigration et la société multiculturelle française

Theme 1: Les changements dans la société française

Translation Skills

Independent Research Project (IRP)

Grammar

Ready to master French?