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

Use specific examples from France, Canada, or other Francophone regions.

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

Incorporate recent data from official sources like INSEE.

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

Link education reforms to employment rates.

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

Learn key statistics and trends for France and other Francophone countries.

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

Practice discussing sensitive topics with appropriate register.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level French?

Generalising across all French-speaking countries without specifics.

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

Failing to use up-to-date statistics or examples.

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

Ignoring the impact of socio-economic factors.

French

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 601/8702/5

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

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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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

Pearson

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

•Generalising across all French-speaking countries without specifics.
•Failing to use up-to-date statistics or examples.
•Ignoring the impact of socio-economic factors.
•Confusing French terms for different family types.
•Making generalisations without specific examples.
•Ignoring regional variations within French-speaking world.
•Confusing the prepositions 'sur' and 'dans' when discussing online platforms (e.g., sur Facebook vs. dans le monde numérique).
•Overgeneralising about French attitudes without distinguishing between metropolitan France and other Francophone regions.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Use specific examples from France, Canada, or other Francophone regions.
•Incorporate recent data from official sources like INSEE.
•Link education reforms to employment rates.
•Learn key statistics and trends for France and other Francophone countries.
•Practice discussing sensitive topics with appropriate register.
•Use linking words to structure arguments.
•When tackling the stimulus card in the speaking exam, immediately identify the key issue and link it to the broader theme of technology in society.
•In the essay, always structure your response with a clear introduction, distinct paragraphs each containing a point, evidence, and evaluation, and a concise conclusion.

Specification Topics

5 topics

Social issues and trends

Education and employment in French-speaking countries examines the education system and employment trends, and their interrelationship. This topic requires discussing how education impacts employment opportunities.

Education and employment, Changes in family structures

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls2 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic examines the pervasive influence of social media on contemporary French society, exploring its impact on communication, identity, and social dynamics. Students analyse authentic French-language sources to evaluate both positive and negative consequences, developing critical thinking and linguistic skills essential for the A-Level examination.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Political and artistic culture

Music and festivals are key expressions of French-speaking cultures, reflecting social and political issues. This topic explores their role in shaping identity and protest.

Music and festivals, Media and communication

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls2 subtopics

Literary texts and films

This topic involves in-depth analysis of a chosen film, evaluating cinematic techniques and themes. It requires critical thinking and understanding of film as a medium.

Study of a film, Study of a literary text

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls2 subtopics

Grammar

Verbs and tenses require accurate use of a range of tenses, including present, past, future, and perfect forms, as well as subjunctive mood. Mastery of conjugations is essential for clear and correct communication.

Verbs and tenses, Sentence structure and vocabulary

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls2 subtopics

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