How do I revise A2 Units for WJEC A-Level?

Ensure the Independent Research Project pro-forma is sent to the visiting examiner at least three weeks before the assessment period.

What exam tips are there for A2 Units? (2)

Use the preparation time for Unit 1 (AS) and the research process for Unit 3 (A2) to develop communication strategies like circumlocution and self-correction.

What exam tips are there for A2 Units? (3)

Focus on spontaneous interaction in speaking assessments; examiners will use open-ended questions to avoid pre-learnt responses.

What mistakes should I avoid in A2 Units?

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts during the speaking assessment instead of using notes as memory aids.

What are common errors in A2 Units exams? (2)

Basing the Independent Research Project on the same literary text or film used for other written assessments.

A2 Units

WJEC

A-Level

The A2 units (Units 3, 4, and 5) constitute the second year of the A-level French course, focusing on advanced linguistic proficiency, independent research, and critical analysis of literature. The content is structured around two main areas of interest: social issues and trends (Theme 3: Diversity and difference) and political, intellectual, and artistic culture (Theme 4: France 1940-1950: The Occupation and the post-war years).

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

A2 Units in French (WJEC A-Level) build on the foundational skills developed during the AS year, deepening your linguistic competence and cultural awareness. The course is divided into three main components: Unit 3 (Speaking), Unit 4 (Listening, Reading, Translation), and Unit 5 (Critical and Analytical Response in Writing). These units require you to engage with complex texts, articulate nuanced arguments, and demonstrate a sophisticated command of French grammar and vocabulary. The topics covered include contemporary social issues, political and artistic culture, and a detailed study of a film or literary work, such as 'Au revoir les enfants' or 'No et moi'.

Mastering A2 Units is crucial for achieving a high grade in your A-Level French qualification. This stage moves beyond simple comprehension to critical analysis and evaluation. You will be expected to express and justify opinions, analyse cultural and historical contexts, and translate accurately between French and English. The skills you develop here are not only essential for exams but also for university-level study and careers involving languages, international relations, or business.

The A2 course is designed to be challenging yet rewarding. It encourages independent study and a genuine interest in Francophone culture. By the end of the course, you should be able to discuss complex topics fluently, write coherent essays, and understand authentic French media. This unit is the culmination of your language learning journey at A-Level, preparing you for further study or professional use of French.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

AO1: Understand and respond in speech to spoken language and in writing to spoken language.
AO2: Understand and respond in speech and writing to written language.
AO3: Manipulate language accurately in spoken and written forms using a range of lexis and structure.
AO4: Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society of French-speaking communities.
Unit 3: Spontaneous interaction, ability to initiate communication, and depth of research in the Independent Research Project.
Unit 4: Comprehension of complex spoken and written material, inference, and accurate translation.
Unit 5: Critical and analytical response to a literary work, demonstrating understanding of form, technique, and cultural context.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

AO1: Understand and respond in speech to spoken language and in writing to spoken language.
AO2: Understand and respond in speech and writing to written language.
AO3: Manipulate language accurately in spoken and written forms using a range of lexis and structure.
AO4: Show knowledge and understanding of, and respond critically and analytically to, different aspects of the culture and society of French-speaking communities.
Unit 3: Spontaneous interaction, ability to initiate communication, and depth of research in the Independent Research Project.
Unit 4: Comprehension of complex spoken and written material, inference, and accurate translation.
Unit 5: Critical and analytical response to a literary work, demonstrating understanding of form, technique, and cultural context.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the Independent Research Project pro-forma is sent to the visiting examiner at least three weeks before the assessment period.
💡Use the preparation time for Unit 1 (AS) and the research process for Unit 3 (A2) to develop communication strategies like circumlocution and self-correction.
💡Focus on spontaneous interaction in speaking assessments; examiners will use open-ended questions to avoid pre-learnt responses.
💡For the literary essay (Unit 5), ensure the response is critical and analytical rather than purely descriptive.
💡Be flexible with assessment dates during the visiting examiner's window.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts during the speaking assessment instead of using notes as memory aids.
Basing the Independent Research Project on the same literary text or film used for other written assessments.
Exceeding the time limits for speaking tasks, which results in the excess evidence not being marked.
Failing to reference sources correctly on the Independent Research Project pro-forma.
Using pre-learnt material in the Independent Research Project discussion instead of responding spontaneously to open-ended questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Analyse

Evaluate

Discuss

Present

Summarise

Translate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

A2 Units

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

AS Unit 1: Speaking

A2 Units

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I revise for the A2 French speaking exam?

What grammar do I need to know for A2 French?

How can I improve my French translation skills for the exam?

What is the best way to analyse a French film for the essay?

How do I structure a French A-Level essay?

What topics are covered in A2 French WJEC?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC A-Level French

A2 Unit 3: Speaking (Independent Research Project)

A2 Unit 4: Listening, Reading and Translation

A2 Unit 5: Critical and Analytical Response in Writing (Literary Work)

AS Unit 1: Speaking