How do I revise Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives for WJEC A-Level?

In speaking, prepare a range of adjectives with irregular agreements and use them in set phrases to demonstrate accurate usage under pressure.

What exam tips are there for Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives? (2)

For writing, leave time to systematically check every adjective's agreement and position, especially in complex sentences with multiple nouns.

What mistakes should I avoid in Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives?

Forgetting to make the adjective agree when it follows a plural noun, especially in predicate position (e.g., 'Les filles sont intelligent' instead of 'intelligentes').

What are common errors in Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives exams? (2)

Confusing the position of certain adjectives, particularly those that change meaning when placed before or after the noun (e.g., ancien, cher, propre).

Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives

WJEC

A-Level

This subtopic covers the rules of adjective agreement in gender and number, positioning, and the formation of comparative and superlative forms. Students will learn to accurately deploy adjectives in written and spoken French to enhance description and expression. Mastery of these grammatical features is essential for success in the AS speaking and writing examinations.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

In French A-Level (WJEC), adjectives are essential for adding detail and precision to your writing and speaking. This topic covers the rules for agreement (gender and number), placement (most adjectives follow the noun, but some precede it), and the formation of comparative and superlative forms. Mastering adjectives allows you to describe people, objects, and concepts accurately, which is crucial for achieving high marks in both the written and oral components of the exam.

Adjectives must agree in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) with the noun they modify. For example, 'un grand garçon' (a tall boy) becomes 'une grande fille' (a tall girl). Irregular adjectives, such as 'beau', 'nouveau', and 'vieux', have special masculine singular forms used before a vowel sound. Placement rules are also key: most adjectives follow the noun, but a common set (e.g., 'bon', 'petit', 'grand', 'joli') precede it. Understanding these rules helps you avoid basic errors and sound more natural.

This topic builds on foundational grammar from GCSE, such as noun genders and basic adjective agreement. At A-Level, you are expected to use a wider range of adjectives, including those with irregular forms (e.g., 'fou', 'blanc', 'long') and to form comparatives (plus/moins/aussi + adjective) and superlatives (le/la/les plus/moins + adjective). These structures are frequently tested in translation exercises and essay writing, so a solid grasp is vital for exam success.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating accurate agreement of adjectives with the noun they modify, including irregular feminine and plural forms (e.g., beau/belle, vieux/vieille).
Evidence should show correct positioning of common adjectives, with attention to those that change meaning depending on placement (e.g., un homme grand vs. un grand homme).
Assess the use of comparative and superlative structures, ensuring correct formation (plus/moins/aussi + adjective, le/la/les plus/moins + adjective).

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating accurate agreement of adjectives with the noun they modify, including irregular feminine and plural forms (e.g., beau/belle, vieux/vieille).
Evidence should show correct positioning of common adjectives, with attention to those that change meaning depending on placement (e.g., un homme grand vs. un grand homme).
Assess the use of comparative and superlative structures, ensuring correct formation (plus/moins/aussi + adjective, le/la/les plus/moins + adjective).

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In speaking, prepare a range of adjectives with irregular agreements and use them in set phrases to demonstrate accurate usage under pressure.
💡For writing, leave time to systematically check every adjective's agreement and position, especially in complex sentences with multiple nouns.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Forgetting to make the adjective agree when it follows a plural noun, especially in predicate position (e.g., 'Les filles sont intelligent' instead of 'intelligentes').
Confusing the position of certain adjectives, particularly those that change meaning when placed before or after the noun (e.g., ancien, cher, propre).
Incorrect formation of the superlative by omitting the definite article (e.g., 'Il est plus rapide' instead of 'Il est le plus rapide').

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

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Practice questions tailored to this topic

Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives

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)

A2 Units

Grammar – AS Level: Adjectives

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if an adjective goes before or after the noun in French?

What are the irregular feminine forms of French adjectives?

How do I form comparatives and superlatives in French?

What is the difference between 'bel' and 'beau' in French?

Do French adjectives always have to agree with the noun?

How can I remember which adjectives come before the noun in French?

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)

A2 Units