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

In writing tasks, deliberately include a range of conjunctions to show complexity, but ensure the verb mood is correct; examiners look for subjunctive triggers.

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

For gap-fill exercises, check whether the clause that follows uses the indicative or subjunctive before selecting the conjunction.

What exam tips are there for Grammar – AS Level: Conjunctions? (3)

When proofreading, verify that conjunctions like 'pour que' and 'afin que' are followed by the subjunctive, and that 'pour' and 'avant de' are followed by the infinitive if the subject is unchanged.

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

Confusing 'car' and 'parce que': using 'car' interchangeably with 'parce que' without recognizing that 'car' cannot begin a sentence.

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

Using the indicative after conjunctions that require the subjunctive (e.g., 'bien qu'il est' instead of 'bien qu'il soit').

Grammar – AS Level: Conjunctions

WJEC

A-Level

This subtopic focuses on the accurate use of French conjunctions at AS Level, covering coordinating conjunctions (et, ou, mais, donc, car) and subordinating conjunctions (que, quand, si, comme, lorsque, puisque, bien que, pour que, avant que). It explores how conjunctions link clauses and ideas, and the crucial distinction between those that trigger the indicative, subjunctive, or infinitive. Mastery of these structures enables precise expression of cause, consequence, condition, time, and concession in written and spoken French.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Conjunctions are the glue that holds French sentences together, allowing you to connect ideas, contrast arguments, and express complex relationships between clauses. At AS Level (WJEC), you need to master both coordinating conjunctions (like 'et', 'mais', 'ou') and subordinating conjunctions (like 'parce que', 'quand', 'si'). These are essential for achieving higher marks in writing and speaking, as they demonstrate your ability to structure coherent arguments and vary sentence length.

In the WJEC A-Level French specification, conjunctions are assessed across all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You will encounter them in authentic texts and audio, and you must use them accurately in your own production. Misusing conjunctions can lead to ambiguity or grammatical errors, such as incorrect verb placement after 'que' or confusion between 'parce que' and 'car'. Mastering conjunctions also supports your understanding of complex sentences, which is key to accessing the highest grades.

This topic builds on your GCSE knowledge of basic connectors and extends it to include more sophisticated structures like 'bien que' + subjunctive, 'à condition que' + subjunctive, and 'après que' + indicative. By the end of AS, you should be able to use a range of conjunctions to express cause, consequence, opposition, condition, and time, making your French more natural and nuanced.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for correct use of coordinating conjunctions to link equal elements within a sentence without changing word order.
Award credit for appropriate selection of subordinating conjunctions and correct verb mood (indicative for que, quand, si; subjunctive for bien que, pour que, avant que).
Award credit for demonstrating understanding of conjunctions requiring the infinitive when the subject is the same (e.g., avant de, pour).
Award credit for accurate punctuation and clause structure when using conjunctions, including comma usage with complex sentences.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for correct use of coordinating conjunctions to link equal elements within a sentence without changing word order.
Award credit for appropriate selection of subordinating conjunctions and correct verb mood (indicative for que, quand, si; subjunctive for bien que, pour que, avant que).
Award credit for demonstrating understanding of conjunctions requiring the infinitive when the subject is the same (e.g., avant de, pour).
Award credit for accurate punctuation and clause structure when using conjunctions, including comma usage with complex sentences.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In writing tasks, deliberately include a range of conjunctions to show complexity, but ensure the verb mood is correct; examiners look for subjunctive triggers.
💡For gap-fill exercises, check whether the clause that follows uses the indicative or subjunctive before selecting the conjunction.
💡When proofreading, verify that conjunctions like 'pour que' and 'afin que' are followed by the subjunctive, and that 'pour' and 'avant de' are followed by the infinitive if the subject is unchanged.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'car' and 'parce que': using 'car' interchangeably with 'parce que' without recognizing that 'car' cannot begin a sentence.
Using the indicative after conjunctions that require the subjunctive (e.g., 'bien qu'il est' instead of 'bien qu'il soit').
Omitting the 'ne' in 'avant que' constructions when it is required for the ne explétif (e.g., 'avant qu'il parte' missing the optional but common 'ne').
Failing to adjust verb mood after 'si' clauses: students often incorrectly use the conditional after 'si' in the present/future condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Use

Apply

Demonstrate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Grammar – AS Level: Conjunctions

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: Conjunctions

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'parce que' and 'car' in French?

When do I use the subjunctive after conjunctions in French?

Can I start a sentence with 'car' in French?

What is the rule for using 'si' in French conditional sentences?

How do I use 'd'une part... d'autre part' correctly?

What is the difference between 'quand' and 'lorsque'?

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