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

In the writing paper, always double-check the agreement of 'vingt' and 'cent' – remember the rule: they are plural only when exactly multiplied and not followed by another number.

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

For listening and reading, be familiar with the different ways numbers can be said, especially for years, phone numbers (grouped in pairs), and prices.

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

When transcribing numbers in dictation, pay attention to the context to decide between 'cent' and 'sans', 'six' and 'sis', etc.

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

Adding an 's' to 'mille' (it is always invariable) or forgetting to add the 's' to 'vingt' and 'cent' when required (e.g., 'quatre-vingts' but 'quatre-vingt-un').

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

Inserting an unnecessary hyphen or word before 'onze' and 'huit' (e.g., 'vingt et un' is correct, but 'vingt-et-huit' is wrong; it's 'vingt-huit').

Grammar – AS Level: Numerals

WJEC

A-Level

This subtopic covers the accurate use of French numerals, including cardinal numbers, ordinal numbers, fractions, decimals, and expressions of quantity. Mastery is essential for everyday communication, numerical data interpretation, and formal writing, ensuring learners can handle dates, times, measurements, and statistical information with precision and cultural appropriateness.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Numerals in French (les nombres) are a fundamental aspect of grammar at AS Level, covering cardinal numbers (e.g., un, deux, trois) and ordinal numbers (e.g., premier, deuxième). This topic is essential for expressing quantities, dates, times, prices, and rankings in both written and spoken French. Mastery of numerals is crucial for achieving accuracy in everyday communication and for handling exam tasks such as listening comprehension, reading, and translation.

In the WJEC A-Level French specification, numerals appear across all four skill areas. You will need to recognise and produce numbers in contexts like telling the time (il est trois heures), giving dates (le 14 juillet), discussing ages (j'ai dix-huit ans), and using ordinal numbers for positions (la première leçon). Understanding the unique features of French numerals—such as the use of 'et' in 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, and the complex forms for 70 (soixante-dix), 80 (quatre-vingts), and 90 (quatre-vingt-dix)—is key to avoiding common errors.

This topic also connects to broader grammatical concepts like agreement (e.g., cent vs. cents, million vs. millions) and the use of hyphens in compound numbers. By solidifying your knowledge of numerals, you will improve your fluency and accuracy, which directly impacts your performance in writing and speaking assessments. Moreover, numerals frequently appear in exam texts about statistics, economics, and cultural topics, making this a high-yield area for revision.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for correct application of the plural 's' on 'vingt' and 'cent' only when they are multiplied and not followed by another number.
Credit given for correct hyphenation in compound numbers (e.g., 'vingt-et-un', 'soixante-dix-neuf') and for omitting hyphens around 'et' only when that conjunction is used.
Expect precise distinction between 'seconde' (in a series of only two) and 'deuxième' (in a series of more than two) where relevant.
In written production, reward consistent use of a comma for the decimal separator and a space (or point) for thousands, in accordance with French conventions.
For spoken assessments, credit accurate liaison and pronunciation, especially for numbers like 'cinq' (no liaison unless followed by a vowel in certain numbers) and 'huit' vs. 'onze'.
Look for correct agreement of compound ordinal numbers (e.g., 'les vingt et unièmes') and proper abbreviation (e.g., '1er', '2e').

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for correct application of the plural 's' on 'vingt' and 'cent' only when they are multiplied and not followed by another number.
Credit given for correct hyphenation in compound numbers (e.g., 'vingt-et-un', 'soixante-dix-neuf') and for omitting hyphens around 'et' only when that conjunction is used.
Expect precise distinction between 'seconde' (in a series of only two) and 'deuxième' (in a series of more than two) where relevant.
In written production, reward consistent use of a comma for the decimal separator and a space (or point) for thousands, in accordance with French conventions.
For spoken assessments, credit accurate liaison and pronunciation, especially for numbers like 'cinq' (no liaison unless followed by a vowel in certain numbers) and 'huit' vs. 'onze'.
Look for correct agreement of compound ordinal numbers (e.g., 'les vingt et unièmes') and proper abbreviation (e.g., '1er', '2e').

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In the writing paper, always double-check the agreement of 'vingt' and 'cent' – remember the rule: they are plural only when exactly multiplied and not followed by another number.
💡For listening and reading, be familiar with the different ways numbers can be said, especially for years, phone numbers (grouped in pairs), and prices.
💡When transcribing numbers in dictation, pay attention to the context to decide between 'cent' and 'sans', 'six' and 'sis', etc.
💡In oral exams, practice numbers that trigger liaison errors, like 'les‿amis' but 'des amis' – with numbers, liaison is often required (e.g., 'deux‿amis') but not always, so learn the exceptions (e.g., after 'et').

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Adding an 's' to 'mille' (it is always invariable) or forgetting to add the 's' to 'vingt' and 'cent' when required (e.g., 'quatre-vingts' but 'quatre-vingt-un').
Inserting an unnecessary hyphen or word before 'onze' and 'huit' (e.g., 'vingt et un' is correct, but 'vingt-et-huit' is wrong; it's 'vingt-huit').
Confusing the use of 'et' only between 'vingt-et-un', 'trente-et-un', etc., but not in 'vingt-deux' or 'soixante-et-onze' is wrong; it's 'soixante et onze'.
Using 'seconde' incorrectly when referring to a position beyond the second in a longer series.
Writing French numbers with a point as decimal separator (e.g., '3.5' instead of '3,5') or incorrectly using a comma for thousands.
Failing to make ordinal numbers agree in gender and number with the noun they modify (e.g., 'la première fois' but 'le premier jour').

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Cardinal and ordinal numbers

Formation of compound numbers

Dates, times, and numerical expressions

Fractions, percentages, and decimals

Agreement and invariable rules

Approximations and quantifiers

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: Numerals

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

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: Numerals

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you say 80 in French?

When do you use 'et' in French numbers?

How do you form ordinal numbers in French?

Do French numbers like 'cent' and 'vingt' agree in gender?

How do you write dates in French?

What is the difference between 'million' and 'milliard' in French?

Key Terminology

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