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

When revising, create a table of conjunctions that always take the subjunctive versus those taking indicative, and practice with contrasting examples.

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

In the speaking exam, deliberately incorporate at least one subjunctive expression (e.g., 'bien que ce soit difficile') to demonstrate grammatical range.

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

For written tasks, check every conditional sentence: ensure the si clause uses the correct tense (present, imperfect, or pluperfect) and the main clause matches.

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

Confusing indicative and subjunctive after conjunctions that can take either depending on meaning (e.g., 'après que' + indicative vs 'avant que' + subjunctive).

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

Incorrect sequence of tenses in conditional sentences, such as using conditional in both clauses or misplacing tense in the si clause.

Grammar – AS Level: Other Constructions

WJEC

A-Level

This subtopic covers a range of advanced grammatical structures beyond the basics, including impersonal expressions, the subjunctive mood in specific contexts, conditional clauses, and passive constructions. Mastery of these enables precise and nuanced expression in both written and spoken French, essential for discussing abstract topics and conveying complex ideas.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

This topic covers advanced grammatical structures in French that go beyond basic sentence construction, including the subjunctive mood, the passive voice, and the use of infinitive constructions. Mastery of these forms is essential for achieving high marks in A-Level French, as they allow you to express nuance, formality, and complex ideas accurately. These constructions frequently appear in reading comprehension, translation, and writing tasks, and they are a key differentiator between a B and an A grade.

The subjunctive mood is used to express doubt, emotion, necessity, or subjectivity, and it often follows specific triggers like 'il faut que' or 'bien que'. The passive voice shifts the focus from the subject performing an action to the action itself, and it is formed with 'être' plus the past participle. Infinitive constructions, such as 'avant de' + infinitive or 'après avoir' + past participle, allow you to link actions concisely. Understanding when and how to use these structures will significantly enhance your written and spoken French.

In the WJEC A-Level exam, these constructions are tested across all four skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing. For example, you might need to identify the subjunctive in a listening passage, use the passive voice in a translation, or incorporate infinitive phrases in your essay. This topic builds on your knowledge of verb tenses and sentence structure, and it is crucial for achieving the precision and sophistication expected at A-Level.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for accurate formation and use of the subjunctive after conjunctions such as 'bien que' and 'pour que'.
Require correct construction of conditional sentences (si clauses) with appropriate sequence of tenses, e.g., si + imperfect → conditional.
Examiners expect effective use of impersonal verbs (il faut, il est possible que) to express necessity or possibility, with correct mood selection.
Assessors look for appropriate and varied use of relative pronouns including 'dont' and 'lequel' to connect clauses accurately.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for accurate formation and use of the subjunctive after conjunctions such as 'bien que' and 'pour que'.
Require correct construction of conditional sentences (si clauses) with appropriate sequence of tenses, e.g., si + imperfect → conditional.
Examiners expect effective use of impersonal verbs (il faut, il est possible que) to express necessity or possibility, with correct mood selection.
Assessors look for appropriate and varied use of relative pronouns including 'dont' and 'lequel' to connect clauses accurately.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When revising, create a table of conjunctions that always take the subjunctive versus those taking indicative, and practice with contrasting examples.
💡In the speaking exam, deliberately incorporate at least one subjunctive expression (e.g., 'bien que ce soit difficile') to demonstrate grammatical range.
💡For written tasks, check every conditional sentence: ensure the si clause uses the correct tense (present, imperfect, or pluperfect) and the main clause matches.
💡Avoid anglicisms by steering clear of direct translations of passive voice; instead use structures like 'on' + verb or reflexive verbs to express similar meaning.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing indicative and subjunctive after conjunctions that can take either depending on meaning (e.g., 'après que' + indicative vs 'avant que' + subjunctive).
Incorrect sequence of tenses in conditional sentences, such as using conditional in both clauses or misplacing tense in the si clause.
Misusing 'c'est' vs 'il est' in impersonal constructions; 'c'est' for a noun or modified noun, 'il est' for an adjective alone.
Overusing passive voice when the active is more natural in French; often a reflexive verb or 'on' construction is preferred.

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: Other Constructions

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: Other Constructions

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to use the subjunctive in French?

What is the difference between 'avant de' and 'après avoir'?

How do I form the passive voice in French?

When should I use the subjunctive after 'il est possible que'?

Can I use the passive voice in all tenses?

What are some common subjunctive triggers I should memorise?

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