What exam tips are there for Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list? (2)

Be flexible with assessment dates as requested by the visiting examiner

What exam tips are there for Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list? (3)

Ensure the chosen standpoint for the argument task is clearly communicated to the examiner before starting

What mistakes should I avoid in Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list?

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts prepared during the 15-minute preparation time

What are common errors in Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list exams? (2)

Exceeding the allocated timing for each stimulus card

Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list

WJEC

A-Level

AS Unit 1: Speaking is a non-exam assessment worth 12% of the total A-level qualification. It lasts 12-15 minutes, preceded by 15 minutes of supervised preparation time. The assessment consists of two tasks: Task 1 (5-6 minutes) involves arguing a point of view based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Understanding the French-speaking world'. Task 2 (7-9 minutes) is a discussion based on a written stimulus card from the theme 'Being a young person in French-speaking society'.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

This topic requires you to study one French-language film from the WJEC prescribed list in depth, preparing you for the AS Unit 2 examination. You will analyse the film's narrative, characters, themes, and cinematic techniques, while also considering its social, historical, and cultural context. The aim is to develop your ability to write critically and coherently in French about a film, using appropriate film studies terminology.

Studying a prescribed film is essential because it forms the basis of a significant portion of your AS French exam. You will be expected to write an analytical essay in French, demonstrating not only your language skills but also your understanding of how films convey meaning. This topic also connects to broader themes in French culture, such as identity, memory, or social issues, enriching your overall appreciation of Francophone cinema.

In the wider subject of French A-Level, this film study complements your work on literary texts and other cultural topics. It trains you to engage critically with visual media, a skill that is increasingly valuable in today's multimedia world. By mastering this topic, you will be better prepared for the A2 level, where you will study a second film or a work of literature in even greater depth.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Spontaneous use of language to initiate communication
Ability to ask and answer questions
Expressing thoughts, feelings, and presenting viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and evaluating
Application of pronunciation, morphology, and syntax
Use of a range of vocabulary and idiom
Use of communication strategies (e.g., circumlocution, self-correction, repair strategies)
Adherence to grammar requirements outlined in Appendix A

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Spontaneous use of language to initiate communication
Ability to ask and answer questions
Expressing thoughts, feelings, and presenting viewpoints
Developing arguments, persuading, and evaluating
Application of pronunciation, morphology, and syntax
Use of a range of vocabulary and idiom
Use of communication strategies (e.g., circumlocution, self-correction, repair strategies)
Adherence to grammar requirements outlined in Appendix A

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Use the 15-minute preparation time to make notes in French, English, or Welsh that act as memory aids, not full sentences
💡Be flexible with assessment dates as requested by the visiting examiner
💡Ensure the chosen standpoint for the argument task is clearly communicated to the examiner before starting
💡Familiarize yourself with the assessment grid descriptors to understand how to stretch and challenge your responses
💡Practice spontaneous interaction rather than relying on pre-learnt material

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Reading out whole sentences or complete texts prepared during the 15-minute preparation time
Exceeding the allocated timing for each stimulus card
Failing to use the preparation time effectively to create memory aids rather than scripts

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Argue

Discuss

Present

Evaluate

Initiate

Respond

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list

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

Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I analyse a film in French without just describing the plot?

What film terminology should I learn in French?

How important is the historical context of the film?

Can I use quotes from the film in my essay?

How should I structure my essay for the exam?

What if I haven't studied the film in class? Can I still prepare?

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