Prescribed Films (AS Unit 2) – one film from prescribed list — WJEC A-Level French Revision

    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 pre

    Topic Synopsis

    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'.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    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'.

    0
    Objectives
    5
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    0
    Key Terms
    8
    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.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Cinematic techniques: mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound – how these elements create meaning and affect the audience.
    • →Characterisation and narrative structure: how the film develops its characters and tells its story, including the use of flashbacks, voiceover, or non-linear timelines.
    • →Themes and messages: the central ideas explored in the film, such as love, war, memory, or social class, and how they are communicated.
    • →Cultural and historical context: the time and place in which the film is set and/or produced, and how this influences its content and reception.
    • →Film criticism and analysis: using appropriate terminology to evaluate the film's success and compare it to other works.

    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
    • 💡Use specific examples from the film to support every point you make. Refer to key scenes, shots, or dialogues, and explain their significance. This shows you have watched the film carefully and can analyse it in detail.
    • 💡Learn and use film terminology in French (e.g., 'le plan', 'le montage', 'la bande-son'). This demonstrates your subject knowledge and helps you write more precisely. Create a glossary of terms to revise.
    • 💡Structure your essay clearly: introduce your argument, develop it with paragraphs focusing on different aspects (e.g., characters, themes, techniques), and conclude by summarising your main points and offering a final evaluation.

    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
    • Misconception: 'I just need to summarise the plot.' Correction: The exam requires analysis, not summary. You must discuss how and why the film is constructed, not just what happens.
    • Misconception: 'I can write in English and then translate.' Correction: You must write directly in French, using accurate film vocabulary. Translating from English often leads to unnatural phrasing and loss of nuance.
    • Misconception: 'Context is not important.' Correction: Context is crucial – it helps explain the filmmaker's choices and the film's meaning. Ignoring it can limit your analysis.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •A solid foundation in French grammar and vocabulary, especially the ability to express opinions and arguments (e.g., using 'je pense que', 'à mon avis', 'il est évident que').
    • •Basic knowledge of film studies terminology in English, which you can then transfer to French. Understanding concepts like 'mise-en-scène' or 'genre' will help.
    • •Familiarity with essay writing in French, including how to structure paragraphs and use linking words (e.g., 'cependant', 'par ailleurs', 'en conclusion').

    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

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