How do I revise Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference for WJEC A-Level?

Use the 15-minute preparation time to make notes in French, English, or Welsh that act as memory aids, not full sentences

What exam tips are there for Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference? (2)

Be flexible with assessment dates as requested by the visiting examiner

What exam tips are there for Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference? (3)

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

What mistakes should I avoid in Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference?

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

What are common errors in Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference exams? (2)

Exceeding the allocated timing for each stimulus card

Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference

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

Theme 3 – Diversity and Difference explores how French society has become increasingly multicultural and how this diversity shapes national identity, social cohesion, and political discourse. You will examine the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to cultural pluralism in France, including immigration from former colonies, the legacy of the French colonial empire, and the ongoing debates around laïcité (secularism) and integration. This theme also covers the experiences of minority groups, such as the Maghrebi community, and the challenges they face in terms of discrimination, social exclusion, and cultural preservation.

Understanding Diversity and Difference is crucial for A-Level French because it equips you with the vocabulary and analytical frameworks to discuss complex social issues in French. It also connects to broader themes of identity, belonging, and citizenship, which are central to the WJEC specification. By studying this topic, you will develop the ability to argue persuasively in essays and oral exams, using specific examples from French society, such as the banlieues (suburbs), the role of the burkini ban, and the work of organisations like SOS Racisme.

This theme fits into the wider subject by linking to other areas of the A-Level course, such as political engagement, cultural heritage, and regional identity. It encourages you to think critically about how France reconciles its republican ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity with the reality of a diverse population. Mastery of this topic will not only boost your exam performance but also deepen your understanding of contemporary France.

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

Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference

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

Theme 3 (A Level) – Diversity and Difference

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between integration and assimilation in French society?

How does laïcité affect Muslim women in France?

What caused the 2005 riots in the French banlieues?

What is the 'burkini ban' and why is it controversial?

How does the French education system promote integration?

What is 'discrimination positive' and why is it controversial in France?

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