Question 1

What French vocabulary do I need to know for social issues in AQA GCSE?

Accepted Answer

You need to learn words for charity (e.g., 'une association caritative', 'faire du bénévolat'), health (e.g., 'manger équilibré', 'faire de l'exercice'), environment (e.g., 'le recyclage', 'la pollution'), and social problems (e.g., 'le chômage', 'les sans-abris'). Use your specification's vocabulary list and practice with flashcards.

Question 2

How do I talk about healthy living in French for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

Use phrases like 'pour être en bonne santé, il faut...' (to be healthy, you must...), 'je devrais manger moins de sucre' (I should eat less sugar), and 'il est important de faire du sport régulièrement' (it's important to exercise regularly). Combine with opinions: 'à mon avis, une alimentation équilibrée est essentielle'.

Question 3

What are common mistakes in the French social issues topic?

Accepted Answer

A common mistake is using 'je suis sain' instead of 'je suis en bonne santé' (I am healthy). Also, confusing 'le réchauffement climatique' (global warming) with 'le changement climatique' (climate change). Another error is forgetting the preposition in 'faire du bénévolat' (to volunteer) – it's always 'faire du bénévolat', not 'faire bénévolat'.

Question 4

How can I get top marks in the writing exam for social issues?

Accepted Answer

To get top marks, use a range of tenses (present, past, future, conditional), include opinions with reasons, and use complex structures like 'si' clauses (e.g., 'si je pouvais, je ferais du bénévolat'). Also, learn topic-specific vocabulary and avoid repetition. Practice writing paragraphs on different sub-topics.

Question 5

What should I say in the speaking exam about the environment?

Accepted Answer

You could say: 'Le réchauffement climatique est un problème grave. À mon avis, nous devons recycler davantage et utiliser les transports en commun. L'année dernière, j'ai participé à une campagne de nettoyage, et je vais continuer à réduire ma consommation d'énergie.' This shows use of present, past, and future tenses.

Question 6

How do I discuss charity work in French?

Accepted Answer

Use phrases like 'je fais du bénévolat dans une association caritative' (I volunteer at a charity), 'nous collectons des fonds pour les sans-abris' (we raise funds for the homeless), and 'c'est important d'aider les autres' (it's important to help others). You can also say 'j'aimerais travailler pour une ONG à l'avenir' (I would like to work for an NGO in the future).

Topic 2: Social issues

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in AQA GCSE French

Theme 1: Identity and culture

Theme 2: Local, national, international and global areas of interest

Theme 3: Current and future study and employment

Topic 1: Home, town, neighbourhood and region

How to Revise Topic 2: Social issues — AQA GCSE French

Examiner Tips for Topic 2: Social issues

Common Mistakes in Topic 2: Social issues

Key Marking Points