Understanding different accents and speech patterns

    AQA
    GCSE

    Analysis of phonological variation within the Francophone world, examining the tension between 'le français standard' (normative French) and regional or social varieties. Study encompasses the mechanics of pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm, alongside the sociolinguistic implications of accent discrimination (glottophobie) and the evolution of speech patterns in contemporary society.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise identification of time frames based on verb endings and auxiliary verbs
    • Credit responses that accurately distinguish between positive and negative qualifiers (e.g., 'ne...que' vs 'ne...pas')
    • Accept synonyms in English that convey the exact semantic meaning of the French audio
    • Reject answers that transcribe the French phonetically without translating meaning (unless specified)

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You identified the main topic, but missed the negative qualifier which reversed the meaning"
    • "Pay closer attention to the auxiliary verb to distinguish between the perfect and present tenses"
    • "Good recognition of the vocabulary, but ensure your English translation conveys the specific nuance"
    • "You missed the liaison in 'ils ont', which indicated a plural subject rather than singular"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise identification of time frames based on verb endings and auxiliary verbs
    • Credit responses that accurately distinguish between positive and negative qualifiers (e.g., 'ne...que' vs 'ne...pas')
    • Accept synonyms in English that convey the exact semantic meaning of the French audio
    • Reject answers that transcribe the French phonetically without translating meaning (unless specified)

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Utilize the 5-minute reading time to annotate questions and predict likely vocabulary
    • 💡Listen specifically for 'signpost' words like 'cependant' or 'malheureusement' that signal a shift in opinion
    • 💡Focus on the verb stem and ending to anchor the timeframe before interpreting the rest of the sentence
    • 💡In Section B, transcribe exactly what is heard if the question asks for French, paying attention to silent letters

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the conditional ('-ais') with the future ('-ai') due to similar phonetic endings
    • Misinterpreting 'ne...que' (only) as a simple negative (not)
    • Failing to recognize the third person plural silent '-ent' ending, leading to subject confusion
    • Translating 'faux amis' literally (e.g., hearing 'actuellement' and writing 'actually' instead of 'currently')

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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