Using a range of vocabulary and grammar

AQA

GCSE

Assessment of linguistic competence focuses on the manipulation of complex grammatical structures and the deployment of sophisticated lexical items. Candidates must demonstrate control over temporal frames, mood, and voice, while maintaining accuracy in morphology and syntax. High-scoring responses necessitate the integration of idiomatic expressions and appropriate register, moving beyond literal translation to authentic French usage. This area underpins Assessment Objective 3 (AO3) across GCSE and A-Level specifications.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award top marks for 'Range of Language' only where complex structures (e.g., si clauses, subjunctive, relative pronouns) are used successfully
Credit the use of time markers (hier, demain, la semaine dernière) combined with correct verb conjugation to establish clear chronology
Differentiate between 'minor errors' (slips) and 'major errors' (verb formation/tense) when applying the Quality of Language grid
Reward the use of connective/linking words (cependant, par contre, en outre) to extend sentences beyond simple clauses

Example Examiner Feedback

Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

"You have used the perfect tense, but check your auxiliary verb choice (avoir vs être) for accuracy"
"To access higher bands, replace basic adjectives (bon, grand) with more sophisticated alternatives"
"Excellent use of the conditional; now attempt to link this with a 'si' clause for complexity"
"Ensure your opinion is justified using a different connective than 'parce que' to demonstrate range"

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award top marks for 'Range of Language' only where complex structures (e.g., si clauses, subjunctive, relative pronouns) are used successfully
Credit the use of time markers (hier, demain, la semaine dernière) combined with correct verb conjugation to establish clear chronology
Differentiate between 'minor errors' (slips) and 'major errors' (verb formation/tense) when applying the Quality of Language grid
Reward the use of connective/linking words (cependant, par contre, en outre) to extend sentences beyond simple clauses

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Prioritize the 'tick-list' method: ensure at least one instance of past, present, and future tense is explicitly visible in the 90/150-word tasks
💡Use the 'sandwich' technique for opinions: Opinion + Reason + Example/Detail to maximize Content marks
💡Allocate 5 minutes at the end of the Writing paper specifically for checking gender and number agreements
💡In Speaking (AO2), self-correction is credited; do not hesitate to correct a verb ending immediately if realized

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusion of avoir and être auxiliaries in the Passé Composé (e.g., 'j'ai allé' instead of 'je suis allé')
Over-reliance on 'parce que' without varying justifications (e.g., car, puisque, vu que)
Failure to agree adjectives with the subject, particularly in the plural form or with feminine nouns

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Écrivez

Mentionnez

Décrivez

Traduisez

Expliquez

Répondez

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