Verbal strategies - Paraphrase — AQA GCSE French
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Verbal strategies - Paraphrase explained
Paraphrasing is a highly effective verbal strategy when you forget a specific French word.
Read the full explanation
Instead of stopping or using English, you use acceptable French words to convey the same message. For example, if you forget the word célibataire, you can say "Elle n'est pas mariée". You can also use comparative phrases like "C'est comme un...", "C'est le contraire de...", or "C'est une sorte de...". Pointing out items with phrases like "Je voudrais une tranche de cette viande-là" is also valid. When executed well, this ensures your message is understood by a sympathetic native speaker, and examiners will reward this effective communication during speaking assessments.
Your focus
- Demonstrate the ability to substitute forgotten vocabulary with acceptable French phrases.
- Apply comparative structures to explain the meaning of unknown words.
- Maintain the flow of conversation effectively when faced with vocabulary gaps.
Verbal strategies - Paraphrase exam tips
Examiner Tips
- 💡Memorise filler and comparative phrases such as "C'est le contraire de..." to buy time and explain forgotten words.
- 💡Practise defining common nouns using simple adjectives and negative structures, like "Elle n'est pas mariée" for célibataire.
- 💡Use demonstrative adjectives and point to items during role-plays if you forget the exact noun.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that forgetting a specific word means the sentence cannot be completed; correction: use alternative known vocabulary to paraphrase the meaning.
- Using English words when a French term is forgotten; correction: use French phrases like "C'est une sorte de..." to explain the concept.
- Thinking that paraphrasing will result in lost marks for inaccuracy; correction: effective paraphrasing that communicates the message to a sympathetic native speaker is assessed positively.