Question 1

How do I talk about a past holiday in French for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

To talk about a past holiday, use the perfect tense (passé composé). For most verbs, use the present tense of 'avoir' + past participle (e.g., j'ai visité, j'ai mangé). For verbs of motion like 'aller' (to go), 'partir' (to leave), and 'arriver' (to arrive), use 'être' instead, and make the past participle agree with the subject (e.g., je suis allé(e), nous sommes partis). Start with a time phrase like 'L'année dernière' (last year) or 'Pendant les vacances' (during the holidays), then describe where you went, how you travelled, what you did, and your opinion.

Question 2

What are the key phrases for giving opinions about holidays in French?

Accepted Answer

Key opinion phrases include: 'À mon avis' (in my opinion), 'Je pense que' (I think that), 'Je trouve que' (I find that), 'Pour moi' (for me). Follow these with an adjective or a clause, e.g., 'Je pense que les vacances à la mer sont relaxantes.' To justify, use 'parce que' (because) or 'car' (as). For example: 'J'ai adoré les vacances parce que le paysage était magnifique.' You can also use intensifiers like 'très' (very), 'vraiment' (really), 'assez' (quite), and 'trop' (too).

Question 3

How do I use the future tense to talk about holiday plans in French?

Accepted Answer

There are two common ways to talk about future holidays. The near future (futur proche) uses 'aller' + infinitive: 'Je vais aller en Italie' (I'm going to go to Italy). The simple future (futur simple) is formed by adding endings to the infinitive: 'J'irai en Italie' (I will go to Italy). For regular verbs, add -ai, -as, -a, -ons, -ez, -ont to the infinitive (e.g., je visiterai, nous voyagerons). Many common verbs are irregular: 'être' → je serai, 'avoir' → j'aurai, 'faire' → je ferai, 'aller' → j'irai. Use time phrases like 'L'été prochain' (next summer) or 'Dans deux ans' (in two years).

Question 4

What vocabulary do I need for describing accommodation and transport in French?

Accepted Answer

For accommodation: un hôtel (hotel), un camping (campsite), un gîte (holiday cottage), une auberge de jeunesse (youth hostel), une chambre (room), une réservation (booking). For transport: en avion (by plane), en train (by train), en voiture (by car), en bus (by bus), en bateau (by boat), à pied (on foot). Useful verbs: prendre (to take), voyager (to travel), réserver (to book), louer (to rent). Example: 'Nous avons pris le train pour aller à Paris et nous avons loué un appartement.'

Question 5

How can I get top marks in the speaking exam when talking about holidays?

Accepted Answer

To get top marks, you need to show spontaneity and use a range of tenses and vocabulary. Prepare a bank of phrases for past, present, and future holidays. In the conversation, try to include at least two tenses and give opinions with reasons. Use complex structures like 'avant de + infinitive' (before + -ing), 'après avoir + past participle' (after having + past participle), and 'qui/que' clauses. For example: 'Avant de partir, j'ai réservé un hôtel qui était très confortable.' Also, practise responding to unexpected questions by using fillers like 'Eh bien' (Well) or 'C'est une bonne question' (That's a good question).

Question 6

What are common mistakes with the perfect tense in French holidays topic?

Accepted Answer

Common mistakes include: 1) Using 'avoir' with verbs that take 'être' (e.g., 'j'ai allé' instead of 'je suis allé'). 2) Forgetting past participle agreement with 'être' (e.g., 'elle est allé' instead of 'elle est allée'). 3) Using the wrong past participle form (e.g., 'j'ai prendé' instead of 'j'ai pris'). 4) Confusing the perfect tense with the imperfect (e.g., 'je suis allé' vs 'j'allais'). Remember: the perfect tense is for completed actions, while the imperfect describes ongoing or habitual past actions (e.g., 'Quand j'étais petit, j'allais à la plage tous les étés').

Holidays

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL GCSE French

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Daily life

How to Revise Holidays — Edexcel GCSE French

Examiner Tips for Holidays

Common Mistakes in Holidays

Key Marking Points