Structuring sentences and paragraphs

    OCR
    GCSE

    This component assesses the candidate's ability to manipulate French syntax and discourse markers to create coherent, complex, and accurate written responses. Mastery of sentence structure (AO3) requires the transition from parataxis to hypotaxis, utilizing subordination, relative clauses, and varied tense sequences. Paragraphing skills focus on logical progression and cohesion through the sophisticated use of connectives and anaphoric reference. This area is critical for high-tariff writing tasks in GCSE (Higher Tier), AS, and A-Level specifications.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    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 the accurate conjugation of irregular verbs (aller, avoir, être, faire) across past, present, and future time frames
    • Credit the use of complex structures (e.g., 'avant de' + infinitive, 'si' clauses, relative pronouns) to demonstrate higher-level linguistic competence
    • Ensure gender and number agreement is consistent, particularly with adjectives and past participles in the perfect tense
    • Reward idiomatic expressions and justified opinions that demonstrate flair rather than literal translation

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have communicated the message, but check your verb endings—specifically the difference between present and past tense"
    • "Good use of vocabulary. To access higher bands, include a justification for your opinion using 'parce que' or 'car'"
    • "Your time frames are clear. Now try to include a complex structure like 'avant de' + infinitive to improve the Quality of Language mark"
    • "Excellent accuracy. Ensure you have fully covered the second bullet point to avoid the content cap"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the accurate conjugation of irregular verbs (aller, avoir, être, faire) across past, present, and future time frames
    • Credit the use of complex structures (e.g., 'avant de' + infinitive, 'si' clauses, relative pronouns) to demonstrate higher-level linguistic competence
    • Ensure gender and number agreement is consistent, particularly with adjectives and past participles in the perfect tense
    • Reward idiomatic expressions and justified opinions that demonstrate flair rather than literal translation

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use the 'Tick-Tock' method: Ensure at least one reference to past, present, and future time frames is explicit in the 90-word and 150-word tasks
    • 💡Plan the 150-word essay by allocating specific complex structures (e.g., a subjunctive phrase) to specific bullet points before writing
    • 💡Allocate 5 minutes at the end specifically for checking adjectival agreements and verb endings
    • 💡Avoid 'listing' (e.g., lists of nouns) which adds word count but demonstrates no grammatical complexity

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusion between 'c'est' and 'il est', or omission of the auxiliary verb in the passé composé
    • Phonetic spelling errors (e.g., writing 'j'ai' as 'je' or 'parler' instead of 'parlé') which obscure meaning
    • Failure to address all bullet points in the prompt, which caps the Content mark and consequently limits the Quality of Language mark

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Décrivez
    Expliquez
    Écrivez
    Mentionnez
    Justifiez
    Proposez

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