Using a range of vocabulary

    OCR
    GCSE

    Assessment of lexical competence (AO3) requires the manipulation of complex structures and sophisticated vocabulary beyond basic transactional language. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to vary register, employ abstract terminology suitable for discursive writing, and utilize idiomatic expressions within the context of Francophone society. Mastery involves precision in synonym selection to convey nuance and the avoidance of anglicisms.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit use of complex structures (e.g., 'avant de' + infinitive, 'si' clauses) to enhance lexical range
    • Award marks for ambitious vocabulary choices that go beyond the core list, even if minor errors occur
    • Candidates must vary adjectives and verbs to avoid repetition (e.g., replacing 'dire' with 'affirmer' or 'intéressant' with 'passionnant')
    • Reward the correct application of three distinct time frames (past, present, future) within a single narrative

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have used basic adjectives; upgrade 'bon' to 'formidable' or 'agréable' to secure higher marks for range"
    • "Excellent use of the perfect tense; now integrate an imperfect tense verb to describe the background setting"
    • "Your opinion is clear, but you must add a justification using 'car' or 'puisque' to meet the criteria"
    • "Good attempt at a complex sentence; ensure the subjunctive is triggered correctly after 'bien que'"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit use of complex structures (e.g., 'avant de' + infinitive, 'si' clauses) to enhance lexical range
    • Award marks for ambitious vocabulary choices that go beyond the core list, even if minor errors occur
    • Candidates must vary adjectives and verbs to avoid repetition (e.g., replacing 'dire' with 'affirmer' or 'intéressant' with 'passionnant')
    • Reward the correct application of three distinct time frames (past, present, future) within a single narrative

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Memorize five 'safety net' idioms (e.g., 'ça coûte les yeux de la tête') applicable to multiple topics
    • 💡Check for 'false friends' during proofreading; ensure 'actuellement' is not used for 'actually'
    • 💡Use the 'PAL' method (Past, A-grade structures, Link words) for every paragraph in the 150-word task
    • 💡Prioritize accuracy in the first clause of a sentence to establish examiner confidence

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Over-reliance on generic adjectives (e.g., 'bon', 'grand') instead of precise descriptors
    • Confusion between 'c'est' and 'il est' when describing people or situations
    • Phonetic spelling of high-frequency vocabulary (e.g., 'beaucoup', 'malheureusement')
    • Using English sentence structures with French words (anglicisms) rather than French syntax

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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