Using appropriate vocabulary and grammar

    OCR
    GCSE

    The mastery of French vocabulary and grammar constitutes the structural backbone of the qualification. Candidates must demonstrate not only the ability to retrieve lexical items but to manipulate grammatical structures with precision (morphology) and sophistication (syntax). Assessment focuses on the accurate application of complex features—such as the subjunctive mood, passive voice, and object pronouns—within authentic contexts. Success requires moving beyond rote memorization to the independent manipulation of language (AO3), ensuring communication is both fluent and idiomatically authentic to the Francophone world.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the use of varied and sophisticated vocabulary beyond the 'minimum core' list
    • Credit the successful inclusion of complex structures (e.g., 'bien que', 'avant de', 'si j'avais le choix')
    • Reward the use of idiomatic expressions that enhance the natural flow of the target language
    • Penalize repetitive use of high-frequency verbs (e.g., 'aller', 'faire') where specific alternatives exist

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have used basic adjectives; upgrade 'bon' to 'formidable' or 'agréable' to access higher bands"
    • "Good use of time frames, but vary your temporal markers (e.g., use 'récemment' instead of just 'hier')"
    • "Avoid repeating 'il y a'; try using 'on peut trouver' or 'il existe' to demonstrate lexical range"
    • "Your opinion is clear, but lacks a justified reason using complex vocabulary like 'puisque' or 'car'"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the use of varied and sophisticated vocabulary beyond the 'minimum core' list
    • Credit the successful inclusion of complex structures (e.g., 'bien que', 'avant de', 'si j'avais le choix')
    • Reward the use of idiomatic expressions that enhance the natural flow of the target language
    • Penalize repetitive use of high-frequency verbs (e.g., 'aller', 'faire') where specific alternatives exist

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Memorize at least three sophisticated synonyms for common adjectives (e.g., 'ennuyeux' -> 'barbant', 'monotone')
    • 💡Use intensifiers (e.g., 'tout à fait', 'extrêmement') to upgrade basic opinion phrases
    • 💡In the 150-word task, ensure vocabulary choices reflect the specific register required (formal vs informal)
    • 💡Proofread specifically for gender and number agreement to ensure vocabulary is grammatically accurate

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Over-reliance on generic adjectives such as 'bon', 'intéressant', or 'cool' without intensification
    • Confusion between 'faux amis' (e.g., using 'actuellement' for 'actually' instead of 'en fait')
    • Phonetic spelling of vocabulary leading to ambiguity (e.g., writing 'bocou' instead of 'beaucoup')

    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

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