How to get an A* or A in A Level French

A Levels are challenging, and French is no exception. Even native speakers can struggle with the complexities of the language at this level. However, with the right approach and dedication, achieving top grades is entirely within reach. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to excel in your A Level French exams.  

Maximize Your Revision with A Level French Past Papers 

1. Unlock Exam Success Through Practice: Past papers are essential for success in A Level French. By immersing yourself in previous exams, you'll gain invaluable insights into question formats, the level of detail required in answers and effective exam-taking strategies.
2. Deconstruct the Exam: Mastering A Level French with Mark Schemes and Examiner Reports: Thoroughly analysing past paper mark schemes and examiner reports is essential for A Level French success. By closely examining how points are awarded for content, language accuracy and style, you'll gain invaluable insights into examiner expectations. This approach is particularly crucial for summary questions, which often require a deep understanding of key information. Examiner reports also highlight common errors, enabling you to refine your answers and avoid pitfalls.

A Level French Translation Practice 

1. Specific vocabulary and grammar: Effective translation is crucial for A Level French success. By expanding your vocabulary and solidifying your grammar knowledge, you can confidently tackle complex translation tasks. Translations frequently require vocabulary specific to the topics you’ve been studying, so learning some topic-related words is a good place to start. The more extensive your vocabulary, the less likely you will be to be stumped by a particular word. Grammar is also essential for translation practice. Frequently, translations are testing your knowledge of particular grammar points, seeing if know how to implement them in the right contexts.
2. Essential Tools for Translation Mastery: To enhance your translation skills, utilise a variety of resources:
3. Immerse yourself in authentic French text: Practice A Level French with authentic materials, like French newspapers (such as Le Monde, 20minutes and Le Figaro).
4. Leverage language learning apps: Utilise apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Quizlet for targeted vocabulary and grammar practice aligned with your A Level level.
5. Solidify grammar foundations: Explore comprehensive grammar websites such as Tex's French Grammar, Lingolia, Françaisfacile, and Lawless French to master essential grammar points.

Avoid Common Translation Pitfalls: Tips for A Level Success 

Translating from English to French can be tricky. Common mistakes can cost you valuable marks. Here are some key areas to focus on: 

1. Beware of Literal Translations: English and French often express ideas differently. For example, “I have been living in England for two years” translates to “J'habite à Londres depuis deux ans” in French. Notice how French uses the present tense, English uses the past continuous.
2. Master Grammar Nuances: Translations test your grammar knowledge. Understand when to use specific tenses and structures. For instance, "when I was young, I used to travel a lot" requires the imperfect tense in French.
3. Prioritise Accuracy: Always double-check for spelling errors, correct verb endings, and adjectival agreement to ensure precision in your translations.

A Level French Speaking: Excel in Your Oral Exam with Speaking Cards 

How Speaking Cards Can Boost Your Fluency 

Boost your fluency, confidence and overall mark with A Level French speaking cards. Regular practice with these cards will ensure you are exposed to a wide range of questions, so that by the time you do the speaking exam, you will be ready to handle any topic and deliver impressive responses. 

A Level French Speaking: Effective Strategies Using Speaking Cards 

To maximise the benefits of speaking cards, employ these strategic approaches: 

1. Create Exam-Like Conditions: Simulate the real exam by timing yourself and speaking continuously to build endurance and fluency.
2. Focus on Core Topics: Identify common themes and practice comprehensive answers to enhance your ability to respond to a wide range of questions.
3. Translation tools: Translation tools like Google Translate can be valuable assets in your A Level French studies. Use them to hear the correct pronunciation of words and phrases.
4. Analyse Your Performance: Record yourself speaking to assess your pronunciation and pace.

How to get top marks in the A Level French speaking exam 

1. Make sure that your answers include plenty of facts. Create a fact file which you can add to throughout your A Level studies and use this as a basis for revision.
2. Include your own analysis of facts, showing your unique perspective.
3. Include complex vocabulary and grammar.

Enhance Your Listening Practice for A Level French 

Listening comprehension is a crucial yet challenging aspect of A Level French. By dedicating focused practice, you can significantly enhance your ability to understand spoken French and excel in the listening exam. 

Active vs. Passive Listening: Which is Best? 

Passive listening can certainly be beneficial. It allows you to get used to the sounds of French and to have French content on in the background while you’re doing other activities. However, active listening is key to maximising comprehension. Focus on understanding meaning, context and nuances by taking notes and asking mental questions as you listen to French. 

Best Tools and Resources for A Level French Listening Practice 

For French listening practice, utilise a variety of high-quality resources: 

1. French Radio Stations: Tune into French radio stations like Radio France Internationale or France Inter. Listening to news broadcasts, talk shows and interviews helps you get accustomed to natural speech.
2. Podcasts: Engage with French podcasts on platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Shows like  Coffee Break French offer content tailored to different proficiency levels and topics.
3. French Films and TV Shows: Watch French movies and TV series with subtitles. Try to gradually switch from English to French subtitles to enhance comprehension while still understanding the context.
4. Listening Practice Websites: Use websites such as LingQ that offer listening exercises and interactive activities designed for language learners.

How to Improve Listening Skills for the A Level Exam 

Effective listening practice involves more than just passive listening. Implement these strategies to enhance your listening skills: 

1. Practice with Past Papers: Use past listening exam papers to familiarise yourself with the format and types of questions. This practice will help you get used to the pace and style of the listening exercises. Before listening to the audio, you can translate certain words or phrases in the questions, so you can have a better sense of what words to look out for once the track plays.
2. Transcribe Audio: Take short audio clips and transcribe them. This exercise improves your ability to catch every word and understand context, which is crucial for A Level French.
3. Repetition and Review: Repeatedly listen to challenging audio segments. Listen multiple times to catch any missed details and reinforce your comprehension.

By integrating these listening practices and resources into your study routine, you'll be better equipped to handle the listening component of your A Level French exam with confidence and precision. 

Final Tips for Achieving an A* or A in A Level French 

Achieving an A or A star in A Level French requires dedication, strategic planning and consistent practice. By following the guidance outlined in this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the exam and achieve your desired grade. 

A Level French Tutors

Keystone has a range of specialist tutors who can assist students approaching GCSE or A Level French. The A Level French tutors that we work with have a thorough knowledge of the various exam boards and can assist students approaching A Levels and university admissions tests for French. 

Read more about our A Level French tutors.