A-Level French Study Group 2023-2024

hey everyone,
just after some advice about essay writing for the book - I know how and what to do but any time I've written an essay about the book, im stuck at around a C. what structure do people use for their essays? how do keep it concise and to the point? my teacher told me I overcomplicate my essays but hasn't really been much help overall whenever ive asked for feedback 😕 its frustrating bc I do well on essays about the film and I want to get a good grade

Omg the lit essays are always so rough!!

Do you plan before you start writing? If you've been taught a specific way to plan, I'd suggest following that super closely and see if there's an improvement, but if not:

It might help to make a super clear plan (spending about 10-15 mins if you're brave and fast enough at writing the actual essay??) at the start:
From here, you could use the TEAL/PEEL structure like in English GCSE for your paragraphs. (Topic sentence, Evidence, Analysis, Link)
Last year I had a great tendency to overcomplicate my essays too! I found that I would spent time planning at the start, but when actually writing, I would think of new, "better" ideas as I went, and then I'd just forget the plan and make it up as I go, thinking i was improving.
Although I know this technique works for certain people, I think spending a solid amount of time and energy and focus at the start of the exam planning your 3 points and your selected pieces of evidence, and actually using them and them alone in your essay is a great way to be simple and clear.

When I did this, it felt SO simple, but it was actually just clear and easy to read for my teacher, and I was at a lower risk of getting jumbled in grammar too, so saved me a few marks there

Interesting that you do well on film essays (C is not bad at all though!!), why do you think that is? Are you maybe more comfortable with the actual content of the film more than the text?

There's still plenty of time to practise, and I think overcomplicating and struggling with structure is something everyone (including me) has had to overcome, but it makes it easier for us as well as the examiner to keep it as simple as possible!!

Bon courage, hope this helped

Hello A-level French students! Just a quick note to let you all know that the brilliant @erin11 is setting up live study together sessions for all levels of French students. Click here to check it out and get involved!

Hello A-level French students! Just a quick note to let you all know that the brilliant @erin11 is setting up live study together sessions for all levels of French students. Click here to check it out and get involved!

hello hello !! hoping this group eventually gains more traction but i will gladly start !!
i'm in y13, studying french and spanish with wjec eduqas !! im predicted A*s for both (hopefully !!) and hoping to get into uni of leeds !! (im also studying music tech btec !)
recently i started reading l'écume des jours but i think i need to reread what i read and note down some of the vocab in there so i can grasp the plot better. so many new words !
if anyone needs help with revision techniques or how to answer some types of exam questions, my silly little nerdy heart will be happy to help !!!!
the same question i asked in the spanish group for year 13s and year 12s if you've thought about it yet: what is your irp topic?
i'm going to do something pertaining to the cultural significance of the palace of versailles!

This is where you can chat with other students studying the same subjects as you and support each other as you head towards your exams
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A few possible ice breaker questions are:
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What area do you struggle with in this subject/ course?
Good luck with the next few months. Remember, ask for help, support where you can and together we can do this!
@Pwca and @Evil Homer

Hey guys, anyone doing AQA French A-level? I am really struggling with it all and I am looking to see if anyone has any advice or revision tips? I am re-sitting my A-level, so any help would be really appreciated!!!!!

hey can I ask what board you are for French? I am really struggling with it, so if you are doing AQA and can give me some advice I would really appreciate it!

Hey guys, anyone doing AQA French A-level? I am really struggling with it all and I am looking to see if anyone has any advice or revision tips? I am re-sitting my A-level, so any help would be really appreciated!!!!!

what book/film are you doing??
generally I recommend:

Hi I’m revising AQA too at the moment, do you have any idea of how/where I could revise grammar and get translation practice aside from past papers? ( I’m self studying this a level so there isn’t much in terms of support )

I find the AQA Grammar and Translation book useful
https://www.amazon.co.uk/AQA-Level-French-Translation-Workbook/dp/0198415532/ref=asc_df_0198415532?tag=bingshoppinga-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=79989527880066&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583589102981698&psc=1

Does anyone have A/A* exemplar essays for no et moi and au revoir les enfants?

hi! I'm in yr12 currently and doing French and German and I was wondering if anyone has tips for the speakings. I feel like there is so much and I havent figured out the best way to revise/organise my notes well yet

hi, i probably have a couple for ARLE ! i can send you links to PDFs but i gotta check the grade i was given for them first ! i can dm you tomorrow if you'd like?