7.3 Speaking

• What should students understand to prepare for the speaking component of the A-Level French exam?

  Assessment criteria
• Developing vocabulary and grammar is essential for spoken communication in the exam.

  True
• Incorporating cultural elements in responses can demonstrate proficiency in French.


  True
• The "range of language" criterion measures the use of varied vocabulary, grammatical structures, and idiomatic expressions
• In the body of a response, ideas should be developed using logical and structured transitions
• To structure responses effectively, students should focus on organization and coherence
• Students should prepare presentation and discussion topics
• What does the "fluency and spontaneity" criterion assess in the speaking exam?

  Ability to speak naturally
• What does the "response to examiner" criterion evaluate in the exam?

  Engagement with questions
• To ensure coherence, students should pause and reflect
• The body of a response should develop ideas using logical and structured transitions
• What are the two key skills needed to perform well in the A-Level French speaking exam?

  Wide vocabulary and strong grammar
• Steps to improve spoken French

  1️⃣ Practice with a language partner

  2️⃣ Review grammar rules

  3️⃣ Apply grammar in speaking
• Liaison is more common in French than in English.


  True
• What should you use intonation to convey in spoken French?

  Emotion and emphasis
• A cultural topic for the A-Level French speaking exam could be the impact of French cuisine
• Preparing relevant topics for the exam showcases your knowledge of French language and culture
• Steps to develop ideas in the A-Level French speaking exam

  1️⃣ Present ideas in logical order

  2️⃣ Use transitions

  3️⃣ Support points with examples
• What does the range of language criterion assess in the speaking exam?

  Vocabulary, grammar, idioms
• What does the response to examiner criterion evaluate?

  Understanding and engagement
• The introduction of a response should outline the main points being covered.

  True
• Signposting phrases such as "Firstly..." help guide the examiner through the response.


  True
• Why is it important to learn vocabulary in context?

  Understand usage and remember words
• Pronunciation and intonation significantly influence the clarity of spoken French.


  True
• Liaison is common in French but rare in English.


  True
• What type of vowels are present in French but absent in English?

  Nasal vowels
• Steps to improve intonation and clarity of speech in French

  1️⃣ Practice stress patterns by listening to native French speakers

  2️⃣ Imitate native speakers to emulate their rhythm and tone

  3️⃣ Use intonation to convey emotion and emphasize key phrases
• Which criterion in the speaking exam measures the ability to speak without hesitation?

  Fluency and spontaneity
• Providing relevant examples enhances the "range of language" criterion.


  True
• To expand your vocabulary, you should regularly review and practice new words, especially those related to the exam topics
• Why are pronunciation and intonation important in spoken French?

  They influence clarity and effectiveness
• What is an example of a current affairs topic suitable for the A-Level French speaking exam?

  Climate change
• How many key criteria are used to evaluate the speaking component of the A-Level French exam?

  Five
• What is the description of fluency and spontaneity in the context of the A-Level French speaking exam?

  Ability to speak naturally
• Utilizing diverse vocabulary and varying grammatical forms expresses ideas comprehensively
• Coherence and logical structure are central to the development and organization of ideas
• Transitions are used to guide the examiner through the body
• Taking a moment to gather thoughts ensures the response is coherent
• Listening to French media improves comprehension and natural language usage
• Connecting the final consonant of a word with the vowel at the start of the next word is called liaison