Opinions

    AQA
    GCSE

    The expression of opinions constitutes the core of AO3 (Range and Accuracy of language) and AO4 (Critical and analytical response) in advanced French specifications. Candidates must move beyond simple assertions ('je pense que') to nuanced argumentation, employing complex syntax (subjunctive mood, hypothetical structures) and high-register lexical items. Mastery requires the ability to justify viewpoints with cultural knowledge, evaluate counter-arguments, and manipulate register to suit the context of the debate, whether oral or written.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for the variety of opinion starters (e.g., 'selon moi', 'à mes yeux' rather than just 'je pense').
    • Credit responses that provide extended justification using connectives like 'puisque', 'étant donné que', or 'car'.
    • Candidates must link opinions to specific time frames; a past opinion ('j'ai trouvé ça...') or future preference ('je préférerais...') is essential for range.
    • Reward the use of complex structures such as the subjunctive ('bien que ce soit') or emphatic structures ('ce que j'aime, c'est...') within opinion phrases.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have expressed a clear opinion; now extend it with a 'parce que' or 'car' clause to secure the mark for justification."
    • "Try to replace the generic 'c'est bien' with a more sophisticated phrase like 'je trouve ça formidable' to improve your vocabulary score."
    • "Watch your adjective agreements—opinions lose their impact if the gender or number is incorrect."
    • "Excellent use of the past tense; to reach the highest band, ensure you also include a future intention or hypothetical opinion."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the variety of opinion starters (e.g., 'selon moi', 'à mes yeux' rather than just 'je pense').
    • Credit responses that provide extended justification using connectives like 'puisque', 'étant donné que', or 'car'.
    • Candidates must link opinions to specific time frames; a past opinion ('j'ai trouvé ça...') or future preference ('je préférerais...') is essential for range.
    • Reward the use of complex structures such as the subjunctive ('bien que ce soit') or emphatic structures ('ce que j'aime, c'est...') within opinion phrases.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In the 90-word and 150-word writing tasks, ensure every opinion is immediately followed by a justification clause.
    • 💡Use 'si clauses' (e.g., 'Si j'avais le choix...') to introduce hypothetical opinions, which scores highly for grammatical complexity.
    • 💡Avoid generic adjectives like 'bon' or 'cool'; use specific vocabulary like 'passionnant', 'époustouflant', or 'barbant'.
    • 💡In Speaking, if you give a negative opinion, try to offer a counter-argument or a positive alternative to demonstrate extended speech.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Over-reliance on 'c'est' followed by plural adjectives (e.g., 'c'est intéressants' instead of 'ce sont des activités intéressantes').
    • Failure to agree adjectives with the subject when expressing opinions (e.g., 'la matière est ennuyeux').
    • Using 'parce que c'est' repeatedly without varying the vocabulary or structure of the justification.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Écrivez
    Décrivez
    Mentionnez
    Justifiez
    Expliquez
    Comparez

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