Use of pronouns (direct, indirect, reflexive)

    AQA
    GCSE

    The mastery of French pronominal systems requires precise manipulation of morphosyntax, specifically the substitution of nominal groups to ensure cohesion and avoid redundancy. Candidates must demonstrate control over the rigid hierarchy of pronoun placement before the verb in indicative moods, the inversion required in the affirmative imperative, and the complex rules governing past participle agreement with preceding direct objects. Assessment focuses on the distinction between direct (COD), indirect (COI), reflexive, and adverbial pronouns (y/en).

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for correct placement of object pronouns preceding the conjugated verb (or auxiliary in compound tenses).
    • Credit the use of 'y' and 'en' as evidence of complex language required for the top bands in the 150-word writing task.
    • Ensure past participle agreement is applied when a direct object pronoun precedes the auxiliary 'avoir' (Higher Tier).
    • Distinguish clearly between direct (le/la/les) and indirect (lui/leur) objects based on the preposition 'à' implied by the verb.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have used the correct pronoun form, but the position is anglicized; move it before the conjugated verb."
    • "Good attempt at the perfect tense, but you missed the agreement on the past participle with the preceding direct object."
    • "To improve complexity, replace the prepositional phrase 'au cinéma' with the pronoun 'y'."
    • "Watch out for 'téléphoner à'; it requires an indirect object pronoun (lui/leur), not direct."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for correct placement of object pronouns preceding the conjugated verb (or auxiliary in compound tenses).
    • Credit the use of 'y' and 'en' as evidence of complex language required for the top bands in the 150-word writing task.
    • Ensure past participle agreement is applied when a direct object pronoun precedes the auxiliary 'avoir' (Higher Tier).
    • Distinguish clearly between direct (le/la/les) and indirect (lui/leur) objects based on the preposition 'à' implied by the verb.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In Translation tasks, identify 'it' or 'them' immediately and check the gender of the antecedent noun to select le/la/les.
    • 💡For the 150-word essay, plan at least one use of 'y' or 'en' to deliberately access the top band for Range of Language.
    • 💡In Speaking, self-correct pronoun position immediately if you realize an error; examiners are instructed to reward self-correction.
    • 💡Check the verb 'aimer/détester' + person; use direct object 'le/la' not indirect 'lui', whereas 'parler' requires 'lui/leur'.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Anglicized word order placing pronouns after the verb (e.g., 'J'aime le' instead of 'Je l'aime').
    • Confusion between 'lui/leur' (indirect) and 'le/les' (direct) due to ignoring verb valency (e.g., 'Je le téléphone' instead of 'Je lui téléphone').
    • Omission of the reflexive pronoun when using infinitives (e.g., 'Je vais laver' instead of 'Je vais me laver').
    • Incorrect placement in negative sentences; placing 'ne' before the verb rather than before the pronoun.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Ecrivez
    Décrivez
    Traduisez
    Mentionnez
    Identifiez
    Justifiez

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