Using a range of vocabulary

    AQA
    GCSE

    Assessment of lexical competence (AO3) requires the manipulation of complex structures and sophisticated vocabulary beyond basic transactional language. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to vary register, employ abstract terminology suitable for discursive writing, and utilize idiomatic expressions within the context of Francophone society. Mastery involves precision in synonym selection to convey nuance and the avoidance of anglicisms.

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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 use of complex structures such as 'avant de' + infinitive or 'après avoir' + past participle
    • Credit the use of synonyms to avoid repetition (e.g., replacing 'intéressant' with 'passionnant' or 'captivant')
    • Reward the inclusion of subjunctive triggers (e.g., 'il faut que', 'bien que') in Higher Tier responses
    • Assess the successful manipulation of three time frames (past, present, future) within a single narrative or argument

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have used the perfect tense correctly; now include an imperfect tense verb to show a range of past timeframes"
    • "Replace basic adjectives like 'bon' with more sophisticated alternatives such as 'formidable' or 'agréable'"
    • "You repeated 'aussi' three times; use 'de plus' or 'également' to vary your connectives"
    • "Excellent accuracy; to access the top band, incorporate a 'si' clause or a subjunctive phrase"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for the use of complex structures such as 'avant de' + infinitive or 'après avoir' + past participle
    • Credit the use of synonyms to avoid repetition (e.g., replacing 'intéressant' with 'passionnant' or 'captivant')
    • Reward the inclusion of subjunctive triggers (e.g., 'il faut que', 'bien que') in Higher Tier responses
    • Assess the successful manipulation of three time frames (past, present, future) within a single narrative or argument

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Memorise three 'fancy' opinions (e.g., 'à mon avis', 'selon moi', 'quant à moi') to rotate throughout the paper
    • 💡In the 150-word essay, plan to include at least two complex structures (e.g., 'si' clauses, relative pronouns) before writing
    • 💡Check for 'faux amis' during proofreading; ensure 'actuellement' is used for 'currently', not 'actually'
    • 💡Use intensifiers (e.g., 'vraiment', 'tout à fait', 'extrêmement') to boost simple adjectives

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Over-reliance on generic adjectives like 'bon', 'grand', or 'intéressant' limits marks for range
    • Confusion between 'c'est' and 'il y a' when describing photos or situations
    • Failure to conjugate verbs in the correct tense, relying instead on the infinitive (e.g., 'je aller')
    • Direct translation of English idioms leading to nonsensical French (e.g., 'je suis chaud' instead of 'j'ai chaud')

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Décrivez
    Écrivez
    Mentionnez
    Expliquez
    Justifiez
    Traduisez

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