French Continuers Tips (2 Viewers)

[oskarwithak]

Hey Guys,

So I've just about finished my Continuers French Prelim. course and am about to head into Year 12.

There's just one problem:

I am doing nowhere near as well as I would like to.

So, I basically have just over 12 months to improve my French before the big exam.

To anyone out there who's done French: What is the best way to really improve quickly?

 

[Kittikhun]

Read a lot of French, especially those in letter or diary form since that's what your test is going to be on for both reading and writing, and try to speak as much French as you can with someone else. For listening, listen to as much French as you can whilst reading a transcript of it. Type in 'TV5 monde apprendre le français' in Google, and you should find French videos with transcripts. For writing, try finding a French forum dedicated to a subject that you are passionate about and socialise with them in French.

Yeah, that's all I can give you, I guess. All the best with it.

 

[colinmochrie]

Everyone always gives advice saying 'listen to french things' but nobody has ever given anything specific. Thank you Kittikihun for actually giving a direct reference. Too bad my french trial is tomorrow so it probably won't help but nonetheless

 

[Kittikhun]

Don't forget that RFI (Radio France International) also has a daily 5 minute podcast with transcript on its website (type in 'rfi français facile' on Google and you should find it) if you get tired of the TV5 videos.

I hope your French trial went well today.

 

[AB940]

If you're interested, there is a TV show that was made specifically for people learning French as a second language. It's called Extr@ and they have full episodes on YouTube. Just look up 'extr@ français'. The show isn't fantastic but they speak very clearly which is great. Otherwise, news programmes and kid's shows are good because they deliberately speak with good articulation.

As with any language the best thing to do is to expose yourself to as much of it as possible, even if it's only things like listening to French songs, or try setting websites like Facebook into French. It sounds petty but you'd be surprised how much it helps. Try reading in French - Wikipedia is a great resource because you can find an article on any topic that interests you. When my dad moved to Australia he used to listen to the TV ads to help him with his English and he swears it was very effective, so no matter how silly it sounds, if it helps you it's a good thing.

Also never berate yourself if you don't understand something or make a mistake.