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General Information

French at Leaving Cert

The French syllabus aims to help students develop an appreciation for the French language. The language skills learned during the Junior Cycle will be built on and developed at Senior Cycle.The aim of the syllabus is to improve basic communication proficiency and to make students aware of language and culture.

French Exam

The French exam is given at two levels at Leaving Cert - ordinary and higher. The exam for both levels takes the same format. Students have to complete an oral exam prior to the written paper, this is generally held in the two weeks after the Easter mid-term. Students should practice speaking French as often as possible prior to the exam.

The oral exam takes between 10-15 minutes  and the examiner examines students on their pronounciation ,vocabulary,structure  and communication skills.

The oral exam is worth 20% for ordinary level and 25 % for higher level.

The aural exam takes place the day of the exam and generally lasts for about 40 minutes, this tests students listening and comprehension skills. Students listen to different passages,dialogues etc.

The aural exam is worth 25% for ordinary level and 20 % for higher level.

The written paper tests students written, reading and comprehension abilities.

Did you Know!

A total of 14359 students took French at Leaving Cert in 2010. 8860 girls took French at Leaving Certificate at higher level while 5499 boys did French at Higher Level in 2010.

  • 12.3% of students got an A
  • 26.5% of students got a B
  • 34.4% of students got a C
  • 24.2% of students got a D
  • 2.6% of students failed

 

Exam Breakdown

Past Exam Breakdown Higher Level

Section 1 Reading Comprehension (120 marks-30%)
Includes a passage from a magazine or journal which usually deals with contemporary matters. For example, in 2001 the article was about rave music upsetting the inhabitants of a peaceful village. You are usually required to write about your personal experience of the issues raised.
Section 2 Written Assignments (100 marks-25%)
The following tasks have frequently occurred in Section 2:    *Diary entry   *Formal or informal letter  *Message          *E-mail
Section 2 Listening Comprehension (80 marks-20%)
The following tasks have frequently occurred in Section 2:    *Diary entry   *Formal or informal letter  *Message          *E-mail
Oral Exam (100 marks- 25%)
Your performance is assessed under four headings:
Pronunciation (20%)
Vocabulary (20%)
Structure (30%)
Communication (30%)
 
Topics
 
Family
Yourself
Friends
Leisure Activities
School and Careers
School
Careers
 
Abstract Topics
Addictions
 
Racism
The Environment and Pollution
Information Technology
Terrorism

 

Past Exam Breakdown Ordinary Level

French Ordinary Level
Section 1 Reading Comprehension(160 marks-40%)
The texts used are usually taken from magazines and generally cover contemporary matters.
Section 2 Written Assignments (60 marks-15%)
* Postcard or message *Diary or letter          *E-mail
Section 2 Listening Comprehension (100 marks-25%)
The following tasks have frequently occurred in Section 2: *Diary entry *Formal or informal letter *Message *E-mail
Oral Exam (80 marks- 20%)
Your performance is assessed under four headings:
 
Pronunciation (20%)
Vocabulary (20%)
Structure (30%)
Communication (30%)
 
Topics
 
Family
Yourself
Friends
Leisure Activities
School and Careers
School
Careers
 
Abstract Topics
Addictions
Racism
The Environment and Pollution
Information Technology
Terrorism

 

Paper Layout

French Leaving Cert Higher Level

Marks: 220
Time Allocated: 2 hours 30 minutes

Section 1 - Reading comprehension (120 marks):

There are two pieces of text and questions from both must be answered.
 
Q.1. Literary passage: this text is generally taken from a novel and it takes a narrative form. There maybe a long piece of dialogue.
 
Q.2. Journalistic passage: a text dealing with contemporary matters.
 

Note the following points:

  • The sections of the texts will be numbered, and the questions may relate directly to these sections and make sure your answers address the sections specified.
  • Answer the question asked and don’t try to impress the examiners by providing more than  what you have been asked.
  • Be careful with grammar. For example if you are asked about the author of the text where he or she uses“Je”, rephrase the comment using the appropriate pronoun, “Il / Elle” etc.

Section 2: Written assignments (100 marks):

There are four questions in this section, you must answer Question 1 and any two other questions
 
Q.1. carries (40m) and relates directly to the comprehension text of Section I, and you are required to write 90 words. (Approx. 10 sentences)
 
Q.2. (30m) can be one of the following  diary entry(2010), a formal or informal letter, a message, or an e-mail (2010),you are required to write 75 words. (Approx. 8 sentences)
 
Q.3. (30m) Personal reply to a magazine article. (75 words, approx. 8 sentences)
 
Q.4. (30m) Personal reply to a magazine article or cartoon. (75 words, approx. 8 sentences)
 

French Listening Comprehension

Marks: 80
Time Allocated: 40 Minutes
Practise - Listen to as many aural pieces as possible. This will familiarise you with the language.
Listen carefully to the instructions that you are given at the start of the exam.
Read all the questions - this will give you an idea what you are to look out for in the piece.
 
Each section is played at least twice –
  • The first time the piece is played – listen out for the answer. Don't panic if you don’t understand everything, just be careful to listen out for keywords.
  • The second time the piece is played – write down your answer.
  • The third time the piece is played – check over what you have written down to make sure it is right.
Attempt each question - don't leave blanks
 
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Correction and Feedback

Excellent option to get personal feedback from highly experienced and qualified teachers on your French essay writing. With this service, you can improve your score and gain confidence in your writing skills.

French Aurals

Improve your listening comprehension by testing yourself online with this excellent aural service. This service is convenient and easy to use.

French Orals

Did you know that the French Oral is worth 25% of the exam this year? This service allows you to practice your French over the phone with one of our experienced French teachers. The valuable feedback you receive following an oral session will greatly improve your exam marks.

French Notes

Improve your French by studying with the revision notes of highly successful leaving cert. students and experienced teachers. Easy to download and guaranteed useful information to help improve your French marks.

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