How to Prepare Efficiently for French GCSE Exams

GCSE French exam – What to expect

The GCSE French exam is a four-part test of your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

You should be able to talk about three main themes:

• Identity and culture
• Local, national, international, and global areas of interest
• Current and future study and employment

The exam is worth 100% of your GCSE French grade and can make or break a university application. But don’t sweat it – it may sound challenging, but keep reading and we’ll tell you exactly how to ace it.

Set goals

To start, let’s set realistic goals. What grade are you aiming for, and how much time do you have to prepare? This will tell you how intensely you need to work to achieve your goals.

As a rule of thumb if you still have 1 year or more to go before the exam:

• If you want to increase your GCSE mark by 1, study an extra 30 min a week
• if you want to increase your GCSE mark by 2, study an extra 1 hour a week
• if you want to increase your GCSE mark by 3, study an extra 2 hours a week

if you only have a few months before the exam:

• If you want to increase your GCSE mark by 1, study an extra 1 hour a week
• if you want to increase your GCSE mark by 2, study an extra 2 hours a week
• if you want to increase your GCSE mark by 3, study an extra 4 hours a week

That may sound like a lot but there are ways to make it fun, yes you read it well, French can be fun.

Focus on Weaknesses

As discussed earlier, you need to master four parts of the language. If your listening is great but your writing is sub-par, there’s no need to spend time listening to countless hours of French songs (even though you might enjoy it). Instead, focus on writing, where you’ll find a better return on your time invested and we’ll show you exactly how.

How to get better without getting bored

Now that you know your weaknesses, it’s time to turn them into strengths in a fun way!

• Listening:
  • Listen to French music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
  • Watch French movies and TV shows with subtitles.
  • Talk to a native French tutor or other students who are learning French.
  • Practice listening comprehension exercises in your textbook, online, or with a tutor.
  • Listen to past paper audio while reading the transcript – this is the fastest way to progress!
• Writing:
  • Write in French regularly, even if it’s just a few sentences a day.
  • Keep a journal in French.
  • Write essays and stories in French.
  • Get feedback on your writing from a teacher, tutor or native French speaker.
• Reading:
  • Read French books, magazines, and newspapers.
  • Read French articles online.
  • Read French children’s books if you’re a beginner.
  • Use a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words.
• Speaking:
  • Practice speaking French as much as possible.
  • Find a French tutor or join a French conversation group.
  • Watch French movies and TV shows without subtitles and try to repeat what you hear.
  • Record yourself speaking French and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
  • We also have a whole post on how to speak with confidence during your exam.

Find a Supportive French Tutor

As you noticed, French tutors appeared a few times in the list above. It’s only natural, as they are the best way to improve your French level quickly. That may sound biased as we are a tutoring agency, but it’s actually not. It’s been proven in many independent studies.

An experienced tutor can tailor lessons to your specific needs, making the most of your limited study time. Our tutors also know the exam well, so they know exactly what structure or vocabulary to use to wow your examiner.

A tutor can help you:

• Clarify difficult grammar concepts.
• Boost your vocabulary.
• Build confidence in speaking and listening.
• Practice with real exam questions.
• Develop effective study habits and more

Finding the right tutor can be a game-changer, we wrote a post on how to find your perfect tutor. They’ll provide the personalized guidance you need and help you feel more confident in your French skills.

Embrace Technology and Online Learning

Given your busy schedule, online resources can be a lifesaver. With interactive apps, online courses, and language learning platforms, you can practice French whenever you have a few free minutes. Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are just a few examples.

Don’t forget to make friends with your new language. Follow French speakers on social media, watch French films, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible.

Other Useful Resources

1. BBC Bitesiaze: Their French section offers clear explanations and practice exercises.
2. Memrise: A great platform for vocabulary building and language learning.
3. French Today: Their blog and audio resources are fantastic for improving your listening and speaking skills.
4. French-Resources.org: A goldmine of free French resources, including grammar lessons and exercises.

The Finish Line: Practice GCSE Exam and Relax

Practice Exam Techniques

As your exams approach, familiarize yourself with exam formats and requirements. You’ll find plenty of past papers and resources online to help you practice answering exam-style questions. It’s like a sneak peek into what your actual exam will be like. Plus, they cycle the questions quite a bit, so you might get lucky and be asked a question you’ve studied before.

Stay Positive and Manage Stress

Your stress and anxiety are completely normal, but they shouldn’t hold you back. They are all part of the learning process. When things get tough, remind yourself why you started this journey. Think about your dreams, your goals, and the future you’re working towards.

Take time for self-care too. Balancing school, extracurriculars, and exam prep is a lot of work. Finding moments of relaxation and leisure is vital for your well-being. In language, more than in any other subject, a relaxed student projects confidence and will be rewarded for it.

Wrapping It Up

Preparing for your French GCSE exams doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Set realistic goals, use technology to your advantage, find a supportive tutor, practice regularly, and manage stress. And always remember, we’re here to help you succeed.

You can also ask for a free session with one of our expert tutors to prepare efficiently for your French GCSE exam.

By following these steps and staying positive, you’ll gain the confidence you need to ace your French exams and achieve your dreams. Best of luck on your journey!