French Leaving Cert Guide

Exam breakdown and marking scheme

The ultimate French leaving cert guide

Table of Contents

Exam Breakdown and Marking Scheme

The French Leaving Cert paper is structured to assess students’ proficiency in various linguistic skills and their comprehension of French language. This comprehensive examination consists of different sections, each designed to evaluate different aspects of language acquisition. The exam includes oral, reading comprehension, writing, and listening. Each section is explained in detail in the table below.

French Leaving Cert Marking Scheme and Exam Breakdown

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French Oral Exam - 100 marks (25%)

The French oral exam, a vital component of the Leaving Cert assessment, serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their spoken proficiency in the language. Conducted in a one-on-one setting between the examiner and the student, this examination evaluates the student’s ability to communicate effectively in French. The oral exam typically consists of a series of tasks that assess various aspects of oral proficiency, including pronunciation, vocabulary usage, structure and communication.

Practice questions in French here

Read here important sentences to communicate with the examiner.

Topics: (2024 same as 2023)

Oral French Examination 2023

The French Oral examination will consist of an interview.

During this interview, candidates will be asked a number of questions. These will include a question or questions on each of the following topics:

1. Ma vie quotidienne

2. Ma ville / Mon quartier / Ma région

3. L’avenir

Sample questions

Please note that the sample questions below are for illustrative purposes only.

 

Candidates will still also have the option of answering questions on one of the following types of material which they have worked on:

  • An article from a newspaper or magazine
  • A picture
  • A project
  • A literary work

Candidates who avail of this option will be required to bring the material into the examination room. Texts in languages other than French will not be acceptable.

Full course questions and answers practice here

French Reading Comprehension - 120 marks (30%)

  • Tackling the text
    read the title,
    the subtitle/headline
    Q.6. to get a basic understanding
    Box each section with a different colour and match the colour to the questions (in order)
  • Questions: Revise question words (qui, pourquoi…) and terms:
    un mot = one word,
    une expression = a prase
    une phrase = an entire sentence from the capital letter to the full stop.
    When reading each question, circle the verbs (action) and re-read to make sure you understand the specific request.
  • The copy and paste question: ‘quote’: Look out for citez, relevez and trouvez.
  • The re-jig question: reformulation:
    You need to manipulate the words:
    eg. Je m’entends bien avec mes parents.
    Q: Quelle relation a-t-il avec sa famille?
    A: Le narrateur/il s’entend bien avec ses parents.
  • The grammar question:
    Have a good grasp of French grammar categories, e.g. adjectif possessif; plus-que-parfait etc.
    Sometimes, you must find the word in italics in the text that is replaced by the pronoun (eg. lui) . Elle était contente du travail de Lucien. Elle lui donna de l’argent. Lui = Lucien.
  • The vocabulary question: We must find a synonym/equivalent of a noun, a verb, an adjective, or even a whole sentence.
    En colère = furieux
  • The read-between-the-lines (summary) question: It checks your overall understanding. You need to make two points in English, each of which is backed up with a quote and translation to get full marks.

French Written Production - 100 marks (25%)

  • HL: Question 1 + another one Start with section II, then do section I.
  • Each piece requires a good structure: an introduction, two to three solid points/paragraphs and a conclusion.
  • Learn off phrases for each type of writing
  • Convey the idea, do not try to translate from English.
  • Use the vocabulary you know.
  • Make a rough copy/draft. Jot down your key phrases and useful verbs.
  • Re-read to check for your ‘typical mistakes’ and correct.
  • Ordinary Level:
    2 assignments out of three - A, B, and C - and each of these has two parts.
    Complete a cloze-test/form, diary entry/postcard, message/formal letter.

Listening Comprehension - 80 marks (20%)

  • Time included to read the questions before the CD is played. Each section is played 3 times (right through, in sections, right through again), part 5 is played twice for each question.
  • The questions are in order.
  • Underline the key words in the questions (When/Where…)
  • The first-time round, listen to the whole piece to familiarise yourself with the topic and with the way the questions relate to it. Try not to write anything yet as writing down answers while the material is playing means that you might miss the next question.
  • The second time, each of the extracts will be separated by a beep, which gives time to write your answers.
  • The third time, you could check over your answers.
  • Try not to leave any blanks. Make an educated guess. You might be lucky!
  • Do not write in French.
  • List Item

Practice your ear:

Ecouter du français (padlet.com)

Past papers (aural) and marking schemes: 

State Examination Commission – Exam Material Archive 

 

Key Dates and Deadlines

Saturday 23rd to Thursday 28th March 2024 – Leaving Certificate Oral Examinations in Irish and French

Wednesday 12th June 2024 French – Higher and Ordinary

Written 9.30 – 12.00

Aural 12.10 – 12.50

 

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