Cambridge AS Level French

by Nandana Surendran

The Cambridge International AS Level French syllabus enables learners to achieve greater fluency, accuracy and confidence in the language as it is spoken and written, and improve their communication skills.

They will learn how to improve their use of French in a variety of situations, understanding how to read texts and other source materials, extract information, initiate conversations and respond to questions both orally and in writing.

Aims of the Syllabus

The aims of the syllabus are as follows-
• Develop the ability to understand a language from a variety of registers
• Enable students to communicate confidently and clearly in the target language
• Form a sound base of skills, language and attitudes required for further study, work and leisure
• Develop insights into the culture and civilisation of the countries where the language is spoken, including the study of literary texts where appropriate (this does not apply to AS Language qualifications)
• Encourage positive attitudes to language learning and a sympathetic approach to other cultures and civilisations
• Support intellectual and personal development by promoting learning and social skills.

Syllabus

Component 1: Speaking Test
Component 2: Reading and Writing
Component 3: Essay
Component 4: Texts

To be examined in 2020

Section 1

  1. Le Barbier de Séville, Beaumarchais
  2. Madame Bovary, Gustave Flaubert
  3. La Porte étroite, André Gide
  4. Kiffe kiffe demain, Faïza Guène
    Section 2
  5. Une saison dans la vie d’Emmanuel, MarieClaire Blais
  6. Le Chercheur d’or, Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio
  7. Candide, Voltaire
  8. Tempête en juin (from Suite Française), Irène Némirovsky

To be examined in 2021

Section 1

  1. Le Barbier de Séville, Beaumarchais
  2. Les jeux sont faits, Jean-Paul Sartre
  3. La Porte étroite, André Gide
  4. Kiffe kiffe demain, Faïza Guène
    Section 2
  5. Tanguy, Michel del Castillo
  6. La Rue Cases-Nègres, Joseph Zobel
  7. Candide, Voltaire
  8. No et moi, Delphine de Vigan

Objectives of Assessment

The examinations are designed to assess candidates’ linguistic competence and their knowledge of contemporary society. In the exams, candidates will be expected to-
• Understand and respond to texts written in the target language, drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines, newspapers, reports, books and other forms of extended writing
• Manipulate the target language accurately in spoken and written forms, choosing appropriate examples of lexis and structures
• Select information and present it in the target language
• Organise arguments and ideas logically.

Assessment

Component 1: Speaking Test
Section 1: Presentation
• Content and Presentation – 10 marks
• Pronunciation and Intonation – 5 marks
• Language – 5 marks
Total- 20 marks
Candidates who make no specific reference to the contemporary society or cultural heritage of a country where the language is spoken will have their mark for Content and Presentation halved.

Section 2: Topic Conversation (40 marks) (and)
Section 3: General Conversation (40 marks)
• Comprehension and Responsiveness – 10 marks
• Accuracy – 10 marks
• Feel for the Language – 10 marks
Range of vocabulary and structures
• Providing Information and Opinions – 5 marks
• Seeking Information and Opinions – 5 marks

Component 2: Reading and Writing
Quality of Language and Accuracy

Component 3: Essay
Language- 24 marks
Content- 16 marks

Component 4: Texts
Candidates must write their answers in the target language. Examiners will look for a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively and will ignore linguistic errors which do not impede communication.

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