help learning french please!

hatethisfeeling

Well in fifth year now and finding french really hard because like a fool, I didnt concentrate when we were doing basics like the present and past tense, reflexive verbs etc. :rolleyes: really regret that one now!:o
So basically Im thinking I need to start now to catch up to give me enough time to do better in my summer tests. I do know somethings but I find things like putting verbs into the tenses really hard.
What would be the best way of learning tenses, verbs etc?

djcervi

What I'd recommend for you is to really get on top of your grammar and verbs. At least you have plenty of time from now till the LC. A good resource I would definitely recommend is a little book called 'English Grammar for Students of French' by Jacqueline Morton. It's about 10€ and it's fantastic for explaining grammar and verb formation. There are also many different aspects of French sentence formation, like direct object, articles, etc, which you encounter but are not taught well in a secondary school setting. The book explains using the English language what the grammatical equivalents are in English, and corresponding examples in English. Then it tells you what these are in French and how they work. You can buy the book on amazon, but if you're in Dublin you can get it in Modern Languages on Pearse Street. I think it's cheaper online.

Focusing on the LC exam I'd suggest for you to get 2 hardback copies. One for grammar, in which you summarise the different grammatical aspects and tenses. The other one for vocabulary, broken down into different topics. Maybe take 1 topic a week (say main topic: hobbies, subsections: cinema, sport, free time), learn vocab and words/verbs appropriate. Maybe even add sentences which you could put into your oral and written work. A section for idioms as well, as they look brilliant anywhere e.g. Venir plus infinitive- to have just done something, e.g. Je viens de faire mes devoirs-I've just done my homework)

Then maybe to cover the other components i.e. aural/oral, look at getting a French tapebook. There are many you can get for LC and similar exam boards. If you feel you're up for it, listen to French news. TV5.org is a French news station, which has a programme on its site called 7 jours sur la planete. You can listen to the televised report, look at a written transcription and do written exercises to test your comprehension. For the oral, find out if there are any language exchanges in your locality. Lots of people, (French, Spanish, Italians...) come to Ireland to learn English. Many would be willing to help you practice your French, if you help them with their English. Also if money permits, maybe a language course during the summer (even in Ireland) would be worthwhile. The Alliance Francaise network has language schools all over Ireland (Dublin, Cork, Galway,etc..). All the staff are French and there are specialised courses for the LC. http://www.alliance-francaise.ie

Final note language study isn't like most subjects. You cannot cram a language. If you do a little bit of work from now till the LC (and review it, very regularly, you should be fine). Feel free to PM if you need any help. Bonne chance!

yesno1234

Count yourself lucky. I'm in the same situation as you but unfortunately only have 13 weeks to the leaving cert. I'm pretty screwed. If you get a good grasp of verbs you really should be ok because considering everything the French exam is very easy if you have good vocabulary and verbs.