French 1 (CEFR A1.1)
Course Description
This course is suitable for beginners who have not studied French before. The emphasis is on learning the basics of the French current language, to allow you to engage in conversations about yourself using short sentences with a strong focus on the basics of pronunciation. All four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) will be practised every lesson. The course will continue with French Continuation 2 in the following term depending of enrolment numbers.
What your course will cover
In a relaxed, friendly and supportive atmosphere, you will learn:
• French rules of pronunciation : Nasal sounds (bienvenue, non, enchanté…), liaisons (Vous vous appelez comment ?…), abréviations (Au revoir, moi de même…) with reading and talking practise
• To introduce yourself and ask questions about names, nationality and languages spoken (je me présente : je m’appelle Sarah, je suis australienne, je parle un peu français mais je ne parle pas chinois. Et vous ?)
• The French pronunciation of the alphabet to spell names
• To count (from 0 to 69)
• To recognise and use appropriate greetings (bonjour, merci, …)
• Colloquial expressions using the verb ‘to be’ (je suis désolée, il est fatigué…)
You will learn the following grammar:
• Verbs s’appeler and être – present tense
• Definite articles (le, la, l’ et les)
• Masculine & feminine, singular & plural of adjectives and nouns
• Subject personal pronouns (je, tu, il, elle, on, nous, vous, ils, elles)
• Negative sentences with “ne … pas” (je ne parle pas français …)
What to bring
• A pen and notebook for work done in class.
• A folder for your many handouts – an expandable A4 folder with plastic sleeves is recommended.
Important information
• Your tutor supplies notes for the first classes and will discuss the textbook later in the term.
• The text book follows the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR), which has become the international reference for learning and teaching European languages, as well as assessing language acquisition. Students may wish to sit for the exam called DELF.
The CEFR is divided in 4 levels:
A1 level, (adult education French 1, French 2 …) completed within around 100 hours (A1.1 – A1.2 & A1.3): students are able to introduce themselves, talk about their hobbies, explain where they live, describe relationships etc.
A2 level (adult education French consolidation), completed within around 100 hours (A2.1 to A2.4): students are able to communicate ad exchange on familiar and habitual subjects
B1 level (adult education French oral skills, completed within around 200 hours (B1.1 to B1.7): students are able to interact with ease in French on familiar topics with native speakers
B2 level (adult education French conversation): students are able to communicate with a degree of spontaneity and ease. It is also the level of language proficiency that most French universities require from undergraduate foreign students.
• Most language classes fill up quickly. However, your class could be cancelled if not enough people enrol. If you are concerned about buying a book that may be of no use to you then please check the viability of your class with adult education before purchasing your text.