FRENCH

​Contents

1. Introduction to KS3 French
2. Basic Vocabulary and Expressions
   • 2.1 Greetings and Introductions
   • 2.2 Numbers, Dates, and Time
   • 2.3 Daily Routine and Activities
3. Grammar Essentials
   • 3.1 Nouns, Articles, and Adjectives
   • 3.2 Present Tense Verbs
   • 3.3 Forming Questions and Negatives
4. Practical Language Skills
   • 4.1 Shopping and Eating Out
   • 4.2 Travel and Directions
   • 4.3 Describing People and Places
5. French Culture and Customs
   • 5.1 French-Speaking Countries
   • 5.2 French Traditions and Celebrations
   • 5.3 French Cuisine
6. Glossary of Key Terms
7. Quiz: Test Your Knowledge
8. Key Takeaways

1. Introduction to KS3 French
Learning French at KS3 is an exciting journey that opens up new opportunities to communicate with people around the world. This booklet will help you build a strong foundation in French vocabulary, grammar, and culture, giving you the confidence to speak and understand the language.
Discussion Question:

• What do you think are the benefits of learning French, both in school and in everyday life?

2. Basic Vocabulary and Expressions
2.1 Greetings and Introductions
Mastering basic greetings and introductions is the first step in learning French.

• Common Greetings:
  • Bonjour: Hello / Good morning
  • Bonsoir: Good evening
  • Salut: Hi / Bye
  • Au revoir: Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself:
  • Je m’appelle...: My name is...
  • Comment ça va?: How are you?
  • Ça va bien, merci: I’m fine, thank you.
  • Enchanté(e): Nice to meet you.

Activity:

• Practice introducing yourself to a partner in French using the phrases above.

2.2 Numbers, Dates, and Time
Understanding numbers, dates, and time is essential for everyday conversations.

• Numbers:
  • Un (1), Deux (2), Trois (3), Quatre (4), Cinq (5) - One, Two, Three, Four, Five
  • Dix (10), Vingt (20), Trente (30) - Ten, Twenty, Thirty
• Dates:
  • Aujourd’hui, c’est le 1er septembre: Today is the 1st of September.
  • Mon anniversaire est le 15 mars: My birthday is on March 15th.
• Time:
  • Quelle heure est-il?: What time is it?
  • Il est huit heures: It is eight o’clock.
  • Il est trois heures et demie: It is half past three.

Quiz Question:

• How do you say "twenty-five" in French?

2.3 Daily Routine and Activities
Talking about your daily routine helps you describe what you do each day.

• Daily Activities:
  • Je me lève à six heures: I get up at six o’clock.
  • Je prends le petit déjeuner: I have breakfast.
  • Je vais à l’école: I go to school.
  • Je fais mes devoirs: I do my homework.
• Time Expressions:
  • Le matin: In the morning
  • L’après-midi: In the afternoon
  • Le soir: In the evening

Discussion Question:

• How would you describe your daily routine in French?

3. Grammar Essentials
3.1 Nouns, Articles, and Adjectives
Understanding nouns, articles, and adjectives is crucial for forming sentences.

• Nouns: Names of people, places, things, or ideas (e.g., livre - book, école - school).
• Articles: Words that define a noun as specific or unspecific.
  • Definite Articles: Le (masculine), La (feminine), Les (plural)
  • Indefinite Articles: Un (masculine), Une (feminine), Des (plural)
• Adjectives: Words that describe nouns and must agree in gender and number.
  • Petit/Petite: Small (masculine/feminine)
  • Grand/Grande: Big (masculine/feminine)

Activity:

• Match the correct article and adjective with the following nouns: chien (dog), maison (house), livres (books).

3.2 Present Tense Verbs
Conjugating verbs in the present tense is essential for talking about actions.

• Regular -er Verbs (e.g., parler - to speak):
  • Je parle: I speak
  • Tu parles: You speak
  • Il/Elle parle: He/She speaks
  • Nous parlons: We speak
  • Vous parlez: You (plural/formal) speak
  • Ils/Elles parlent: They speak
• Irregular Verbs (e.g., être - to be):
  • Je suis: I am
  • Tu es: You are
  • Il/Elle est: He/She is
  • Nous sommes: We are
  • Vous êtes: You (plural/formal) are
  • Ils/Elles sont: They are

Quiz Question:

• How do you conjugate the verb "avoir" (to have) in the present tense?

3.3 Forming Questions and Negatives
Forming questions and negatives allows you to ask for information and say what isn’t happening.

• Forming Questions:
  • Est-ce que...?: Is it that...? (used to start a question)
  • Où est...?: Where is...?
  • Comment s’appelle-t-il/elle?: What is his/her name?
• Forming Negatives:
  • Ne... pas: Not
    • Je ne parle pas: I do not speak
    • Il n’aime pas: He does not like

Discussion Question:

• How would you ask someone what their name is in French?

4. Practical Language Skills
4.1 Shopping and Eating Out
Being able to shop and order food in French is a practical skill.

• Shopping:
  • Combien ça coûte?: How much does it cost?
  • Je voudrais acheter...: I would like to buy...
  • C’est trop cher: It’s too expensive.
• Eating Out:
  • Je voudrais...: I would like...
  • L’addition, s’il vous plaît: The bill, please.
  • Un café: A coffee
  • Un croissant: A croissant

Activity:

• Role-play a scenario where you are ordering food at a café in France.

4.2 Travel and Directions
Knowing how to ask for and give directions is essential when traveling.

• Asking for Directions:
  • Où est la gare?: Where is the train station?
  • C’est loin d’ici?: Is it far from here?
• Giving Directions:
  • Tournez à gauche: Turn left
  • Tournez à droite: Turn right
  • Allez tout droit: Go straight ahead

Quiz Question:

• How do you say "Where is the nearest hospital?" in French?

4.3 Describing People and Places
Describing people and places helps you communicate more effectively.

• Describing People:
  • Il est grand: He is tall.
  • Elle est intelligente: She is intelligent.
  • Il a les cheveux bruns: He has brown hair.
• Describing Places:
  • La ville est belle: The city is beautiful.
  • Il y a un parc près d’ici: There is a park near here.

Discussion Question:

• How would you describe your best friend in French?

5. French Culture and Customs
5.1 French-Speaking Countries
French is spoken in many countries around the world, each with its own culture.

• Francophone Countries:
  • France: The origin of the French language.
  • Belgium: A country where French is one of the official languages.
  • Canada: French is spoken primarily in Quebec.
  • Senegal: A West African country where French is the official language.

Activity:

• Choose a French-speaking country and research its culture and traditions.

5.2 French Traditions and Celebrations
France is known for its rich traditions and celebrations.

• Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale): Celebrated on July 14th, marking the start of the French Revolution.
• Christmas (Noël): A major holiday with unique traditions like the “bûche de Noël” (Yule log cake).
• Mardi Gras: A festive season celebrated with parades, costumes, and feasting.

Quiz Question:

• What historical event does Bastille Day commemorate?

5.3 French Cuisine
French cuisine is famous worldwide for its quality and variety.

• Popular French Dishes:
  • Croissant: A buttery, flaky pastry.
  • Coq au Vin: Chicken cooked in wine with mushrooms and garlic.
  • Ratatouille: A vegetable stew from the Provence region.

Discussion Question:

• What is your favourite French dish, and how is it prepared?

6. Glossary of Key Terms

• Article: A word that defines a noun as specific or unspecific (e.g., le, la, un, une).
• Conjugation: The variation of the form of a verb to indicate tense, mood, person, etc.
• Francophone: French-speaking.
• Noun: A word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.
• Verb: A word that describes an action, state, or occurrence.

7. Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

1. How do you say "Good morning" in French?
   • a) Salut
   • b) Bonsoir
   • c) Bonjour
2. What is the French word for "school"?
   • a) Maison
   • b) École
   • c) Jardin
3. Which article is used for masculine nouns?
   • a) Le
   • b) La
   • c) Les
4. How do you say "I do not speak" in French?
   • a) Je parle
   • b) Je ne parle pas
   • c) Je ne parle
5. What is a traditional French pastry often eaten for breakfast?
   • a) Ratatouille
   • b) Croissant
   • c) Coq au Vin

Answers:

1. c) Bonjour
2. b) École
3. a) Le
4. b) Je ne parle pas
5. b) Croissant

8. Key Takeaways

• KS3 French provides a solid foundation in the language, including essential vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge.
• Learning French helps you communicate with millions of people around the world and enhances your understanding of different cultures.
• Regular practice in speaking, reading, and writing in French will improve your language skills and confidence.

Final Thought: Learning French is more than just memorizing words and grammar; it’s about exploring a new culture, expanding your horizons, and connecting with others around the world.