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Updates to A-level vocab and oral booklets

This is to mention that I've made significant changes to the AS-level (first year of A-level) vocabulary and oral booklets on frenchteacher.net. One teacher pointed out to me that the questions were not focused tightly enough on the new requirement for cultural knowledge. As a result I have updated these booklets to include the new style of questions teachers or examiners might ask.

The A-level (Year 2) booklets are fine and do not need changing. these booklets are designed to help teachers and students prepare for the sub-theme cards.

For teacher-examiners the new paper 3 oral poses new challenges and there is a danger that some teachers may not focus tightly enough on the culture of the TL country. Although it's not expected that candidates will be quizzed on specific factual details, the type of open-ended question teachers might ask should encourage students to show off what they know. If they do these successfully they will score well for AO4 in the mark scheme.

Good technique would be for teachers to ask questions such as;

Tell me what you know about...
Could you tell me more about that?
You said.... could you clarify what you meant?

As always students should not be producing long chunks of rehearsed material, so you need to interrupt to allow them to deal with unpredictable elements. Above all this means listening to what students say and reacting so you end up with a genuine dialogue. Although a list of pre-prepared questions might help, it's wise to avoid simply going through such a list.

You might find that the time flies by!

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