My students often ask me how to type French accents (and the "c cédille" / "ç" graphic sign) on their electronic device so they can write emails and essays in French, or use them during our online French lessons. Not being a very technical person, I sought the help of my husband to find out once and for all the information for you ;-) The following instructions are for Apple device. Instructions for Windows will be available soon. Installing a French Keyboard to Your Apple Device (iPhone/iPad) I highly recommend that you add a French keyboard on your Apple device otherwise the spell … Read More →
FV 007 : Comme une Française: Fun Videos to Understand French Culture
Geraldine, founder of Comme une Francaise, releases weekly videos which are free, fun and packed with information to help you understand popular French culture and avoid embarrassing mistakes. This interview will take you through the making of Comme une Francaise’s episodes and will tell you more about this very interesting concept. Episode Timeline [04 min 07 sec] Comme Une Française, a success story [04 min 45 sec] What is Comme Une Française and who is it for ? [05 min 28 sec] How the idea came [06 min 25 sec] An example of cultural difference : bise vs hug [07 min 57 sec] The making … Read More →
How to Use Your French Dictionary Efficiently
A dictionary is a great tool and even a great bedside book. I love exploring it, flipping through to discover complicated or funny words, in English or in French. However, you should not cling to your dictionary as you would cling to a lifebuoy. Dictionaries can be so big and heavy that they would make you drown – quite the opposite of what you would expect from them. When I teach, I want my students to take the habit of not using a dictionary during our lessons (unless specifically asked to do so for a given task or activity). I must have said it over so many times that I once found out … Read More →
How to Add French to Your Daily Life
Here are tips on how you can add a bit of French language and culture outside formal lessons, in your everyday life. I’ve been inspired to write this article by Dennis, a student of French who recently asked me this question: “Right now I am learning French with 'study sessions' (I sit down, I study French), but then outside of that I'm not really 'using' French in my life - so I was wondering if there were things you would recommend for making it more a part of my life, even when I am not studying”. Thanks Dennis for the question! So, here are ideas about how you can improve your French by … Read More →
Reading French books: where to start?
Once you've got some bases in French, I recommend you start trying reading French books and magazines. Why read French books? Reading French books will help you reinforce and learn French: as you see the sentences, you will passively absorb French grammar with the way sentences are structured/worded. I encourage my students to read, and I did notice dramatic improvements in every French skill among those of them who have picked up reading as a regular activity. You will expand your French vocabulary, learn new words. It is entertaining. As you gain confidence with reading French books … Read More →
Improve your French pronunciation: Ask Siri !
In this fun activity, you will work on: how to ask questions in French your French pronunciation the pace of your speech / your oral fluency : if you pause for too long, Siri will think that you were done asking your question and you will have to start again! Instructions 1. Set Siri to French language Go to: Settings > General > Siri > Language > French 2. Try to answer the questions below. Find out the information using only your voice! Download and print out my free PDF French pronunciation worksheet. Includes the answers. Hold down the main button … Read More →
Proofreading Checklist (French Essay Writing)
This checklist that I have created helps my students and will help you with thorough proofreading of your essays to give yourself the best chances of success. Recommended for VCE French, DELF or any written exam preparation or French assignment! Note: this checklist is part of the resources I've included in my French VCE exam revision guide, "How to Prepare for the French VCE & Reach your Maximum Score". Exam Tips: Practice well before an exam so that you know what you should pay particular attention to on for the big day. Download the free PDF version of my Proofreading … Read More →
How to Write The Perfect French Essay For Your Exam
Here are tips to help you write a great French essay with exam requirements in mind. Once you’re done, I strongly suggest you proofread your text using my checklist. Note: if you're preparing for the French VCE, there is an updated version of these exam tips in my guide "How to Prepare for the French VCE & Reach your Maximum Score". Exam Tips While supervising exams or tutoring for exam preparation, I’ve seen too many students writing straight away on their exam copies. Stop! Resist the urge to jump on your pen and take a step back to make sure that you will be addressing all the exam … Read More →
FV 000 : About French Voices Podcast
Welcome to French Voices podcast! This introduction will run you through who I am and what led me to create French Your Way and French Voices Podcast so you can improve your French in a different, relevant way. I will also give you my recommendations on how to make the best use of this podcast. Episode Timeline [00 min 25 sec] My background, qualifications and work experiences [01 min 10 sec] Questioning school practices and how I became an independent teacher [02 min 15 sec] Funding French Your way [02 min 57 sec] French Voices podcast: authentic French stories to help improve your … Read More →
10 Tips to Make the Most of your Private Lessons
Here are some tips to help you get the most of your private lessons with a teacher or a tutor :-) 1. Ask your teacher any question you may have. They should will be happy to assist (otherwise find a new teacher!). If not during private lessons, when would you have such an opportunity to ask your questions? 2. Don’t think you’re stupid if you forget something. Who remembers everything straight away? Not me! Repetition is a normal part of the assimilation process. Remember: when you were a child, you probably made the same mistakes many times in your own native language before the … Read More →
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