🇫🇷AP French AP Cram Sessions 2021

Key Concepts and Vocabulary

• Familiarize yourself with essential vocabulary related to common AP French themes (family, education, technology, environment)
• Review key grammatical concepts
  • Verb tenses and moods (present, past, future, conditional, subjunctive)
  • Agreement of adjectives and past participles
  • Pronouns (direct, indirect, reflexive, relative)
• Study idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms to enhance fluency and cultural understanding
• Practice using transitional words and phrases to improve coherence and flow in speaking and writing (d'abord, ensuite, enfin, cependant, néanmoins)
• Learn vocabulary related to literary analysis and rhetorical devices (métaphore, personnification, allitération, hyperbole)
• Expand your knowledge of synonyms and antonyms to vary your word choice and avoid repetition
• Memorize key phrases for expressing opinions, agreeing, disagreeing, and making comparisons (à mon avis, je suis d'accord, je ne suis pas d'accord, par rapport à)

Grammar Review

• Review the formation and usage of regular and irregular verbs in all tenses and moods
• Practice using the subjunctive mood to express doubt, emotion, necessity, or opinion
• Master the use of relative pronouns (qui, que, dont, où) to create complex sentences and avoid repetition
• Study the placement and agreement of adjectives, particularly those that precede the noun (petit, grand, bon, mauvais)
• Review the rules for forming and placing adverbs, especially those with irregular forms (bien, mal, mieux, pire)
• Practice using conditional sentences to express hypothetical situations or polite requests
• Understand the differences between the passé composé and imparfait tenses when describing past events
  • Passé composé for completed actions
  • Imparfait for ongoing or habitual actions in the past

Speaking Practice Strategies

• Engage in regular conversation practice with native speakers or language partners to improve fluency and confidence
• Use circumlocution techniques to express ideas when you don't know the exact word or phrase
• Practice using filler words and expressions to buy time and maintain continuity (euh, alors, voyons, eh bien)
• Focus on proper pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm to enhance clarity and comprehensibility
• Participate in role-play activities and simulations to prepare for various speaking scenarios (interviews, debates, presentations)
• Record yourself speaking and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement
• Attend French language events, such as conversation groups or cultural festivals, to immerse yourself in the language and practice speaking in authentic contexts

Listening Comprehension Techniques

• Expose yourself to a variety of French audio materials (podcasts, news broadcasts, movies, songs) to familiarize yourself with different accents, speeds, and registers
• Practice active listening by focusing on key words, context clues, and tone to infer meaning
• Take notes while listening to help you organize and retain information
• Anticipate possible questions or topics based on the context and theme of the listening passage
• Listen for transitional words and phrases to follow the structure and progression of ideas
• Use online resources and apps that offer listening exercises with transcripts and comprehension questions to track your progress
• Develop strategies for managing unfamiliar vocabulary or complex structures, such as identifying cognates or breaking down compound words

Reading Comprehension Skills

• Read a diverse range of French texts (articles, essays, literary works) to build vocabulary and familiarity with various styles and genres
• Practice skimming and scanning techniques to quickly identify main ideas, key details, and organizational patterns
• Use context clues, such as surrounding words and sentences, to infer the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary
• Analyze the structure and purpose of different types of texts (informative, persuasive, narrative) to better understand the author's intent and message
• Annotate texts by highlighting key ideas, making notes, and summarizing main points to improve comprehension and retention
• Practice answering multiple-choice and free-response questions based on reading passages to familiarize yourself with the AP exam format
• Develop critical reading skills by questioning the author's perspective, identifying biases, and evaluating the strength of arguments presented

Writing Techniques and Formats

• Familiarize yourself with the different writing tasks on the AP French exam (email reply, persuasive essay, conversation)
• Practice writing under time constraints to develop efficiency and focus
• Use a variety of sentence structures and transitional words to create coherence and flow in your writing
• Develop a clear and organized outline before writing to ensure your ideas are well-structured and supported
• Incorporate idiomatic expressions, advanced vocabulary, and cultural references to demonstrate language proficiency and cultural understanding
• Review and apply the conventions of formal and informal writing styles, such as proper salutations, closings, and register
• Edit and proofread your writing to eliminate grammatical errors, improve word choice, and enhance clarity
• Seek feedback from teachers, peers, or native speakers to identify areas for improvement and refine your writing skills

Cultural Knowledge and Context

• Study the geography, history, and politics of French-speaking countries to better understand cultural references and perspectives
• Explore the works of famous French authors, artists, and philosophers to gain insight into French cultural heritage and values
• Familiarize yourself with current events and social issues in the Francophone world to engage in informed discussions and write persuasive arguments
• Learn about French customs, traditions, and etiquette to demonstrate cultural competence and avoid misunderstandings
• Investigate the influence of French language and culture on other regions, such as Africa, the Caribbean, and Canada
• Compare and contrast French cultural practices with those of your own culture to develop a more nuanced understanding of cultural differences and similarities
• Seek opportunities to engage with authentic French culture through music, film, cuisine, and travel (when possible)

Exam Strategies and Time Management

• Familiarize yourself with the format, structure, and timing of each section of the AP French exam
• Practice active reading techniques, such as previewing questions before reading passages and underlining key words and phrases
• Develop a time management strategy for each section, allocating more time to challenging or heavily weighted tasks
• Use process of elimination to narrow down answer choices in multiple-choice questions
• Plan your responses to free-response questions by outlining main points and supporting details before writing
• Prioritize tasks that play to your strengths, such as focusing on the speaking section if you are more confident in your oral skills
• Manage stress and maintain focus during the exam by using relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or positive self-talk
• Review and refine your exam strategies through regular practice with released AP exams and scoring guidelines