Did you know that almost half of the total marks [ie 45% ] in the Leaving Cert go for Speaking [the Oral exam] and listening [the Aural exam ]? And that 43% of the Junior Cert marks are given for listening?
These are very difficult sections to prepare well for , especially in a classroom situation, as they require hours and hours of practice.
One of the very best ways of improving for the Oral and Aural exams is to spend time in France, not on a family holiday, not with a group of English-speaking friends, but really living in France, in a French school or with a French family.
Spending a term, a month, or even a fortnight in France, speaking French, hearing French spoken all around you, is an excellent way of learning the language.
The main reason to spend time in France on an exchange programme or in a school is obviously to learn the language. But there are many other benefits.
Living in France makes you step out of your comfort zone, go new places, eat new foods, try new things [One of my students learned to ski with his exchange family! ] It is not just about travelling abroad but living abroad, learning about a different culture, doing things in different ways.
Taking part in everyday French life requires initiative , commitment, adaptability, all of which make you more mature, more open to new challenges back home.
Many students form long-lasting ties and friendships in France. I still keep in contact with the French girl [now lady!] with whom I did my first French exchange many years ago!
Why not consider organising a French exchange this year? Every one of my students who has spent time in France has come back speaking and understanding the language much better and they have all had some really memorable experiences.
Allez, Allez, Allez vivre en France un peu!
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