French A Level Reading Exam for Eduqas

The Eduqas (WJEC) A-Level French Reading exam evaluates comprehension, critical thinking, and translation accuracy, with texts drawn from current Francophone issues.

Eduqas Exam Format

  • Reading Comprehension: Passages cover real-world issues relevant to French-speaking regions.
  • Translation: A 60-80 word passage for translation from French into English, focusing on conveying thematic ideas accurately.

Question Types

  • Short-answer questions: Requires precise answers to specific questions.
  • Gap fill exercises: Tests vocabulary and understanding of context.
  • Multiple-choice: Focuses on identifying specific details.
  • Translation into English: Examines language accuracy and natural expression.

Marks and Weighting

  • The Reading and Translation sections are part of Component 2, with 10-12 marks for translation based on accuracy and fluency.

Skills Required

Analytical Skills

  • Recognise nuanced tones: Be prepared to identify underlying emotions, biases, and perspectives.
  • Vocabulary Knowledge: Build strong theme-specific vocabulary to understand varied vocabulary choices.

Translation Accuracy

  • Maintain the passage’s tone and style: Translations should reflect the text’s original tone in a fluent, natural English equivalent.
  • Grammar Mastery: Pay attention to complex sentence structures and ensure correct tense use in English.

Key Themes

  1. Being a Young Person in French-Speaking Society: Education, family dynamics, and work.
  2. Understanding the French-Speaking World: Cultural diversity, traditions, and identity.
  3. Diversity and Difference: Topics on immigration, integration, and societal challenges.
  4. France 1940-1950: The Occupation and the Post-War Years: WWII occupation and its impact on French society.

Eduqas Exam Strategies

  • Translate for Fluency, Not Literal Meaning: Eduqas values translations that read naturally, so avoid word-for-word rendering.
  • Practice Cultural Interpretation: Many texts include cultural references; understanding these improves translation accuracy.
  • Review Grammar: Focus on tense and structure differences between French and English.

Sample Translation Passage and Approach

Passage (French)

"Les jeunes en France s'engagent activement pour des causes environnementales et cherchent à sensibiliser leurs pairs."

Translation (English)

"Young people in France are actively involved in environmental causes and aim to raise awareness among their peers."

Breakdown

  • Vocabulary: "S'engagent activement" translated as “are actively involved,” capturing intent.
  • Grammar: Maintaining present tense and translating “chercher à sensibiliser” naturally as “aim to raise awareness.”