NEW French conversation course for intermediate learners B1+

Objectives and content

The focus of this course is primarily on improving speaking skills. New structures are introduced through listening exercises or reading texts and are practiced in concrete situations. You will gain self-confidence and learn to speak more fluently and accurately. You will be able to participate in a conversation about a familiar topic without preparation.

• Speaking skills: Activities are done in pairs, small groups, and with the whole class. Practice focuses on language functions that appear in familiar and concrete situations.
• Listening skills: You will listen to authentic materials to get used to the rhythm of native French speakers.
• Reading skills: You will read authentic texts.
• Writing skills: This skill receives the least attention.

Grammar topics necessary for performing language tasks correctly—and which learners often find challenging—are addressed:

• Specific grammar topics: forming and using the conditionnel, asking questions, pronoms personnels, verb tenses and moods, si-clauses, prepositions, the subjonctif, etc.

Themes covered in the course: introducing yourself and others, making phone calls, housing, giving directions, talking about holidays and travel, giving instructions and tips, expressing brief opinions, the future, the past, art, culture, etc.

Required prior knowledge

You studied French as a second or third language in secondary school. When native French speakers talk to you in clear standard language, you understand the essence of what they are saying. When speaking, however, you struggle to express yourself precisely and feel insecure, as you have to search for words and cannot always form correct sentences. What you say still sounds too much like a translation from Dutch or English. The grammar items listed may sound familiar, and you would only need a brief refresher to reacquire them. In short, you want a concise review of key grammar topics, expand your vocabulary, and reinforce everything through speaking exercises. You need a solid command of the language for your studies, at work, or when applying for a job, but you don’t often get the opportunity to practice French.

This speaking course is a logical continuation of the “Practical French 3” course.

Tests

There is a placement test and a final test.

Before enrolling, you will take the online placement test. This test will direct you to the course that best matches your level. To get a complete and accurate picture of your level, this will be definitively determined during the first class session through an oral placement test. Based on this, you may still be referred to another level if needed.

Course materials

UCT course book. You will receive this book from your language teacher in class.

Recommended books:

• Bescherelle (2024): La grammaire pour tous, Paris: Hatier
• Bescherelle (2024): La conjugaison pour tous, Paris: Hatier
• Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Frans-Nederlands – Utrecht: Van Dale
• Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands-Frans – Utrecht: Van Dale

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Are you already registered for this course? Check out our FAQ ‘What to do after my registration?’.