Leaving Certificate French Practice
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Exam at a glance
- 5m Entretien Personnel (40%)
- 5m Discussion Générale (35%)
- 2m Document optionnel (25%)
Aim for 30–45s answers with an opinion + example.
Starter questions
- Parlez-moi de votre famille.
- Quelles sont vos matières préférées ?
- Que faites-vous après le Leaving Cert ?
Use connectors: d'abord, pourtant, à mon avis.
What examiners look for in the Leaving Cert French oral
Marking focuses on Communication, Language Range, Accuracy and Fluency. You gain marks by expressing clear ideas, supporting opinions, using a wider range of structures (e.g. past/future, conditionals, subjunctive), and maintaining natural pace and pronunciation.
Our AI rehearses Entretien Personnel, Discussion Générale, and optional Document with realistic timing and examiner follow‑ups so you learn to extend answers, avoid common grammar slips, and sound confident. Short, frequent practice sessions move most students up a grade band.
Sujets clés (registry)
Erreurs fréquentes (registry)
- • Students often answer with just "oui/non"
- • Students may panic when confused
- • Watch for direct English translations
- • Detect memorized answers
- • Students may use "tu" inappropriately
- • Gender agreement errors are common
- • Students struggle with future tense questions
- • Watch for recited memorized passages
Leaving Certificate French Oral Format
Entretien Personnel (Personal Interview)
interview
What you need to do:
Expert Tip
Example Questions
Discussion Générale (General Discussion)
conversation
What you need to do:
Expert Tip
Example Questions
Document (Optional)
presentation
What you need to do:
Expert Tip
Example Questions
How You're Assessed
Ability to communicate effectively and naturally
Range and appropriateness of vocabulary
Grammatical accuracy and complexity
Pronunciation and intonation
Roadmap to April 2026
- January: Entretien drills + core vocab refresh.
- February: 3 mock orals/week with feedback.
- March: Full 12-minute simulations under timing.
Essential Vocabulary by Level
Ordinary Level Vocabulary
Higher Level Vocabulary
Key Discussion Topics
Society & Culture
Société et Culture
Ordinary Level Topics:
Higher Level Topics:
Current Affairs
Actualités
Ordinary Level Topics:
Higher Level Topics:
Education & Future
Éducation et Avenir
Ordinary Level Topics:
Higher Level Topics:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Students often answer with just "oui/non"
prompt for elaboration
Students may panic when confused
offer to rephrase calmly
Watch for direct English translations
note but don't correct
Detect memorized answers
ask unexpected follow-up questions
Students may use "tu" inappropriately
maintain "vous" throughout
Gender agreement errors are common
note for scoring
Students struggle with future tense questions
may need rephrasing
Watch for recited memorized passages
redirect to natural conversation
Leaving Certificate French FAQs
What is the Leaving Certificate French oral exam format?
The exam has 3 parts: Entretien Personnel (5 mins, 40%), Discussion Générale (5 mins, 35%), and optional Document presentation (2 mins, 25%). Total duration is 12 minutes.
How long is the Leaving Cert French oral?
12 minutes total: 5 minutes Entretien Personnel, 5 minutes Discussion Générale, and 2 minutes optional Document (if you skip the document, the time moves to Discussion).
How much is the Leaving Cert French oral worth?
The oral component is worth 25% of the overall Leaving Cert French grade.
What does the marking scheme focus on?
Communication (30%), vocabulary range (25%), grammar accuracy (25%), and pronunciation/intonation (20%).
What's the difference between Higher and Ordinary Level French?
Higher Level expects B2 fluency with complex discussions of abstract topics, while Ordinary Level requires B1 proficiency focusing on personal experiences and concrete topics.
Do I need to bring a document for the oral exam?
The document is optional. If you bring one (picture, article, project), you present it for 2 minutes. If not, the extra time is added to the general discussion section.
What topics should I prepare for Discussion Générale?
Current affairs, French culture vs Irish culture, environmental issues, technology, education, and social topics. Practice expressing and justifying opinions on these themes.
How do I handle the Entretien Personnel section?
Prepare to talk fluently about yourself, your school, hobbies, family, part-time jobs, and where you live. This section tests personal communication skills.
How long should I prepare for Leaving Cert French speaking?
Most students need 3-4 months regular practice. Focus on building vocabulary for personal topics and current affairs, plus mastering French pronunciation.
Quelle longueur pour mes réponses ?
Ordinaire : 20-30 words per response, basic connectors (et, mais, parce que). Supérieur : 40-60 words per response, complex connectors (cependant, néanmoins, en revanche).
Quel style d'examinateur attendre ?
Formal but encouraging, follows structured conversation flow
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