The AP French Language and Culture exam aims to promote both precision and eloquence in the use of the French language.
The course focuses on three methods of communication: Interpretive, Presentational, and Interpersonal.
Even though it is normal to get confused with grammatical tones while learning any foreign language, AP courses primarily focus on general communication skills.
While the exam tests in the context of oral and written responses, it is ultimately the communication skills that are thoroughly assessed.
Keep scrolling as we fill you in the specifics of an AP French class by providing actionable AP French tips:
Guide To Studying For AP French Classes
The AP French Exam can be pretty daunting, but you can refer to some actionable practices to prepare. And despite taking classes, you may feel like there’s more you can do to prepare.
That said, this definitive list will serve as the ultimate guide for your AP French prep:
Formulating A Study Plan
Even though it may seem a bit soon, it is better to start studying three to four months before the AP French exam. The more time you leave for reviewing, the less you will stress at the end.
Consistent independent study is the best way to learn outside of your classes. It is better to set aside thirty minutes each day to review specific areas of French grammar, such as
- Articles
- Agreement
- Prepositions
Make sure that you make a study plan that is in line with the upcoming test. Wondering how long is the AP French Exam?
Visit the site, find out the duration, and ensure that you abide by it when conducting a practice test.
Finding French Culture In Everyday Life
What comes to mind when you think of French culture? For us, it’s the mouth-watering French cuisine!
Use what you’re learning in class and apply it to mealtime by referring to French recipe books. This practice can be incorporated into your daily routine for learning French, and you can learn some amazing new recipes along the way.
You may be able to find some exceptional French cookbooks at a used books store – albeit in rough shape. These don’t necessarily have to be too authentic or in-depth.
Every dish requires ingredients, measurements in French, and in-depth directions. Therefore, the process of following a recipe will verse you in some of the most used words and sentences in the language.
Reviewing Chief French Language Conjunctions
Though it is essential to understand customary conjunction – lorsque (when) and mais (but) – it is a great idea to review specific ones as well to help you advance higher than your peers.
Please pay special attention to coordinating conjunctions as they are pretty helpful in teaching the tone of emphasis.
Furthermore, do not forget to practice the special conjunction employed along with the subjunctive tense.
Practicing Conjugating Verbs – Regular And Irregular
It is also essential to focus on the conjugation of three diverse groups of verbs: -re, -er, and –ir. The examples include:
- Avoir
- être
These two verbs are very common, and you will use them a lot while conjugating present, imperfect, and future tenses.
You would also rely on them as assistive verbs when writing in plus-que-parfait and passé composé.
Remember that a subject agreement must be in place whenever you are using étre with passé composé.
Like the phrase, ‘They went to the movies’ (Elles sont allées au cinema). Here, a group of women is being discussed; therefore, an ‘e’ and an ‘s’ must be added for agreement.
Improve your French and prepare for your test with French tutors near me on Superprof.
Bringing Out The Vocabulary Cards
Always be as prepared as you can, and one of the easiest ways to learn or memorize something is through the use of flashcards.
Create your very own flashcards or order them online. Then, proceed to put a French word on one side and its description on the other. Refer to these cards as a way to test what you’ve learned.
And if you don’t want to carry around a cluster of cards, no worries! Everyone has phones, and our phones have apps that can serve the same purpose.
Whip out these flashcards whenever you have time to kill! You can go through them during the commercial breaks of your favorite show or at halftime during the football game.
You can also go through them every day before entering your French class to get yourself in the zone.
Listening To Podcasts And Radio In French
Another way that you can prepare for your AP French test is by listening to French radio or podcasts. There is no lack of French podcasts on the internet, and you may not need to dig too deep to find one.
It is better to start your day by listening to a podcast while you finish up breakfast. Try to set aside five to ten minutes every day to listen to French podcasts without distractions.
Furthermore, some podcasts may be easier to comprehend than others based on the level of French being spoken by the host. Be mindful of that when searching for the right podcast.
You can also tune in to French radio to gain a more authentic listening experience. Remember that most radio channels can be streamed through your phone or online.
Talk To Yourself
Unless your friends are taking the AP French exam with you, the chances are that you may not have anyone to converse in the language with.
This is where you can begin talking to yourself! No matter how crazy you think you look, speak to yourself while driving, cooking, or working as a way of revising what is learned in class.
Recall your day, make up stories in your mind, or just converse with yourself. However, do not do it in your head; say it loud so you can hear yourself as well.
The best way to learn any language, especially French, is to speak as much as you can. Talk to your pets or your mom. You have a free pass for acting a bit crazy, so take advantage of it!
Keep a small memo pad with yourself so that every time you cannot recall a word, you can write it down and look it up later.
Following this pattern will help increase your fluency level, and more importantly, it will enhance your confidence.
Speaking good French is all about confidence. Become your very own study guide and keep getting better.
Watching French Movies And Shows Without Subtitles
You can also stream American movies and TV shows in the French language on Netflix or any other streaming service.
However, turn the display subtitles option off as they are not always consistent with what is being said.
It is better just to sit back, grab your snacks and watch! Concentrate on what is being said, and you will understand and grasp the language gradually.
Understanding the language and knowing the deliverance will ultimately help you secure a good exam score.
Talking To Friends
Another good option for your AP French prep is to gather a group of your classmates or friends and discuss a topic for thirty minutes.
You could talk about something pre-determined, like a TV show or movie that all of you watched. Or it can be just a laid-back conversation, like speaking in French during lunch.
Finding a language buddy is an excellent way to learn and prepare for the AP French exam. High schools usually have foreign exchange programs with exchange teachers and students, providing you with a way to find these conversationalists.
It is also possible for you to find penpals in other French-speaking countries; these include:
- Canada
- Morocco
- Republic of the Congo
- Switzerland
- Madagascar
- Belgium
You can plan out a routine with a language exchange student where you teach them 15 minutes of your language as they do the same for you.
Do Not Forget To Relax
Relaxing should be your biggest priority when preparing. You have worked hard for months, and it is better to take a break every once in a while.
Have a healthy breakfast, sleep well, and make sure you fill-up the non-prep period with activities that don’t require you to think.
Just know that you are well-versed in what to expect as long as you revise using the official AP French practice exam.
It is always better to maintain a positive mindset. Cramming comprehensive information at the last minute never benefited anyone, and it surely won’t help you either.
Just know that you have practiced and prepared and that you will pass your AP French exam if you remain focused.
Prepare For The AP French Exam With The Help Of An Expert
Do you find yourself wondering, “Should I take the AP French exam” whenever you are overwhelmed with the course material? There’s no need to be that stressed out!
We understand that taking the AP French exam can be challenging, especially when you have no idea how to prepare for the AP French exam format and the classes are not helping you either.
Therefore, it is better to find french tutors online and get ahead of the curve. Superprof provides you with experienced tutors to help with your AP exam prep and ultimately acing that test.
Simply sign up, search for AP French tutors near you, and find yourself the perfect teacher!
Check for French classes here on Superprof.
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