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How to Write an Essay in French

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When it comes to expressing your thoughts in French , there’s nothing better than the essay.

It is, after all, the favorite form of such famed French thinkers as Montaigne, Chateaubriand, Houellebecq and Simone de Beauvoir.

In this post, I’ve outlined the four most common types of essays in French, ranked from easiest to most difficult, to help you get to know this concept better. 

Why Are French Essays Different?

Must-have french phrases for writing essays, 4 types of french essays and how to write them, 1. text summary (synthèse de texte).

• 2. Text Commentary (Commentaire de texte)

3. Dialectic Dissertation (Thèse, Antithèse, Synthèse)

• 4. Progressive Dissertation (Plan progressif)

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Writing an essay in French is not the same as those typical 5-paragraph essays you’ve probably written in English.

In fact, there’s a whole other logic that has to be used to ensure that your essay meets French format standards and structure. It’s not merely writing your ideas in another language .

And that’s because the French use Cartesian logic (also known as Cartesian doubt) , developed by René Descartes , which requires a writer to begin with what is known and then lead the reader through to the logical conclusion: a paragraph that contains the thesis. Through the essay, the writer will reject all that is not certain or all that is subjective in his or her quest to find the objective truth.

Sound intriguing? Read on for more!

Before we get to the four main types of essays, here are a few French phrases that will be especially helpful as you delve into essay-writing in French:

Introductory phrases , which help you present new ideas.

Connecting phrases , which help you connect ideas and sections.

Contrasting phrases , which help you juxtapose two ideas.

Concluding phrases , which help you to introduce your conclusion.

The text summary or synthèse de texte  is one of the easiest French writing exercises to get a handle on. It essentially involves reading a text and then summarizing it in an established number of words, while repeating no phrases that are in the original text. No analysis is called for.

A  synthèse de texte  should follow the same format as the text that is being synthesized. The arguments should be presented in the same way, and no major element of the original text should be left out of the  synthèse.

Here is an informative post about writing a synthèse de texte , written for French speakers. 

The text summary is a great exercise for exploring the following French language elements:

• Synonyms , as you will need to find other words to describe what is said in the original text.
• Nominalization , which involves turning verbs into nouns and generally cuts down on word count.
• Vocabulary , as the knowledge of more exact terms will allow you to avoid periphrases and cut down on word count.

While beginners may wish to work with only one text, advanced learners can synthesize as many as three texts in one text summary. 

Since a text summary is simple in its essence, it’s a great writing exercise that can accompany you through your entire learning process.

2. Text Commentary  (Commentaire de texte)

A text commentary or commentaire de texte   is the first writing exercise where the student is asked to present an analysis of the materials at hand, not just a summary.

That said, a  commentaire  de texte  is not a reaction piece. It involves a very delicate balance of summary and opinion, the latter of which must be presented as impersonally as possible. This can be done either by using the third person (on) or the general first person plural (nous) . The singular first person (je) should never be used in a  commentaire de texte.

A commentaire de texte  should be written in three parts:

• An introduction , where the text is presented.
• An argument , where the text is analyzed.
• A conclusion , where the analysis is summarized and elevated.

Here is a handy in-depth guide to writing a successful commentaire de texte,  written for French speakers.

Unlike with the synthesis, you will not be able to address all elements of a text in a commentary. You should not summarize the text in a commentary, at least not for the sake of summarizing. Every element of the text that you speak about in your commentary must be analyzed.

To successfully analyze a text, you will need to brush up on your figurative language. Here are some great resources to get you started:

• Here’s an introduction to figurative language in French.
• This guide to figurative language  presents the different elements in useful categories.
• This guide , intended for high school students preparing for the BAC—the exam all French high school students take, which they’re required to pass to go to university—is great for seeing examples of how to integrate figurative language into your commentaries.
• Speaking of which, here’s an example of a corrected commentary from the BAC, which will help you not only include figurative language but get a head start on writing your own commentaries.

The French answer to the 5-paragraph essay is known as the  dissertation .  Like the American 5-paragraph essay, it has an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. The stream of logic, however, is distinct.

There are actually two kinds of  dissertation,  each of which has its own rules.

The first form of  dissertation  is the dialectic dissertation , better known as  thèse, antithèse, synthèse . In this form, there are actually only two body paragraphs. After the introduction, a thesis is posited. Following the thesis, its opposite, the antithesis, is explored (and hopefully, debunked). The final paragraph, what we know as the conclusion, is the  synthesis , which addresses the strengths of the thesis, the strengths and weaknesses of the antithesis, and concludes with the reasons why the original thesis is correct.

For example, imagine that the question was, “Are computers useful to the development of the human brain?” You could begin with a section showing the ways in which computers are useful for the progression of our common intelligence—doing long calculations, creating in-depth models, etc.

Then you would delve into the problems that computers pose to human intelligence, citing examples of the ways in which spelling proficiency has decreased since the invention of spell check, for example. Finally, you would synthesize this information and conclude that the “pro” outweighs the “con.”

The key to success with this format is developing an outline before writing. The thesis must be established, with examples, and the antithesis must be supported as well. When all of the information has been organized in the outline, the writing can begin, supported by the tools you have learned from your mastery of the synthesis and commentary.

Here are a few tools to help you get writing:

• Here’s a great guide to writing a dialectic dissertation .
• Here’s an example of a plan for a dialectic dissertation , showing you the three parts of the essay as well as things to consider when writing a dialectic dissertation.

4. Progressive Dissertation ( Plan progressif)

The progressive dissertation is slightly less common, but no less useful, than the first form.

The progressive form basically consists of examining an idea via multiple points of view—a sort of deepening of the understanding of the notion, starting with a superficial perspective and ending with a deep and profound analysis.

If the dialectic dissertation is like a scale, weighing pros and cons of an idea, the progressive dissertation is like peeling an onion, uncovering more and more layers as you get to the deeper crux of the idea.

Concretely, this means that you will generally follow this layout:

• A first, elementary exploration of the idea.
• A second, more philosophical exploration of the idea.
• A third, more transcendent exploration of the idea.

This format for the dissertation is more commonly used for essays that are written in response to a philosophical question, for example, “What is a person?” or “What is justice?”

Let’s say the question was, “What is war?” In the first part, you would explore dictionary definitions—a basic idea of war, i.e. an armed conflict between two parties, usually nations. You could give examples that back up this definition, and you could narrow down the definition of the subject as much as needed. For example, you might want to make mention that not all conflicts are wars, or you might want to explore whether the “War on Terror” is a war.

In the second part, you would explore a more philosophical look at the topic, using a definition that you provide. You first explain how you plan to analyze the subject, and then you do so. In French, this is known as  poser une problématique  (establishing a thesis question), and it usually is done by first writing out a question and then exploring it using examples: “Is war a reflection of the base predilection of humans for violence?”

In the third part, you will take a step back and explore this question from a distance, taking the time to construct a natural conclusion and answer for the question.

This form may not be as useful in as many cases as the first type of essay, but it’s a good form to learn, particularly for those interested in philosophy. Here’s an in-depth guide  to writing a progressive dissertation.

As you progress in French and become more and more comfortable with writing, try your hand at each of these types of writing exercises, and even with other forms of the dissertation . You’ll soon be a pro at everything from a synthèse de texte to a dissertation!

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10 Popular phrases in French: Expressing your opinion

Expressing your opinion is an important skill in any language, and French is no exception. Whether you’re discussing politics, art, or your favorite food, being able to articulate your thoughts and feelings is key to communicating effectively.

In this lesson, we will explore ten popular phrases in French that you can use to express your opinion.

• À mon avis… (In my opinion…)

Use this phrase to introduce your opinion.

• Je pense que… (I think that…)

Use this phrase to express your thoughts.

• Pour moi… (For me…)

Use this phrase to express your personal view.

• Selon moi… (According to me…)

Use this phrase to express your perspective.

• Il me semble que… (It seems to me that…)

Use this phrase to express your perception.

• J’ai l’impression que… (I have the impression that…)

Use this phrase to express your impression.

• Je suis persuadé(e) que… (I am convinced that…)

Use this phrase to express your conviction.

• Je trouve que… (I find that…)

Use this phrase to express what you find.

• Je crois que… (I believe that…)

Use this phrase to express your belief.

• En ce qui me concerne… (As far as I’m concerned…)

Use this phrase to express your perspective on the matter.

In conclusion, these ten popular French phrases for expressing your opinion will help you communicate effectively and confidently in a variety of situations. Whether you’re discussing politics, art, or your favorite food, these phrases will help you navigate your conversations in French. With practice, you will be able to use these phrases effortlessly and communicate effectively in a French-speaking environment. Remember, expressing your opinion is not only a way to share your thoughts and feelings, but also an opportunity to learn from others and engage in meaningful conversations.

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Expressing Opinions in French

• Pronunciation & Conversation
• Resources For Teachers

If you want to have a debate in French or discuss your opinions, you need to know the relevant vocabulary and expressions. This page offers suggestions for offering, supporting, asking for, and avoiding opinions in French. Of course, the subject pronoun je , object pronoun me , stressed pronoun moi , and possessive adjective mon in these expressions can all be replaced to express other opinions than your own.

Offering an Opinion

    À mon avis In my opinion C'est du moins mon opinion. At least, that's my opinion. D'après moi In my view En ce qui me concerne As far as I'm concerned Il est / C'est certain que It's certain Il est / C'est clair que It's clear Il est / C'est évident que It's obvious Il est / C'est impossible que It's impossible Il est / C'est injuste que It's unfair Il est / C'est juste que It's fair Il est / C'est possible que It's possible Il est / C'est probable que It's probable Il est / C'est sûr que It's surely Il est / C'est vrai que It's true Il me semble que It seems to me J'ai l'idée que I have the impression J'ai l'impression que I have a feeling Je considère que I feel Je crains qu'il ne soit I fear that it is Je crois que I believe Je dois dire que I must say J'estime que I consider it J'imagine que I imagine Je pense que I think (that) Je suppose que I suppose Je ne pense pas. I don't think so. Je ne peux pas m'empêcher de penser que I can't help thinking Je suis certain que I'm certain that Je suis convaincu que I'm convinced that Je suis d'avis que I'm of the opinion Je suis persuadé que I'm convinced that Je suis sûr que I'm sure Je trouve que I find, I feel Moi, je... As for me, I... Personnellement Personally Pour ma part For my part Pour moi In my view Quant à moi As for me Sans vouloir vous contredire Without meaning to contradict you Selon moi In my view Si vous voulez mon opinion/avis If you want my opinion Telle est mon opinion sur... That's my view of/on...

Supporting an Opinion

    J'ai entendu dire que + dependent clause I heard that J'ai entendu parler de + noun I heard about Je sais / Nous savons que I / We know that On dit que One says, They say Par exemple For example

Asking for an Opinion

   À votre avis In your opinion Avez-vous une opinion sur Do you have an opinion about Comment percevez-vous How do you view J'aimerais connaître / avoir votre avis / opinion sur I'd like (to know) your opinion on J'aimerais connaître / avoir votre réaction face à I'd like (to know) your reaction to J'aimerais / Je voudrais savoir ce que vous pensez de I'd like to know what you think about Je voudrais connaître / avoir votre avis / opinion sur I'd like (to know) your opinion on/about Je voudrais connaître / avoir votre réaction face à I'd like (to know) your reaction to Pourriez-vous me donner / faire savoir votre avis/opinion sur Could you give me your opinion about Pourriez-vous me donner / faire savoir votre réaction face à Could you give me your reaction to Pourriez-vous me dire ce que vous pensez de Could you tell me what you think about Quelle est votre attitude à l'égard de What is your attitude toward/to Quelle est votre opinion/avis sur What is your opinion about Que pensez-vous de What do you think about Selon vous In your opinion

Avoiding Expressing an Opinion

    Cela dépend de That depends on C'est une question de point de vue. It all depends on your point of view. Il est / C'est difficile de It's hard to Il m'est impossible de donner un avis (définitif) sur I can't express a (definite) opinion on Je n'ai jamais vraiment réfléchi à I have never really thought about Je n'ai pas d'opinion bien précise à / arrêtée sur I don't have strong feelings about Je ne me le suis jamais demandé. I've never wondered about it. Je ne me suis jamais vraiment posé la question. I've never asked myself that question. Je ne suis pas à même de dire si I'm not in a position to say whether Je préférerais ne pas (avoir à) me prononcer sur I'd rather not comment Je préférerais ne pas m'engager I'd rather not commit myself J'ignore tout de I know nothing about Tout dépend de It all depends on

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Expressing Opinions in French: Master Your Communication Skills for the DELF

Difficulty : B1 / B2

March 31, 2024

Hello and welcome! Today, we're going to talk about an essential skill in French: how to express your opinion . Knowing how to share your thoughts on various subjects is important. So let's get started!

Understanding the Request for Opinion

In French conversation, certain key expressions indicate that you are expected to share your thoughts . Mastering these phrases will enable you to respond appropriately and with confidence.

For example, a common question is :

Qu'est-ce que vous pensez de... ?

This phrase seeks your opinion on a specific topic. A frequent variant uses the pronoun " en ", asking for your opinion on a subject already mentioned.

Qu'est-ce que vous pensez de la politique du président ? -> Qu'est-ce que vous en pensez ?

Another way to ask the question is: " Vous en pensez quoi ? " or even " Tu en penses quoi ? ", which can be used among friends or in less formal situations.

For more direct questions, you might be asked: "Quelle est ton opinion sur..." :

Quelle est ton opinion sur le dernier iPhone ? Quel est ton avis sur le travail le dimanche ?

Expressions such as " À ton avis ", " selon toi ", or " pour toi ", are also ways to invite someone to express their opinion. They prepare the ground for an open discussion:

À ton avis , qui va gagner le match ce soir ?

Expressing Your Opinion

After identifying when your opinion is solicited, let's look at how to express it clearly. To achieve a B1 level, it is important to vary your expressions .

Here are some common structures: " Je pense que... ", " Je crois que... ", " Il me semble que... "

Je pense que c'est une excellente idée. Je crois que nous devons essayer. Il me semble que ça peut fonctionner.

They introduce a personal opinion and are followed by the indicative, meaning you can use the present, past, or future .

The following expressions indicate a personal opinion in a somewhat more formal way. They are useful for emphasizing the personal nature of the opinion expressed: " Selon moi... ", " À mon avis... ", " Pour moi... "...

Selon moi, cette approche est la meilleure. À mon avis, il vaut mieux attendre. Pour moi, ce film est un chef-d'œuvre.

Specifying a Topic

Here are some expressions to clearly steer the conversation towards the topic you wish to discuss: " Au sujet de... ", " À propos de... ", " Concernant... ".

Au sujet de la réforme éducative, je pense que... À propos du dernier film que nous avons vu, il me semble que... Concernant les nouvelles technologies, selon moi...

These expressions help you focus the debate and make it clear to your interlocutor which specific aspect you are giving your opinion on.

You might hear or use " par rapport à ". Although commonly used, it is recommended to use it with caution as its use is not always correct. Indeed, " par rapport à " implies a comparison, which is not always the case.

Here's how you can rephrase or clarify your thoughts: " Je m'explique... ", " Ce que je veux dire... ", " En d'autres termes... ", " En fait... ".

Ce que je veux dire, c'est que nous devrions considérer tous les aspects. En fait, ma principale préoccupation est la durabilité de ce projet. Je m'explique mieux : ce n'est pas seulement une question de coût.

These phrases allow you to clarify your thought or adjust it based on the reaction of your interlocutor during lively discussions or on complex subjects where every word counts.

To ask for an opinion : - Qu'est-ce que vous pensez de ... ? -> To solicit a general opinion. - Vous en pensez quoi ? -> To avoid repeating the subject. - Quel est ton avis sur ... ? -> Direct and personal inquiry. To express your opinion : - Je pense que ... -> Expresses a personal opinion. - Selon moi ... -> Indicates a more formal personal perspective. To specify a subject : - Au sujet de ... -> Introduces the theme of the discussion. - Concernant ... -> Specifies the subject of the opinion. To express yourself : - Je m'explique ... -> Clarifies or develops an opinion. - En fait ... -> Corrects or adds further detail.

Mastering the art of expressing and asking for opinions in French enriches your conversations and allows you to actively participate in meaningful exchanges . By using a variety of expressions to share your thoughts, specify topics, or clarify your viewpoints, you not only improve your language skills but also your ability to communicate effectively.

Want to push your French skills even further? Discover our video courses on Udemy . With a structured method suitable for all levels, our training is designed to guide you step by step towards achieving your goals, including preparing for recognized diplomas like the DELF.

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Expressing Your Opinion in French

When learning a new language, it’s crucial to be able to express your thoughts and opinions effectively. In this article, we will explore various phrases and expressions that will help you express your opinion confidently in the French language.

To express your opinion in French, there are several phrases and verbs that can be used.

• Verb expressions: Use verbs like “croire que” (to believe that), “penser que” (to think that), “trouver que” (to find that), “être d’avis que” (to be of the opinion that), “être persuadé que” (to be convinced that), and “avoir l’impression que” (to have the impression that).
• Adverbs: Use adverbs like “personnellement” (personally), “à mon avis” (in my opinion), “selon moi” (according to me), “de mon point de vue” (from my point of view), and “quant à moi” (as for me).
• Phrases: Use phrases like “je suis d’accord” (I agree), “je ne suis pas d’accord” (I disagree), “je suis du même avis” (I have the same opinion), “je suis persuadé que” (I am convinced that), “il me semble que” (it seems to me that), and “j’ai l’impression que” (I have the impression that).

It’s also important to note that in French, it’s common to use the subjunctive mood when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or emotion. For example, “je doute que” (I doubt that), “il est possible que” (it’s possible that), and “il est important que” (it’s important that)

Expressing Agreement

When you agree with someone’s opinion or point of view, here are some phrases you can use:

• Je suis d’accord. (I agree.)
• Tout à fait. (Absolutely.)
• Absolument. (Absolutely.)
• C’est exact. (That’s correct.)
• Je pense la même chose. (I think the same thing.)
• Je suis du même avis. (I have the same opinion.)
• Je partage ton opinion. (I share your opinion.)

Expressing Disagreement

If you disagree with someone’s opinion, you can use these phrases to express your disagreement politely:

• Je ne suis pas d’accord. (I don’t agree.)
• Je ne pense pas que ce soit vrai. (I don’t think that’s true.)
• Je ne suis pas convaincu(e). (I’m not convinced.)
• Je ne partage pas ton avis. (I don’t share your opinion.)
• Je comprends ton point de vue, mais… (I understand your point of view, but…)
• Je vois les choses différemment. (I see things differently.)

Stating Personal Preference

When expressing your personal preference, these phrases will come in handy:

• Personnellement, je préfère… (Personally, I prefer…)
• À mon avis… (In my opinion…)
• Pour ma part… (For my part…)
• Selon moi… (According to me…)
• Ce que je préfère, c’est… (What I prefer is…)
• J’aime mieux… (I like better…)

Giving Reasons and Examples

To support your opinion and provide reasons or examples, consider using the following phrases:

• Parce que… (Because…)
• En raison de… (Due to…)
• C’est que… (It’s because…)
• À cause de… (Because of…)
• Je pense cela parce que… (I think that because…)
• Un exemple qui illustre cela est… (An example that illustrates this is…)
• Prenez par exemple… (Take, for example…)

Introducing Balanced Opinions

Sometimes, you may want to express a more balanced opinion. These phrases can help you strike a middle ground:

• D’un côté… d’un autre côté… (On one hand… on the other hand…)
• Il y a des aspects positifs et négatifs. (There are positive and negative aspects.)
• Je comprends les deux points de vue. (I understand both points of view.)
• C’est une question complexe avec des arguments pour et contre. (It’s a complex issue with arguments for and against.)
• Il y a des avantages et des inconvénients. (There are advantages and disadvantages.)

Expressing yourself in French is an essential skill that allows you to have meaningful conversations and connect with native speakers. By using appropriate phrases and supporting your point of view with solid arguments, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and ideas. Remember to practice regularly and immerse yourself in the language to further improve your ability to express yourself in French.

Q: Can I use these phrases in formal or informal settings?

• A: Yes, these phrases can be used in both formal and informal settings, but remember to adjust your level of formality accordingly.

Q: Are there any cultural considerations when expressing opinions in French?

• A: French culture values debates and discussions, so expressing your opinion respectfully and being open to different viewpoints is important.

Q: Can I use these phrases in written communication as well?

• A: Absolutely! These phrases can be used in both spoken and written French to express your opinion effectively.

Q: Should I use “je” (I) or “nous” (we) when expressing my opinion?

• A: It depends on whether you are speaking on behalf of yourself or a group. Use “je” for individual opinions and “nous” for collective opinions.

Q: Can I combine different phrases and expressions to form more complex opinions?

• A: Certainly! Feel free to combine and adapt these phrases to suit your specific opinions and the context of the conversation.

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Leaving Cert French opinion pieces: tips and tricks

• Prepare some answers but be ready to tackle any kind of subject
• The most important thing to remember when writing opinion pieces is to structure answers well
• When reading the question, highlight the key words to keep your focus 
• Make a very quick plan which includes an introduction, three short but strong argumentative points and a conclusion 
• Express opinions, ideas and arguments using clear and concise vocabulary 
• Leave some time at the end for spell and grammar checking 

Useful phrases: 

• Post author: Martina
• Post published: May 22, 2017
• Post category: French

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StoryLearning

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33 French Conversational Connectors For Smooth Spoken French

As you learn French and begin using longer sentences to express your ideas, you need to know the connectors in French that allow everything to flow together.

Connectors will turn disjointed phrases into joined up sentences, making your French sound more smooth, natural and fluent.

Let’s have a look at an example in English first:

Yesterday, I went for a walk in the park. I arrived at the park. It started raining. I didn’t have an umbrella. I was starting to feel hungry. I decided to take the bus home. I had wasted my day off. It’s always a bad idea to go out without an umbrella in spring. It serves me right.

Compare that with:

Yesterday, I went for a walk in the park. However , when I arrived at the park, it started raining, and unfortunately, I didn’t have an umbrella. Furthermore, I was starting to feel hungry, so I decided to take the bus home instead – but I had wasted my day off. In fact , it’s always a bad idea to go out in spring without an umbrella, so I guess it serves me right.

Which one sounds more natural? Of course it’s the second one. Why? Thanks to the connectors! 

So, to help you out and save you a bit of time, here’s my list of the most important French conversational connectors to get you started.

By the way, if sounding more fluent in French fast is one of your goals, I recommend French Uncovered, which teaches you through StoryLearning®.  Click here  to find out more and try out the method for free.

33 French Conversational Connectors

These are some of the very first words you will learn in French and are essential when forming even the simplest joined-up sentences.

Most of these words work just like their English counterparts.

#1 Et – And

• Example: Je ne veux pas y aller et c’est tout ! – I don’t want to go and that’s that!

#2 Mais – But

• Example: Je ne veux pas y aller, mais tu peux me convaincre – I don’t want to go, but you can convince me

#3 Parce que – Because

• Example: Je ne veux pas y aller parce que ça m’ennuie – I don’t want to go because it bores me

#4 Peut-être – Perhaps, Maybe

• Example: Peut-être qu'on peut y aller après-demain – Perhaps we can go the day after tomorrow

#5 Comme – As, Since

This word in French has several meanings, including “like” (as in “similar”) and “as” (“he’s dressed as a monk”). But here, as a connector, it means “as” or “since”, a meaning that is close to “because”.

• Example: Comme ça m’ennuie, je ne veux pas y aller – Since it bores me, I don’t want to go

#6 Donc – Therefore

This is a useful word and is very common – it’s slightly more formal than alors , which we’ll come to in a moment.

• Example: Je n’ai pas d’argent donc je ne veux pas y aller – I don’t have any money, therefore I don’t want to go
• Example: Je pense donc je suis – I think therefore I am

It's also used in the following expression:

• Example: Quoi donc ? – What then?

Multipurpose Connectors In French To Sound Like A Native

Here are a couple of words that are super-common in French and that have lots of meanings.

Learning how to use them correctly can help make your French sound much more natural. And because they have so many uses, they’re extremely useful words to know.

In fact, I could probably write a whole post just about number 7. But I'll just give you an overview for now!

#7 Alors – So, Then, Therefore

This is a word that can seemingly be made to mean almost anything.

But its primary sense is “so” or “therefore”. It’s often used instead of donc and sounds less formal – the difference between the two is similar to the difference between “so” and “therefore” in English.

Note that when it isn’t being used to connect two parts of a sentence, alors can be placed at the beginning or end of what you say.

In English, we use “so” at the start of the sentence or replace it with “then” – which can go at the start or at the end. See the third example below to see how this works.

• Je n’ai pas d’argent alors je ne veux pas y aller – I don’t have any money, so I don’t want to go
• Je ne le voulais pas alors pourquoi tu l’as acheté ? – I didn’t want it so why did you buy it?
• Alors pourquoi tu l’as acheté?/Pourquoi tu l’as acheté alors ? – So/then why did you buy it?/Why did you buy it then?

Alors can also be used when in English you might say “so” or “well”. And just like in English, it has the full range of nuances, depending on how and when you say it.

Here are just a couple of examples:

• Alors ? – So? Well? (with a rising, questioning intonation – could mean “what do you want?” “how did it go?” “did you find it?” etc. depending on the context)
• Alors ! – Well then! (with a falling intonation, kind of like “I told you so!”)
• Bah alors ! – Well then! There, there! (depending on how you say it, it could mean anything from “well what did you expect?” or “serves you right” to “there, there” said to comfort someone!)

#8 Quand Même – All The Same, Anyway

I remember hearing this expression a lot when I was first learning French. Then – and when I finally worked out how to use it myself, I felt that my French had suddenly made a big jump forward.

It’s such a typically French expression that’s more than just another vocabulary item. And sometimes its meaning defies translation.

The basic sense is something like “all the same”. But you'll hear it used in all kinds of situations with varying nuances. Check out these examples:

• Je ne veux pas y aller mais je vais y aller quand même – I don’t want to go but I will go all the same (the meaning is close to “anyway” – I will go even though I don’t want to)
• Il est quand même un bon jouer – He’s a good player all the same (perhaps some doubt has been expressed about the player’s abilities and the speaker accepts the point but wants to stress that he’s still a good player – ‘yes, sometimes he’s lazy, but he’s a good player all the same’)
• C’est cher mais c’est bon quand même ! – It’s expensive, but it’s good though! (here, the idea being expressed is that although the food is expensive, it’s very good so it’s worth the money)

Quand même can also be used alone as a kind of exclamation to express the idea that something is impressive or considerable.

• Example: C’était combien ? 1.300€. Quand même ! – How much was it? €1,300. Wow, not exactly cheap! (the meaning is that the price is quite considerable – try to imagine it being said with a Gallic rise of the eyebrows, a slight tilt of the head, a little exhalation and a facial “shrug”!)

Other Useful Connectors In French

Most of these words are similar to the English equivalents.

#9 Pourtant – Yet, Still

Similar to “yet” or “still” in English.

• Example: Il est pourtant venu – Yet he came/he still came/yet he still came
• Example: Et pourtant, il est quand même venu – And yet he still came

#10 Cepandant – However

• Example: Il est beau. Cepandant je le trouve très bête – He’s handsome. However, I find him very stupid

#11 (Tout) D’abord – First (Of All)

• Example: D’abord, je vais chercher mon manteau – First, I’m going to fetch my coat

#12 En Général – In General

• Example: En général, ils sont tous comme ça – In general, they’re all like that

#13 En fait – In fact, Actually

Also, see actuellement in the “False Friends” section at the end.

• Example: En fait, je préfère la bière – In fact, I prefer beer

#14 Quant à – As For, Concerning

• Example: Quant à mes amis, ils préfèrent le vin – As for my friends, they prefer wine

#15 D’ailleurs – Moreover, Furthermore

• Example: Non, je ne l’ai pas invité. Et d’ailleurs, je lui ai dit de ne pas venir – No, I didn’t invite him. And moreover, I told him not to come

#16 Au Contraire – On The Contrary

• Example: Au contraire, ce n’est pas du tout ce que je voulais dire – On the contrary, that’s not what I meant at all

#17 Malgré – Despite

• Example: Malgré tout, elle l’aime toujours – Despite everything, she still loves him

#18 Sinon – Otherwise

• Example: Tu lui diras. Sinon il va oublier – Tell him. Otherwise he’ll forget

#19 Dès Que – As Soon As

• Example: On va partir dès qu’il arrive – We’ll leave as soon as he arrives

#20 Quoique – Whatever

This expression is always followed by a subjunctive verb in French .

• Example: Il ne me croit pas, quoique je dise – He doesn’t believe me, whatever I say

#21 Sans Doute – Without

• Example: Sans doute, c’est pour ça – Without doubt, that’s why

#22 Par Contre – On The Other Hand

• Example: S’il fait beau, j’irai. Par contre, s’il pleut, je reste ici – If the weather is good, I’ll go. On the other hand, if it rains, I’ll stay here

#23 En Plus – Furthermore, Additionally, As Well

• Example: Il a volé mon portefeille, et en plus, il m’a insulté ! – He stole my wallet, and furthermore, he insulted me!

#24 Surtout – Above All

• Example: Et surtout, il ne faut pas le dire à personne ! – And above all, you mustn’t tell it to anyone!

#25 De Toute Façon – Anyway

• Example: De toute façon, je vais lui dire – I’m going to tell him anyway

Connectors In French For Expressing Your Opinion

These are words and phrases for when you need to express your opinion.

#26 Je Pense Que… – I Think That…

• Example: Je pense que tu as tort – I think you’re wrong

#27 À Mon Avis – In My Opinion

• Example: À mon avis, ce n’est pas le cas – In my opinion, that’s not the case

#28 Pour Moi – For Me

• Example: Pour moi, ce n’est pas la peine – For me, it’s not worth it

#29 Selon – According To

• Example: Selon mon professeur, ça se dit comme ça – According to my teacher, that’s how it’s said

Connectors In French: False Friend Alert!

To finish, here are a couple of connecting words that many English speakers get wrong – as do many French speakers when they use the English versions.

#31 and #32 are slightly different from English and are easy to confuse. The last is one of the most notorious false friends in the French language.

#30 En Effet – Indeed, Actually

This doesn’t quite mean ‘in effect’. It’s closer to ‘indeed’ or ‘actually’.

• Example: En effet, c’est tout à fait vrai ! – Indeed, it’s completely true!

#31 Finalement – In The End, After All

Be careful here – finalement doesn’t mean “finally” as in “he’s finally arrived”. The true meaning is “in the end” and is used, for example, when the final outcome is not what you expected.

• Example: Ah ! Alors finalement tu as décidé de venir ! – Ah! So you decided to come in the end!

#32 Enfin – Finally, At Last, At Least

If you want to say “finally”, the correct word is enfin – it expresses the idea that something you have been waiting for has finally happened.

• Example: Il a enfin réussi à vendre sa maison ! – He’s finally managed to sell his house!

It also has another meaning that is similar to “at least” in English.

• Example: Il a vendu sa maison. Enfin, c’est ce que j’ai entendu – He sold his house. At least, that’s what I heard

#33 Actuellement – At The Moment, Currently, Right Now

Actuellement DOES NOT mean “actually”! If you want to express “actually”, the closest French expression is en fait (in fact).

Actuellement means “currently” or “at the moment”, and this is why sometimes French people will say things like “I’m busy actually” – they really mean “I’m busy right now”.

• Example: Je ne suis pas disponible actuellement – I’m not available right now/currently

Connectors In French: A Quick Way To Improve Your French

Many of these words are invaluable since they can help you express yourself much more clearly and accurately.

Plus, there are no complicated grammar rules to learn. You can sound more natural and fluent with minimal effort.

En plus , by incorporating them into your active French vocabulary, you can make yourself sound much more like a native speaker.

Et finalement , that’s the goal that everyone is hoping to achieve!

This list is a great start point. But now it's over to you. As you read French and listen to French , notice these connectors. Observe how native people use them in their conversations. How do they pronounce them? Where and when do they use them.

This is great preparation for using them in your conversations with French speakers.

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Writing an essay- guidance

As and a level french, essay writing.

As a rough guide you should spend about 10 minutes planning your essay, 45 minutes writing it and 5 minutes checking it.

I. Planning your essay:

It is important to plan your essay well. Make points clearly and logically so that the examiner can follow your argument. Take time to devise a plan before you start writing. This avoids rambling account and allow a structure which is easy to follow. You might find that the following points help you to plan your essay well:

· Read the question carefully. Make sure you have understood what you are being asked to do (the question may be in two parts)

· If you are completing an AS examination, the question will also have a list of bullet points to help you focus on the question. Make sure you engage with this guidance points BUT be aware that they do not in themselves give you the structure of the essay!

· It is sensible to plan your essay in French. This will prevent you writing ideas you are not able to express in the target language.

· Focus on the key words. For example, you may be asked to analyse, evaluate, explore or explain.

· Select the main point you want to make in your essay and then break this down into 3 or 4 sub-sections. They will become your paragraphs.

· Choose relevant information only!

· Decide on the order of your paragraphs. It might be a good idea to keep your strongest idea for your last paragraph. Note down linking words or phrases you can use between paragraphs to make your essay flow as a coherent and logical argument.

· Select one or two relevant and concise quotations which you can use to illustrate some of the points you make.

· Think about the suggested word count for the essay. It should always be possible to write a meaningful essay within the allocated number of words. So try to answer concisely.

· Think about how to introduce and conclude your essay, ensuring that you have answered the question set.

You might find the following template helpful to plan your essay:

II. Writing the essay:

· Remember that you are writing for a person who is reading your essay: the content should be interesting and should communicate your meaning with clarity and coherence.

· Stick to your plan and do not get side tracked into developing an argument or a point that is not relevant to the question set.

Introduction:

· It should be a single paragraph (approx. 5 lines)

· You can use a short sentence to introduce the film or the text you have studied.

· Show your understanding of the question: you should explain to your reader what you understand the question to mean, identify the issue it raises and how you are going to tackle them.

Question: Examinez le personnage de Saïd dans le film La Haine.

Introduction :

Development :

· This part will be divided into a number of interconnected paragraphs, each of which will pick up and develop the points raised in your introduction.

· Each paragraph should be introduced with a sentence stating what the paragraph is about.

· Make sure you are following a clear pathway through your paragraphs leading to your conclusion. You should move from one facet of your argument to the next, linking them conceptually by, for example, contrast, addition or comparison.

· Each paragraph must have an internal logic whereby you examine a separate point, making your argument, supporting it with evidence and possibly quotations and drawing conclusions.

· Try to have balanced paragraphs (with about the same amount of content).

Example (last paragraph):

Conclusion :

· Read through what you have written again and THEN write your conclusion.

· It should summarise your arguments succinctly

· Be careful not to simply lift passages from your development!

III. Check your work :

· Review your essay carefully and check for errors of: grammar, punctuation, accents and spelling.

· Check especially: verb endings, tenses and moods, and adjectival agreements.

· You should employ a good range of vocabulary and include terminology related to film and literature.

Learn French: express your opinion

Expressing opinions is an essential skill when learning a new language because it allows you to actively participate in conversations, debate, and share your ideas with others. In French, there are several elegant and effective ways to express your opinions.

In this course, we'll provide you with practical tips and key phrases to help you become more comfortable expressing your views in French.

Before expressing your opinion

• Learn it vocabulary appropriate : Before you start expressing your opinions, it is important to expand your vocabulary. Learn words and expressions that are related to the topic you want to talk about. This will help you articulate your thoughts more precisely.
• Use connectors and linking words : Connectors and linking words are essential for structuring your ideas coherently. Words like “first,” “then,” “further,” “as far as I’m concerned” can be very helpful in organizing your opinions.
• Be respectful of other opinions: When expressing your opinions, keep in mind that others might have different points of view. Be respectful and open to debate, and avoid overly categorical sentences.

Useful phrases to express your opinions

• I think that…
• In my opinion…
• As for me...
• From what I see...
• It seems to me that…
• I am convinced that…
• I disagree with…
• I share the opinion of…
• I'm not sure that...

Examples of use

I think that climate change is one of the most pressing problems of our time.

In my opinion , the government should invest more in education.

In my opinion , traveling allows us to broaden our horizons and learn about different cultures.

I disagree with this policy, because it does not take into account the needs of citizens.

I share the opinion of the author on this subject, because his arguments are well supported.

Expressing your opinions in French is a crucial skill for actively participating in discussions and exchanges. By following these tips and using the helpful phrases we've provided, you'll be able to share your ideas clearly and convincingly. Remember to be respectful of others' opinions and maintain constructive debates. With regular practice, you will gain confidence in expressing your opinions in French.

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How to Express Your Opinion in French

In France, there are not many subjects that are considered taboo, and the French will frequently speak their mind without holding back. At a dinner party in France, you might be asked to share your opinion on your political beliefs, relationships, spiritual tendencies, the environment, immigration, etc. In discussions, there is one topic that many avoid which is people’s finances or salaries. You will rarely hear someone asking you how much you make at your job. However, they will willingly let you know what they think about the cost of living. The French thrive on a good debate and it is difficult for them to stay neutral. I’m writing this article from my home in California, and I ran into a French friend a few weeks ago who was telling me that she was no longer getting involved in the heated conversations taking place on Facebook related to politics and the pandemic. She had decided that she wanted to stay neutral. I responded by laughing and saying to her that it must be quite difficult to be French and not give an opinion. With a big smile she responded: En fait, c’est impossible (Actually, it’s impossible)!

In this article, I would like to give you some of the most popular phrases and words that the French use to express their opinions whether they’re “for” or “against” something, they agree or not, or they’re unsure.

First, have a look at these short words that are frequently used to emphasize a personal opinion:

1. Perso and moi, je / toi, tu

These words are used to open a discussion when sharing an opinion. Perso is short for personnellement (personally). Example: – Perso, je pense que c’est une bonne idée . = Personally, I think that it’s a good idea.

Another word that you will hear a lot which emphasizes one’s position when sharing an opinion is by adding a pronoun such as moi in front of je. This also happens with the other subjects:

toi with tu, vous with vous, lui with il, elle with elle, eux with ils, elles with elles. You can interpret it as: “As for me” or “as for you.”

Examples: – Moi, je pense que c’est une bonne idée. – Vous, vous pensez quoi ? – Lui, il pense que c’est une mauvaise idée. – Et eux, ils pensent que l’idée est bonne ? – Et elles, elles aiment bien aussi cette idée ?

Again, you will often hear the French start with either one, so don’t hesitate to use these to position your thoughts.

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1. How to ask someone what they think

Here are the typical ways of asking someone:

– Et vous ? Qu’en pensez‐vous ? = And you? What do you think? A more casual way to ask (if you know the person) = Qu’est‐ce que t’en penses ?/T’en penses quoi ? – Quelle est votre opinion ? = What is your opinion? A more casual way to ask (if you know the person) = C’est quoi ton opinion sur ça ? = What’s your opinion about that? – Quel est votre avis ? = What is your opinion? (another choice instead of the French word opinion, the French use both very frequently). A more casual way to ask (if you know the person) = C’est quoi ton avis sur ça ? = What’s your opinion about that? – Tu es pour ou contre ? = Are you for or against?

2. How to express your opinion when you agree

You will hear the following expressions and words in bold here below. Notice how I started some of these sentences by adding perso or a pronoun to emphasize the position.

– Perso, je suis d’accord ! = Personally, I agree! – Moi, je suis pour le passeport vaccinal. = Personally, I’m for the vaccine passport. – Tu as raison pour le passeport vaccinal . = You’re right for the vaccine passport. – Je pense que le passeport vaccinal est une bonne idée . = I think that the vaccine passport is a good idea. – Je trouve que c’est bien. = I agree that it’s good.

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3. How to express your opinion when you disagree

Some of the above expressions can be simply formed in a negative sentence: – Perso, je ne trouve pas que c’est normal. = Personally, I don’t find this to be normal. – Perso, je ne suis pas d’accord. = Personally, I don’t agree. – Je pense que non. = I don’t think so. – Moi, je suis contre la peine de mort. = (As for me) I’m against the death penalty. – Tu as tort . = You’re wrong

4. How to express your opinion when you’re unsure or feeling neutral

Undecided? Here are a few options:

– D’un côté, je suis pour un seul système éducatif dans le pays. = On one hand, I’m for only one education system in the country. – D’un autre côté, je suis contre l’idée de n’avoir qu’un seul choix d’éducation. = On the other hand, I am against the idea of only one choice of education. – Je ne suis pas sûre, je dois réfléchir à la question . = I’m not sure, I have to think about the question. – Je suis plus ou moins d’accord avec vous. = I more or less agree with you.

5. Additional words to introduce an opinion at any time

If you wish to take the initiative in expressing your opinion, these phrases will be useful:

– Selon moi, on doit laisser les enfants s’exprimer. = According to me (but it really means “in my opinion”), we have to let children express themselves. You can also replace selon moi by D’après moi. It means exactly the same thing. – Quant à moi, je crois que les enfants doivent apprendre la discipline. = As for me, I think that children must learn discipline. – À mon avis, tu es trop stricte. = In my opinion, you’re too strict. – Pour ma part, je trouve que la nouvelle génération doit manifester. = As far as I’m concerned, I think that the new generation must protest. – Je suis convaincu que les jeunes sont l’espoir dans ce monde incertain. = I’m convinced that the young ones are the hope in this incertain world.

Again, I chose the phrases and words that you will hear most likely hear, there are a few more but this is already a long list.

Céline Van Loan

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FRENCH LEAVING CERT REVISION COURSES 

French Leaving Cert

If you would be interested in attending one of our French Leaving Cert Revision courses , please follow the link below for more information. All of our monthly courses take place from September to May and are held in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick . Our Courses begin at 1pm and ends at 5pm. The cost is €60 and includes a 30 page booklet with exclusive French Notes content. During our revision courses, students learn how to write opinion pieces, Diary entries and/or the narrative (récit),   learn active listening methodology, practice speaking and reading French comprehensions. They also do Translation exercises and study a specific area of grammar.

https://www.frenchnotes.ie/testimonials/ 

https://www.frenchnotes.ie/revision-courses/

Remember to follow our account on Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, where we are constantly uploading vital tips and expressions!  https://twitter.com/French_Notes   https://www.facebook.com/frenchnotesA1/

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