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March 28, 2024, 08:12:34 pm

Author Topic: 50 in French - ask me anything  (Read 33329 times)  Share 

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bingoman2000

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #30 on: January 12, 2018, 09:28:45 pm »
+4
Hi snowisawesome, I did graduate last year in Year 11. I started my VCE journey in 2014 in Year 8 with Methods and had initially planned to stay all the way till Year 12, but after the high of last year, I thought it was a good time to finish up and start at Melbourne.

MissSmiley, that theme sounds fascinating. It definitely sounds like something quite original and rich, and I'm sure the examiners will be very interested in your topic. Good luck for the year ahead :)
2014: Mathematical Methods [46]
2015: Specialist Mathematics [48], UMEP Extension Mathematics [5.0]
2016: French [50 + Premier's Award], Biology [50]
2017: English [50 + Premier's Award], Physics [48]
ATAR: 99.95
Author: Cambridge Checkpoints VCE French and Cambridge Checkpoints VCE GAT

snowisawesome

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #31 on: January 12, 2018, 09:39:56 pm »
0
Hi snowisawesome, I did graduate last year in Year 11. I started my VCE journey in 2014 in Year 8 with Methods and had initially planned to stay all the way till Year 12, but after the high of last year, I thought it was a good time to finish up and start at Melbourne.

MissSmiley, that theme sounds fascinating. It definitely sounds like something quite original and rich, and I'm sure the examiners will be very interested in your topic. Good luck for the year ahead :)

What course you planning to do Anand?

bingoman2000

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #32 on: January 12, 2018, 10:56:34 pm »
+3
I'm doing the BSc with a Chancellor's Scholarship at Melbourne. I'm planning to major in data science and maths and stats.
2014: Mathematical Methods [46]
2015: Specialist Mathematics [48], UMEP Extension Mathematics [5.0]
2016: French [50 + Premier's Award], Biology [50]
2017: English [50 + Premier's Award], Physics [48]
ATAR: 99.95
Author: Cambridge Checkpoints VCE French and Cambridge Checkpoints VCE GAT

exit

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #33 on: January 12, 2018, 11:00:09 pm »
+1
Year 9 Methods - 46
Year 10 Specialist 48/ UMEP 5.0
Sorry but this just isn't believable to me...


It's legit. Search him up on quppa's VCE Study Score Archive
VCE [ATAR: 99.25]: Physics 1/2, English 1/2, EngLang,Methods, Spesh, Accounting, Chem, German

2018-2021: Bachelor Of Commerce @ University of Melbourne
VCE English Language: A+ Short Answer Guide[pm for extra guidance!]

PhoenixxFire

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #34 on: January 12, 2018, 11:03:52 pm »
+3
Year 9 Methods - 46
Year 10 Specialist 48/ UMEP 5.0
Sorry but this just isn't believable to me...

He's definitely legit, I went to primary school with him.
2019: B. Environment and Sustainability/B. Science @ ANU
2020: Just Vibing
2021: B. Paramedicine/B. Nursing @ ACU Canberra

hollywu

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #35 on: December 19, 2019, 04:43:24 pm »
0
Hi Anand. Are you familiar with the YouTube channel 'VCE French - Pierrick Hubert'? I'd like to get your opinion on it. :)

bingoman2000

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #36 on: December 19, 2019, 08:37:56 pm »
+4
Hi Holly, Pierrick's channel is an amazing resource and I highly recommend it to you. I used it extensively throughout the year in preparation for the exam. I found Pierrick's writing tutorials particularly helpful, in that he discusses each style of writing in great depth and provides sample essays for all of the various text types and themes. I've also had the pleasure of presenting alongside Pierrick at some AFTV events; he is a fantastic presenter and teacher.

All the best for the year ahead and don't hesitate to ask any other questions :)
2014: Mathematical Methods [46]
2015: Specialist Mathematics [48], UMEP Extension Mathematics [5.0]
2016: French [50 + Premier's Award], Biology [50]
2017: English [50 + Premier's Award], Physics [48]
ATAR: 99.95
Author: Cambridge Checkpoints VCE French and Cambridge Checkpoints VCE GAT

Snow Leopard

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #37 on: December 19, 2019, 08:53:21 pm »
0
Hello!

I was just wondering:
- What should I focus on improving for French Units 1&2 given that I've only started learning French from Yr 9?
- How much do you reckon I should allocate towards French daily (week days and weekends) for Units 1/2 and Units 3/4 respectively?
- What do you think you did differently to everyone else who was doing French in order to get a 50.
- Do you have any advice for getting your intonation to sound natural because for me I find that I'm either too high-pitched which makes me sound like I'm asking a question or too monotone (in the context of speaking tasks)?
- What do you reckon is the best way to be prepared for Speaking SACs/ Oral Exams?

If you don't mind answering this: I was wondering what you're studying now, because you seem to have a very successful VCE!
« Last Edit: December 19, 2019, 08:57:52 pm by Snow Leopard »

SmartWorker

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #38 on: December 19, 2019, 09:05:11 pm »
+2
Hi,

Can you please create Bio thread as well, it will be of immense benefit for me and everyone on AN. What is your motivation that ensures you pursue your studies?

Thank you,
Smartworker
« Last Edit: December 20, 2019, 11:30:59 am by SmartWorker »
Advice to smash Biology ¾:

2021 VCE - 99.35

Tutoring Bio, Chem, English, Methods 1/2 & 3/4 for 2022. DM if interested

Want some advice for VCE? 👇

https://youtu.be/zq0xsaE9GJ4

caffinatedloz

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #39 on: December 20, 2019, 08:48:33 am »
+1
//
Seconding this, would love to see an AMA bio thread from you!

In regards to languages, I was wondering how you found the passion and dedication to put so much time into French? What made you enjoy the language?

bingoman2000

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #40 on: December 20, 2019, 10:56:28 pm »
+1
Hello!

I was just wondering:
- What should I focus on improving for French Units 1&2 given that I've only started learning French from Yr 9?
I think the most important things to focus on are your basic oral and writing skills, particularly pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary. The rest will come with practice once you have mastered these key skills. To learn grammar and vocabulary, I would highly recommend working through grammar exercises in textbooks (e.g. Schaum's French Grammar). This can be something of a grind, but there really is no substitute for this. However, it is also very important to understand grammar and vocabulary in context, so take the opportunity to read as much as possible in French from a range of sources and understand how various grammatical structures and expressions are actually used in writing. Try to incorporate these structures in your own writing wherever possible. A point of warning though: I think it can be quite hard to jump into reading sophisticated content in French immediately, so start with relatively basic material (e.g. short chapter books and magazines) and work your way up from there. If you want more advice and suggestions for how to prepare for French over the next couple of years, I would certainly advise you to take a look at the French Checkpoints book that I wrote (https://www.cambridge.edu.au/education/titles/Cambridge-Checkpoints-VCE-French-Units-34-2020-23/#.XfytpEczY2w) for detailed guidance on how to structure your preparation for the exam, in addition to many exercises that will enable you to practice your oral and written language skills. 

- How much do you reckon I should allocate towards French daily (week days and weekends) for Units 1/2 and Units 3/4 respectively?
This is a hard question and one that unfortunately doesn't have an obvious answer. I think in general, however, regular, diligent practice is needed to achieve top marks in a language subject like French, especially given that you only started your French journey in Year 9. There is no 'magic' amount of study time that will guarantee success in French, but I would recommend spending at least 30 minutes to an hour each day on French. Ultimately, you should do as much study as you think necessary to achieve proficiency in the various language skills tested in the subject.

-  What do you think you did differently to everyone else who was doing French in order to get a 50.
I think what helped me most was a genuine passion for French language and culture, a strong grasp of the language in both spoken and written forms, as well as a thorough knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

- Do you have any advice for getting your intonation to sound natural because for me I find that I'm either too high-pitched which makes me sound like I'm asking a question or too monotone (in the context of speaking tasks)?

French intonation is without doubt one of the most challenging aspects of the language. The best advice I can give for this is to ask your teacher for some one-on-one time to get feedback on your accent and speaking style. Try to listen to podcasts and watch French films to develop a more natural accent. It is equally useful to record yourself and listen back to the tape (perhaps together with your teacher). This can really help you to zone in on your areas of weakness and get feedback on any specific types of errors that you might be making.

- What do you reckon is the best way to be prepared for Speaking SACs/ Oral Exams?

This follows on a bit from the previous question. The keys are to find a balance between preparation and spontaneity - in essence, you need to have a general idea of what you are going to talk about, but also have the ability to improvise on the spot and answer questions in a creative, original way. Ultimately, engaging content, an effective speaking style, and an excellent command of French grammar and vocabulary are the key ingredients for success in oral exams. These skills cannot be developed overnight, so take every opportunity to practice with native speakers (especially your teacher) and constantly take on their feedback to improve. At my school, a few students including myself started a lunchtime French conversation club supervised by our French teacher, something that made my speaking skills improve by leaps and bounds. 

If you don't mind answering this: I was wondering what you're studying now, because you seem to have a very successful VCE!

I am currently a Chancellor's Scholar at the University of Melbourne, about to start the final year of my Bachelor of Science majoring in maths and computer science. I am very interested in machine learning/artificial intelligence and am keen to pursue a career in these areas either in academia or industry.
2014: Mathematical Methods [46]
2015: Specialist Mathematics [48], UMEP Extension Mathematics [5.0]
2016: French [50 + Premier's Award], Biology [50]
2017: English [50 + Premier's Award], Physics [48]
ATAR: 99.95
Author: Cambridge Checkpoints VCE French and Cambridge Checkpoints VCE GAT

bingoman2000

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #41 on: December 20, 2019, 11:13:48 pm »
+2
Hi,

Can you please create Bio thread as well, it will be of immense benefit for me and everyone on AN. What is your motivation that ensures you pursue your studies?

Thank you,
Smartworker

Hi there, while I'd love to create a Bio thread, I'm probably a bit too busy to respond to questions on two separate threads :( I'm also not fully abreast of the new Bio study design given I took the subject back in 2016, so wouldn't feel fully confident of giving up-to-date advice. I'm always happy to respond to individual questions by PM though if there is anything specific relating to Bio that you might want to get my thoughts on.

With regard to my motivation for studying, I think I just genuinely enjoy learning new things and seeking out challenges, and that keeps my motivation high to work hard and give my best in everything I do.
2014: Mathematical Methods [46]
2015: Specialist Mathematics [48], UMEP Extension Mathematics [5.0]
2016: French [50 + Premier's Award], Biology [50]
2017: English [50 + Premier's Award], Physics [48]
ATAR: 99.95
Author: Cambridge Checkpoints VCE French and Cambridge Checkpoints VCE GAT

Snow Leopard

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #42 on: December 21, 2019, 12:20:35 am »
0
///
Thanks so much for all of your advice!!!
Good luck with your studies :)

L0K4

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Re: 50 in French - ask me anything
« Reply #43 on: June 29, 2020, 01:26:26 pm »
0
Hi,
I am in year 10 and preparing for french for VCE.
I read some of your responses to the questions and you have talked about some of the books that you used which were very helpful. I was researching some of these books (Mot a Mot by Paul Humberstone, Street French - A Guide to Idioms, Schaum's french grammar) and I was wondering which exact model you used to get a very god ATAR (congrats on that).
For example, 'Mot a Mot' by Paul Humberstone. There are many variations of this such as Mot a Mot for AQA A level and Mot a Mot for advanced french vocabulary.

Thanks