How to get a H1 in Leaving Cert French exam & oral exam; tips and tricks; How to study; Podcast 2023

Emer shares her personal experience and complicated relationship with French, highlighting that languages can be frustrating but rewarding. She notes that some people have a natural flair for languages, but even if you don't, effective study can still lead to success.

Emer recommends Duolingo as a fun supplementary tool for learning French, particularly for vocabulary and basic grammar, but not as the sole learning resource. She also advises keeping a dedicated vocabulary copybook, writing words in different colors, and regularly reviewing them by covering one side and translating, emphasizing consistency.

For the listening exam, Emer stresses the importance of training your ear by listening to as much French as possible. She suggests podcasts like 'Coffee Break French' and 'Intermediate French Podcast', encouraging listeners not to be disheartened if they don't understand everything, as unconscious learning still occurs.

The oral exam is often nerve-wracking, but Emer advises confidence and preparation. She recommends having a document prepared, as it covers a significant portion of the exam and alleviates anxiety. She also suggests preparing answers to common questions about family, hobbies, and future plans, using flashcards, and learning key vocabulary. If asked a difficult question, skillfully redirect the conversation to a topic you are prepared for.

For the essay writing section, Emer highlights that it can be easier due to choice and predictability of themes (e.g., terrorism, obesity). She advises building a strong vocabulary bank for common topics. To gain 'brownie points', she suggests using the subjunctive mood where relevant, as it demonstrates a higher level of French. She cautions against squeezing in irrelevant learned material.

Emer recommends making a plan for essay questions to save time and ensure a structured response. She also emphasizes time management, allocating specific minutes per section and moving on if you go over. She highlights Study Clicks' aural tool for listening practice with past exam tapes, and the videos/notes sections for external resources like French newspapers and blogs. The discussion boards are also useful for peer support and learning by teaching others.

Regarding accent improvement, Emer reassures that a perfect French accent isn't essential and that a native accent can be charming. However, for those keen to improve, she suggests listening to native French speakers on YouTube, trying to replicate their pronunciation, and even recording oneself for comparison.

Emer's top three tips are: 1) Listen, listen, listen (podcasts, YouTube, Study Clicks aural tool) for unconscious learning. 2) Maintain a vocabulary copybook and review it consistently. 3) Prepare early and thoroughly, particularly for common oral topics and essay themes. She concludes by encouraging students to enjoy learning French, recognizing it as a valuable skill with real-world benefits like travel and career opportunities, despite the challenges of the curriculum.