When preparing for the WAEC French examination, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the French syllabus provided by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
This syllabus serves as a roadmap for your exam preparation, outlining the topics, aims, objectives, and format of the French exam.
About WAEC Syllabus for French 2024/2025
In this blog post, we will delve into the details of the WAEC French syllabus, highlighting the different papers, sections, and recommended resources to aid your study.
General Aims and Objectives
The WAEC French syllabus aims to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to effectively communicate in French.
It focuses on developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities to promote communicative competence.
By studying this syllabus, you will gain a better understanding of the objectives set for the examination and what is expected of you as a candidate.
Scheme of Examination
The WAEC French examination consists of three papers – Papers 1, 2, and 3 – all of which should be taken. Papers 1 and 2 are combined into a composite paper to be completed in one sitting.
- Paper 1: This paper comprises forty multiple-choice questions, to be completed within 1 hour for a total of 40 marks.
- Paper 2: Divided into two sections, this paper focuses on essay writing and letter writing. Candidates are required to answer two questions in total, one from each section. The time allotted for Paper 2 is 1 hour 15 minutes, and it carries 40 marks.
- Paper 3: This paper assesses candidates’ listening comprehension, reading abilities, and conversation skills.
It consists of a listening comprehension section and a reading section.
The listening comprehension part involves listening to a passage read aloud by the examiner, followed by answering questions based on the passage.
The reading section requires candidates to read aloud a provided passage.
The entire paper is allotted 40 minutes and carries 50 marks.
WAEC French Syllabus
To help you better prepare for the examination, let’s take a closer look at the syllabus and its various sections:
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Paper 1:
- Section A: Comprehension – Tests your ability to read and understand standard written documents in French. Two passages, each around 150 words, will be provided, with five short multiple-choice questions for each passage.
- Section B: Structure – Assesses your ability to use appropriate French words, expressions, and structural patterns within communicative contexts. This section consists of thirty short questions.
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Paper 2:
- Section A: Essay – Requires candidates to write an essay on a given topic of general interest, showcasing their ability to write freely and correctly using the appropriate structures, registers, and tenses.
- Section B: Letter Writing – Involves writing a letter based on a given scenario or topic. Candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to write effectively and appropriately.
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Paper 3:
- Listening Comprehension – Tests your ability to listen and understand a passage read aloud in French. The passage, approximately 200 words long, covers topics of general interest. The questions based on the passage may include multiple-choice questions and other forms of language testing.
- Reading – Assesses your ability to read aloud with appropriate pronunciation and fluency. A simple passage of about 100 words, focusing on contemporary interest, will be provided for reading aloud.
- Conversation – In this section, candidates engage in a conversation with the examiner. The topics are drawn from general and contemporary interests, such as sports, health, leisure, education, politics, and culture. The conversation test includes two sections: dialogue and exposition.
Notes on the Syllabus
To excel in the examination, it is important to pay attention to the following aspects mentioned in the syllabus:
- Structure: Understanding grammatical categories, parts of speech, verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, negatives, conjunctions, prepositions, sentence patterns, voice, direct speech/reported speech, compound and complex sentences, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, and forms of writing.
- Context and Meaning: Conveying politeness, disgust, disappointment, and understanding common figures of speech.
- Major “Acte de Parole” Structures: Expressing various emotions such as deception, probation, disgust, surprise, pleasure, and regret.
Suggested Reading List
To enhance your language skills and broaden your knowledge of French, the following resources are recommended:
- Course books such as “France-Afrique 4,” “Trans Afrique 3,” “Nouvel Horizon 4,” “On y va 3,” “Tempo 1 & 2,” and “Et en français 1 – 3.”
- General grammar books like “Companion to French Grammar,” “French Reference Grammar,” “Le Français sans faute,” and “La grammaire pour tous.”
- Oral practice materials like “An Introduction to Practice in Oral French” and “Guide pratique de la communication.”
- Literature books for candidates in Ghana, including “La Belle Fleure et d’autres Histoires,” “Olurounbi ou Le Prix d’un Pari,” and “Sans Famille.”
Dictionaries and glossaries are also recommended for reference and clarification purposes.
FAQs
What are the main components of the WAEC Syllabus for French 2024/2025?
The WAEC Syllabus for French 2024/2025 comprises several key components, including:
- Listening Comprehension: Understanding spoken French through audio recordings and dialogues.
- Reading Comprehension: Analyzing and interpreting written texts, such as prose, poetry, and essays.
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Mastery of French grammar rules, sentence structure, and essential vocabulary.
- Writing Skills: Composing essays, letters, and other forms of written communication in French.
- Oral Expression: Engaging in conversations and presenting spoken responses in French.
How can students prepare for the French examination according to the WAEC Syllabus?
Students can effectively prepare for the French examination by following these strategies:
- Study the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all the topics outlined in the WAEC syllabus, ensuring you cover each component thoroughly.
- Practice Listening and Speaking: Regularly engage in listening exercises using audio resources and practice speaking with peers or language partners.
- Read Widely: Read various French texts, including books, articles, and poems, to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
- Grammar Exercises: Work on grammar exercises to strengthen your understanding of the language’s structure.
- Mock Exams: Take practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment and build confidence.
Where can I access the official WAEC Syllabus for French 2024/2025?
The official WAEC Syllabus for French 2024/2025 can be accessed through the following channels:
- WAEC Official Website: Visit the WAEC website (www.waec.org) to find downloadable copies of the syllabus and additional resources.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and colleges often provide copies of the syllabus to students. Check with your French teacher or department.
- Bookstores: Educational bookstores may offer printed copies of the syllabus or related study materials tailored to the WAEC curriculum.
Conclusion
Preparing for the WAEC French examination requires a thorough understanding of the syllabus.
By following the guidelines and recommended resources outlined in this post, you can effectively structure your study plan, focus on the specific areas of the exam, and increase your chances of success.
Remember, the French syllabus is your tool for productive exam preparation, so make sure to utilize it wisely. Good luck!
