NEW French conversation course for advanced learners B2+

Objectives and content

The focus of this course is primarily on improving speaking skills. Through listening exercises or reading texts, new structures are introduced and practiced in concrete situations. You’ll gain self-confidence and learn to speak more fluently and accurately. You’ll be able to participate spontaneously in conversations with native speakers on both familiar and less familiar topics. You’ll learn to express your feelings and can already present your opinions and arguments quite effectively in a discussion.

• Speaking skills: Activities are done in pairs, in small groups, and with the whole class. Concrete situations form the basis for communicative tasks.
• Listening skills: You’ll listen to authentic material to get used to the rhythm of native French speakers.
• Reading skills: You’ll read authentic texts.
• Writing skills: This skill receives the least attention.
• The course addresses grammar points needed to perform communicative tasks correctly, especially those that students often find challenging.

Specific grammar topics: the use of the conditionnel and subjonctif, the use of tenses and moods, formulating more complex sentences (indirect speech, relative pronouns, connectors), etc.

Themes covered in the course: describing a person’s appearance and character, expressing opinions in detail on various topics, interviews, discussing clichés and stereotypes, expressing emotions, different language registers, Belgianisms, current events, etc.

Required prior knowledge

You studied French as a second language in secondary school. You occasionally have the opportunity to speak French at work or in other situations, and when French speakers address you, you understand almost everything they say. When speaking, you can express yourself fairly fluently, though you sometimes have to search for specific words or feel uncertain about the correctness of more complex sentences. The mentioned grammar items sound familiar to you, and you would only need a brief refresher to feel confident using them again. In short, you want a concise review of some important grammar points, to expand your vocabulary, and to reinforce everything through speaking practice. You need strong language skills for your studies, in the workplace, or when applying for a job.

This speaking course is a logical continuation of the course “Practical French 4” and serves as a stepping stone to “Practical French 5.”

Tests

There is a placement test and a final test.

Before enrolling, you must take the online placement test. This test will direct you to the course that best matches your level. To get a complete and accurate picture of your level, your placement will be confirmed during the first session of the course through an oral placement.

Course materials

UCT course book. You will receive this book from your language teacher in class.

Recommended books:

• Bescherelle (2024): La grammaire pour tous, Paris: Hatier
• Bescherelle (2024): La conjugaison pour tous, Paris: Hatier
• Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Frans-Nederlands – Utrecht: Van Dale
• Van Dale Pocketwoordenboek Nederlands-Frans – Utrecht: Van Dale

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Are you already registered for this course? Check out our FAQ ‘What to do after my registration?’.