English Exam Tips for French Speakers
French speakers have many advantages learning English, but watch out for these false friends and structural differences.
Common Challenges for French Speakers
- False Friends: Many similar-looking words have different meanings Example: actuellement ≠ actually (use "currently"); eventually ≠ éventuellement (use "possibly")
- Word Order in Questions: English questions use auxiliary verbs differently Example: "Do you like coffee?" not "Like you coffee?"
- Adjective Position: English adjectives usually come before nouns Example: "A blue car" not "A car blue"
- Present Perfect: English present perfect is used differently than passé composé Example: "I have lived here for 5 years" (I still do) vs "I lived here" (I don't now)
Grammar Tips for French Speakers
- Present Perfect vs Past Simple: Use present perfect for actions continuing to now or with unfinished time periods
- Continuous Tenses: English has progressive forms (I am working) that French doesn't have
- Word Order: Adverbs of frequency go before main verbs: "I always go" not "I go always"
- Make vs Do: Learn which goes with which nouns: make a mistake, do homework
Vocabulary Advice
- Keep a list of false friends and review regularly
- Learn phrasal verbs - French usually uses single verbs
- Cognates are helpful but verify meanings
- Pay attention to subtle differences in word usage
Exam Strategies
- In writing, avoid French sentence structures
- Use phrasal verbs to sound more natural
- For speaking, practice the "h" sound at word beginnings
- Watch for French-influenced word order errors
Courage! Votre connaissance du français vous donne une base solide pour maîtriser l'anglais.