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Kieran Ball

Welcome to course 16 :-)

This is the sixteenth course in the 3 Minute French series, and it has lessons 135 to 143, but it also has four extra half lessons, just because I couldn't fit everything into the main lessons. It's the longest course so far, and we really shift up a gear in our learning.

In course 16, I introduce a major new learning technique that appears in every lesson from now on: Comprehension exercises

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Welcome to course 16 :-)

This is the sixteenth course in the 3 Minute French series, and it has lessons 135 to 143, but it also has four extra half lessons, just because I couldn't fit everything into the main lessons. It's the longest course so far, and we really shift up a gear in our learning.

In course 16, I introduce a major new learning technique that appears in every lesson from now on: Comprehension exercises

Every lesson in course 16 begins with a short comprehension exercise where we work through a text together to see what we can learn. The texts are based on a range of topics, but they contain lots of vocabulary and structures you'll already be familiar with. They also contain new vocab and new structures, so they're great for building our language knowledge.

We start this course with a recap of the tenses we've learnt so far: the present tense, the present perfect tense, the imperative and the reflecxive verbs. Then, we move on to a new tense: the imperfect tense.

The imperfect tense is the second past tense in French, and in this course we're going to learn how to form it and how to use it. We'll also look at the difference between the imperfect tense and the present perfect tense because, even though they're both used to talk about the past, they are very different.

We're going to continue looking at the prepositions à and de, and we'll see how certain verbs change depending on which preposition we use. The difference between parler à and parler de, or the difference between penser à and penser de are very interesting to look at.

In this course, we're also going to look at the fifth French structure, which it might not surprise you to learn, involves the imperfect tense.

We're going to be recapping the word depuis and how we used it with the present tense to say how long you've been doing something. And then, we're going to use it with the imperfect tense to say how long you had been doing something.

We're going to be looking at some new topics about our home life, and we'll get a Vocabulary Expansion Sheet full of words and phrases based around household chores.

There's also much more that we're going to be looking at including plenty new words, looking at the word "pour" in front of verbs, a new negative expression "ne ... plus" and how the meaning of the adjective propre can change depending on whether you place it in front of the noun or after it.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy :-)

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Start to work through "comprehension exercises" to build your passive vocabulary
  • Learn about the imperfect tense, what it is, how to form it and how to use it
  • Look at how certain verbs can change depending on which preposition they use
  • Get introduced to structure 5
  • Look at some more ways to make verbs negative in french
  • Look at the phrase "du tout"
  • Find out how to use the suffix -aine with numbers in french
  • Find out about the extremely useful word "d'accord"
  • Learn lots of vocabulary related to the house and household chores
  • Learn what object pronouns are and the difference between direct and indirect object pronouns
  • Look at the difference between "que" and "qui" in french
  • Learn a new way to give your opinion on something
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Syllabus

Lesson 135
Lesson 135a
Lesson 135b
Lesson 135c
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon previous courses in the series, which may provide a more comprehensive learning experience for dedicated students
Introduces comprehension exercises, which are a valuable tool for building passive vocabulary and improving reading comprehension
Covers the imperfect tense, which is essential for expressing past actions and states in French, and is a key concept for fluency
Explores the nuances of prepositions like 'à' and 'de' with different verbs, which is crucial for accurate and natural-sounding French
Focuses on vocabulary related to home life and household chores, which is practical for everyday conversations and understanding French culture
Requires completion of 15 prior courses, which may be a barrier for new learners seeking a standalone introduction to French

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Reviews summary

Effective french continuation course 16

According to learners, Course 16 is an effective continuation of the 3 Minute French series, praised for its clear explanations and engaging instructor. Students find the short, daily lesson format ideal for consistent study. The course successfully introduces the imperfect tense and new concepts like comprehension exercises. While the title mentions 'beginners,' many students note that having completed previous courses is essential for success, as it builds directly on prior knowledge. Overall, it's seen as a valuable step forward in their French learning journey.
Requires prior knowledge from earlier courses.
"It's crucial to have completed the earlier courses in the series before starting this one, as it builds on them."
"Don't jump into Course 16 as a true beginner; make sure you've done the foundation courses first."
"This course assumes familiarity with concepts from Courses 1-15."
Introduces comprehension exercises for practice.
"The new comprehension exercises are a welcome addition and help practice reading skills."
"Working through the texts is a good way to see language in context and review vocabulary."
"I liked the new comprehension sections at the start of each lesson."
Introduces and clarifies the imperfect tense.
"The focus on the imperfect tense is great, and the lessons explain its formation and use well."
"Learning the imperfect was a key part of this course, and it was taught effectively."
"Good coverage of the imperfect, building confidence in using another past tense."
Instructor makes complex grammar easy to grasp.
"The instructor has a fantastic way of explaining challenging grammar points like the imperfect tense very clearly."
"His explanations are always easy to follow and build upon what we've already learned."
"I finally understand the difference between the imperfect and passé composé thanks to the clear teaching."
Short lessons aid daily learning consistency.
"The short 3-minute format is just perfect for daily consistency, fitting into a busy schedule easily."
"I really appreciate the bite-sized lessons. They make it manageable to learn something new every day."
"This format is excellent for building a learning habit. It doesn't feel overwhelming."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 3 Minute French - Course 16 | Language lessons for beginners with these activities:
Review Basic French Grammar
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental French grammar concepts before diving into more complex topics like the imperfect tense. This will make learning new concepts easier.
Show steps
  • Review verb conjugations for present tense.
  • Practice forming simple sentences.
  • Review common French vocabulary.
Create Flashcards for New Vocabulary
Reinforce your vocabulary learning by creating flashcards. This will help you memorize new words and phrases more effectively.
Show steps
  • Write the French word on one side of the flashcard.
  • Write the English translation on the other side.
  • Review the flashcards regularly.
Read 'Easy French Step-by-Step'
Supplement your learning with a structured textbook that reinforces grammar and vocabulary. This book will provide additional practice and explanations.
Show steps
  • Read one chapter per week.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore 'French Short Stories for Beginners'
Enhance your reading comprehension by reading short stories in French. This will expose you to new vocabulary and grammatical structures in context.
Show steps
  • Read one story per week.
  • Look up unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Summarize the story in your own words.
Practice French Conversation with a Partner
Improve your speaking skills and build confidence by practicing French conversation with a partner. This will help you apply what you've learned in a real-world setting.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Choose a topic to discuss.
  • Practice speaking French for at least 30 minutes.
Practice Imperfect Tense Conjugation
Master the imperfect tense through repetitive exercises. This will solidify your understanding of verb conjugations and usage.
Show steps
  • Find online exercises focusing on the imperfect tense.
  • Conjugate regular and irregular verbs in the imperfect tense.
  • Create your own sentences using the imperfect tense.
Write a Short Story in French
Apply your knowledge of the imperfect tense and new vocabulary by writing a short story. This will improve your writing skills and reinforce your understanding of grammar.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a story idea.
  • Write a draft using the imperfect tense and new vocabulary.
  • Revise and edit your story for grammar and clarity.

Career center

Learners who complete 3 Minute French - Course 16 | Language lessons for beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Translator
A translator converts written material from one language into another, and this course may be useful to anyone interested in working with French. Translators need a strong grasp of both languages, including nuances in grammar and vocabulary, and the ability to understand complex texts, and this course introduces several of these elements. The course’s lessons focus on comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which are important for accuracy and clarity in translations. The course may improve a translator's understanding of the French language.
Localization Specialist
A localization specialist adapts digital content for specific languages, and this course may be useful for those wanting to work with French. Localization specialists need a strong understanding of cultural context and language, and this course may help in understanding French structure and vocabulary. The course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, and various sentence structures, which help a localization specialist translate content from one language to the other, while maintaining its integrity. This course may be helpful for those interested in a career in localization.
Foreign Service Officer
A foreign service officer represents their country in international settings, and this course may be useful for those looking to work with French-speaking populations. This role demands solid understanding of another culture and the ability to communicate effectively, along with understanding of grammar and vocabulary, and this course introduces these concepts in French. The course’s focus on comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary may be useful in communicating with French-speaking colleagues and foreign diplomats. A foreign service officer may find that this course helps to build a foundation.
Bilingual Customer Service Representative
A bilingual customer service representative assists customers in more than one language, and this course may be useful for someone who wants to work with French-speaking clients. A customer service representative needs to communicate clearly and understand various requests and concerns. This course covers French comprehension, vocabulary, and structure, all of which are essential for effective communication in this role. The course's focus on practical language skills makes it helpful for those interacting with customers in French.
Interpreter
Interpreters facilitate spoken communication between individuals who speak different languages, and this course may be useful to anyone interested in working with French. Interpreters require a solid understanding of grammatical structures, vocabulary, and the way words and meaning can be changed by the context, all of which are touched on by this course. The course addresses comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which may help an interpreter learn to understand nuances in conversation. Those seeking to become an interpreter may benefit from this course.
Foreign Language Journalist
A foreign language journalist reports on news and events in French, and this course may be useful for those seeking to work in French-language media. Journalists need a solid grasp of both languages, and this course offers a chance to build skills in comprehension and language structure. The course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and new vocabulary, which may equip a journalist with a broader skill set. This course may prove helpful to an aspiring journalist working in French.
Linguist
A linguist studies language structure and development, and this course may be useful for those wanting to compare and analyze French. Linguists need a deep, nuanced knowledge of the language they are studying, and this course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary in French. This course may help a linguist in their work of analyzing French for broader linguistic trends. A person seeking a career as a linguist may find this course helpful.
Language Teacher
A language teacher instructs students on the intricacies of a specific language, and this course may be useful for someone who wants to teach French. Language teachers must know how to explain grammatical and structural concepts, and this course delves into these aspects of French. The course's focus on comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary gives a foundation for explaining these concepts to others. A language teacher may benefit from a course that reviews these elements in French.
Tour Guide
A tour guide provides information and guidance to tourists, and this course may be useful for someone interested in leading tours in French-speaking regions. Tour guides need solid communication skills, and this course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary in French. The course may be useful in helping a tour guide provide clear, accurate, and engaging information to French-speaking tourists. Those interested in becoming a tour guide may find this course helpful.
Travel Agent
A travel agent assists clients in planning and booking trips, and this course may be useful for an agent who wants to work with French-speaking clients. Travel agents need to communicate clearly and understand their clients' needs, and this course focuses on comprehension, vocabulary, and structure in French. The course may give a travel agent the skills to effectively communicate with French-speaking clients and understand their requirements. Those who plan to become travel agents may benefit from taking this course.
International Business Consultant
An international business consultant advises companies on strategies for global markets. This role often requires strong intercultural communication skills, including language proficiency, and this course may be helpful for those who want to work in French-speaking markets. The course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which may aid in business negotiations and relationships. An international business consultant may find this course helpful.
Librarian
A librarian organizes and manages library resources, and this course may be useful for those working in bilingual settings or special collections that include French language materials. A librarian needs a broad understanding of the language to handle requests, categorize resources, and assist patrons. This course introduces French comprehension, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary which can be helpful in managing a bilingual library. Those who are working to become librarians may find that this course is useful.
Academic Researcher
An academic researcher who is working in fields that require French language skills may be able to use this course. Academic researchers need to be able to read and understand source material in French, and this course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary. An academic researcher may find that this course helps them to better analyze critical texts and resources in French. Academic researchers may find this course useful.
Immigration Officer
An immigration officer processes and reviews applications for immigration, and this course may be useful for those who work with French speaking applicants. Immigration officers need strong communication skills, and this course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary in French, which may help to communicate with applicants. An immigration officer may find this course useful.
Museum curator
A museum curator manages and interprets museum collections and exhibitions. This role can sometimes require proficiency in foreign languages to understand historical documents or artworks, and this course may be useful for those working with French materials. The course introduces comprehension exercises, verb tenses, prepositions, sentence structure, and vocabulary, which may aid in cataloging and understanding exhibits. A museum curator may find that this course helps to gain insight into French cultural artifacts.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 3 Minute French - Course 16 | Language lessons for beginners.
Offers a collection of engaging short stories designed for beginner French learners. It provides valuable context for understanding grammar and vocabulary in a natural setting. Reading these stories will improve your comprehension skills and expand your vocabulary. It is best used as additional reading to supplement the course material.
Provides a structured approach to learning French grammar and vocabulary, making it an excellent resource for beginners. It reinforces the basics and builds a solid foundation for understanding more complex concepts introduced in the course. The step-by-step format allows for gradual learning and skill development. It is often used as a supplementary textbook in introductory French courses.

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