26May 2020 by Cathy No Comments

French novels you can read at an intermediate level

French immersion
Reading in French can feel quite intimidating and if you don't pick a novel at an appropriate level for you, it will feel overwhelming. If you don't enjoy it, chances are you will give up but it's worth making an effort to overcome the first hurdles and to start getting used to reading in French. I've curated a short list of contemporary authors and French novels you can start reading at an intermediate level. In this post, let's find out the many benefits, like how you will stop translating in your head before you speak, and how to get started. Choose the books wisely I'd like to share with you my personal experience with English.The first book I read was Harry Potter. I assumed it would be easy because it…
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26May 2020 by Cathy No Comments

French reading intermediate level: shorter alternatives to novels

French immersion
French reading at intermediate level can be complicated. When we're writing we usually use a wider variety of vocabulary and more complex sentences. You probably haven't been exposed much while you were learning French unless you've studied at post-secondary level. However, if you want to reach an advanced level and enjoy the richness of French literature (and even classic movies) you take the plunge and dive into pieces written in French. I know I focus a lot on test preparation but we all need to take a break from studying sometimes. Reading is a great way to stay immersed in the language while enjoying a relaxing time. The following list focuses on shorter pieces of content to get you started and keep your motivation up as you notice your progress!…
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15Mar 2020 by Cathy No Comments

Songs to practice French

French immersion
When you need to take a break from studying but still want to immerse yourself in the French language, why not put on some music? It's a great way to learn new French words, to practice pronunciation and listening comprehension. I've selected mostly clips with lyrics so you can sing along. There's a variety of old and new songs, different styles of music. Find the ones you prefer and then follow Youtube's suggestions to find more songs you like!
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05Jan 2020 by Cathy No Comments

Best resources to immerse yourself in the French language

Content in French, Exam preparation: pass the DELF, DALF, TEF and TCF!, French immersion
If you're preparing for a French test, you should focus mostly on the second category but if you're aiming for a C1 or C2 level you should also get some exposure with more formal language. Best resources for formal language You can read newspapers like Le Monde, Le Devoir (Canada), Courrier International (translation in French of articles from all over the world). Read classic French litterature and some of the contemporary writers (André Malraux, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Albert Camus, Georges Simenon, Amélie Nothomb, Jean-Christophe Ruffin, Delphine de Vigan...). Listen to France Culture, Radio France International, go to conferences if you live in a francophone country. Best resources for standard to casual language Read blogs about topics you like and some contemporary novels (some books by Albert Camus have simpler language,…
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