Local Area & Environment is a core part of GCSE French. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
La francophonieCommunity of French-speaking countries; the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie has 88 member states.
Le MaghrebNorth-west Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia — colonised by France and a major source of post-war immigration.
L'Afrique subsaharienne francophoneIncludes Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Cameroon — official French alongside national languages.
Le QuébecFrench-speaking province of Canada; Law 101 (1977) made French the sole official language.
La colonisationFrench colonial empire reached its peak in the early 20th century; decolonisation accelerated 1956–62.
Le créoleCreole languages spoken in Haiti, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion — French-based but distinct.
La technologieTechnology in daily life, including computers, smartphones and the internet.
Les réseaux sociauxSocial media used to communicate, share content and stay in touch with friends.
Le portableThe mobile phone and how it is used for messaging, calls and going online.
L'environnementThe world around us and environmental issues such as pollution and climate change.
Le recyclageRecycling and reducing waste to protect the environment.
Les médiasThe media, including news, advertising and online information.
Internet usageInternet verbs: surfer sur internet, télécharger (download), tchatter (to chat), envoyer un mail.
Advantages/disadvantagesDiscussing pros/cons: 'L'avantage, c'est que...', 'L'inconvénient, c'est que...'. Key for GCSE essays.
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one: