EL SEGUNDO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

EL SEGUNDO HIGH SCHOOL

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Title: AP French Language

Department: Foreign Language

Grade levels: 12

This course is offered only to students who plan to take the AP French Language Exam. The test is offered in May and there is a fee. The four areas of proficiency tested in the exam are KNOWLEDGE OF GRAMMAR, READING COMPREHENSION, SPEAKING and WRITING. Students must have extensive knowledge of grammar to be able to supply a missing word with an appropriate part of speech. Students must be able to read and answer questions on four reading selections. In the speaking portion of the exam, students must describe a sequence of five pictures and record their answers on tape as well as answer oral questions from a tape. In the writing portion of the exam, students must be able to write a timed essay demonstrating control of the grammatical structures, familiarity of idiomatic expressions, as well as a sophisticated level of vocabulary. To be able to pass the essay portion, organization and insight must be evident.

Length: One year

Prerequisite for Enrollment: 90% or better in French 3

Recommendation for Enrollment: Teacher Recommendation. Students must take the Advanced Placement exam (approximately $80.00) AP French is a combination class with French 3 and French 4. Students are required to dedicate; many hours of work beyond the classroom and must enhance the four skills listed above by studying from a variety of sources.

Type of course: College course. (UC/CSU)

MATERIALS

A. French newspapers, magazines and assorted documents written for speakers whose primary language is French

B. Amsco Grammar Review, Amsco Publications

C. Practice exam questions from Longman’s AP or Barron’s SAT II Review, or the National French Contest exams

D. Bravo, Heinle and Heine

E. Chez Nous, Scholastic Magazine

F. Films, cassettes