Ma ville et l'environnement
GCSE French model answers: my town and the environment
Foundation, about 90 words
- ta ville
- les avantages et les inconvénients
- ce que tu as fait récemment pour l'environnement
- ta ville idéale
J'habite dans une petite ville au nord de l'Angleterre. Il y a un parc, une piscine et beaucoup de magasins. J'aime ma ville parce que c'est calme, mais il n'y a pas assez de choses à faire pour les jeunes. La semaine dernière, j'ai recyclé des bouteilles et je suis allé au collège à vélo. Je pense que c'est important de protéger la planète. Ma ville idéale serait au bord de la mer et il y aurait un grand cinéma et beaucoup d'espaces verts.
I live in a small town in the north of England. There is a park, a swimming pool and lots of shops. I like my town because it's quiet, but there isn't enough to do for young people. Last week I recycled some bottles and I went to school by bike. I think it's important to protect the planet. My ideal town would be by the sea and there would be a big cinema and lots of green spaces.
- About 84 words, close to the 90 the task asks for, with every bullet point covered.
- Three time frames: 1 past-tense reference and 2 future or conditional.
- 3 opinions, most of them backed up with a reason.
- 2 connectives to link ideas and make the writing flow.
Higher, about 150 words
- ta région autrefois et aujourd'hui
- le plus grand problème pour l'environnement
- ce que tu as déjà fait
- ce qu'on devrait faire à l'avenir
Il y a trente ans, ma ville était un centre industriel où la plupart des gens travaillaient à l'usine. Aujourd'hui, les usines ont fermé et la ville est devenue beaucoup plus verte. À mon avis, le plus grand problème pour l'environnement, c'est le réchauffement de la planète, qui provoque des inondations de plus en plus fréquentes. L'année dernière, j'ai organisé une collecte de déchets sur la plage avec mon club, et nous avons ramassé plus de cinquante sacs en une seule matinée. C'était choquant de voir autant de plastique ! Je pense que chacun doit faire des efforts, mais les gouvernements ont la plus grande responsabilité. Il faudrait interdire les voitures dans les centres-villes et investir davantage dans les transports en commun. Si nous n'agissons pas maintenant, il sera trop tard pour les générations futures.
Thirty years ago my town was an industrial centre where most people worked in the factory. Today the factories have closed and the town has become much greener. In my opinion, the biggest problem for the environment is global warming, which is causing more and more frequent floods. Last year I organised a litter pick on the beach with my club, and we collected more than fifty bags in a single morning. It was shocking to see so much plastic! I think everyone must make an effort, but governments have the greatest responsibility. We should ban cars in town centres and invest more in public transport. If we don't act now, it will be too late for future generations.
- About 135 words, close to the 150 the task asks for, with every bullet point covered.
- Three time frames: 2 past-tense references and 2 future or conditional.
- 4 opinions, most of them backed up with a reason.
- 3 complex structures, such as si clauses, the subjunctive, the pluperfect and relative pronouns, which show a wide range of language.
- 3 connectives to link ideas and make the writing flow.
Phrases to steal
| Il y a trente ans, ma ville était... | Thirty years ago my town was... |
| ...qui provoque des inondations | ...which is causing floods |
| Il faudrait + infinitif | We should... |
| Si nous n'agissons pas maintenant, il sera trop tard | If we don't act now, it will be too late |
Try it yourself
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Quick questions
How do I get a grade 9 in GCSE French writing?
Answer every bullet point, write accurately, and show a wide range of language: past, present and future or conditional, opinions with reasons, and complex structures such as si clauses, the subjunctive and relative pronouns.
Can I learn these answers by heart?
Use them as a model, not a script. Learn the phrases to steal and the structures, then write your own answer about your own life. Examiners reward language that fits the task.
More French model answers
- My family and friends Ma famille et mes amis
- Healthy living La santé
- My school Mon collège
- Free time Le temps libre
- Festivals and celebrations Les fêtes
- Celebrities and role models Les célébrités
- Holidays Les vacances
- Technology and social media La technologie
Keep going
Learn the words for this topic in French vocabulary: Environment and where people live, drill the French verbs, or practise speaking on the same topic in French speaking.