3.2Core vocabulary
This theme divides into what technology lets you do and what it costs you. Both halves are needed, because almost every question asks for advantages and drawbacks.
- le portable
- mobile phone
- telecharger
- to download
- en ligne
- online
- le temps d'ecran
- screen time
- les fausses informations
- fake news
- verifier les sources
- to check sources
- harceler
- to harass
- un mot de passe
- password
- partager
- to share
- se connecter
- to log in
3.2Object pronouns
Object pronouns come before the verb in French, which is the opposite of English word order. Direct: me, te, le, la, nous, vous, les. Indirect: me, te, lui, nous, vous, leur.
Worked example
Answer:
Common mistake
Writing 'j'ai le regarde'. The pronoun goes before avoir: je l'ai regarde.
3.2Recognising the passive
The passive is formed with etre plus a past participle, and the participle agrees with the subject: cet article a ete ecrit par un journaliste. You need to recognise it in reading and can usually avoid producing it by using on instead: on a ecrit cet article.
Common mistake
Translating an English passive word for word. French often prefers on: 'the phone was stolen' is more naturally on a vole le portable.
3.2Answering on this theme
Balance is what scores. A response that lists only dangers reads as one-sided; pairing each risk with a benefit, and closing with a judgement, covers the content marks fully.
- Object pronouns go before the verb, and before the auxiliary in the perfect
- The passive uses etre plus a participle that agrees
- On is often the natural French alternative to an English passive
- Pair every drawback with a benefit, then judge