essay on my university in french

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Writing essays in French Cheat Sheet by JAM

Useful expressions to help structure your A level French essay.

Introd­ucing the first argument

Adding and listing arguments

Listing arguments - start.

Listing arguments - middle

Listing arguments - end

Indicating the reason for something

Expressing contrast / concession

Introd­ucing one's own point of view.

In conclusion

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• Languages: English français (French)
• Published: 21st September, 2013
• Last Updated: 26th February, 2020
• Rated: 5 out of 5 stars based on 9 ratings

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these are very helpful thank you

Simple et utile, j'aime.

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The French Problématique: A French University Experience

March 28, 2017, by apaparis.

With just over two months of classes at French university under my belt, I’ve had enough time to note the differences between the French and American school systems. During our orientation, the APA directors explained the differences in full, but practice can often be different than execution. Here are some things I’ve noticed:

• American systems prefer meeting more often for shorter periods of time. (In high school, my classes were 40 minutes, and the lab of 75 minutes once a week felt like an  eternity .) Meanwhile, I have four classes here that are 3 hours long with a 10 minute “pause” in the middle. Students use the pause here to grab an espresso or a bite to eat, or more often than not, smoke outside and gab with friends. The longer periods of time can feel incredibly challenging, as it’s hard enough to concentrate for 3 hours in your native language, much less in a language that requires rock-solid focus.
• As long as it’s kind of clear-ish, your hand-writing doesn’t really make a difference… in the States, that is. The French love good penmanship, and if you cross out and correct too much in an essay, they’ll ask you to write it over again. No kidding, this happened during one of my in-class essays!
• French students love to take notes that are in full paragraphs. Gone are your bullet points! Weird.
• The paper is different. In the US, we love our simple college-ruled notebook paper. In France, it’s gridded – all of it. Some of the notebooks also have paper that has multiple thin lines, and I made the mistake of writing very very tinily the first time I used it. The professor refused it because it was too “difficult” to read, but at least she thought my excuse was funny. (?)
• Don’t even think about writing in pencil during an exam. (This makes it difficult for foreign students, because we’re always making grammatical errors that require careful proof-reading… and if you can’t cross it out without having to re-write, you see the issue!)
• Some courses will have only one assignment. ONE. For the entire course.
• When a professor says that a paper is 3 pages long, they mean  single-spaced.  I kid you not.
• We had an entire methodology class about writing in a specific way. Instead of making a direct claim, for example, in an essay, you have to distance yourself and use quizzical language. Instead of saying “the French love baguettes” you’d say, “One could claim that the French enjoy eating baguettes because of their chewy texture and crunchy crust.” Not kidding. (Everything you learned about omitting superfluous language in school is apparently wrong in France.)
• Look up a “problématique”, “thèse”, “antithèse”, and “car en réalité” and you’ll understand everything. (French dissertations and commentaires  have a completely different structure than normal American essays. You literally ask a question in the introduction. Intriguing.)
• Some American universities love to create an intimate rapport between students and faculty. Some cool French professors are like this, but more often than not, you’ll  never  refer to your professor by their first name or ask for one-on-one help. (This is where the APA help plays in, with language assistants and additional classes.)

While these differences can definitely be challenging, I’m grateful to have the experience of university in a different country and in a different language. Learning in French all the time (and in the French system) can be tiring and frustrating, but ultimately don’t think I would have understood the differences between the American and French systems had I not been immersed in it.

Happy studies!

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Write an essay in French

Beyond the fact that writing an essay in French can be a good practice to improve your writing, you may also be asked to write one during your schooling. So, it is important to study the topic of French essay writing and get some useful tips..

» Tips and tricks for your French essay » The structure of a French essay » Sample French Essay

Tips and tricks for your French essay

When writing a French essay for school, you should always use a structured approach and good French skills to present your arguments in a focused way. Beyond French skills, there are also important formal requirements for a successful French essay. We will come back to this in detail later. First, you will find some useful tips and tricks that will help you write more compelling and better French essays in the future.

• Have a clear thesis and structure
• Do sufficient research and use reliable sources
• Use examples and arguments to support your thesis
• Avoid plagiarism and cite correctly
• Always check structure, grammar and spelling

When you write your essay at school or university, you need to make sure that the general structure of your essay, the presentation of the arguments and, above all, your French language skills play a role in the mark you will get. This is why you should definitely take a closer look at the structure of an essay as well as the most important grammar rules and formulations for French essays.

The structure of a French essay

In an essay, you deal at length and in detail with a usually given topic. When you write an essay in French, you must follow a certain structure. Below we show you what this structure looks like and give you some tips for writing the most important parts of your essay.

The Introduction

The introduction prepares the main body of your essay. You think of a meaningful title for your essay, you describe your thesis or your question, you give general information on the subject and you prepare your argument by giving an overview of your most important arguments.

Below are examples and phrases that you can use to write the introduction to your essay in French.

The title should be meaningful, concise and reflect the content of the essay.

Introductory paragraph

The first paragraph of your French essay should briefly introduce the topic and engage the reader. Here are some examples to help you write your essay:

Proposal or question

The central proposition or question of your French essay should be a clear and concise definition of the purpose of the essay. Use these examples to get a clearer idea of ​​how to write theses in French:

Overview of Arguments and Structure

At the end of your introduction, describe the structure of the main part of your essay (your outline) and outline your argument. Here are some French expressions that will certainly help you write your essay:

The body of your essay

The main part of your French essay deals with the given topic in detail. The subject is studied from all angles. The main body of your essay follows a thread of argument and discusses in detail the main arguments of your thesis previously made in the introduction.

In the body of the text, you should discuss the subject of your essay in clear and concise language. To achieve this, we give you some wording aids as well as vocabulary and phrases that you can use to write your essay in French.

Formulation tools:

French vocabulary for essays.

In the conclusion of your French essay, you address the thesis of your essay, summarize the main points of your discussion in the main body, and draw a conclusion. On the basis of the arguments and the resulting conclusions, you formulate in the conclusion of your dissertation final thoughts and suggestions for the future. It is important that you do not add new information or new arguments. This should only be done in the body of your text.

Here are some wording guides to help you write your essay in French:

Sample French Essay

Les avantages des voyages linguistiques

Malgré les difficultés potentielles, les voyages linguistiques offrent aux apprenants une occasion unique d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures, ce qui en fait un investissement précieux pour leur développement personnel et académique.

Les séjours linguistiques sont des voyages organisés dans le but d'améliorer les compétences linguistiques des participants. Ces voyages peuvent se dérouler dans le pays ou à l'étranger et durer d'un week-end à plusieurs semaines. L'un des principaux avantages des séjours linguistiques est l'immersion. Entourés de locuteurs natifs, les apprenants sont contraints de pratiquer et d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques dans des situations réelles.Il s'agit d'une méthode d'apprentissage beaucoup plus efficace que le simple fait d'étudier une langue dans une salle de classe.

Un autre avantage des séjours linguistiques est l'expérience culturelle. Voyager dans un nouveau pays permet aux apprenants de découvrir de nouvelles coutumes, traditions et modes de vie, et de se familiariser avec l'histoire et la culture du pays. Cela enrichit non seulement l'expérience d'apprentissage de la langue, mais contribue également à élargir les horizons et à accroître la sensibilisation culturelle.

Cependant, les séjours linguistiques peuvent également présenter des inconvénients. Par exemple, le coût du voyage et de l'hébergement peut être élevé, en particulier pour les séjours de longue durée. En outre, les apprenants peuvent être confrontés à la barrière de la langue ou à un choc culturel, ce qui peut être difficile à surmonter. Le coût et les difficultés potentielles des séjours linguistiques peuvent sembler décourageants, mais ils offrent des avantages précieux en termes d'épanouissement personnel et scolaire.

Les compétences linguistiques et les connaissances culturelles acquises peuvent déboucher sur de nouvelles opportunités d'emploi et améliorer la communication dans un cadre professionnel. Les bourses et les aides financières rendent les séjours linguistiques plus accessibles. Le fait d'être confronté à une barrière linguistique ou à un choc culturel peut également être l'occasion d'un développement personnel. Ces avantages l'emportent largement sur les inconvénients et font des séjours linguistiques un investissement qui en vaut la peine.

En conclusion, malgré les difficultés potentielles, les séjours linguistiques offrent aux apprenants une occasion unique d'améliorer leurs compétences linguistiques et de découvrir de nouvelles cultures, ce qui en fait un investissement précieux pour le développement personnel et académique. Qu'il s'agisse d'un débutant ou d'un apprenant avancé, un voyage linguistique est une expérience à ne pas manquer.

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Resources for academic writing in French

On this page.

• 1. Purpose of this document
• 2. Orthographe et typographie
• 3. Grammaire

4. Structure de texte: vocabulaire

• 5. Comment construire une dissertation en français?
• 6. Outil utile : comment faire les caractères français sur n'importe quel clavier ?
• 7. Où trouver de l'aide en français ?
• 8. S'immerger d'avantage dans le français

1. Purpose of this document

This document offers resources to students writing in French at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It has been inspired by the recurring questions and issues encountered during consultations with students and it includes:

• Grammatical and vocabulary help
• Advice on dissertation structure and dissertation writing
• A useful tip on how to easily type special French characters on any keyboard
• Suggestions as to where students can find additional help
• Ideas on where to meet French speakers and how to get exposed to the language to improve fluency

Note: The information presented is valid as of December 2016. The rest of this information is written in French since it is intended for people with at least a basic understanding of the language.

This material is also available as a printable  pdf  and as a stand-alone website  .

2. Orthographe et typographie

2.1.1 majuscules.

2.1.1.1 Noms et adjectifs de nationalité

En anglais, les noms et adjectifs se rapportant aux langues et aux pays prennent toujours des majuscules :

I am French I speak French The French are always on strike

Ce n'est pas le cas en français.

Les adjectifs ne prennent jamais de majuscule en français. Donc: adjectifs de nationalité ou se rapportant aux langues → pas de majuscule

Je suis française La langue française

Pour les noms, il ne faut pas de majuscule lorsque l'on parle des langues. Les langues → pas de majuscule

Je parle français Le français et l'anglais

Ceci dit, lorsque l'on parle de personnes, il faut la majuscule. Les habitants d'un pays → majuscule

Les Français sont tout le temps en grève

2.1.1.2 Jours de la semaine et mois

En anglais, les jours de la semaine et les mois prennent des majuscules. Mais pas en français :

Le lundi et le mardi Le jeudi 3 mars ​Tous les dimanches de novembre

2.1.2 Ponctuation

Contrairement à l'anglais, il faut un espace avant les deux points, le point d'interrogation et le point d'exclamation :

Tu viens ? Ah non !

Les guillemets sont différents et il faut un espace entre les guillemets et le texte :

Il lui dit : « d'accord »

Note : un éditeur de texte (par exemple MS Word ou OpenOffice Writer) corrigera tout cela automatiquement si vous le mettez en français.

2.1.3 « et » et la virgule

L'usage d'une virgule avec « et » est différent en français et en anglais :

En anglais, il faut une virgule avant « and » dans une énumération qui comprend plus de deux éléments : French, English, and Spanish

En français, il n'y a pas de virgule avant « et » : Le français, l'anglais et l'espagnol

Mettre un mot au féminin peut aider à trouver sa terminaison :

chat  →  chatte ouvert →  ouverte ​remis  →  remise

3. Grammaire

3.1.1 définition.

Voix active : le sujet fait l'action

Voix passive : le sujet subit l'action et le complément d'agent (introduit par « par ») fait l'action

Le complément d'agent fait l'action (voix active) :  Notre équipe a réalisé une étude

L'action est faite PAR le complément d'agent (voix passive) :  Une étude a été réalisée PAR notre équipe

3.1.2 Formation

La voix passive se construit avec  l'auxilaire être + le participe passé du verbe .

Attention donc à ne pas confondre un temps simple à la voix passive avec un temps composé.

Par exemple, il ne faut pas confondre un verbe au présent de la voix passive avec un passé composé :

Le lapin est mangé par le loup (Présent de la voix passive. Cela équivaut à : le loup mange le lapin - maintenant)

Le lapin a mangé la salade (Passé composé de la voix active. Le lapin a mangé la salade hier)

3.1.3 Écrivez à l'actif !

Pendant longtemps, il a été d'usage d'utiliser la voix passive dans les travaux académiques, probablement par modestie. Cette habitude est tombée en désuétude, mais malheureusement les étudiants continuent trop souvent à écrire au passif, rendant les textes tortueux et le style inutilement lourd. Je vous encourage vivement à utiliser la voix active :

• la construction est beaucoup plus directe
• il est maintenant d'usage d'annoncer clairement et sans détour que nous sommes l'auteur d'un travail

3.2.1 Les adjectifs

Les adjectifs s'accordent en genre et en nombre avec le nom auquel ils se rapportent

3.2.2 Les participes passés

• Avec l'auxiliaire être Les participes passés s'accordent en genre et en nombre avec le sujet
• Avec l'auxiliaire avoir Les participes passés s'accordent en genre et en nombre avec le complément d'objet direct, si celui-ci est placé avant le verbe​
• Sinon, ils sont  invariables En aucun cas, ils ne s'accordent avec le sujet

Pas de panique, c'est en fait simple :

Auxiliaire être

Il est tombé Ils sont tombés ​Elles sont tombées

Auxiliaire avoir - COD  après  le verbe

Il a pris un verre Il a pris une pomme Il a pris des pommes

Auxiliaire avoir - COD  avant  le verbe

Il l'a pris (=le verre) Il l'a prise (=la pomme) Il les a prises (=les pommes)

[[ collapse start " 3.3 « Nous » et « on » "]]

« On », techniquement, est un équivalent de l'anglais « it »

On dit souvent que...

Mais dans le langage courant, il est utilisé à la place de « nous »

On y va (=nous y allons) On arrive ! (=nous arrivons !)

Ceci est cependant à éviter à l'écrit, à moins que l'on veuille donner au texte une connotation familière.

3.4.1 Forme

3.4.1.1 Définis

le chat/les chats the cat/the cats

3.4.1.2 Indéfinis

un chat/des chats a cat/cats

3.4.2 Usage

3.4.2.1 Définis

On sait exactement de quel individu/chose il s'agit. On pourrait le montrer du doigt. Le nom est défini

Le chat de mon voisin (Ceci suppose que mon voisin n'a qu'un chat et que, du coup, on sait exactement de quel chat il s'agit)

La Terre est ronde (Il n'y en a qu'une, donc on sait de laquelle il s'agit)

La lune (On suppose qu'il s'agit de notre lune, celle qui tourne autour de la terre, et que donc on sait de laquelle il s'agit)

3.4.2.2 Indéfinis

On ne sait pas de quel individu/chose il s'agit. Le nom est indéfini

J'ai vu un chat noir ce matin (On ne sait pas de quel chat noir il s'agit. L'information "noir" ne suffit pas à définir l'individu particulier dont il est question)

Un chat de mon voisin (Ici, cela suppose que mon voisin a plusieurs chats et du coup, on ne sait pas de quel individu il est question. Comparer ceci avec l'exemple précédant)

Une lune (Ici, on fait référence à un satellite naturel, par exemple une lune de Saturne. On ne sait donc pas de quelle lune il s'agit)

C'est en fait très similaire à l'anglais. Réfléchissez à ce que vous diriez en anglais

• Invariables
• Généralement formés à partir d'adjectifs + « ment »

grand  → grandement

4.1.1 Commencer

Premièrement D’abord Tout d'abord Au début Pour commencer

4.1.2 Continuer

Chronologiquement : 

Deuxièmement ​Ensuite Puis Après

En ajoutant : 

De plus ​Ajoutons que En outre Par ailleurs ​Aussi Egalement

4.1.3 Finir

Enfin ​Finalement Pour finir Pour terminer Pour conclure En conclusion

4.2.1 Similarités

De la même manière De la même façon ​Similairement

4.2.2 Différences

En revanche Au contraire ​Alors que ​Pourtant D'autre part ​D'un autre côté Par ailleurs

Du coup En conséquence Par conséquent Il en résulte que De ce fait Donc Ainsi C'est pourquoi

5. Comment construire une dissertation en français?

Veuillez noter que ceci ne représente que mon opinion personnelle. Les consignes que vous recevez de vos professeurs sont sans aucun doute plus importantes que les conseils que je présente ici. Si vous avez des doutes, la meilleure chose à faire est toujours de discuter avec le professeur afin d'éliminer toute confusion quant à ses attentes. Il se peut que votre professeur ait une vision différente de la mienne sur la structure d'une dissertation. Il n'y a, de toute façon, aucune règle absolue et ceci ne représente qu'une façon, parmi beaucoup d'autres, de construire un plan.

Ne vous embarquez pas dans l'écriture avant d'avoir un plan! Si vous vous lancez dans l'écriture en aveugle, vous allez perdre énormément de temps à rédiger des choses qui ne fonctionneront probablement pas et que vous devrez réécrire. Assurez vous d'avoir un plan solide avant de commencer à rédiger des phrases. Pour construire ce squelette, des tirets avec vos idées suffisent.

Pour structurer votre plan, imaginez un sablier :

L'introduction , en bleu dans le sablier, commence large et se réduit petit à petit.

Elle peut se construire en trois sous-parties :

• Une introduction du thème qui se veut très ouverte. Vous voulez intéresser un public large. Si vous commencez directement sur le sujet étroit et spécifique de votre dissertation, peu de gens n'auront envie de la lire vu que peu de gens ont un intérêt pour un sujet très pointu.
• Dans une deuxième sous-partie, vous emmenez le lecteur peu à peu vers le sujet de votre dissertation. La problématique se resserre.
• Finalement, dans une troisième partie, vous présentez votre plan. Après avoir lu cette sous-partie, le lecteur doit savoir ce qui l'attend.

Le corps de votre dissertation , en orange dans le sablier, reste ciblé sur votre sujet.

Il comporte deux à quatre parties (souvent trois). C'est là que vous présentez votre analyse. Chaque partie représentant un aspect ou un point différent.

La conclusion , en vert dans le sablier, commence étroite et s'élargit peu à peu.

Vous ne voulez pas laisser le lecteur avec cette vue très pointue d'un sujet. Vous voulez élargir vers une problématique plus large. Là aussi, trois sous-parties est assez classique :

• Une première sous-partie qui conclut votre dissertation,
• Un élargissement de la problématique,
• Une troisième sous-partie peut comporter des questions laissées ouvertes.

Vous avez votre plan et vous en êtes content. Maintenant, il est temps de commencer à rédiger… mais dans quel ordre ? La question peut vous surprendre vu que la plupart des gens commencent… par l'introduction. Erreur ! L'introduction est probablement la partie la plus difficile à écrire. Il est beaucoup plus facile de commencer par le corps de la dissertation car c'est vraiment votre sujet. A partir de là, vous pourrez assez facilement écrire la conclusion. Et finalement, à la fin, après avoir passé tout ce temps avec votre dissertation, vous serez en bien meilleure position pour attaquer cette fameuse introduction qui est si difficile.

Séparez les grandes parties (introduction, corps de la dissertation et conclusion) en sautant une ligne. Les différentes parties du corps central de votre dissertation peuvent aussi être séparées par une ligne blanche.   Chaque partie et sous-partie commence typiquement par un alinéa (« indent » en anglais). De cette façon, le lecteur peut, avant même de commencer à lire, voir la structure de votre dissertation.

Les deux à quatre parties du corps de votre dissertation doivent être équilibrées : vous ne voulez pas avoir une partie de plusieurs pages et une autre de quelques lignes. Si tel est le cas, essayez de structurer vos idées différemment en fusionnant certaines parties entre elles ou en revisitant votre plan.

Il est classique de lier les différentes parties ou sous-parties les unes avec les autres grâce à des phrases de transition qui mettent en évidence la cohésion logique de l'ensemble. Vous ne voulez pas que votre essai ressemble à une juxtaposition d'idées sans rapport les unes avec les autres.

En français, comme en anglais, il est important de citer vos sources. Le site de la bibliothèque de SFU a de nombreuses ressources sur le format à suivre : Citation guide: APA .

6. Outil utile : comment faire les caractères français sur n'importe quel clavier ?

La méthode la plus simple est d'utiliser le clavier international américain. Je n'explique pas ici comment l'activer car cela dépend de votre système d'exploitation (OS), mais les instructions sont très simples et disponibles partout sur internet. Une fois activé, le clavier international transforme :

7. Où trouver de l'aide en français ?

Le Student Learning Commons  (SLC) offre depuis l'année dernière deux services pour les étudiants écrivant en français :

• des consultations particulières hebdomadaires
• des ateliers

7.1.1 Consultations particulières

Des consultations particulières hebdomadaires sont disponibles. Prenez rendez-vous sur le site du Student Learning Commons : Academic writing resources . 

7.1.2 Ateliers

Des ateliers d'écriture en français sont organisés régulièrement. Regardez le programme sur le site du Student Learning Commons: Writing workshops .

Si vous avez des suggestions de nouveaux ateliers d'écriture en français qui vous seraient utiles, n'hésitez pas à nous en faire part en écrivant à l'adresse mail [email protected] 

7.2.1 Dictionnaires

7.2.1.1 Français

• Du  Centre National de Ressources Textuelles et Lexicales , le meilleur dictionnaire de français en ligne ! Une ressource vraiment excellente.

7.2.1.2 Français/anglais

• WordReference.com

7.2.2 Conjugaison

• Le Conjugueur  : un bon site de conjugaison 

7.2.3 Plagiat

Toutes les règles que vous avez apprises sur le plagiat dans vos travaux en anglais s'appliquent également en français. Le plagiat est un sujet sérieux que SFU traite avec beaucoup d'attention et si vous n'êtes pas sûrs des règles, je vous encourage vivement à vous familiariser avec elles en lisant les sites suivants. Pour SFU, l'ignorance n'est pas une excuse….

• Voir également: Plagiarism tutorial (SFU Library, anglais)
• Academic honesty

8. S'immerger d'avantage dans le français

8.1.1 meetup français.

• Vancouver French Langage Meetup

8.1.2 Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver

• Le Centre Culturel Francophone de Vancouver  

8.1.3 App

8.2.1 histoire et culture.

• Radio Canada : Aujourd'hui l'histoire
• France Culture : Les nuits de France Culture

8.2.2 Infos (« Informations » en France ou « Nouvelles » au Canada)

• France Inter : Le journal de 18h
• Radio Canada : Midi info  

8.2.3 Sciences et technologie

• France Culture : La marche des sciences
• Radio Canada : Les années lumières

8.3.1 Théâtre en français

Théâtre la Seizième

8.3.2 Internet

Nombreuses options pour voir des films, apprendre de nouveaux mots, améliorer sa prononciation, apprendre à conjuguer…

8.3.3 Films

De nombreux films français sont disponibles gratuitement dans les bibliothèques publiques et de SFU :

• SFU Library movie collection . See  How do I find books written in French, Chinese, and other languages? for help narrowing your search to French-language materials.
• Vancouver Public Library
• Burnaby Public Library

This guide was created by Marie-Hélène Burle, December 2016.

Welcome to the world of a French-loving, American couple

How to Write a Stellar Mémoire (French Master’s Thesis)

Pursuing graduate studies in France entails mastering all sorts of assignments, but perhaps none as daunting as the notorious mémoire , or master’s thesis. Writing and defending a master’s thesis is the cornerstone of many, though not all, French graduate degrees, making it a rite of passage for degree-seeking students in France. As part of my French master’s degree in Droit Public parcours Intégration Européenne et Gouvernance Globale , I was required to take on the infamous mémoire alongside my regular coursework during the final year of my studies.

Since I’m an international student at the Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne , I had to contend not only with the base-level difficulties of putting together a master’s thesis, but also with the reality of writing fully in my second language and following the unforgiving methodology and writing norms of French law school to a tee. Needless to say, my year-long research project entailed late nights spent reading, countless trips to the library, typing until my fingers were sore, and shedding a few more tears than I’d like to admit!

My master’s thesis experience wasn’t all bad, of course. I genuinely enjoyed learning everything I could about my topic, discussing my progress with my classmates, refining my French-language skills , and presenting a piece of work that reflected my academic rigor. To my delight, at the end of my defense, the jury awarded me an 18/20 for my mémoire , entitled Associer les inégalités sociales et le changement climatique : Une étude comparative des contextes et approches aux États-Unis et dans l’Union européenne . The jury highlighted the following assets of my work:

• Qualité de recherche (Research quality)
• Qualité rédactionnelle (Writing quality)
• Qualité de français (French-language quality)
• Problématique innovante (Innovative research question)
• Posture épistémologique intéressant (Interesting epistemological posture)
• Bon cadrage théorique (Good theoretical framework)
• Limitations justifiées (Justified limitations)
• Structure impeccable (Impeccable structure)

Managing to receive the highest honors on my mémoire as an American studying law in France was no easy feat. Throughout the lengthy process of crafting my master’s thesis and defense, I discovered what worked well for me and what held me back – that’s why, in this post, I’m sharing my expert tips to help you write an outstanding French master’s thesis.

Honor Your Interests

Completing a mémoire takes months of daily research, reading, and writing, so you can imagine how painful the whole operation can become if your topic doesn’t inspire you! For a certain amount of time, your master’s thesis content will likely be all you can think about as you attempt to find and consume every piece of relevant literature ever written about it. To avoid misery and increase your motivation, you need to reflect upon the subjects within your degree field that excite you, the themes you’d be delighted to learn more about, and the concepts you truly want to call yourself an expert in come the day of your defense.

• My research topic combined my enthusiasm for the themes of public policy and governance, social justice issues, environmental protection, the United States, and the European Union.

Favor Innovation

The goal of producing a master’s thesis is not to reiterate the conclusions that other researchers have already drawn, but to pull from existing knowledge in order to demonstrate something new. To elevate your mémoire and impress your jury, innovation is indispensable. Creating a research question that hasn’t already been exhaustively answered will also prevent you from simply regurgitating what you read and will allow you to write a master’s thesis that relies on the important work of those before you, but is, ultimately, entirely your own.

• In my case, the concept of linking social inequality and climate change is relatively new on the whole. Moreover, my comparison of the United States’ and the European Union’s approaches for dealing with this phenomenon is something that hadn’t been done before.

Survey Your Sources

Because a finished mémoire is the culmination of in-depth research and analysis, you’ll need to choose a topic that you can thoroughly explore. For example, if your desired subject is too cutting-edge, you may struggle to find sufficient existing material upon which to build your master’s thesis. If essential documents that you need to read are confidential, located far away, or otherwise inaccessible, you won’t be able to use them for your work. It is therefore essential to consider whether adequate sources are available before you set your heart on a specific theme.

• When finalizing my topic, I ensured that the sources I would need to study were either located online, at my university , or in libraries near me.

Create a Timeline

You know that you should start working on your master’s thesis at the beginning of the school year , and that you need to have it finished by the end, but what happens between those two events is much less clear! With the help of a trusted professor or independently, you should make a realistic schedule with self-imposed deadlines to help you conceptualize the amount of work that needs to be done by each date. Your timeline should include targets for things like finalizing your research question, gathering sources for your bibliography, writing the various sections of the manuscript, submitting your mémoire for review, and preparing for your defense.

• Using a holistic timeline helped me to know when I was on track, when I could take breaks, and when I needed to speed things along. It also enabled me to beat procrastination, as delaying tasks for too long would have thrown me completely off schedule.

Chat About Your Research

While a master’s thesis is definitely an individual project, you shouldn’t keep your thoughts and questions to yourself! Your professors, classmates, friends, and family are all valuable resources as you go through the mémoire process. Speaking with your professors (who have already successfully completed challenging research projects) and with your classmates (who are currently working on their own mémoires ) about things like methodological difficulties and research hardships can lead to helpful problem solving and sincere moral support. Moreover, explaining your research to friends and family (who are likely unfamiliar with your subject) will help you gauge how well you understand it yourself and how clearly you’re able to express your ideas.

• I personally checked in regularly with my classmates who always offered useful words of advice and encouragement. I also talked with my significant other, Jalen , frequently to get his feedback on my work.

Choose the Right Advisor

Selecting a directeur·rice de mémoire , or master’s thesis advisor, isn’t a decision to make lightly. To find the perfect fit, you need to be familiar with your potential advisors and know your own preferences very well. For example, asking a professor whose specialty has nothing to do with your research question is likely to be as uninteresting for them as it is unhelpful to you. Furthermore, if you’re a student who likes frequent and detailed feedback, choosing a professor with a tightly-packed schedule might not be the best idea. Take the time to weigh your options carefully before asking a professor to become your advisor.

• I made sure to pick an advisor who was familiar with the broad strokes of my topic and had a hands-off attitude so that I could work autonomously and at my own pace.

Write Meticulously

The quality of the content of your master’s thesis is crucial, but so is the quality of your writing. The most brilliant of ideas will still fall flat if your text is riddled with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Attempting to avoid all language blunders is especially vital when you’re writing in your second language – and even more so in a country like France where such mistakes are not looked upon kindly. If your manuscript is hard to understand, readers won’t be able to appreciate your analysis. Additionally, it’s tough for readers to take a piece of work seriously if they’re constantly distracted by careless errors. Try to compose every sentence with care in order to avoid these pitfalls.

• When writing my mémoire , I never hesitated to look up a word, phrase, or grammar rule when I was even the tiniest bit uncertain. I also double-checked for errors that I commonly make, like accidentally including a serial comma when I’m writing in French.

Perfect Your Formatting

You shouldn’t organize your master’s thesis like you would a novel, an essay, or a report. Depending on your field of study and your degree program’s requirements, you’ll likely have specific norms to apply and rules to follow for structuring your mémoire . Your acknowledgements, dedication, abstract, abbreviations, table of contents, references, and appendices can’t be placed just anywhere! You should also ensure that your work is pleasing to the eye, with an appropriate cover page, sensible headings, proper font sizes and line spacing, logical page breaks, and accurate citations. These details are what make the difference between a good master’s thesis and a great one.

• In French law school, for example, writing to a detailed, hierarchical outline, known as a plan , is often an absolute must. As such, the final version of my master’s thesis manuscript consists of an introduction, two chapters with three sections and eight sub-sections each, and a conclusion.

Prepare Your Defense

When you’re finally done writing your master’s thesis, it can be tempting to put it completely out of your mind. But once you conquer this first step, you still have one more challenge to tackle: your soutenance , or master’s thesis defense. To pass your defense, you need to do more than just prepare to present your research and findings to the jury. A quality presentation will also include explaining the reason you chose your topic, the sources you used, the problems you faced , the limitations of your work, any updates on your subject since you finished writing, and future research possibilities. Don’t forget to reread your mémoire with a critical eye to anticipate the jury’s critiques in advance. Going the extra mile to prepare your defense to the best of your ability is a recipe for triumph.

• I prepared for my defense one week in advance, and it consisted of a 20-minute presentation, a 25-minute question and answer session, and a 10-minute jury deliberation.

Take Your Work Seriously

It’s no secret that some degree programs are more rigorous than others, just as it’s true that some students take their studies more seriously than others. However, if you decide that writing a solid master’s thesis demonstrating your academic talents and integrity isn’t worth your time because you know that your program will accept work of lower calibre, you’ve effectively proven your degree to be a second-rate credential and yourself to be a substandard student. Would you rather throw together a mediocre mémoire that you’ll stuff away the moment it’s over, or compose a meaningful piece of work representing the best of your capacities that you’ll be excited to share with others for years to come? Taking your work seriously won’t steer you wrong, especially when it comes to an assignment as noteworthy as a master’s thesis.

• I know that my decision to do my absolute best played a large role in the jury’s attribution of my final grade, and I’m proud of myself for having done so.

Everyone’s master’s thesis journey is unique, but implementing these tips will put you on a path to success. Is writing a French mémoire in your future? Have you ever carried out a significant research project? Do you want to know more about my experience? Let me know in a comment!

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How to Write an Excellent French Essay (Resources Included)

Tips to write an excellent french essay.

Writing essays is challenging enough, but when you are asked to write a French essay, you are not only being asked to write in a foreign language, but to follow the conventions of another linguistic and literary tradition. Like essay-writing in any language, the essential part of writing a French essay is to convey your thoughts and observations on a certain topic in a clear and concise manner. French essays do come out of a certain tradition that is part of the training of all students who attend school in France – or at least secondary school – and when you are a French essay, it is important to be aware of this tradition.

The French philosopher Michel de Montaigne is credited with popularizing the essay form as a literary genre. His work, Essais, first published in 1580, and undergoing several subsequent publications before his death in 1592, covers a wide breadth of topics, ranging from “amitié” to “philosopher c’est apprendre à mourir”, and includes many literary references, as well as personal anecdotes. The name for this genre, essai, is the nominal form of the verb essayer, “to attempt”. We have an archaic English verb essay, meaning the same thing. The limerick that includes the phrase, “... when she essayed to drink lemonade ...” indicates an attempt to drink a beverage and has nothing to do with writing about it. But the writing form does illustrate an attempt to describe a topic in depth with the purpose of developing new insights on a particular text or corpus.

French instructors are very specific about what they would like when they ask for an essay, meaning that they will probably specify whether they would like an explication de texte, commentaire composé, or dissertation. That last essay form should not be confused with the document completed for a doctorate in anglophone countries – this is called a thèse in French, by the way. There are different formats for each of these types of essay, and different objectives for each written form.

Types of Essay

1. l’explication de texte.

An explication de texte is a type of essay for which you complete a close reading. It is usually written about a poem or a short passage within a larger work. This close reading will elucidate different themes and stylistic devices within the text. When you are completing an explication de texte, make sure to follow the structure of the text as you complete a close examination of its form and content. The format for an explication de texte consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you situate the text within its genre and historical context. This is where you can point out to your readers the general themes of the text, its form, the trajectory of your reading, and your approach to the text.

ii. The body, in which you develop your ideas, following the structure of the text. Make sure you know all of the meanings of the words used, especially the key terms that point to the themes addressed by the author. It is a good idea to look words up in the dictionary to find out any second, third, and fourth meanings that could add to the themes and forms you describe. Like a student taking an oral examination based on this type of essay writing, you will be expected to have solid knowledge of the vocabulary and grammatical structures that appear in the text. Often the significance of the language used unfolds as you explain the different components of theme, style, and composition.

iii. A conclusion, in which you sum up the general meaning of the text and the significance of the figures and forms being used. You should also give the implications of what is being addressed, and the relevance of these within a larger literary, historical, or philosophical context.

NB: If you are writing about a poem, include observations on the verse, rhyme schemes, and meter. It is a good idea to refer to a reference work on versification. If you are writing about a philosophical work, be familiar with philosophical references and definitions of concepts.

Caveat: Refrain from paraphrasing. Instead show through careful analysis of theme, style, and composition the way in which the main ideas of the text are conveyed.

2. Le commentaire composé

A commentaire composé is a methodologically codified commentary that focuses on themes in a particular text. This type of essay develops different areas of reflection through analytical argument. Such argumentation should clarify the reading that you are approaching by presenting components of the text from different perspectives. In contrast to the explication de texte, it is organized thematically rather than following the structure of the text to which it refers. The format for a commentaire composé consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you present the question you have come up with, often in relation to a prompt commenting on a thematic or stylistic aspect of the text, such as “Montrez en quoi ce texte évoque l’amour courtois” or “Qu’apporte l’absence de la ponctuation dans ce texte ?” In this section, you will be expected to delineate your approach to the text and illustrate the trajectory of your ideas so that your readers will have a clear idea of the direction these ideas will take.

ii. A tripartite body, in which you explore the question you have come up with, citing specific examples in the text that are especially pertinent to the areas of reflection you wish to explore. These citations should be explained and connected to the broad themes of your commentary, all the while providing details that draw the readers’ attention to your areas of inquiry. These different areas of inquiry may initially seem disparate or even contradictory, but eventually come together to form a harmonious reading that addresses different aspects of the text. The more obvious characteristics of the text should illuminate its subtler aspects, which allows for acute insight into the question that you are in the process of exploring.

iii. A conclusion, in which you evaluate your reading and synthesize its different areas of inquiry. This is where you may include your own opinions, but make sure that the preceding sections of your commentaire remain analytical and supported by evidence that you find in the text.

NB: Looking at verb tenses, figures of speech, and other aspects that contribute to the form of the text will help situate your reader, as will commenting on the register of language, whether this language is ornate, plain, reflects a style soutenu, or less formal patterns of speech.

Caveat: Quotations do not replace observations or comments on the text. Explain your quotations and situate them well within your own text.

3. La dissertation

The dissertation is a personal, organized, and methodical reflection on a precise question that refers to a corpus of writing. Referring to this corpus, you may be asked questions along the lines of “Que pensez-vous de l’équivalence entre l’amour et la chanson exprimée dans ces textes ?” or “Est-ce que la sagesse et la folie ont les mêmes sources?” This type of essay allows for an exploration of a question through knowledge of a corpus as well as through an individual’s cultural knowledge. The format for a dissertation consists of:

i. An introduction, in which you present the topic addressed, the significance of your argument, and the trajectory of your ideas.

ii. The body which, like a commentaire composé, consists of a tripartite development of your argument. This can follow any one of the following structures: a dialectical schema, organized into thèse, antithèse, and synthèse – an argument, its counter-argument, and its rebuttal; an analytical schema, consisting of the description of a situation, an analysis of its causes, and commentary on its consequences; a thematic schema, which consists of a reflection on a topic which you proceed to examine from different angles in an orderly fashion.

iii. A conclusion, in which you address the different ways in which you have approached the question at hand and how this deepens your insights, while placing the question within a broader context that shows room for expansion. The conclusion can open up the topic addressed to show its placement within a literary movement, or in opposition to another literary movement that follows it, for example.

NB: Approach the question at hand with as few preconceptions as possible. If you are writing on a quotation, gather all of your knowledge about its author, the work in which it appears, and the body of literature with which it is associated.

Caveat: Even for a personal reflection, such as a dissertation, avoid using the first person pronoun je. Nous or on are preferable. It is advisable not to switch from one to the other, though.

For each of these essay forms, it is a good idea to make an outline to which you can refer as you write. As your writing progresses, things may shift a bit, but having a structure on which you can rely as you gather your various ideas and information into a coherent argument provides solid foundation for a clear and well-developed essay. This also facilitates smooth transitions from one section of your essay to the next.

During your reading, you may encounter a problem, a contradiction, or a surprising turn of phrase that is difficult to figure out. Such moments in a text give you the opportunity to delve into the unique characteristics of the text or corpus to which you are referring, to propose different solutions to the problems you encounter, and to describe their significance within a larger literary, philosophical, and historical context. Essay writing allows you to become more familiar with French works, with their cultural significance, and with the French language. You can refer to the following resources to guide you in this endeavor:

Auffret, Serge et Hélène. Le commentaire composé. Paris: Hachette, 1991. Dufau, Micheline et Ellen D'Alelio. Découverte du poème: Introduction à l'explication de textes. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1967. Grammont, Maurice. Petit traité de versification française. Paris: A. Colin, 2015. Huisman, Denis et L. R. Plazolles. L’art de la dissertation littéraire : du baccalauréat au C.A.P.E.S. Paris : Société d’édition d’enseignement supérieur, 1965.

The French newspaper Le Monde also has good articles on these essay forms that prepare French students for the baccalauréat exam: CLICK HERE

This is also a website with thorough information on essay writing techniques that prepare students for the baccalauréat exam: CLICK HERE

In addition, the University of Adelaide has tips for general essay writing in French: CLICK HERE

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A Vos Plumes! - The French Writing Center

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Write Better

These pages explain how to write certain kinds of essays in French, as well as how some ways that professors grade writing assignments.

Writing college French essays , by Alison Levine.

How to write an essay for an upper-level French literature, culture, or film class.

Writing college response/reaction papers , by Cheryl Krueger.

How to write a response paper or reaction paper at the advanced undergraduate or graduate level.

Writing business letters in French , by Alison Levine.

How to lay out and formulate job application letters, requests for information, and other professional correspondence.

How professors grade upper-level French essays , by Alison Levine.

Descriptions of what makes an A paper, a B paper, etc. for the argumentative essay in French at UVA.

How professors grade intermediate French essays , by Alison Levine.

Descriptions of an A, B, paper, etc. for the intermediate level at UVA.

How to improve your grammar , by Alison Levine.

In this carnet de corrections , you can keep track of the grammar errors you make and how to correct them, as your professor goes over your work through the semester. A useful tool to help you avoid repeating errors.

Erreurs à éviter , by Mary McKinley.

A short list of common errors at the intermediate level. We are working on a more advanced list.

Handouts on French essay writing, explanations of how many instructors grade writing

Build Vocabulary

Theme-specific vocabulary (beginners); poetry, prose, theater, cinema terms (intermediates)

Grammar videos

Video grammar lessons and handouts, to prepare for the exercises.

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Essays à la française: la dissertation

Aside from classroom exercises and formal writing assignments, the dissertation is a major part of the BAC exam, which highschool students must pass to enter into university or secondary studies. Introduction Similar to a standard essay introduction, the introduction presents the subject or issue that is to be analyzed and evaluated. The introduction serves as a roadmap for the writer’s upcoming argument and the structure of the remainder of the dissertation.

Thesis Part of what is often referred to as “le développement”, the thesis section outlines the body of the argument chosen for the topic of the dissertation.

Antithesis Unlike the secondary support paragraph often found in an american essay, the anthesis section is dedicated to expressing the limits of one’s argument.

Conclusion Also referred to as the synthesis, provides a brief conclusion of the paper. The conclusion also invites one to go further and put forth questions that the reader can reflect on.

In addition to structural differences, the content of the dissertation can oftentimes be different to that of an american essay.

https://www.etudes-litteraires.com/bac-francais/technique-dissertation.php

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Improve Your Written French Today

Whether you want to pen a love letter or submit an essay in France, you need to know how to write in French. Luckily, learning how to write in French is fairly straightforward. Since French uses the Latin Alphabet, you’re already ahead of the game. Improve your writing in French fast with these easy steps.

The Basics of French Writing for Beginners

When it comes to French writing, it’s a little different than speaking French. But, if you know how to read French well, you shouldn’t have a lot of problems.

Before you read the 8 easy steps of learning to write in French, there’s one important factor in mastering French writing: practice. The only way you can truly improve your French writing skills is with a lot of practice . Make sure you write a little bit in French every day. Soon, you’ll find that writing in French is like second nature.

1. Watch Out for French Spelling

One of the biggest obstacles that throws French learners off is spelling. Unfortunately, those silent letters that you don’t pronounce are very much there in writing. Be careful how you spell certain complicated words. You need to master all parts of French grammar to write French correctly.

2. Genders Influence Grammar in French

You may already know that nouns have genders in French. They can either be masculine or feminine. And depending on the gender, different parts of a French sentence need to be conjugated.

• articles : French articles need to be conjugated to reflect the gender and the number of the noun. These can be ‘le’, ‘la’, ‘l”, and ‘les’ for definite articles, and ‘un’ and ‘une’ for indefinite articles.
• pronouns : Pronouns in French are the words that replace the name of the subject in a sentence. ‘He’, ‘she’, and ‘them’ are some examples of pronouns in English. In French, you need to use different forms of pronouns depending on the gender of the subject.
• adjectives : When you’re describing a noun, you use an adjective. And since the noun is the only reason the adjective’s there in the sentence, you need to make the adjective fit the noun in French. There are various ways to conjugate French adjectives depending on the gender and the number of the noun, so make sure you brush up on that knowledge before you write in French.

3. Careful with French Accent Marks

French accent marks also don’t do us any favors. While they’re extremely useful when it comes to French pronunciation, their writing isn’t as straightforward. Try to associate the sound with the written French word. There are only 5 accent marks in French. One is the cedilla (ç), which only works with the letter “c”, and another is the acute accent (é), which only sits on top of the letter “e”. So in practice, there are only 3 different kinds of accents you should look out for in French.

4. Follow the French Sentence Structures

English and French sentence structures are similar in many ways. Both follow the SVO (subject-verb-object) structure, which makes writing in French much easier. And just like in English, the French sentence structure is also flexible. You can switch the words around to emphasize a part of a sentence, but still have the same meaning.

• Tomorrow , I’m going to work.    Demain  je vais travailler. I’m going to work  tomorrow .   Je vais travailler  demain .

The most important part of the first sentence is the time the speaker goes to work. The second sentence focuses on the subject, the speaker instead. Still, both sentences convey the same meaning of going to work.

If you want to ask a question in French, you can do so by putting a question word at the beginning of the sentence. Common question words are:

• How  Comment
• What  Que / Qu’est-ce que queue
• What kind  Quel genre
• When  Quand
• Why   Pourquoi

You can also ask a question by switching the order of the verb and the pronoun around, and connecting them with a hyphen:

• Do you speak English?    Parlez-vous anglais ?

It’s important to remember these basic rules of French sentence structure before you start writing in French. If you want to learn how to write in French effectively, practice these 4 steps a lot.

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How to Write in French for Intermediate Students

If you’re an intermediate French learner you’re familiar with basic French grammar, and you’re confident in writing in French. But, there’s always room to improve. Once you know the basic steps of how to write in French, it’s time to make your writing even better. You can start paying attention to style, flow, and structure. The tips below will benefit your French writing practice.

5. Try Nominalization

This useful technique will make your sentences better. Nominalization means that you make nouns in the sentence more dominant. While in English, the dominant words are verbs, in French, you can write with the focus of the noun instead, making them more meaningful. Here’s an example to demonstrate.

• Normal sentence: The ice cream is cold. – La glace est froide.
• Nominalized sentence: The ice cream is cold. – La glace, c’est droid.

6. Use French Conjunctions

Conjunctions are the tools to write complex French sentences. Without them, you’re limited to simple and boring sentence structures. As an intermediate student, you can start connecting two equal or unequal sentences to make an even more interesting phrase. Here are the different kinds of French conjunctions you can use to write better in French:

Coordinating Conjunctions:

You use these kinds of conjunctions to connect two equal sentences. The most common coordinating conjunctions in French are:

Subordinating Conjunctions:

If one of the sentences in unequal or dependent on the other, you need to use subordinating conjunctions. These connectors often show causality. The most common conjunctions in French for this category are:

7. Style and Flow

Now that you wield the power of conjunctions, you have to be careful with it. As fun as it is to write long and complicated sentences in French, it doesn’t sound good. Make sure you use appropriate sentence lengths as you’re writing in French.

Aim for shorter sentences. Make them explain your point well. But, feel free to mix the flow up with the occasional longer sentences. That’s how you write in French with a nice and smooth flow. And that’s how you perfect your French writing too. It will be a pleasure to read your work.

Writing in French for Advanced Learners

Once you mastered all of the French writing rules, you’re officially an advanced French learner. But, there may still be room to improve your French writing. If you’re looking to kick your projects up a notch, you can learn how to write essays and dissertations in French. These pointers will be useful if you ever attend school or university in France, or you want to take a language exam.

8. Get Familiar with French Essay Structure

When you’re writing an essay, you have to structure it for readability. If you want to learn how French high schoolers are taught to write their essays, this is the structure they follow: thèse-antithèse-synthèse (thesis-antithesis-synthesis). Learn how to write French essays using a traditional French essay structure.

• Introduction : You begin your essay by having an introduction, which is a context for argument.
• Thesis : In this section, you present and defend the statement of your thesis. You need to write everything that supports the topic of your essay.
• Antithesis : The antithesis follows the thesis. This is where you state conflicting evidence and explain other potential substitutes for your essay. Including an antithesis doesn’t mean that you disagree with your original thesis. You just need to show that you thought of all possibilities before arriving to your conclusion.
• Synthesis : This is your conclusion. This is where you summarize your arguments, and explain why you still stand by your original thesis despite the antithesis.

9. Use Introduction and Conclusion Vocabulary

Certain words can encourage sentence flow by introducing or concluding some parts of your work.

• tout d’abord (firstly)
• premièrement (firstly)
• deuxièmement (secondly)
• ensuite (then)
• enfin (finally)
• finalement (finally)
• pour conclure (to conclude)

You can use these words when introducing a new idea to your dissertation or essay. These words will signal the readers that they are encountering a new part or thought of your writing process.

10. Writing a Dissertation in French

This is the form of writing you encounter in French higher education. It’s a very complex form of French writing, only the most advanced and fluent French learners should attempt it. It’s also a longer piece of academic writing. It may take you weeks to complete research and write your French dissertation.

The French dissertation is similar to essay structure. But, there’s one main difference: your thesis isn’t a statement, but rather a question. It’s your job in the dissertation to take the reader through your thought process and research to answer your question. This logic is known as “ Cartesian logic .” It comes from Descartes , who was a well known French philosopher.

History of Written French

French was used in Strasbourg Oaths, and it first appeared in writing in 842 AD. Before then, Latin was the only language used for literature in Europe. However, in the 10th and 11th centuries, French appeared in some religious writings and documents but was not used up to the late 12th century or early 13th century. The first greatest French Literature work, the Song of Roland (Chanson de Roland), was published around the year 1200.

Writing in French Alone Won’t Make You Fluent

You need to learn how to write in French to be proficient in the language. But, it won’t make you fluent. The only way to become fluent is to practice speaking French. While it’s crucial to develop every area of your French knowledge, if you want to be fluent in French, you need a reliable language learning method like OptiLingo.

OptiLingo is an app that gets you speaking, not typing a language. It gives you the most common French words and phrases, so you’re guaranteed to learn the most useful vocabulary. Don’t waste time trying to learn French you’ll never use. Complement your French writing practice with fun speaking exercises when you download OptiLingo !

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How to Improve Your French Writing

Do you enjoy writing and learning French?

If so, why not do both? It’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the language .

In this post, we’ll look at how you can start with the basics and work up to practicing in a variety of different writing styles.

Essentials for Writing in French

How to write well in french, learn how narration works, learn the passé simple, grow your vocabulary, use online resources to get started, tips to improve french writing, track your progress with a journal, try writing poetry, put new words to immediate use, don’t use a dictionary too often, write a little first, then check grammar, why are french writing skills important.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

To be good at writing in French, there are a number of different skills that you’ll need to brush up on. Putting the following skills together will help your writing sound more fluent and improve your overall accuracy:

• Sentence structure
• Conjugations

Narrating in French involves a complicated weaving of different verb tenses. It’s critical to learn to use the right tense at the right time .

To set the scene, use the imparfait  to describe things that are happening, or characteristics of participants, as the principal action is taking place.

Principal events in a timeline can be narrated in the passé composé or the  passé simple.  In some cases, this type of narration might even  make use of the  présent . Narration can be either in the present or in the past depending on the narrator’s point of view.

Let’s look at this sentence as an example:

Alors que le roi se promenait dans son jardin, un gland est tombé sur sa tête.

(As the king was walking in his garden, an acorn fell on his head.)

Notice how se promener  is in the  imparfait but tomber is in the  passé composé . The king walking is “setting the scene,” and the acorn falling is the principal event in the narration. This is just one example of French narration.

Instead of using the passé composé, we could use the passé simple when narrating principal events.

Our sentence thus becomes:

Alors que le roi se promenait dans son jardin, un gland tomba sur sa tête .

In written French, the  passé simple can take the place of the  passé composé (unless it’s a quote of someone speaking). It’s a much more economical way of narrating, although often not taught by French teachers.

Knowing your audience is just as important as good tense use. The way you write a text, specifically the vocabulary used, differs between, say, children’s stories, emails to your boss and text messages to your close friends.

Writing is a great way to learn vocabulary because you’re putting that vocabulary into use instead of just reading it.

If you have story ideas but are unsure how to proceed, there are many online resources to help you.

Here are a few ways you can use them.

• Try collaborative French writing forums.

Certain forums, such as De Plume en Plume  or  Le Monde de L’Écriture , allow you to actually post short stories for review in exchange for reviewing other peoples’ work.

Commentary can include anything that helps you finish your story, be it grammar corrections, critiques or ideas of how to continue. These sites also propose written exercises such as collaborative writing or prompts like “Describe a garden in under 100 words.”

• Check out concours de nouvelles.

Many French libraries, universities and municipalities host writing contests called concours de nouvelles (literally “short story competition”) where certain people can submit a text. Some have entry conditions (e.g., participants must be under/over a certain age, live in a region, etc.), but others are open to anyone.

Usually, contests give you specific scenarios, such as writing a story based on a simple picture or completing an unfinished work.

There are a range of different ways you can improve your French writing skills. Here are some ideas to get you warmed up.

Language instructors often integrate a written journal into their curricula because it lets students see their improvement in real-time. The writing is personal, so you can experiment with more complicated structures, knowing you won’t be critiqued.

Poetry teaches you to not only write in French, but to become comfortable handling the language. This is your chance to break out of the groove of repetitive exercises and truly experiment. Try reading up on French poetry and then writing some of your own using rhyming, plays on words, etc.

You’re probably already reading French daily (or you should be!). Once you learn a new word, make sure you utilize it right away in your writing, otherwise it might slip away from your memory.

If you’re pressed for time, you can use language learning programs like Duolingo or Memrise to quickly pick up and learn French words. 

It’s okay if you can’t think of a synonym for every word. Just use the words you know. I try to “talk around” words I don’t know if I get stuck. After all, it’s what you do when speaking. Only if this is impossible should you use a dictionary.

Keep in mind that even if you know a word, you might not know its gender or spelling. Sometimes it’s possible to guess the spelling from pronunciation, and genders might be inferred from similar words, but often you’ll just have to memorize.

You don’t want to rely on dictionaries or grammar books to check every sentence, but at the same time you don’t want to wait until you’re completely done with a piece of writing to check it over. Usually I write roughly a paragraph, then check it before moving on. This lets me learn from my mistakes in real-time while not using learning resources as a crutch.

It’s important to know that modern French society may test how well you write in many situations. Here are just a couple examples.

The phenomenon of graphologie

Even with computers, writing on paper remains very important in France. It’s so important, in fact, that many employers use it to learn more about their employees.

As part of a pseudo-scientific practice known as graphology, prospective employees submit handwritten letters that are analyzed by graphologists to determine psychological traits from their handwriting. The BBC provides a good explanation for the French enthusiasm for graphology.

The French take letters seriously!

It’s not a stretch to say that the French use written correspondence more than English speakers do. Up until recently, it was often considered more polite to submit handwritten letters of motivation than typed letters when applying for a job.

Unlike the relative creative liberty given in American business correspondence, French counterparts usually follow tried-and-true templates, such as the one seen here .

Notice the last line:

“Veuillez agréer, (Madame, Monsieur), l’expression de mes sincères salutations.” (Please accept, [Sir or Madam], the expression of my sincere greetings.)

This long-winded formality, called a formule de politesse,  is one of the mainstays of formal communication in French —a long way from our simple “From” or “Sincerely”!

Now you have everything you need to start developing your French writing skills!

Although it might seem like a daunting task, with the above tips and plenty of practice, your writing should see an improvement in no time.

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How do I efficiently write essays in French?

This worksheet is geared towards advanced French Majors. It provides guidance on and tools for essay-writing in various genres. It is accompanied by “Know Your Audience: Undergraduate Writing and Speaking.” For oral assignments, please consult “What Makes For an Efficient Oral Presentation?” This document was created in Winter 2021 and last updated in Summer 2023. For its last revision, the author benefited from the valuable input of former students Marley Fortin, Merve Ozdemir, and Elizabeth Swanson.

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The aim of this worksheet is to provide advanced undergraduates with the tools to tailor their written and oral assignments to a well-defined audience in a specific communicative context such as written assignments and in-class presentations. The imagined audience of this paper are French literature Majors. This worksheet accompanies how-to guides specifically for undergraduate essay-writing in French and undergraduate oral presentations in literature and related fields: “How Do I Efficiently Write Essays in French?” and “What Makes for an Efficient Oral Presentation?” It was created in Summer 2023 with the valuable input and feedback of former students Kayne Belul and Emily Martinez.

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French Essay: Topics, Tips, and Examples [2024 Updated]

Nowadays, knowing several foreign languages is no longer surprising. For example, learning French is common for English-speaking countries. So, getting an assignment on this subject won’t be a surprise for a student.

Writing a French essay, you can dwell into:

• the history of the French language;
• various dialects;
• its grammatical features;
• similarities between French and English (or another language);
• the distribution of the language around the globe.

One studying the language may penetrate the rich French culture and comprehend the nation itself. Besides, writing a French essay can develop the author’s writing skills and broaden their outlook. And even if you make mistakes doing so, it’s not the end of the world. The fact that you’re able to recognize them is already good enough, and you can fix complex errors using a free essay rewriter .

Our writers prepared French essay topics and tips for you to nail your task. See the examples below for better understanding.

📯 French Essay Topics

Are you one of those who are assigned to write French essays? Then we suggest you pick out some of the following problems to investigate:

• History of the French language;
• Dialects of the French language;
• French phonology ;
• French orthography;
• French grammar ;
• French alphabet.

The suggested topics are too vague and need narrowing. You may single out some aspects and analyze it in your paper. An excellent French essay topic should be:

• Broad for you to have enough room to develop your arguments;
• Narrow enough for you to be able to concentrate on one or several points;
• It should also be creative and original. You want people to enjoy reading it, right?
• Most importantly, the topic should be interesting for you.

If the essay topics seem too formal to you, study, for example, your progress in analyzing the French language. Alternatively, you can state what attracts you in the language and explain why. You may also do a comparative analysis of French and some other languages. Comparing French with English may turn out to be a fascinating task to cope with. Both languages will benefit from your French essay writing.

Here are some topics and French essay examples you can consider writing about:

• Your progress in learning the French language . Here you can write about your personal experience learning the French language. What techniques do you apply, and what motivates you personally? You can explain why you have to learn how to speak French.
• How are the French language and culture in Southern France different from Parisian? In this essay, you can compare the Southern French dialect and culture with the one in Paris. What are some of the critical phonetic, grammar, and linguistic characteristics of Southern French?
• Parisian dialect as a standard of French. When people think about the French language, the Parisian variant immediately comes to mind. In this essay, you can analyze why Parisian French became the standard version.
• Why do you enjoy learning French? This essay focuses on your personal preferences and likes in the process of learning.
• What makes it fun and enjoyable? Is it French movies, French literature, or understanding French written work documents?
• French influence on English . Although English is a Germanic language, it looks and sounds a lot like French. The influence which French had on English is significant. Look at some historical reasons (the Norman invasion in particular) and why English benefited from it.
• French language in 19th century Russia. Not everyone knows that French was the official language of the Russian elite in the 19th century. Discuss the reasons why and what influence French culture had on Russian literature, music, and language.
• The effect of the French language on the development of English writing . More than 10,000 French words came into the English language. Not only did the vocabulary of English get more prosperous, but the French way of spelling and letter convention influenced English orthography.
• What caused French to become an aristocratic language in Europe? The reasons why the French language became so dominant throughout Europe are broad. In this essay, you can focus on economic grounds, cultural or political reasons.
• An analysis of Canadian French. This essay can be a comparative analysis of Canadian and European French. What are the main differences? What are some similarities between the two variants?
• Is there any similarity between French and German ? All of the languages in the Indo-European language family have some similarities. Therefore, French and German are not exceptions. You can focus on sentence structure, word order, pronunciation, or phonetics.
• The popular strategies in English-French translation .
• Describe the challenges of French language acquisition.
• Analyze the peculiarities of French vowel pronunciation.
• Cultural events and their traditions in French-speaking countries .
• Discuss the advantages of learning French.
• Examine the semantic peculiarities of the French language.
• Explore the role of watching movies in the French language learning process.
• Comparison of language education theories.
• Analyze the impact of French language learning on your personality.  
• Describe the methods you’ve used to improve your French language fluency and which turned out to be the most effective.
• Similarities and differences between realism and naturalism in Spanish and French literature .
• What is the role of the French language in the modern world?
• Advantages and disadvantages of knowledge of multiple languages .
• Discuss the role of the French language in the United States.
• The specifics of learning French in early childhood.
• Compare the grammar peculiarities of English and French languages.
• How is the concept of friendship interpreted in American and French cultures?
• Analyze the correlation between the history of France and French language development.
• Explore the origin of the French language.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication in French culture.
• Examine the crucial role of French literature in learning French.
• Describe the relationship between French culture and language.
• Is it a good idea to integrate bilingual programs in early childhood education?
• Discuss the best ways to prepare for the speaking exam in French.
• The role of audiovisual materials in learning French.
• What difficulties did you face when learning to write in French?
• The essential role of sociocultural context when translating from French.
• Compare the customs of French, Chinese, and Hispanic cultures.
• The best methods of learning the second language .
• Describe the best ways of promoting language development for French language learners.
• Analyze the methods of French word formation .
• Would you like to become a French language teacher?
• Analysis of the food words in English and other European languages.
• Examine the specifics of the French language in former French colonies.

Do not treat your French essay as an ordinary task to undertake. Make it as creative as possible!

🖋️ How to Write a French Essay

Note that writing on some language problems requires more than your knowledge of the subject matter. It also tests your abilities to present them in terms of academic writing.

Special care should be taken concerning the following:

• The structural organization of your French essay.

Mostly, it is similar to any other academic essay :

• It should start with a hook . In simple terms, it is the opening sentence or two of your writing. It can be a quote, a short story, or a catchy statement that grabs the reader’s attention.

Here’s an example of from the sample essay:

Every language is a mirror of society, a living organism that exists and changes under the influence of historical, political, and social conditions.

• The next part of your essay is a thesis statement . Typically, it should be placed at the end of the first paragraph. The thesis statement’s purpose is to state the central idea in one or two phrases.

Here is a thesis statement from our French essay example:

Today, it is common to study English as a foreign language, as an international means of communication. However, this does not diminish the importance of learning other foreign language like French.

• After that, the body of the essay should start. This part of the composition usually has three separate paragraphs. These paragraphs can include research, supporting evidence, and arguments that prove the point of view.
• The conclusion brings together all the points of the essay. It goes back to the thesis statement and explains the broader importance of the topic. It is the last chance to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Here is an example form our French essay sample:

To conclude, the above discussion provides evidence and arguments that maintain the position according to which learning French is a necessity nowadays. The crucial points are as follows; first, French has a long tradition of international language; second, French is spoken around the globe; third, it is a language of international relationships. The opposing position that English is sufficient for appropriate global communication was claimed unreasonable – an emphasis in this regard was on the essence of cultural and language diversity.

• The logical organization of your French essay .

There are some ways in which you can coherently write your essay. The following three aspects can guide you when organizing your French essay:

• Topic sentence : you should mind linking elements within the paragraphs and between them. First of all, each section should include a topic sentence. It aims to identify the central idea and express an overall direction in which the writer will develop the paragraph.

The demand for knowledge of a language has changed in recent years.

• Concluding sentence: each paragraph should also include a concluding sentence. It asserts the main idea of the section and sums up all the information said in it.

It may be claimed that in a period of rather an aggressive introduction of the Anglo-American language in the world, the French need to persistently and resolutely defend their language, their national interests, and calls on other nations to preserve linguistic diversity.

• Linking words: it is crucial to use linking words in your essay. Linking words show relationships between ideas. It can be used to build sentences together to develop a cohesive paragraph.

To see the full essay sample, check the link below:

• Grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

The last step in writing an A+ French essay is proofreading and editing. Before submitting your academic paper, make sure to pay attention to grammar, spelling, and vocabulary mistakes . Without proofreading, your writing can contain typos and errors that will not leave a good impression.

Good luck with your French essay writing! We hope the article was helpful. If so, share it with your peers and leave a comment below to let us know what you think.

This might be interesting for you:

• How to Write an Expository Essay in Simple Steps
• Nursing Reflective Essay Example and Guidelines for Students
• Essay on Dengue Fever: How to Write + Free Examples
• Objective Essay Writing: How to Write, Topics and Examples
• Organizing an Essay: Jerry Plotnick, College Writing Centre, University of Toronto
• Organizing an Essay: Study Guide Zone
• Paragraphs & Topic Sentences: Writing Guides, Writing Tutorial Services, Indiana University Bloomington
• Thesis Generator: Ashford Writing Center
• Proofreading: The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Basic Essay and Paragraph Format: Utah Valley University
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It is not helpful to me.

Thanks for the help with out this i wouldn’t even know what to do on my essay

Hi, do you also do French powerpoint presentation?

Good advice. Thanks.

This was a very great help. I’m writing a French essay, and I know, thanks to your post and the provided tips on French essay writing, I will pass!

Hi! I just want to thank you for your ideas and tips for writing French essays! Write a French paper in English or write an essay for the French by an American) Funny.

Thanks a lot for the help.

No problem, Sash:) Good luck!

Essential French Academic Vocabulary for Writing and Speaking

Do you want to take your French language skills to the next level? If so, then mastering academic vocabulary is essential. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or academic professional, having a strong academic vocabulary will give you a significant edge.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of French academic expressions and words. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to master this essential skill. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

The Significance of Academic Vocabulary:

Academic vocabulary plays a vital role in academic pursuits, facilitating comprehension, precision, and effective communication. Here are some reasons why it is essential:

Precision and Clarity: Academic vocabulary offers precise terms that allow for clear expression of complex ideas and concepts.

Comprehension and Critical Reading: Familiarity with academic words enhances understanding and facilitates in-depth analysis of scholarly texts.

Effective Writing: Using appropriate academic vocabulary demonstrates subject knowledge, adds credibility to your writing, and enables concise and persuasive articulation of ideas.

Presentations and Discussions: Employing academic vocabulary enriches participation in academic conversations, seminars, and conferences, fostering meaningful engagement and intellectual discourse.

Essential French Academic Vocabulary:

Below is a list of commonly used academic expressions and words, along with their English translations:

Analyser (Analyze) : Examine in detail to uncover patterns or insights.

French: “Analyser les données recueillies dans l’étude.”

English: “Analyze the data collected in the study.”

Critiquer (Critique) : Evaluate or assess by offering a detailed analysis or opinion.

French: “Critiquer les arguments présentés dans cet article.”

English: “Critique the arguments presented in this article.”

Évaluer (Evaluate) : Assess or judge the value, significance, or quality of something.

French: “Évaluer les performances des étudiants dans l’expérience.”

English: “Evaluate the students’ performance in the experiment.”

Hypothétiser (Hypothesize) : Formulate a tentative explanation or assumption based on limited evidence.

French: “Hypothétiser une relation entre ces deux variables.”

English: “Hypothesize a relationship between these two variables.”

Synthétiser (Synthesize) : Combine separate elements or information to form a coherent whole.

French: “Synthétiser les résultats de différentes études pour parvenir à une conclusion générale.”

English: “Synthesize the findings from different studies to arrive at a general conclusion.”

Méthodologie (Methodology) : The systematic approach used in a research study or investigation.

French: “Décrire en détail la méthodologie utilisée dans cette recherche.”

English: “Describe in detail the methodology used in this research.”

Empirique (Empirical) : Based on observation, experience, or experimental evidence.

French: “Appuyer les conclusions avec des preuves empiriques solides.”

English: “Support the conclusions with strong empirical evidence.”

Revue de la littérature (Literature Review) : A critical analysis and summary of existing research and literature on a specific topic.

French: “Réaliser une revue de la littérature pour identifier les lacunes dans les recherches précédentes.”

English: “Conduct a literature review to identify gaps in previous research.”

Paradigme (Paradigm) : A framework or model that serves as the basis for a particular theory or approach.

French: “Comprendre les différents paradigmes utilisés en psychologie.”

English: “Understand the different paradigms used in psychology.”

Concluant (Conclusive) : Providing a definitive result or settlement.

French: “Présenter des preuves concluantes pour étayer l’hypothèse.”

English: “Present conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis.”

Concept (Concept) : An abstract idea or fundamental principle.

French: “Comprendre le concept de développement durable.”

English: “Understand the concept of sustainable development.”

Déduire (Deduce) : Draw a logical conclusion from given information.

French: “Déduire les implications de cette théorie.”

English: “Deduce the implications of this theory.”

Étude de cas (Case study) : A detailed analysis of a specific subject, often used to illustrate theoretical concepts.

French: “Analyser une étude de cas en psychologie cognitive.”

English: “Analyze a case study in cognitive psychology.”

Expérience (Experiment) : A scientific activity conducted to test a hypothesis or verify a theory.

French: “Concevoir et mener une expérience sur la gravité.”

English: “Design and conduct an experiment on gravity.”

Thèse (Thesis) : An original research work presented to obtain an academic degree.

French: “Rédiger une thèse sur la littérature française du 19e siècle.”

English: “Write a thesis on 19th-century French literature.”

Source primaire (Primary source) : A document or testimony directly related to the event or subject being studied.

French: “Analyser des sources primaires pour comprendre la Révolution française.”

English: “Analyze primary sources to understand the French Revolution.”

Analyse de données (Data analysis) : The systematic examination of data to draw conclusions or identify patterns.

French: “Effectuer une analyse de données statistiques pour tester l’hypothèse.”

English: “Perform statistical data analysis to test the hypothesis.”

Variable indépendante (Independent variable) : A variable manipulated or controlled by the researcher to study its effect on another variable.

French: “Identifier la variable indépendante dans cette étude expérimentale.”

English: “Identify the independent variable in this experimental study.”

Référence bibliographique (Bibliographic reference) : A complete citation of a source used in an academic work.

French: “Citer les références bibliographiques selon les normes de l’APA.”

English: “Cite bibliographic references following APA guidelines.”

Méthode qualitative (Qualitative method) : A research approach focused on in-depth understanding of social phenomena through observations and interviews.

French: “Appliquer une méthode qualitative pour explorer les motivations des participants.”

English: “Apply a qualitative method to explore participants’ motivations.”

Remember, this list of essential French academic vocabulary is a selection, and there are many more terms specific to different fields of study. Regular exposure to academic texts and engagement in academic discussions will contribute to the expansion and refinement of your academic vocabulary.

How to Master Academic Vocabulary in French

Once exposed to these words and expressions and a lot more thanks to your research, you need to practise using academic vocabulary in your own writing and speaking. This will help you to solidify your knowledge and make sure that you can use the vocabulary correctly.

Mastering academic vocabulary in French opens doors to effective communication and comprehension within academic domains. By incorporating these essential expressions and words into your repertoire, you can engage in intellectual discussions confidently. 

To accelerate your learning journey, Albert-Learning offers a valuable online teaching platform. You can book a free session with their experienced teachers. By learning these French expressions in context, you can thrive in academic environments. Start your journey today and unlock the power of academic vocabulary in French.

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University Vocabulary in French

Want to study in France? Here's a useful vocabulary list to help you!

French vocabulary

Modern Languages

Short essay.

Higher Topics

Short Essay New Higher

This document tells you how to structure your Short Essay and gives some bits of advice.

Higher Writing Phrases

french expressions

Sample essays and phrases for many topics within Higher course :  expressions higher

Extra phrases for family relationships : Friends family

Extra phrases on home area : Higher_French_Home_Area_voc.

Essay Ma famille

Essay Mes Parents

Essay Mes Freres

Essay Chez Soi

Ma Ville  – useful vocab. when describing Scotland as a tourist destination

Essay La ville et la campagne

Essay Les Loisirs

Essay  technologies

Essay La Télé

Essay La Sante blog

Essay  Alcohol

Essay Les Problemes

LEARNING & EMPLOYABILITY

Essay  Subjects

Essay   L’Uniforme

Essay  Etes – vous dans un bon lycee

Essay  Les Langues

Essay  Petit Boulot

Copy of Holidays with paren  – advantages & disadvantages of holidays with parents

Mes vacances ideales  – ideal holidays

Scotland as tourist destination

19 thoughts on “Short Essay”

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un contenu et des informations très utiles sont plus utiles si sa langue est le français

Navigating the process of selling home in the UK can be daunting. However, with careful planning and the right approach, you can simplify the process and maximize your profits. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to effectively selling your home in the UK, including tips on costs, best companies, and selling in specific areas like Doncaster.

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