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Jun
07
2012
'Ton examen, tu l'auras les doigts dans le nez.'
'Your exam… it will be a piece of cake.'
To wish him well for upcoming exams, a friend sent my son a card containing the expression above.… Read More
Jun
05
2012
Suspect, aspect, prospect, respect…
… they all look the same as in English, but watch the pronunciation!
Contrary to what we might expect, in the case of nouns, or adjectives in the masculine form, the ending -pect is pronounced like the English word 'pay'. In other words, the -ct is silent. Consider the following:… Read More
May
24
2012
"J'ai deux soeurs…"
Faites attention à la prononciation!
One of my students said "J'ai deux soeurs" to me the other day.… Read More
May
11
2012
Les étoiles montantes du nouveau gouvernement de François Hollande
That is, the rising stars who will be part of M. Hollande's administration
François Hollande promised a new government, respectful of la parité hommes-femmes (parity among men and women) and open to la jeunesse et la diversité (youth and diversity).… Read More
Apr
30
2012
vachement...
a colloquial alternative to très
One of our listeners asked for more information about the word vachement.… Read More
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Recent Lessons

Lesson no: 195, Level: Intermediate
La présidence Trump approche des élections de mi-mandat
The Trump presidency is nearing the mid-term elections in November. Mr Trump – arguably more than any other American president – has polarised opinions. Let’s talk about the first half of his mandate and what has being going on in recent weeks.

Lesson no: 194, Level: Intermediate
France: la réforme de l’accès à l’université
Traditionally, French high school graduates have been guaranteed public university places, regardless of the grades achieved in their baccalauréat. This, however, has resulted in very high drop-out rates. It is hoped that, from 2018, proposed reforms will result in a more efficient means of access to university.

Lesson no: 193, Level: Intermediate
Britain’s vote to withdraw from the European Union was widely controversial and continues to be so. Brexit – from a French perspective – is at the centre of our conversation this time.

Lesson no: 192, Level: Intermediate
Le transfert de Neymar: comment expliquer une telle outrance?
The transfer of Brazilian footballer, Neymar, smashed all records in terms of the colossal sums of money involved. Are such sporting investments really justified? Let’s talk about that.

Lesson no: 191, Level: Intermediate
Je vais m’offrir un téléphone basique
Our lesson this time was inspired by a recent article entitled “Has the smartphone destroyed a generation?” A provocative title indeed, but one that got us thinking. C’est parti!