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Mar
21
2013
“Marie est toujours à l'heure.”
“Marie is always on time.”
One of our listeners asked about the word toujours. It's an interesting adverb – with distinctly different meanings – depending on the context.… Read More
Mar
08
2013
“Coffret prêt-à-surfer”
Mobile internet, without contract, for your trip to France
At this time of year, many people are planning their trips to France. Increasingly, travellers depend on an internet connection while abroad. Tourists can always go to the nearest McDonald's to find une connexion wifi. But what if you want your own internet, everywhere you go?…… Read More
Feb
19
2013
“Le groupe Nestlé serait également touché par le scandale alimentaire de la viande chevaline.”
“The Nestlé Group is now also affected by the horse-meat food scandal.”
In English, we simply say 'The Nestlé Group is also affected by…'. So, why the use of the conditional in the expression 'Nestlé serait touché' in today's headline, above, from france24.fr?… Why do we not simply say 'Nestlé est touché…?'… Read More
Feb
07
2013
“En fait, je ne savais pas trop ce que je voulais…”
“In fact, I didn't really know what I wanted……”
One of our listeners asked about the words ce que in the sentence above, from one of our early lessons, (Lesson 27: "Wow! Your hair looks great!").… Read More
Feb
06
2013
“Oscars: 'Lincoln' truste les nominations…”
“Oscars: 'Lincoln' monopolises the nominations……”
The recent headline, above, relates to the 'Oscars' which are just around the corner. But watch it! The verbe truster is un faux ami (a 'false friend').… 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!