The environment and me (Edexcel GCSE French): Revision Notes
The environment and me
Key environmental vocabulary
Learning vocabulary related to the environment is essential for discussing environmental issues in French. These terms will help you express your views on environmental problems and solutions.
Building a strong foundation in environmental vocabulary will enable you to confidently discuss current environmental issues and express your personal views on sustainability and conservation efforts.
| French | English |
|---|---|
| air (m) | air |
| améliorer | to improve |
| arrêter | to stop |
| causer | to cause |
| eau (f) | water |
| effet (m) | effect |
| environnement (m) | environment |
| jeter | to throw away |
| mer (f) | sea |
| monde (m) | world |
| French | English |
|---|---|
| nature (f) | nature |
| plastique (m) | plastic |
| pollution (f) | pollution |
| protéger | to protect |
| recycler | to recycle |
| réduire | to reduce |
| voiture (f) | car |
| arbre (m) | tree |
| bouteille (f) | bottle |
| circulation (f) | traffic |
Example sentences in context
Using Environmental Vocabulary in Context
- Je veux protéger l'environnement - I want to protect the environment
- La pollution de l'air est un problème - Air pollution is a problem
- Nous devons recycler le plastique - We must recycle plastic
- Les voitures causent la pollution - Cars cause pollution
Using the conditional tense
The conditional tense is crucial for expressing what you would do about environmental issues. This tense shows hypothetical actions or polite suggestions.
Formation Rule
Use the future tense stem + imperfect tense endings
This combination creates the conditional mood, which is perfect for expressing hypothetical environmental actions.
Conditional Tense Conjugations
- recycler ➜ je recyclerais (I would recycle)
- manifester ➜ je manifesterais (I would protest)
The conditional is perfect for discussing environmental actions because it expresses what you would do in certain situations.
Common conditional phrases for the environment
- Je recyclerais plus - I would recycle more
- J'irais au collège à pied - I would go to school on foot
- Nous utiliserions moins de plastique - We would use less plastic
Describing environmental pictures
When describing pictures in your GCSE exam, you must cover three key areas systematically:
Essential Elements to Include:
- People - Who is in the picture and what are they doing?
- Location - Where is the scene taking place?
- Activity - What environmental action or problem is shown?
These three elements form the foundation of any successful picture description in your exam.
Picture Description Example
When describing people recycling: "Sur la photo, je vois qu'il y a trois personnes qui sont en train de recycler" (In the photo, I can see that there are three people who are recycling).
Remember to use connecting words like "La femme au centre porte..." (The woman in the centre is wearing...) to make your description flow naturally.
Writing about the environment
Environmental writing tasks often require you to discuss several specific points. A typical task might ask you to write about:
Common Environmental Writing Topics:
- Environmental problems in your area - Local pollution issues
- Your opinion of the environment - Personal views on environmental concerns
- Recent actions you've taken - What you have done to help recently
- Future environmental plans - What you will do to help in future
Key phrases for environmental writing
Essential Environmental Phrases
- La circulation est un problème - Traffic is a problem
- Je devrais aller au collège à pied - I should go to school on foot
- J'ai recyclé le verre et le plastique - I have recycled glass and plastic
- Je recycle le papier chaque semaine - I recycle paper every week
Sample exam questions and answers
Exam Question Practice
Question: Qu'est-ce que tu recycles à la maison? Answer: Je recycle le papier chaque semaine.
Question: Qu'est-ce que tu as fait récemment pour aider l'environnement?
Answer: J'ai recyclé le verre et le plastique.
These short, clear answers demonstrate practical environmental vocabulary while showing correct tense usage.
Translation practice
Translation Exercises
French to English:
- La pollution de l'air est dangereuse
- Nous devons protéger la nature
English to French:
- I recycle plastic bottles
- Cars cause traffic problems
Answers:
- Air pollution is dangerous / We must protect nature
- Je recycle les bouteilles en plastique / Les voitures causent des problèmes de circulation
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Learn environmental vocabulary in themed groups - pollution, recycling, transport, nature
- Master the conditional tense for expressing environmental actions you would take
- Structure picture descriptions using people, location, and activity
- Use specific examples when writing about environmental issues in your area
- Practice short, clear answers for speaking questions about your environmental actions