The internet (Edexcel GCSE French): Revision Notes
The internet
Essential internet vocabulary
Understanding internet-related vocabulary is crucial for discussing technology topics in French. These terms appear frequently in both written and spoken contexts.
| French Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| acheter | to buy |
| communication (f) | communication |
| coûter | to cost |
| film (m) | film |
| genre (m) | type, kind, sort |
| gratuit(e) | free |
| influenceur (m) | influencer |
| loisir (m) | hobby, free time |
| ordinateur portable (m) | laptop |
| risque (m) | risk |
| French Term | English Translation |
|---|---|
| scolaire | school |
| site (m) | site |
| utile | useful |
| virus (m) | virus |
| abonnement (m) | subscription |
| appareil (m) | device |
Example sentences using internet vocabulary:
- Mon portable est plus utile que mon ordinateur portable. (My mobile is more useful than my laptop.)
- Les livres sont moins chers sur Internet. (Books are less expensive on the internet.)
Making comparisons with internet topics
French uses specific structures to compare things when discussing internet and technology topics. These comparative forms are essential for expressing preferences and making evaluations.
Comparative structures:
- Plus (more) + adjective + que (than)
- Moins (less) + adjective + que (than)
- Aussi (as) + adjective + que (as)
The adjective must still agree with the noun being described, even in comparative constructions.
Examples with technology vocabulary:
- Plus petit que... (smaller than...)
- Moins petit que... (less small than...)
- Son portable est aussi grand que mon portable. (His mobile is as big as my mobile.)
Key grammar point: Remember that adjectives must agree with the noun they describe, even when using comparative structures.
Internet safety vocabulary
Internet security is an important topic that requires specific vocabulary. Understanding these terms helps you discuss online safety and digital literacy.
Essential safety terms:
- Mot de passe fort - strong password
- Informations personnelles - personal information
- Protéger - to protect
- Télécharger - to download
- Réduire le risque - to reduce the risk
Important safety advice: Il est aussi important d'utiliser un mot de passe fort pour protéger vos informations personnelles que de prendre soin de réduire le risque de télécharger un virus. (It is as important to use a strong password to protect your personal information as it is to take care to reduce the risk of downloading a virus.)
Useful conversational phrases
When discussing internet topics or participating in online conversations, these phrases help you manage communication effectively.
Asking for repetition:
- Peux-tu répéter la question, s'il te plaît? (Can you repeat the question, please?)
This polite phrase is particularly useful during speaking assessments when you need clarification.
Exam practice techniques
When answering questions about internet forum discussions, you need to identify who says what based on vocabulary clues.
Exam strategy: Link specific vocabulary to topics. For example:
- Travel vocabulary (billets de train, voyage) indicates discussion about transport
- School vocabulary (devoirs, scolaire) indicates academic topics
- Fashion vocabulary (chemises, pantalons) indicates clothing discussions
Translation exercise:
- Tu as souvent fait des achats en ligne? → Have you often shopped online?
- Que fais-tu en ligne? → What do you do online?
Answers:
- Have you often shopped online? → Tu as souvent fait des achats en ligne?
- What do you do online? → Que fais-tu en ligne?
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Plus, moins, and aussi are the key words for making comparisons in French
- Adjectives must still agree with nouns even in comparative structures
- Internet safety vocabulary includes essential terms like mot de passe fort and protéger
- Use Peux-tu répéter la question, s'il te plaît? when you need repetition in conversations
- In exam questions, match vocabulary themes to identify which person discusses which topic