Independent Research Project (IRP)A-Level French Speaking Exam

To what extent has STROMAE’S music influenced the music scene in Belgium?

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

What is the IRP?

The IRP is one component of the A-Level French speaking exam.

It is an opportunity for you to choose a particular topic or question related to the Francophone world and conduct your own research using authentic French-language sources.

Your research will form the basis of a 2-minute presentation and 9–10 minute discussion in French during your speaking exam.

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Examples of suitable topics

How has Breton culture been defended and developed over the years?

The history and achievements of Les Restos du Cœur

May 1968: an analysis of its causes and consequences

The contribution of Francis Cabrel to modern French popular music: a study of three albums

The emancipation of women in France: what has been achieved and is there more to do?

An analysis of Jean Renoir’s film La Grande Illusion

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

General topic areas to consider

Politics and immigration

Historical events/buildings

Key political figures/musical performers/directors/writers/actors etc.

Geography and features of particular regions, migration, agriculture etc.

Gastronomy

Science and technology Issues/debates, such as minority languages, secularism etc. Key policies, such as education, law and order, economics, health Changes in society and lifestyle

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Choosing a suitable topic

The topic/question must be suitable for an extended discussion of complex arguments and opinions but must have a clearly defined scope.

You are not allowed to research the same literary text or film that you have studied for your written exam, but your IRP may be linked to a particular theme or sub-theme that you have studied.

You are allowed to choose the same general subject area as someone else in the class, but you must have different titles and work independently.

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Selecting suitable sources

You will be required to use a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 French-language sources. At least one must be an internet source.

Credible sources could include: newspaper articles; videos (including YouTube and Daily Motion); podcasts; government websites; song lyrics; reviews; journal articles; and reference books.

You will need to provide a list of your sources and/or headings before the exam on a Candidate Record Form. You will have access to your completed form during the exam.

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Independent Research

The role of the teacher is to guide and advise on sources and research techniques. The teacher is not allowed to comment on or correct any language.

Both the student and teacher will need to sign a declaration beforethe exam to say that the work is thestudent’s own.

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

The Speaking Exam

The speaking exam (April/May of Y13) is made up of two sections:1) Photo card discussion (5–6 minutes), which has a total of 25 marks. 2) IRP presentation (2 minutes) and discussion (9–10 minutes), which has a total of 35 marks.

During the IRP discussion, the examiner will provide opportunities for you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topic. You may be asked to defend and justify a particular point of view, and develop some of your ideas further.

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

How the IRP is assessed

The IRP presentation is assessed on the basis of knowledge and understanding only and has a total of 5 marks:

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

The IRP discussion is assessed on the basis of three criteria: 1) fluency and development of ideas [10 marks]

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

2) quality of language, pronunciation and intonation [10 marks]

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

3) critical and analytical response [10 marks]

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Examples of the IRP presentation

The Parc Astérix theme park

[a mark of 4/5 wasawarded]

Independent Research Project A-Level French Speaking Exam

Examples of the IRP presentation

The film Les poupées russes (dir. Cédric Klapisch)

[a mark of 5 wasawarded]