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2.3 Contemporary Life

3 min readjanuary 11, 2023

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

L'Education

The French education system differs a lot from other countries; the Francophone school system is known to be rigorous and thorough. French is the primary language of instruction, but students are also taught in one or more other languages, such as the native languages in some French-speaking African countries or English in Canada.

Any Francophone countries have a national curriculum that lays out the learning goals and expectations for students at each level of education. They put a strong emphasis on academic excellence: The francophone education system often prioritizes academic excellence, with a focus on high-quality teaching and rigorous evaluations.

Depending on the country, there can be a diverse student population in terms of cultural and linguistic background, but the education system aims to preserve, promote and enhance the students' francophone identity.

Perhaps the biggest difference in education styles is the , commonly referred to as the "bac." This comprehensive exam defines the rigor of the French education system and is imperative to determining where in university/the workforce French students will continue onto after graduation.

Le voyage

Where's the best place YOU'VE been? Focusing on the AP exam, they may ask you to describe a trip you took or a place you visited that impacted you. Culture, language, and activities in these places can open interesting conversations in the written/oral portions of the exam.

Here are some ideas and vocabulary that can help you get started:

  1. Les vacances - vacation
  2. Le voyage - trip
  3. Le transport - transportation
  4. L'avion - airplane
  5. Le train - train
  6. Le bus - bus
  7. La voiture - car
  8. Le bateau - boat
  9. L'hôtel - hotel
  10. Le camping - camping
  11. Le sac à dos - backpack
  12. L'itinéraire - itinerary
  13. Les billets - tickets
  14. Les valises - luggage
  15. Le passeport - passport
  16. Le visa - visa
  17. Le guide - guide
  18. Le circuit - tour
  19. La réservation - reservation
  20. L'agence de voyage - travel agency

When you talk about your destination:

  1. La destination - destination
  2. Le pays - country
  3. La ville - city
  4. La plage - beach
  5. Les montagnes - mountains
  6. Le désert - desert
  7. Le lac - lake
  8. La campagne - countryside
  9. Le musée - museum
  10. Le monument historique - historical monument
  11. L'attraction touristique - tourist attraction

When you talk about activities during travel: Les activités - activities

  1. Les excursions - excursions
  2. La randonnée - hiking
  3. Le ski - skiing
  4. Le vélo - cycling
  5. La plongée sous-marine - diving
  6. La pêche - fishing
  7. Le golf - golf
  8. L'équitation - horseback riding

There are many activities you can use to describe a trip or a vacation, so don't limit yourself!

Advertising and Marketing

In countries like France and Canada, where French is an official language, advertising is often conducted in both French and the other official language, for example French and English in Canada. Advertisers need to be mindful of the cultural differences between the French and the other official speaking communities and to create specific ad campaigns or translate their existing ones to target the Francophone community. A user's /identité numerique may help companies better appeal to them.

French-speaking communities tend to use images, colors and symbols that are associated with the culture. For example, in France, the use of the national colors blue, white, and red in advertising can evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride.

Also, social media marketing () has a significant role in reaching the French speaking audience, especially in countries where French is not an official language but still widely spoken. Advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has become more common in France and other Francophone communities.

Key Terms to Review (4)

Baccalauréat

: The baccalauréat, also known as the "bac," is a high-stakes exam taken by French students at the end of their secondary education. It serves as a diploma and determines eligibility for higher education.

Identité en ligne

: Identité en ligne refers to one's online identity or persona that is created through interactions on digital platforms such as social media, websites, and forums.

Identité numérique

: Identité numérique is similar to identité en ligne but focuses more on the digital footprint that individuals leave behind through their online activities. It encompasses both intentional and unintentional information shared online.

Marketing des réseaux sociaux

: Le marketing des réseaux sociaux fait référence à l'utilisation des plateformes de médias sociaux pour promouvoir et commercialiser des produits ou services. Cela implique la création de contenu attrayant, l'engagement avec les utilisateurs et la gestion de campagnes publicitaires sur les réseaux sociaux.

2.3 Contemporary Life

3 min readjanuary 11, 2023

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

Margaret Schmidt

L'Education

The French education system differs a lot from other countries; the Francophone school system is known to be rigorous and thorough. French is the primary language of instruction, but students are also taught in one or more other languages, such as the native languages in some French-speaking African countries or English in Canada.

Any Francophone countries have a national curriculum that lays out the learning goals and expectations for students at each level of education. They put a strong emphasis on academic excellence: The francophone education system often prioritizes academic excellence, with a focus on high-quality teaching and rigorous evaluations.

Depending on the country, there can be a diverse student population in terms of cultural and linguistic background, but the education system aims to preserve, promote and enhance the students' francophone identity.

Perhaps the biggest difference in education styles is the , commonly referred to as the "bac." This comprehensive exam defines the rigor of the French education system and is imperative to determining where in university/the workforce French students will continue onto after graduation.

Le voyage

Where's the best place YOU'VE been? Focusing on the AP exam, they may ask you to describe a trip you took or a place you visited that impacted you. Culture, language, and activities in these places can open interesting conversations in the written/oral portions of the exam.

Here are some ideas and vocabulary that can help you get started:

  1. Les vacances - vacation
  2. Le voyage - trip
  3. Le transport - transportation
  4. L'avion - airplane
  5. Le train - train
  6. Le bus - bus
  7. La voiture - car
  8. Le bateau - boat
  9. L'hôtel - hotel
  10. Le camping - camping
  11. Le sac à dos - backpack
  12. L'itinéraire - itinerary
  13. Les billets - tickets
  14. Les valises - luggage
  15. Le passeport - passport
  16. Le visa - visa
  17. Le guide - guide
  18. Le circuit - tour
  19. La réservation - reservation
  20. L'agence de voyage - travel agency

When you talk about your destination:

  1. La destination - destination
  2. Le pays - country
  3. La ville - city
  4. La plage - beach
  5. Les montagnes - mountains
  6. Le désert - desert
  7. Le lac - lake
  8. La campagne - countryside
  9. Le musée - museum
  10. Le monument historique - historical monument
  11. L'attraction touristique - tourist attraction

When you talk about activities during travel: Les activités - activities

  1. Les excursions - excursions
  2. La randonnée - hiking
  3. Le ski - skiing
  4. Le vélo - cycling
  5. La plongée sous-marine - diving
  6. La pêche - fishing
  7. Le golf - golf
  8. L'équitation - horseback riding

There are many activities you can use to describe a trip or a vacation, so don't limit yourself!

Advertising and Marketing

In countries like France and Canada, where French is an official language, advertising is often conducted in both French and the other official language, for example French and English in Canada. Advertisers need to be mindful of the cultural differences between the French and the other official speaking communities and to create specific ad campaigns or translate their existing ones to target the Francophone community. A user's /identité numerique may help companies better appeal to them.

French-speaking communities tend to use images, colors and symbols that are associated with the culture. For example, in France, the use of the national colors blue, white, and red in advertising can evoke feelings of patriotism and national pride.

Also, social media marketing () has a significant role in reaching the French speaking audience, especially in countries where French is not an official language but still widely spoken. Advertising on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube has become more common in France and other Francophone communities.

Key Terms to Review (4)

Baccalauréat

: The baccalauréat, also known as the "bac," is a high-stakes exam taken by French students at the end of their secondary education. It serves as a diploma and determines eligibility for higher education.

Identité en ligne

: Identité en ligne refers to one's online identity or persona that is created through interactions on digital platforms such as social media, websites, and forums.

Identité numérique

: Identité numérique is similar to identité en ligne but focuses more on the digital footprint that individuals leave behind through their online activities. It encompasses both intentional and unintentional information shared online.

Marketing des réseaux sociaux

: Le marketing des réseaux sociaux fait référence à l'utilisation des plateformes de médias sociaux pour promouvoir et commercialiser des produits ou services. Cela implique la création de contenu attrayant, l'engagement avec les utilisateurs et la gestion de campagnes publicitaires sur les réseaux sociaux.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.