Coucou les membres de la communauté,
Reading stories that are tailored to your level is a powerful way to enhance your French.
Our comprehensible stories often repeat key structures and frequently used vocabulary.
Key structures refer to essential elements that form the foundation of sentences. The basic structure consists of a subject, verb, and object. There is also negation which is achieved by using “ne” and “pas” around the verb, as in “Je ne mange pas“.
And there are questions which can be formed by inverting the subject and verb (e.g., “Mange-t-il ?“), using “est-ce que” (e.g., “Est-ce qu’il mange ?“), or employing question words like “Qui mange ?“.
Understanding these key structures is crucial for creating correct and coherent sentences in French.
Comprehension Questions: A Key to Assimilation
In addition to reading, answering comprehension questions about a story is an excellent way to reinforce your understanding of the sentence structures.
These questions encourage you to think about the content in French, which helps prevent the habit of translating everything back into your native language.
To answer comprehension questions effectively, focus on the key ideas presented in the story.
Try to respond in complete sentences using the vocabulary and structures which are in the story. It solidifies your understanding and it also builds your confidence in expressing yourself in French.
Click here to read and answer comprehension question about the story of a funny samouraï!
Consider the story of the Samouraï. In this narrative co-created with upper beginners, you will encounter important vocabulary such as “avoir besoin de” (to need), “s’endormir” (to fall asleep), “partir en vacances” (to go on vacation), “oublier” (to forget), and “décider de” (to decide to).
By repeatedly seeing and using these phrases in context, you will naturally absorb their meanings and usages.
After reading and understanding this story, try to answer the comprehension questions in complete sentences. You can check the answers at the end.
Printable Stories Available
As a reminder, all our stories (including “Rencontre avec un Samouraï“) are available to print in PDF format.
While reading, use a highlighter to mark everything you understand. This technique allows you to visually track your progress, and when you finish reading, you will be amazed at how many sentences you can comprehend. It’s a fantastic motivation technique to keep going: #enjoytheride
Additionally, after answering the comprehension questions, take the time to write your responses down and then check and correct them. Writing with a pen engages your brain actively, helping you assimilate the way sentences are formed and solidifying your understanding of the language.
This combination of reading, highlighting, and writing will greatly enhance your French journey!
Thank you for being part of our French program!
Continue to enjoy the process of acquiring French through our engaging stories.
Cordialement,