GCSE French Reading Paper

• This is a GCSE French reading paper.
• The foundation tier paper is Paper 3 - Reading.
• The exam is on Tuesday 14 May 2019.
• The exam duration is 45 minutes.
• The exam has instructions in English, a materials list, and information notes.
• Section A requires answers in English.
• Section B requires answers in French.
• Section C requires translation of a passage into English.
• The maximum mark for the paper is 60.

Apprenticeships

• A French newspaper published an online survey about apprenticeships.
• 66% of apprentices are boys.
• 34% of apprentices are girls.
• 29% of apprentices work in shops.
• 32% of apprentices work in the aeronautical industry.
• 17% of apprentices do not have qualifications.

My Village

• Adama, from Mali, describes her village of Yélékéla in an internet blog.
• Yélékéla is a small village in the south of Mali.
• Over 1,000 people live there, mainly working in agriculture.
• The houses are small but pretty.
• The kitchen is traditionally outside the house.
• Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world.
• The villagers need medicine and books.

The Environment

• A poster with slogans about the environment can be seen in a Belgian city.
• A: Recycle paper to save trees.
• B: Attention! There is less and less ice at the North Pole.
• C: A clean city is everyone's responsibility! Don't drop your papers!
• D: Let's fight noise!
• E: Respect for all living creatures is our responsibility.
• F: An apple receives at least 30 pesticide treatments!

Celebrity Relationships

• A Swiss magazine published an article about celebrities and their relationships.
• Anna Schulman, an actress, met Marc when she sold him a dress.
• Marc invited Anna to a restaurant.
• They are getting married three years later.
• The couple now has a baby.
• In 2018, at a party, Swiss top model Gabriella met Jean-Claude Miller, a banker.
• The marriage took place very shortly after, and they are expecting a child in March.
• In 2017, at a press conference, singer Oscar met Mathilde, who is a journalist.
• Eighteen months later, the couple announced their engagement after the birth of their little boy, Vincent.
• Oscar and Mathilde are getting married soon.

A Train Journey

• An extract from Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days' is provided.
• Phileas Fogg notices his loyal Passepartout entering his cell after three days in prison.
• Passepartout announces with a joyful voice: "Sir, you are free! There has been a mistake."
• Fogg and Passepartout immediately go to Liverpool station.
• Five minutes later, they take the train to London, which leaves on time.
• Unfortunately, there are delays en route.
• Fogg arrives with a delay of a few minutes after his long journey.
• After so many dangers and difficulties, he has lost all his money and has nothing left.

Becoming a Vegan

• Arthur talks about becoming vegan in a French magazine.
• Some people want to defend the rights of animals, while others hate the taste of meat.
• Arthur made the decision because meat causes illnesses.
• It's said that everyone can be fed if they don't eat meat.
• Arthur is unsure about that.
• Arthur's sister is vegetarian.
• Despite her efforts, she still wants to eat meat.
• She says that animals are the primary cause of pollution.

Restaurant Reviews

• Restaurant reviews from France include: Le Bistro des Enfants, Le Balcon, Chez Antoine, and Les Agapes.
• Le Bistro des Enfants: The owner is welcoming, and the cuisine is top-notch, well-prepared with regional products.
• Le Balcon: There is a new owner, and the prices have become more expensive with fewer choices. It's a pity.
• Chez Antoine: The restaurant is quite nice with reasonable prices. The service is prompt, but they won't return anymore due to other good restaurants in the area.
• Les Agapes: The chicken was reheated in the microwave without any music; only the sound of the microwave could be heard.

My Studies

• Young people from Togo talk about their school subjects in an online forum.
• Reine believes French is a beautiful language but difficult to learn.
• Kossi states that maths is important for finding a profession but the lessons are not interesting.

Le travail bénévole

• Alice, 16, is an only child.
• Every Saturday, Alice volunteers with elderly people for a charitable association.
• These people live in the same village as her, not far from her house.
• There is a great difficulty for many seniors which is loneliness.
• So communicating with these people is essential because they love it, and Alice too.
• Alice often accompanies them to the shops but does not do housework.

Deux amis

• Abou and Coly are the subject of this traditional Senegalese tale about two friends.
• Abou was hardworking and became rich, but Coly liked to have fun and became a wanderer.
• One day, Cole asked Abu for help, who refused.
• Cole left furious and wanted his revenge.
• A young woman, Sanka, came to see Coly and said to him: "I will help you get your revenge but you have to work hard."
• Coly agreed and enriched himself by working day and night.
• He went to see Abou for his revenge.
• Cole was surprised that Sanka was there with Abou.
• Abou then said: "You know Sanka, my wife."
• Cole then understood Abou's act of friendship and replied: "You sent Sanka to save me and Thank you, my friend."

Les réseaux sociaux

• A Canadian magazine has an article about social networks.
• The majority of Canadians use social networks.
• A survey indicates that Canadian social network users are anxious because their personal details are not protected.
• Last week, Facebook user profiles were opened due to a bug, and it's not the first time!
• According to the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Canadians must not abandon networks but must take precautions.
• The association believes the situation has not improved over the past two years, and it will become even worse.

Au collège

• The following can be seen in a French school
• A: Secretariat to the left.
• B: Bicycle parking.
• E: Staff room.
• F: Canteen and cafeteria.
• C: Outdoor coats and clothing.
• G: Leisure center and gym.
• D: Exit and fire escape.

Section C

• Translation into English
• Your cousin's French friend has shared the following post on Facebook.
• Your cousin asks you to translate it into English for her.
• "Mon professeur d'anglais est amusant mais il nous donne trop de devoirs. Je voudrais voyager en Angleterre. J'ai une sœur qui m'énerve. Elle adore écouter de la musique. Vendredi, elle est allée à un concert."