Cambridge International · International A Level · 9716
French — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level French (9716)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level French (9716)
Cambridge International International A Level French (9716)
Cambridge International A Level French (9716)
Cambridge 9716 (2026) develops advanced French through Speaking (Paper 1), Reading & Writing with translation (Paper 2), Essay (Paper 3), and Texts & Films analysis (Paper 4) — built on Cambridge thematic areas covering youth, society, education, technology, environment, politics, and culture.
Mark schemes: Cambridge A Level rewards accurate use of the subjunctive (after expressions of doubt, emotion, necessity, and certain conjunctions), complex sentences using relative pronouns and indirect speech, and a range of cultural references tied to set works and films. Translation marks rely on register and idiom, not literal word-matching. Essay markers want a clear argued thesis with evidence from the prescribed text.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verb conjugations | Essential | All GCSE tenses | Present, perfect, imperfect, future, conditional, pluperfect — the AS Level baseline. | |
| Verb conjugations | Core | Subjunctive present & perfect | Used after expressions of doubt, emotion, necessity, and conjunctions like bien que, pour que, avant que. | |
| Verb conjugations | Core | Subjunctive imperfect & pluperfect | Literary register for sequence of tenses — recognise in set texts even if rarely produced. | |
| Verb conjugations | Advanced | Passive voice | Formed with être + past participle agreeing in gender and number — avoid by using on or a pronominal verb. | |
| Verb conjugations | Advanced | Conditional perfect | j'aurais fait — expresses an unrealised past action, often paired with si + pluperfect. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Relative pronouns | qui (subject), que (object), dont (de + noun), où (place/time), lequel (after prepositions) — link clauses precisely. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Demonstrative pronouns | celui, celle, ceux, celles + -ci/-là or de/qui — replace a noun already mentioned. | |
| Advanced grammar | Core | Sequence of tenses | In indirect speech, present becomes imperfect, perfect becomes pluperfect, future becomes conditional. | |
| Advanced grammar | Advanced | ne explétif | Stylistic ne after avant que, à moins que, de peur que — carries no negative meaning. | |
| Advanced grammar | Advanced | Inversion after adverbs | Peut-être, ainsi, à peine at the start of a clause trigger subject–verb inversion. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Essential | Cambridge themes | Youth concerns, family & society, education & employment, technology & media, environment, politics, history & culture. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | Set works & films | Awareness of prescribed novels, plays, and films — used as evidence in Paper 4 essays. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | Francophone diversity | Reference to France, Belgium, Quebec, North and West Africa to widen cultural range. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Core | Sociopolitical vocabulary | laïcité, intégration, mondialisation, développement durable — debate-ready terms. | |
| Themes & cultural context | Advanced | Critical analysis | Identify themes, narrative voice, and authorial intent — the basis of literary commentary. | |
| Exam technique | Essential | Paper 1 Speaking | Topic presentation followed by discussion — examiners reward spontaneity and idiom. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 2 Reading & Writing | Comprehension, summary, and translation into French — accuracy of register matters. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 3 Essay | Discursive essay on a thematic question — plan a thesis, two sides, and a justified conclusion. | |
| Exam technique | Core | Paper 4 Texts & Films | Analytical essay on prescribed works — use textual references not plot retelling. | |
| Exam technique | Advanced | Translation strategy | Translate sense not word-for-word — identify idioms and structural shifts before writing. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
French (9716) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International A Level French keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important french terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level French (9716) (9716). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this French glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level French (9716) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for French.
- Can I download this French keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this French list aligned to the 9716 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level French (9716) for Cambridge International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for French at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.