This key facts covers Key rules at a glance within The 150-word task for GCSE French. Revise The 150-word task in Writing: 50, 90 and 150 Words + Translation into French for GCSE French with 15 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key rules at a glance
- 20 marks total: 5 communication + 5 range of vocabulary + 5 accuracy + higher-band criteria — all four must be strong for Band 4
- Minimum three tenses: include at least present, past (perfect or imperfect), and conditional or future — the conditional distinguishes Band 3 from Band 4
- Complex structures signal Band 4: relative clauses (qui, que, dont, auxquels), conditional sentences (si + imparfait → conditionnel), subjunctive (bien que + subjonctif), emphasis (c'est… qui/que)
- Justification is mandatory: every opinion needs a reason — je pense que… parce que is Band 2; je suis persuadé(e) que… étant donné que is Band 4
- Discourse markers create coherence: premièrement, en outre, cependant, par conséquent, en conclusion show organised, developed thinking
- Target 145–160 words: too short risks content marks; significantly over 160 creates accuracy risk
Practice questions for The 150-word task
In the AQA Higher Paper 4 (Writing), how many marks in total is the 150-word task worth?
Which sentence uses 'bien que' correctly to mean 'Although it is tiring, it is rewarding'?
Quick recall flashcards
malgré + noun
Despite / In spite of.
'Malgré la pluie, nous sommes sortis.' = Despite the rain, we went out.
'Malgré les difficultés, je continue.' = Despite the difficulties, I carry on.
Followed by a NOUN (not a verb) — simpler than 'bien que' + subjunctive.
afin de + infinitive
In order to.
'J'étudie afin de réussir mes examens.' = I study in order to pass my exams.
More sophisticated than 'pour' — shows range.
'pour' is acceptable but 'afin de' scores higher for quality of language.