French Structure Words: Making Sense of Texts

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French Structure Words: Making Sense

What do you already know about structure words in French?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will understand what French structure words are, recognise them in texts, and use them to help reading comprehension.

What Are Structure Words?

Structure words are linking words that organise ideas in a sentence or a text. They help show relationships between ideas and make writing clearer.

Why Are They Important?

Structure words guide the reader. They show order, cause and effect, contrast, and examples. They make texts easier to follow.

Common French Structure Words

et (and) mais (but) parce que (because) car (because/for) donc (so) mais (but) puis (then) aussi (also) pour que (so that) par exemple (for example) comme (as/since) quand (when) alors (then/so)

and but because for/so so but then also so that for example as/since when then/so

French

English

Structure Words in Sentences

J’aime le chocolat **et** la vanille. Il fait froid, **mais** il fait beau. Je reste à la maison **parce que** je suis fatigué. Il travaille, **puis** il se repose.

Short Reading Text

Je vais à l’école **parce que** j’aime apprendre. **Aussi**, je retrouve mes amis. **Mais** parfois, je suis fatigué. **Alors**, je prends un café **pour** bien commencer la journée.

Activity: Identify Structure Words

Instructions

Read the text on the next slide. Underline or list all the structure words you find.

Text for Practice

Paul aime le sport, **mais** il aime aussi la musique. **Parce que** la météo est bonne, il va courir. **Ensuite**, il écoute de la musique.

Reflection

Which structure words did you find? How did they help you understand the text?

Match the Structure Words

Match each French structure word to its English meaning: 1. donc 2. mais 3. parce que 4. aussi A. because B. so C. also D. but

Choose the Correct Word

Complete with the right structure word: 1. Il pleut, ____ je prends un parapluie. (donc/mais) 2. J’aime la pizza ____ la salade. (et/mais) 3. Je vais au cinéma ____ j’adore les films. (parce que/puis)

Comprehension Activity

Read & Answer

“Marie adore voyager, **mais** elle a peur de l’avion. **Donc**, elle voyage en train. **Aussi**, elle invite ses amis. **Parce que** le train est confortable, elle aime le voyage.”

Comprehension Questions

1. Why does Marie travel by train? (Look for structure words.) 2. Who does she invite? 3. What does **mais** show in the text?

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

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