Graded French readers are a great way to practice reading
and improve your vocabulary. They open up reading opportunities to all levels
of language learner, particularly those at the earlier levels.
Graded readers help to build confidence and stamina in
reading, and there is a real sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing
a book in French, no matter how small it may be.
The French publisher CLE International produces a range
of graded readers in its “Décourverte” (discovery) collection. Books are
available at levels from introductory to “Niveau 6”. According to the publisher,
these books are either original fiction or adaptations of classic works.
I read “Marée noire” (Oil spill) by Dominique Renaud. It
is a 47 page book published in 2008 at the level “Niveau 1”, which the
publisher says is suitable for someone in their first year of French. The story
centres around a family who live in a coastal village in Brittany. When an oil
tanker breaks up and spills large quantities of oil into the ocean and along
the coastline, the lives of the family, the community and local sea life is
turned upside down.
The book is attractively illustrated and the images often
help with the understanding of the text. Selected words are explained, in
French, at the foot of each page. There is plenty of vocabulary related to maritime
and environmental themes.
I like the comprehension activities, which are both at
the beginning of the book and following each chapter. These make the book more
interactive and add to the learning value of the text. Another helpful feature
is a page introducing the key characters.
If you’d like to
sample the book online, you are in luck, as the cover and first chapter are
available on the publisher’s website.
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