When learning French, perhaps especially at the earlier levels, reading regular French text such as in newspapers or on news websites may seem out of reach. It’s frustrating because regular reading is one of the keys to improving reading comprehension and expanding your vocabulary.
This is where graded French readers come in. They are available at different levels, such as A1, A2, B1, and have a limited number of words. Readers may be simplified versions of classic works or written especially for language learners.
Although readers are relatively simple, they can still be very challenging depending on your level of French. They are much more welcoming than texts aimed at native speakers. You can also return to them later and get an idea of how your French has progressed.
I recently revisited a reader titled “Concert en Bretagne” by Cécile Talguen. Published by CLE International in (2006) as part of its Collection Découverte series, this title is pegged at Niveau 1, suitable for beginning students. The series has seven levels, starting at ‘intro’ and working upwards from level 1 through 6.
Concert en Bretagne is about a girl named Gwen from Paris who goes to stay with her grandmother in Carhaix, Brittany for the holidays. Gwen has various adventures which revolve around a jewellry heist and a music concert, part of the Vieilles Charrues festival. The story is engaging and interesting.
The 48 page reader includes helpful illustrations to explain the story and bring it alive. It starts with preliminary exercises, such as looking at the cover and describing what you see. Each chapter concludes with exercises that test your comprehension of the foregoing chapter.
When I first looked at this reader, at an earlier stage of French, I found it difficult and didn’t finish reading it. At the second attempt and with the passage of time, however, I found the reader much easier. There was still new vocabulary and some unfamiliar expressions, but I was able to comprehend the story quite clearly and I finished it in good time.
Revisiting the book was a good exercise: I got some reading practice; learned new vocabulary and expressions; and practiced my comprehension. I also got a helpful insight into how my French reading ability had progressed over time, which is definitely good for morale!
Look for a copy of this book at your local French cultural centre or public library. Alternatively, buy your own copy from the publisher.
In summary: I recommend this reader for beginning (A1) French students. For more advanced students it will be a relatively light read.
Find out more about “Concert en Bretagne” on the CLE International website
This is where graded French readers come in. They are available at different levels, such as A1, A2, B1, and have a limited number of words. Readers may be simplified versions of classic works or written especially for language learners.
Although readers are relatively simple, they can still be very challenging depending on your level of French. They are much more welcoming than texts aimed at native speakers. You can also return to them later and get an idea of how your French has progressed.
Cover image: CLE International
I recently revisited a reader titled “Concert en Bretagne” by Cécile Talguen. Published by CLE International in (2006) as part of its Collection Découverte series, this title is pegged at Niveau 1, suitable for beginning students. The series has seven levels, starting at ‘intro’ and working upwards from level 1 through 6.
Concert en Bretagne is about a girl named Gwen from Paris who goes to stay with her grandmother in Carhaix, Brittany for the holidays. Gwen has various adventures which revolve around a jewellry heist and a music concert, part of the Vieilles Charrues festival. The story is engaging and interesting.
The 48 page reader includes helpful illustrations to explain the story and bring it alive. It starts with preliminary exercises, such as looking at the cover and describing what you see. Each chapter concludes with exercises that test your comprehension of the foregoing chapter.
When I first looked at this reader, at an earlier stage of French, I found it difficult and didn’t finish reading it. At the second attempt and with the passage of time, however, I found the reader much easier. There was still new vocabulary and some unfamiliar expressions, but I was able to comprehend the story quite clearly and I finished it in good time.
Revisiting the book was a good exercise: I got some reading practice; learned new vocabulary and expressions; and practiced my comprehension. I also got a helpful insight into how my French reading ability had progressed over time, which is definitely good for morale!
Look for a copy of this book at your local French cultural centre or public library. Alternatively, buy your own copy from the publisher.
In summary: I recommend this reader for beginning (A1) French students. For more advanced students it will be a relatively light read.
Find out more about “Concert en Bretagne” on the CLE International website
