Contact Information:
catherine.meringolo@wwrsd.org
Here are some interesting reasons for learning French:
· French is the first or second language in more than 55 countries and is spoken by 250 million people around the world, on every continent.
· Some 40-50% of English vocabulary comes from French. If you speak English, you already know some 15,000 French words without ever having studied the language!
· French is always the official language used to announce events, winners, and medals at the Olympic Games. Many NHL players come from French-speaking Canada. France also hosts many major sporting events including automobile races (Le Mans and Monte Carlo), horse racing (Longchamps), tennis tournaments (French Open), and the Tour de France (long-distance bicycle race).
· When top universities judge applicants, they look for those students who can differentiate themselves from others. Taking 4 years of French looks great on a college application!
· Imagine a career at a French bank or publishing company (Vogue, Elle), or with an engineering, pharmaceutical, or cosmetics company! Why not work as an interpreter at the United Nations or become a government employee working for the FBI or CIA?
· French, along with English, is the official working language of the United Nations, UNESCO, NATO, the International Labor Bureau, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Red Cross.
· French is the foreign language spoken by our largest trading partner (Canada) and France is the 4th largest destination of foreign investments in the world.
· French companies employ approximately 650,000 Americans.
· The French are a world leaders in medical and technology research (fiber optics and HDTV were invented in France).
· France is the most visited tourist destination in the world. Paris has been named by Fortune Magazine as one of the top ten “global cities.”
Grading System:
Tests/Projects: 45%
Quizzes: 30%
Homework: 10%
Class Participation: 15%
Curriculum Resources:
French Grammar:
For complete grammar explanation and exercises
French songs and radio stations:
Great place to sample and preview French music