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Excel in iGCSE French with Targeted Practice

Practise iGCSE French with questions covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking across international exam themes.

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About iGCSE French

iGCSE French develops communicative competence in reading, writing, listening and speaking across a range of everyday and practical contexts. The Cambridge International syllabus is designed for students learning French in an international setting, covering topics such as family, travel, education, work and the environment through authentic French-language materials.

Assessment typically includes a listening paper, a reading paper, a writing paper and a speaking examination. The iGCSE differs from UK GCSE French in that it does not include a coursework component and the speaking assessment format may vary. Questions are set in both French and English, and students must demonstrate comprehension as well as the ability to produce French in structured and open-ended tasks.

The iGCSE in French is widely recognised as evidence of practical language ability and is accepted by universities globally. It provides a strong foundation for International A-Level French and is valued by employers in internationally mobile careers.

Topics Covered

Everyday Activities Personal & Social Life The World Around Us The World of Work Grammar Vocabulary Reading & Writing Listening & Speaking

Exam Boards

iGCSE French is available from these exam boards

How UpGrades Helps

Adaptive Practice

Questions adapt to your level in French, focusing on the topics where you need the most improvement.

Spaced Repetition

Review French topics at optimal intervals to maximise long-term retention for your iGCSE exam.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 8 French topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for French

  • Listen to French podcasts, radio and videos daily to build comprehension speed. iGCSE listening papers are played only twice, so you need to process French at natural speed.
  • Learn vocabulary in themed groups (e.g. all words related to health, then all words related to travel) and test yourself using flashcards with spaced repetition.
  • Practice writing in different formats - letters, articles, blog posts - as the iGCSE writing paper requires you to adapt your style and register to the task.
  • Record yourself speaking French and listen back to identify pronunciation and fluency issues before your speaking exam.

Exam Tips for iGCSE French

  • In the listening paper, read the questions carefully before the audio plays. Knowing what information you need helps you focus on the relevant parts of each recording.
  • For writing tasks, always check your tenses, agreements (adjective-noun, subject-verb) and accents. Accuracy is specifically marked in iGCSE French writing.
  • In the speaking exam, expand your answers beyond the minimum. Using a range of tenses, opinions and complex sentences demonstrates higher-level ability and earns better marks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is iGCSE French the same as GCSE French? +
The overall language skills tested are similar, but iGCSE French is set by Cambridge International or Edexcel International, uses different assessment formats and does not include UK-focused cultural content. The exam is taken in international examination sessions rather than the UK summer series.
What level of French does iGCSE represent? +
iGCSE French broadly corresponds to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), meaning an independent user who can deal with everyday situations and express opinions on familiar topics.
Do I need to visit a French-speaking country for iGCSE French? +
No. The qualification can be achieved entirely through classroom study and self-directed practice. However, immersion experiences are beneficial for developing listening and speaking confidence.

French at other levels: GCSE French · A-Level French

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