FRENCH

 Why French?

The French language is the official language of 3 countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada – Quebec – among them). In further 40 countries, it is the language of communication and the French language is the 11^th most widely spoken world language, with a total of about 200 million speakers. Apart from its being the official language of the United Nations and the European Union, French is the second language on the internet after English. French is widely used in such fields as law, public relations, linguistics, fashion, and automobile industry.

Lessons

In TÖMER, all classrooms are furnished with a “U-type” seating system so that learners can communicate with the teacher as well as their peers comfortably. Each class features modern, electronic teaching equipment; in accordance with international language learning standards, and they are effectively used throughout the teaching process.

French courses consist of 14 levels. It is possible to receive TÖMER diploma in 14 months (560 class hours in total) in one-month intensive courses, and in 28 months (672 class hours in total) in two-month ordinary courses. Upon completion of elementary and intermediate level, a certificate is granted; learners receive TÖMER Diploma when they complete advanced level.

In TÖMER classes, where the Synthesis Method is applied, the learner is the centre of focus; the teacher serves as a guide and thus each learner gets equal share of participation. The medium of instruction is French and all four basic skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) are given equal weight; in addition, there are grammar and dictation activities.

General Purpose Courses

Coursebooks include Taxi 1 and its supplementary workbook in elementary level; Taxi 2 and 3 and their supplementary workbooks in intermediate level; Forum 3 and its supplementary workbook in advanced level. There are also exercise books, listening and video material, and supplementary material designed by TÖMER French Unit.

One important feature of all coursebooks is that they have been designed to meet the European Union Common Application Document and give equal weights to basic language skills. Students are exposed to regular exercises in listening, speaking, reading and writing according to a pre-designed programme.

Specific Purpose Courses

Courses for specific purposes include test preparation classes for KPDS, ÜDS, YDS, DELF and DALF; translation classes; supplementary programmes for students at primary, high school and university education; writing and speaking workshops.

Speaking Classes

For learners already registered at TÖMER French courses, there are speaking classes organised outside of their regular French lesson hours. There courses are free of charge and lessons are given by experienced teachers.

It is not obligatory to attend courses at TÖMER in order to have one’s language level certified. Test dates are announced by TÖMER French Department.

 Final Tests

Normal courses cover 40 class hours and intensive courses cover 48 class hours; at the end of each semester, learners sit for a final test that includes sections on four basic language skills. Grading criterion is presented below. If a learner fails to meet the pass mark required for a skill, a second test is given for the skill concerned only. Yet, learners who fail in more than one skill are asked to repeat the level.