Written by Edwar Manjarres

Are you thinking about learning French and want to know your starting point? You may be at a true "zero level" or have a foundation for level A1. 

When a person cannot even guess the meaning of a sentence in French, they are said to be at zero level. But if they can identify one or more phrases in a simple paragraph and understand what is being talked about, then their level is A1. Knowing this will help them progress with confidence in their learning.

Today I will share a simple test to check your actual reading comprehension in French. Read along with me to the end and find out if your brain is ready to start learning this language from scratch, at level A1, or higher.

Reading in French level A1

Do not use a translator! Read the following text, paying attention to how the ideas are connected:Don't use a translator! Read the following text, paying attention to how the ideas are connected:

"Hello. My name is Ana. I live in Canada. I study French every day. I like learning French because it's important for work and life. French is a beautiful language."

Did you understand everything, or was there something left unclear?

Detected structures and connectors

If you understood the message, you are demonstrating your ability to use deductive reading that immediately takes you beyond the beginner level. Here I explain what some key words are and what they are used for:

• Au: (preposition of place). Indicates where you are located.
• Tous les: (frequency structure). It helps you define routines.
• Because: (causal connector). Essential for giving reasons and arguments.
• Pour: (preposition of purpose). Indicates the objective of your actions.
• Et: (conjunction). Basic connector for linking ideas.

If you think you know what the Spanish equivalent is, grab a pen and paper and write it down based on what you've deduced so that you can commit it to your long-term memory.

Why does this A1-level reading work?

This exercise applies Albert Bandura's Albert Bandura's Self-Efficacy Principle. When you notice that you can deduce the function of a preposition (au, et, pour) from its context and Latin root, your confidence increases. Learning is consolidated when anxiety decreases and the brain feels that it "already has the tools" to solve the problem.

Having this strategy works to help you progress because you stop memorizing mechanically and start recognizing logical patterns. It's the difference between repeating like a parrot and starting to think in French.

Do you want to advance in the language with guided study and daily practice to reach new levels? Discover our focused English and French courses!

Learn a new language with Planeta Immiland

At Planeta Immiland Education, we use this and many other strategies to help you acquire the French language progressively and in record time. Our courses are designed so that your deductive skills improve with each class, leading you to understand French at an advanced level.

If you want to improve the four skills of French as a second language: speaking, listening, writing, and reading, with certified teachers and the Languages Canada seal of approval, contact us to get started with our courses. 

You can view the French programs here and start your new bilingual journey with confidence.

I hope this topic motivates you to discover your French-speaking potential and change your life. Thank you for reading. Don't miss our next reading in French to discover your B2 level.

With love, 

Planeta Immiland Education