HOW TO WRITE DIRECTLY IN FRENCH

The technique described below will facilitate your ability to write directly in the French language without translating from English to French. This technique will help you do the following:

1. Reduce the number of errors in your writing in French
2. Help you learn authentic French idioms faster and without pain
3. Help you learn French syntax or word order without imitating English syntax, which does not always correspond exactly
4. make your whole experience with the French language more pleasurable and intellectually stimulating in the long run.

The following steps should be followed to make your writing in French easier and more fun:

1. Avoid using anglicisms that do not correspond to French usage - Example: "Je vais bien." - an appropriate answer to the question, "Comment allez-vous?," and not, "Je suis bien." The second answer is based on the use of the verb "to be" in English and not the verb used in French "aller," which is used in the French idiom for "How are you?"
2. Gather the French vocabulary you need for your topic on a blank sheet of paper. Use the vocabulary available to you in your textbook lessons and glossary. Supplement that vocabulary search by using a French-English/English-French dictionary.
3. Do a word cluster exercise on a blank sheet of paper to make sure that you have the needed French vocabulary (nouns, verbs, prepositions, adjectives, etc.) to begin addressing the writing topic assigned.

Example: "Ma Maison Idéale"              Maison : Word Cluster

Of course, your word cluster in French should be much longer than the example above. Search for all the words that will help you express your ideas on your topic as completely as possible. Also, remember to write simple, short sentences, at first, until you learn more grammar.

Bon courage et bon travail!