French requires several different skills, so your study plan should include more than simply revising vocabulary. Here's a simple weekly plan.
Monday — Vocabulary & Grammar: spend 30 minutes reviewing useful vocabulary and one area of grammar, practising using it in complete sentences.
Tuesday — Reading Comprehension: complete a French reading comprehension, focusing on understanding the meaning of the text rather than translating every word.
Wednesday — Written French: practise an opinion piece, diary entry or short story. You don't need to complete an entire answer every week — even practising introductions or individual paragraphs helps.
Thursday — Oral French: spend time speaking French out loud, practising answering questions and developing your responses.
Friday — Aural French: complete a listening exercise, or spend time listening to spoken French, focusing on identifying key information.
Weekend — Exam Practice: choose one area you struggled with during the week and revisit it, completing an exam-style question under timed conditions.
The best way to improve your French is through regular exposure to the language. A little French every day is often more effective than several hours of last-minute study. Leaving Cert Plus's French resources help students develop their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills while preparing specifically for the Leaving Certificate exam.