Key learning points

1. The SSC [ai] is pronounced as in 'vrai'. This makes the same sound as the SSC [è, ê] as in 'tête'.
2. To form an information question, use intonation: 'Tu vas quand en vacances ?' The question word goes after the verb.
3. Or use inversion: 'Quand vas-tu en vacances ?' Swap the verb and the subject and place the question word at the start.
4. 'Quoi' and 'que' both mean 'what'. Use 'quoi' with intonation questions and 'que' with inversion questions.
5. Listening to and reading a longer passage can help consolidate vocabulary and grammar.

Keywords

• [ai], [è/ê] - SSCs (sound-symbol correspondences) which are pronounced the same, as in 'paire' and 'père'

• Intonation question - changing a statement into a question by simply raising one's voice at the end

• Inversion question - when the subject pronoun and the verb switch place to form a question

• Information question - question starting with a wh- word that has more information in the answer than yes/no

• Quoi, que - question words meaning 'what'; 'quoi' is used with intonation, 'que' is used with inversion

Common misconception