New
New
What is it? C'est and liaison
Learning outcomes
I can use c'est to identify things when I speak and write.
I know to pronounce the 't' in 'c'est' when it comes before 'un' and 'une'.
Lesson 2 of 10
New
New
- Year 3
What is it? C'est and liaison
Learning outcomes
I can use c'est to identify things when I speak and write.
I know to pronounce the 't' in 'c'est' when it comes before 'un' and 'une'.
Lesson details
Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons
Key learning points
- C'est means 'it is' or it's and usually has a silent-final consonant.
- C'est can be used with any singular noun and its indefinite article to state what something is.
- When c'est is followed by 'un' or 'une' the 't' is pronounced; this is an example of liaison.
Keywords
C'est - two words 'ce, c' and 'est' meaning 'it is' or 'it's' in French
Liaison - pronouncing a usually silent final consonant because a word starting with a vowel follows
Common misconception
The 't' in c'est is always a silent-final consonant.
The 't' in c'est is pronounced if it is followed by a word beginning with a vowel like 'un' or 'une'.
It is good to underline the importance of correct pronunciation in this lesson. Children like the challenge of 'sounding French' and applying the rule of 'liaison' helps them to do this. For additional challenge in Task B2 teachers may suggest pupils turn away and write the meanings.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following letters is a vowel?
Which of the following letters is a vowel?
c
d
t
z
Q2.A silent final consonant (SFC) is a silent letter at the of a word.
A silent final consonant (SFC) is a silent letter at the of a word.
Q3.What is different about French nouns compared to English nouns? Choose two answers.
What is different about French nouns compared to English nouns? Choose two answers.
They are boys or girls.
They are men or women.
Q4.Say the words 'un' and 'une' aloud. What do 'un' and 'une' mean in English?
Say the words 'un' and 'une' aloud. What do 'un' and 'une' mean in English?
the
some
Q5.Match the French to the English.
Match the French to the English.
Q6.Answer this question: C'est une orange ?
Answer this question: C'est une orange ?
Oui, c'est une bouteille.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What does 'c'est' mean in English?
What does 'c'est' mean in English?
is
Q2.Match the French to the English.
Match the French to the English.
Q3.When do you pronounce the 't' in 'c'est'?
When do you pronounce the 't' in 'c'est'?
Never, it is a silent final consonant.
When it is followed by a word starting with a consonant.
Q4.In which of the following sentences would you pronounce the 't' in 'c'est'?
In which of the following sentences would you pronounce the 't' in 'c'est'?
C'est triste.
C'est grand.
Q5.Pronouncing a usually silent final consonant when a word starting with a vowel follows is called:
Pronouncing a usually silent final consonant when a word starting with a vowel follows is called:
reading aloud
connection
