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      What is it? Intonation questions and 'quoi'

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can ask and answer intonation questions to identify something.

      Vocabulary and transcripts for this lessons

      Key learning points

      1. The sound-symbol correspondence [ch] sounds like the 'ch' in 'chercher', to look for.
      2. Intonation yes/no questions are formed by raising tone of voice at the end of a statement.
      3. Intonation questions become information questions by adding a question word after c'est like 'quoi', what.
      4. When learning a new language it is important to practise vocabulary regularly to strengthen your word knowledge.

      Keywords

      • [ch] - pronounced [ch] as in chercher

      • Quoi - meaning 'what?'

      • Intonation - the rise and fall of the voice in speaking.

      Common misconception

      Once you've learnt a new word, you remember it forever.

      New vocabulary has to be practised regularly or you might forget it.

      Teacher tip

      Playing a previously learnt song at the beginning of the lesson is a great way to help pupils settle swiftly, encourage participation and motivation by joining in straight from the start and tuning in to the sounds of the new language.

      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.
      What does 'c'est' mean in English?

      is
      Correct answer: it is
      what is it?

      Q2.
      When do you pronouce the 't' in 'c'est'?

      When it is followed by a word that starts with a consonant.
      Correct answer: When it is followed by a word that starts with a vowel sound.
      Never, it is a silent-final consonant.

      Q3.
      In which of the following sentences would you pronounce the 't' in 'c'est'?

      Correct answer: C'est amusant.
      Correct answer: C'est un stylo.
      C'est calme.
      Correct answer: C'est intéressant.
      C'est curieux.

      Q4.
      Match the French to the English.

      Correct Answer:un animal,an animal
      Correct Answer:un chat,a cat
      Correct Answer:un chien,a dog
      Correct Answer:une peluche,a cuddly toy
      Correct Answer:un cahier,an exercise book
      Correct Answer:un stylo,a pen

      Q5.
      Why are there two ways of saying 'a, an' in French, 'un' and 'une'?

      Because all French nouns are girls or boys.
      Correct answer: Because all French nouns have grammatical gender, they are masculine or feminine
      Because all French nouns have biological gender, they are male or female.

      Q6.
      'Vache', 'banane', 'orange', 'bouteille' and 'peluche' are all examples of nouns.

      Correct Answer: feminine, FEMININE

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these words contain the [ch] sound?

      Correct answer: dimanche
      Correct answer: choses
      Correct answer: marché
      curieux
      Correct answer: chambre

      Q2.
      What is it called when you raise or lower your voice in speaking?

      liaison
      questioning
      Correct answer: intonation

      Q3.
      When speaking, how would you change the statement 'c'est un chat' into a question?

      Correct answer: by raising your voice at the end
      by keeping your voice the same throughout
      by lowering your voice at the end

      Q4.
      What does 'c'est quoi ?' mean in English?

      Who is it?
      Correct answer: What is it?
      When is it?
      Why is it?

      Q5.
      C'est quoi ?

      An image in a quiz
      C'est un sac.
      C'est un stylo.
      C'est un chat.
      Correct answer: C'est un cahier.
      C'est une peluche.

      Q6.
      What are the best reasons to practise vocabulary regularly?

      Correct answer: To remember words that you have learnt recently.
      To please your French teacher.
      Correct answer: To know how to spell, pronounce and recognise the words that you have learnt.
      Correct answer: To make words stick in your long term memory.
      To impress your friends.

      To help you plan your 3 French lesson on: What is it? Intonation questions and 'quoi', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...