General Stuff

Vocabulary

Invest time in regular vocabulary practice. Try to learn new words daily in different contexts. Flashcards can be a great resource to aid memorisation.
Learn synonyms as this will enable you to avoid repetition in your spoken and written responses. Words may have different connotations in varying contexts so always think about the most appropriate word to use.
Tackle unfamiliar words by breaking them down into chunks. This will assist in decoding meanings and remembering them later.
Utilise resources such as French newspapers, novels, and podcasts. These can expose you to colloquial language, idioms, and culturally specific vocabulary, which can help enhance your language usage skills.

Speaking

Develop a habit of rephrasing and paraphrasing to get comfortable with different sentence structures and vocabulary.
Express abstract ideas confidently as this skill can elevate your speaking abilities. The best way to gain confidence is via practice.
Aim to speak fluidly, using clear pronunciation and intonation. Recording your practice sessions can often help improve these skills.
Learn to interject effectively. Interjections such as ‘ah bon’, ‘c’est-à-dire’, and ‘en fait’, can help your speech sound more natural and spontaneous.

Use of Language

Consider the register of language required and stay consistent. Each text type, whether formal or informal, requires a different register.
Become familiar with grammatical structures. Ongoing revisit of grammar concepts will provide control over language use.
Avoid language errors, such as incorrect genders, misplaced pronouns, and incorrect verb endings, by constant review and correction.
Be aware of idioms and phrases typical to French language. Include them in your spoken and written responses to reflect versatility in your language knowledge.
Be precise and varied in your language use. Avoid being too simplistic or repetitive. Your aim should be to communicate effectively rather than impress with a barrage of obscure words.