People and places (e.g. continents, countries and nationalities, compass points)
Cambridge IGCSE French 0520 – The World Around Us
People and Places
Imagine the Earth as a giant puzzle where each continent is a unique piece. Just like each puzzle piece has its own shape, every continent has its own countries, nationalities and languages.
Exam Tip: When you see a question about a country or nationality, first identify the continent. This helps you recall related vocabulary quickly.
Continents & Example Countries
| Continent | Example Countries | Nationalities |
|---|---|---|
| Europe 🌍 | France, Germany, Spain | Français, Allemand, Espagnol |
| Asia 🌏 | Japan, China, India | Japonais, Chinois, Indien |
| Africa 🌍 | Egypt, Kenya, South Africa | Égyptien, Kenyan, Sud-africain |
| North America 🌎 | USA, Canada, Mexico | Américain, Canadien, Mexicain |
| South America 🌎 | Brazil, Argentina, Chile | Brésilien, Argentinien, Chilien |
| Australia & Oceania 🌏 | Australia, New Zealand, Fiji | Australien, Néo-Zélandais, Fidjien |
Compass Points (Points cardinaux)
Think of a compass as a treasure map that tells you which way to go. In French, we use the following terms:
- Nord (N) – North – direction of the North Star ⭐
- Sud (S) – South – where the sun sets at night ???
- Est (E) – East – where the sun rises 🌞
- Ouest (O) – West – where the sun sets 🌇
- Nord‑Est (NE) – Northeast – a mix of north and east 🌬️
- Sud‑Est (SE) – Southeast – a mix of south and east 🌊
- Nord‑Ouest (NO) – Northwest – a mix of north and west 🌲
- Sud‑Ouest (SO) – Southwest – a mix of south and west 🌴
When you’re asked to describe a location, use the compass point that best fits. For example: « Le musée est à l’est du parc. » (The museum is east of the park.)
Exam Tip: Practice writing sentences with each compass point. The more you use them, the easier they’ll come during the exam.
Practical Activity: Build Your Own Mini‑World
- Choose a continent and list three countries.
- Write the nationality for each country in French.
- Using a blank map (drawn on paper), mark the countries and label them.
- Pick a location on your map and describe its position using a compass point.
?? Remember: The more you practice, the more natural the vocabulary will feel. Try to use the words in everyday conversations, like when you talk about your next holiday or a movie set in a different country.
Exam Strategy:
- Read the question carefully – look for clues like “country” or “compass point”.
- Answer in full sentences; the examiners look for correct grammar and vocabulary.
- Use the “Je…” structure for personal statements (e.g., « Je suis français. »).
- Check your spelling of nationalities – they often end in -ais, -ien or -ais.
Revision
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