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7104.6404

HARVARD

UNIVERSI Y

LIBRARY

Mar.1.1922
Harvard University,

Library of the Graduate School
of Education

Printed in Great Britain
by Turnbull & Spears, Edinburgh

PREFACE

THERE is no doubt that essay-writing is becoming an important factor in education, and this is why it appears as "French Essays," either compulsory or optional, in the majority of examinations where a knowledge of French is required.

To assist in their task the large number of students who have to write essays in French, and to lighten the work of their teachers, I have here brought together, classified, and in some cases treated a fairly large number of various subjects, most of which have been chosen from questions set in examinations, either in France or in England. I have prefaced them by two sections of Conseils Généraux dealing with the matter and with the form; the theoretical part of these should be read and used for reference rather than learnt by heart, whilst the exercises they contain afford a valuable intellectual drill.

To help the work of beginners, a third section (Exercices préparatoires) gives directions, elementary examples, and outlines for the solution-one at a time-of the commonest problems, a simultaneous occurrence of which might cause some discouragement. These three sections form Part I. which, except for the examples, is written in English, as it was felt that no useful purpose could be served by giving theoretical explanations in French at this stage. Part II., in French throughout, contains extracts from the best authors in each genre; they may prove useful, both as examples, and as affording some of the special vocabulary required. These extracts are followed by subjects for treatment, each accompanied by a number of explanations and ideas sufficient to lead to a fair development, which in some cases is given in full. The student will arrange the ideas if necessary, when only an outline is given, and add to

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FRENCH ESSAYS AND ESSAY-WRITING them according to his or her ability. At the end of every chapter there will be found a wide selection of subjects to be treated, involving the immediate and repeated application of the principles just learnt. Special attention has been given to proverbs and dissertations, both of which have not always, in matter or form, their equivalent in English.

I did not deem it advisable to limit the usefulness of this book to the special requirements of any particular examination. Here, again, the underlying principles being established, the aim of education is precisely that of leading the pupil to apply them to the solution of the different problems which confront him. This book may accordingly prove a useful addition, from a purely educational standpoint, in every class (from the second year upwards) where French is taught. Yet on account of the disposition of its chapters, it will at the same time afford a suitable means of preparing (not cramming!) for various examinations. From the earlier and easier stages, where ample material is provided for elementary work and generous help is afforded, the student is gradually led to examples of moderate difficulty: Narrations, Dialogues, Lettres, Portraits; then to more advanced work such as moral, philosophical, or literary Dissertations. The ground covered extends therefore from the middle forms of a secondary school to university classes. A few essays have also been set at the end, which require specialised knowledge and a good command of the language; they are intended for the use of students (and I know, from experience, there are many such) who like to try and raise their own standard to that of advanced subjects rather than lowering themselves to kindergarten work.

Although my notes-which are based on almost ten years' teaching, given to some hundreds of pupils-have but now taken the form of a book, yet they have undergone various practical tests, with very satisfactory results. Hence I hope that, despite their possible shortcomings, they will prove no less useful to my colleagues and their students.

I wish to thank Mr Walter Rippmann for his very valuable suggestions, and for his permission to use some of the pictures contained in his "Picture Vocabulary." I shall be extremely grateful to all, teachers or students, who, after using this book in class, will be good enough to favour me with their impressions and their suggestions.

QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY

Christmas, 1913

R. M.

TABLE DES MATIÈRES

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III-EXERCICES PRÉPARATOIRES

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