Discovery
Unit 8 · Donner son opinion — Read the French text beside its English translation. No memorising — just meet the language.
Collègue
À mon avis, le télétravail devrait rester la norme.
In my opinion, remote work should remain the norm.
Katia
Je suis d'accord en partie, mais il y a des inconvénients.
I partly agree, but there are drawbacks.
Collègue
Lesquels, par exemple ?
Which ones, for example?
Katia
D'abord, l'isolement. Ensuite, les nouveaux employés apprennent moins vite.
First, isolation. Then, new employees learn more slowly.
Collègue
C'est vrai, mais on gagne du temps de transport.
That's true, but you save commuting time.
Katia
Certes. C'est pourquoi je propose un modèle hybride, trois jours au bureau.
Certainly. That is why I suggest a hybrid model, three days at the office.
Collègue
Ce serait un bon compromis, en effet.
That would indeed be a good compromise.
Katia
En conclusion, l'équilibre me semble plus réaliste que l'extrême.
In conclusion, balance seems more realistic to me than an extreme.
Key vocabulary
Grammar in context
The conditional for softening
Add the imparfait endings to the future stem: je voudrais, ce serait, il faudrait, on pourrait. Essential for the persuasive oral task.
- Ce serait un bon compromis. — That would be a good compromise.
- On pourrait essayer trois mois. — We could try for three months.
Argument scaffolding
Structure earns marks: D'abord… Ensuite… De plus… Cependant… En conclusion. Use at least four connectors in every written task.
- D'abord, c'est plus économique. — First, it is cheaper.
- Cependant, il y a un risque. — However, there is a risk.