20/20 à la dissertation de français : GUIDE ULTIME 2024

Summary

Maxime, a passionate student, shares his experience and methodology for acing French dissertations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject, structuring the essay with a clear introduction, development, and conclusion. He advises on key steps such as analyzing the topic, defining keywords, and brainstorming ideas. Maxime also discusses the significance of a compelling introduction and the necessity of staying focused and disciplined during the 4-hour dissertation exam. He offers support through a program to help students achieve a minimum of 16/20 in their French oral exams, promising a refund if they don't meet the mark.

Takeaways

• 📝 Maxime, a student, scored 9/20 on his first French dissertation and 19/20 on the day of the baccalaureate, emphasizing that dissertations are easier once you understand the methodology.
• 📚 A dissertation is a structured, detailed, and argued response to a topic, which should be easy to read with a clear introduction, development, and conclusion.
• 🔍 Identifying key words in the topic is crucial; these are central to understanding and should be defined in the draft to establish connections and problematize in the introduction.
• ✍️ Defining key words can involve using course definitions or expressing them through synonyms to uncover their underlying meaning.
• 🎨 Maxime suggests that the pleasure of reading 'Manon Lescau' could be due to its tumultuous love story, but also invites consideration of other elements that might contribute to the reading experience.
• 📈 Divide the draft paper into two main parts (Grand 1 and Grand 2), each represented by a complete sentence, and avoid a simplistic 'yes' or 'no' response.
• 🤔 The development of the dissertation should explore whether the love theme is the sole reason for enjoying 'Manon Lescau', suggesting a need for nuanced argumentation.
• 📝 For the Grand 3, Maxime proposes that the pleasure of reading comes not only from the theme of passion but also from the instruction and moral dimension it provides.
• 📑 The problem statement should be a simple reformulation of the topic, highlighting the underlying interests and contradictions without being overly complex.
• 📝 The introduction is considered the most important part of the dissertation and should be fully drafted before transferring to the final copy.
• 📚 The development section should be rich in ideas and examples, with each main part supported by three sub-parts, each consisting of an idea and an example.
• 🔚 The conclusion should succinctly respond to the topic, summarizing the main parts and showing that the argumentation was clear, detailed, and nuanced.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Maxime's guide?

Maxime's guide aims to help students overcome their fear of writing a French dissertation and to achieve success by understanding the methodology and structure of a well-crafted essay.

Why is the dissertation considered an 'art piece' by Maxime?

The dissertation is considered an 'art piece' because it is a well-structured, detailed, and argued response to a subject, which is easy to read and flows naturally with an introduction, development, and conclusion.

What is the first crucial step in writing a dissertation according to the script?

The first crucial step is the analysis of the subject, which includes identifying key words, defining them, and understanding the overall theme and structure of the subject matter.

What is the importance of defining key words in the dissertation process?

Defining key words is important because it helps to establish a clear understanding of the subject, associate the words with each other, and problematize the introduction, which is essential for a coherent and focused argument.

Why is it necessary to avoid writing off-topic, even if one has learned the course material?

Writing off-topic can lead to a poor score, as it does not address the specific requirements of the subject. It is crucial to stay focused on the subject to ensure the dissertation is relevant and directly answers the question posed.

What should a student do when they encounter a restrictive negation or an interrogative form in the subject?

A student should recognize these elements as crucial details that may invite them to think differently or nuance their initial obvious response, leading to a more complex and insightful discussion in the dissertation.

How should a student structure their brainstorming session when preparing for the dissertation?

A student should divide their paper into two parts, define their main arguments (Grand 1 and Grand 2) with complete sentences, and then brainstorm ideas, arguments, and references that support each main argument.

What is the role of a 'problematique' in a French dissertation?

The 'problematique' is a reformulation of the subject that highlights the underlying assumptions and interests of the topic. It serves to challenge, nuance, or further develop the initial assertion, providing a clear direction for the argument.

Why is the introduction considered the most important part of the dissertation by Maxime and many professors?

The introduction is considered the most important part because it sets the tone and direction for the entire dissertation. Professors often infer the quality of the entire essay from the introduction, as it reflects the student's understanding and approach to the subject.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing the introduction of a French dissertation?

Common mistakes to avoid include using generic or distant hooks that do not relate to the subject, using overly complex or complicated language, and failing to clearly link the introduction to the subject and the proposed plan.

How should a student approach the development section of the dissertation?

The development section should be approached by enriching the main arguments with sub-sections, each consisting of an idea supported by an example. The student should ensure a balanced weight among the main parts and use logical connectors to maintain coherence and link the ideas effectively.

What advice does Maxime give for the conclusion of a French dissertation?

Maxime advises that the conclusion should succinctly respond to the subject, summarizing the main arguments and showing that the student has accomplished their mission of providing a clear, detailed, and nuanced argumentation.

What are some final tips Maxime provides for students preparing for a French dissertation exam?

Maxime suggests avoiding showing off, not giving personal opinions or moral lessons, staying focused on the subject, and using the full 4 hours allocated for the exam. He also emphasizes the importance of proofreading and maintaining discipline throughout the exam period.