This AP French lesson explains AP French global challenges vocabulary step by step, with examples in French and English. Then practise with the worksheet on AP French global challenges vocabulary and check yourself with the quiz.
Quick answer: The Global Challenges theme covers the environment, health, human rights, economic issues, and peace and war, seen from francophone and world perspectives. To discuss them, learn sub-theme vocabulary, link ideas with connectors, state solutions with il faut que plus the subjunctive, and imagine results with si clauses.
Level: AP French Language and Culture · Standards: AP French Language and Culture (College Board CED), Theme: Global Challenges
AP French global challenges vocabulary: the lesson
Which words describe global challenges?
AP French sources on this theme come from news reports, interviews and articles. Sort your vocabulary by sub-theme so you can retrieve it quickly when you speak or write.
| Sub-theme | Key words | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | le réchauffement climatique, la sécheresse, les énergies renouvelables | global warming, drought, renewable energy |
| Health | une épidémie, un vaccin, l’accès aux soins | an epidemic, a vaccine, access to care |
| Human rights | l’égalité, un réfugié, la liberté d’expression | equality, a refugee, freedom of speech |
| Economy | le chômage, les inégalités, le commerce équitable | unemployment, inequality, fair trade |
| Peace and war | un cessez-le-feu, la diplomatie, un traité | a ceasefire, diplomacy, a treaty |
How do you build an argument about a global problem?
Follow four steps: state the problem, give its cause, describe the consequence, propose a solution.
| Function | Expressions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | parce que, à cause de, grâce à | Grâce à l’aide des voisins, le village a un puits. |
| Consequence | donc, par conséquent, c’est pourquoi | Les prix montent ; par conséquent, certains achètent moins. |
| Contrast | pourtant, cependant, en revanche | Le pays est riche ; pourtant, la pauvreté y reste forte. |
| Purpose | pour que + subjunctive, afin de + infinitive | Les ONG agissent pour que les enfants aillent à l’école. |
How do you propose solutions?
Solutions with the subjunctive and si
Il faut que, il est important que, pour que and bien que take the subjunctive. Je pense que takes the indicative, but je ne pense pas que takes the subjunctive. For a hypothesis, use si + imperfect, then the present conditional.
Model sentences
Il faut que les gouvernements investissent dans l’énergie solaire. — Governments must invest in solar power.
Si chaque pays réduisait ses émissions, le climat se stabiliserait. — If every country cut its emissions, the climate would stabilize.
Common mistakes of English speakers
- Actuellement means “currently”, not “actually”; for “actually”, say en fait.
- After il faut que, never use the indicative: Il faut que nous réduisions, not réduisons.
- Use grâce à for a good cause and à cause de for a bad one.
A francophone perspective
Lake Chad, shared by Chad, Cameroon, Niger and Nigeria, has shrunk sharply since the 1960s. Millions of people who depend on its fishing and farming have been affected, which makes it a frequent example in French-language reports on water and climate.
Zoé’s tip
For a presentational essay, write one paragraph per step: problem, causes, consequences, solutions. Add one francophone example, such as the Sahel or Haiti, to show cultural awareness.
Key points to remember
- Five sub-themes: environment, health, human rights, economy, peace and war.
- Argument pattern: problem, cause, consequence, solution.
- Il faut que, pour que and bien que take the subjunctive.
- Si + imperfect leads to the present conditional: Si on recyclait, on polluerait moins.
- Cite francophone examples (Sahel, Haiti, Québec, the Pacific) to show cultural breadth.
Debating the World's Biggest Problems: frequently asked questions
Which topics belong to the Global Challenges theme?
The theme covers the environment, health issues, human rights, economic issues, and peace and war. Texts often show francophone perspectives, for example drought in the Sahel or rising seas along coasts.
How do I structure a presentational essay on a global issue?
Open with the problem, explain its causes and consequences, then propose realistic solutions. Finish with a short conclusion. Use one paragraph per idea and a connector to start each one.
When do I use the subjunctive in arguments?
Use it after il faut que, pour que, bien que, je doute que and je ne pense pas que. Use the indicative after je pense que and il est évident que.
How can I link ideas in an AP French essay?
Use cause words (parce que, grâce à), consequence words (donc, par conséquent) and contrast words (pourtant, en revanche). Vary them instead of repeating one.
How do I bring in francophone perspectives?
Mention a concrete example from a French-speaking region, such as the Sahel, Haiti, Québec or Pacific islands. Say what the problem is there and what people are doing about it.