French through literature, in Oxford.
Read a short French passage. Talk about what it evokes. Notice how the language works—and use it to express something of your own.
You do not need to know the book or prepare it in advance. I choose a short extract at your level and around a theme that can open a real conversation.
A book gives us somewhere meaningful to begin.
We may meet a character, a scene, a voice or an idea. You first understand enough to enter the passage, then react to it, compare it with your experience and find your own words.
The extracts are drawn from French writing and from books I select for La Petite Librairie française d’Oxford. They are chosen for their language and their ability to open a conversation—not because you need to study or buy the book.
One extract. One conversation. One useful thread of French.
Discover the extract
Listen once, then read a short passage chosen for your level and interests. You only need enough understanding to enter the scene or idea.
Talk about what it opens
React to the character, atmosphere or question. You explain, compare and tell, without having to improvise from nothing.
Notice the language
Keep four or five useful expressions, one sentence pattern and one grammar point that appears naturally in the passage.
Make it your own
Reuse the language to tell a story, express an opinion or connect the passage with your own life. You leave with a concise personal language note.
The starting point changes. The aim stays personal.
A2 · Build usable foundations
Enter a clear, short passage, build personal sentences from it and make essential structures easier to retrieve.
B1–B2 · Move beyond “I understand”
Respond to a scene or idea, connect it with your experience and turn passive vocabulary into language you can use more spontaneously.
C1 · Find greater precision
Refine register, rhythm and idiomatic choices; discuss more demanding texts; and express complex ideas in a voice that feels like yours.
We do not correct everything at once.
Constant interruption can make speaking harder and hide what you are already capable of expressing. Instead, we choose what is most useful: perhaps one recurring structure, one pronunciation point and several phrases that make your meaning clearer or more natural.
Because the corrections come from your own sentences, they are easier to recognise and reuse.
These lessons are not…
- an academic literature class or a test on the book;
- a generic conversation without direction;
- a page of grammar exercises disconnected from context;
- a fixed programme imposed on every learner.
One lesson first. Then you decide.
Each 50-minute lesson costs £40 and is booked separately. There is no subscription, no package and no minimum number of lessons.
There is no compulsory preliminary video call and no book to prepare. The booking form gives me enough information to choose a suitable extract and adapt the lesson to you.
The lesson takes place by appointment in Summertown, North Oxford. The exact room is agreed and confirmed before the lesson.
Tell me about the French you have—and the French you want.
If you would like to ask a question before booking, the short form lets you tell me about your level, previous learning, goals and availability. You may write in English or French.
The detailed form is free and does not commit you to booking. I will reply personally; if everything fits, you can then choose an available time through SimplyBook.
Before you book
Do I need to know my exact level?
No. A2, B1, B2 and C1 are useful guides, but your description of what you can understand and what becomes difficult is more informative than a label.
Do I need to read the book beforehand?
No. I provide the short extract and we meet it together during the lesson. Knowing the book is never required.
Will I have homework?
Only if it would genuinely help you. You may leave with a few phrases to reuse or a short optional writing activity, not a compulsory school assignment.
Can I book occasionally?
Yes. Every lesson is booked separately. You can return weekly, fortnightly or only when you feel you need another focused lesson.
Would online lessons be easier?
If travel or Oxford availability is difficult, the online lesson offers the same one-to-one approach by video. You can book it separately once the Calendly calendar is open.