Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
These Parisian pedestrians are asked to answer one of the questions from the 2011 philosophy baccalauréat exam: "Is art less necessary than science"? You never know when those standardized tests will come back to haunt you!
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
In this episode of Micro-Trottoirs, people are asked what they think of the United Kingdom leaving the European Union. Their opinions run the gamut: some of them agree with the UK's decision, while others believe it will have catastrophic consequences.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France, Tunisia
Young Tunisians take to the streets on May 1 to voice their discontent about Sarkozy's inflexible stance on refugee resettlement, which many see as racist.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
French workers and unionists usually take to the streets of Paris on May 1st (Labor Day). This year, they are using the opportunity to voice their opinions about Sarkozy and the recent pension reform. They also celebrate past union accomplishments, and commemorate "Juillet 1963," with some interesting lyrical adaptations...
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
In a convivial atmosphere, complete with brass bands and good humor, Parisians gather in the streets to have fun and raise awareness about the proliferation of electronic adverstising in the subways. A new citizen movement is spreading throughout France: anyone can join the ranks of "Les Reposeurs" [Redecorators], a group of protesters armed with kraft paper, markers, and whiteboard paint to write anti-advertising messages on posters and billboards.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
A very unpopular labor law caused Parisians to protest near the Bastille before it was passed in 2015. President François Hollande invoked Article 49-3 of the Constitution to force this law through. The protests continued after the law was successfully enacted in 2016. For more information, you can visit the Nuit Debout and Convergence des Luttes websites.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
French Canada is a cultural mosaic that is still exploring its identity. Some French Canadians feel more American than French, while others feel more of an allegiance to their French roots. Somehow, a Quebecois nation is emerging out of all this, but not without some growing pains.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
In part seven of this series on Quebec, Olivier focuses on something that is dear to the hearts of many Québécois: the majestic Saint Lawrence River. He also explores their relationship with money and the way they conduct business. Olivier asks whether it's easier to do business in Quebec or in France. Quebec, it seems, offers more opportunities for companies, with fewer regulations and restrictions, while France remains a very productive country despite the thirty-five-hour workweek.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Canada, France
In part 8 of Le Québec parle aux Français, Olivier discusses the cost of maintaining a high standard of living. Is France living beyond its means? Heavy taxation and full employment would go some way toward balancing the national budget and covering the cost of welfare programs.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
Quebec may never answer the vexing question: Should Quebec remain part of Canada or not? While opinions are divided, Quebecois don't necessarily show the same passion as the French when debating hot issues.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada, France
Quebec's current relationship with France is complex. French politicians tend to tread carefully regarding Quebec's sovereignty. For many years France adopted a policy of "neither indifference nor interference," a more neutral stance somewhere between a hands-off policy (which could be seen as complete abandonment) and an overly intrusive relationship. Sarkozy moved away from that policy, but his successor Hollande revived it.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Workers for the power company in the city of Lille aren’t happy and want management to know it. So they sabotaged the grid, cutting off power to thousands of businesses and residences. Despite the inconvenience, the mayor, and even many residents, support the workers.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Though we reported that some of the residents of Lille support the power workers and their blackout strikes, it turns out that not all of them do. Office workers shout from balconies to give the strikers a piece of their minds, and the workers respond in kind.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Cannabis use amongst French youth has more than doubled in the past ten years, and some parents are blaming it for their children’s erratic behavior. Specialists say that even moderate daily use can have detrimental effects on schoolwork.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
France
Students taking the baccalaureate exam must complete an essay, choosing amongst several possible philosophical and political themes. France 2 talks with some students about the experience, and asks some prominent politicians what they might have written if presented with the same task.
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