If you've studied French at school, you're likely very familiar with textbook learning.
A tried-and-tested traditional method, textbook study involves working through lessons and exercises either on your own or with a teacher. But if you're not in school and don't already have a textbook, which one should you choose?
Below, we'll outline some of the most popular choices as well as other helpful materials.
For a complete guide to the best resources for learning French—including apps, online communities, podcasts, and more—be sure to visit Essential French Resources and Tools for Practice. It's packed with recommendations to complement any study method and level.
Allons-y !
Table of Contents
- Upper-Beginner to Intermediate Textbook
- Advanced Textbook
- Advanced Resources
- Free Resources
- How to Access More Materials
Upper-Beginner to Intermediate Textbook
For a book that walks you through beginner and intermediate French, try the Complete French All-in-One textbook. This resource is widely regarded as the gold standard for French learning books, having sold over 2 million copies.
The textbook includes more than 500 exercises to reinforce what you learn through recall and reconsolidation. Plus, it works in tandem with the McGraw Hill Language Lab app, which adds audio to the learning process.
However, this isn't designed for learning French from scratch. It focuses heavily on grammar rather than starting with basic vocabulary. If you are starting from the very beginning, try using French learning apps instead.
Advanced Textbook
Most French learning textbooks are designed to help learners reach an intermediate level. But where do you go from there?
The Discovering French series offers a textbook specifically aimed at advanced learners. The two volumes before it, Bleu and Blanc, build up the advanced textbook: Rouge. Its exercises and lessons will build on your existing intermediate skills to help you reach advanced-level French.
Advanced Resources
What if you're already an advanced French user?
To take your skills beyond C1 into the realm of native speakers, textbooks aren't the best option. A better use of your time is immersing yourself in real day-to-day French.
Start by chatting with French speakers in person or online to see how your skills hold up in practice. For solo study, try reading French news articles. As these are created for a native-speaking audience, they'll help you isolate which areas you aren't yet proficient in and what to study next.
Free Resources
Of course, highly comprehensive textbooks aren't free. But many resources are!
If you enjoy textbook-style learning, here are some free PDFs with a specific focus:
- Advanced French Grammar – Monique L'Huillier
- Sons & Lettres, a pronunciation method for intermediate-level French – Stephen Walton
For more interactive resources, take a look at our free materials! We offer hundreds of grammar lessons, exercises, and kwizzes from A1 to C1 level French. They're created by native French teachers who know exactly which areas trip learners up and how to overcome these challenges.
How to Access More Materials
Our library of free resources is only the beginning. Whether you want to hone your reading, writing, or listening skills, we have hundreds of exercises in our French Learning Library.
Get access to our free exercises made by expert French teachers by creating your Progress with Lawless French account today!
