How about some examples that FOLLOW that 75%-80% instead of just exceptions.

Question

You say that most words ending in -e are feminine, and yet don't give a single example...  Same for masculine....  Wouldn't it make sense to actually list at least a few of the most common words that someone at the A1 level should know? I would be more likely to remember a rule if I'm looking at examples of that rule....  I mean, isn't that the point of examples?  To help clarify and to help it stick in you brain.  You only give examples of words that are the exceptions.  While I understand your point, it seems kind of odd to me.

Answer

The idea, I'm guessing, is the memorise the exceptions rather than the words that follow this pattern.

But to help you out (though I don't know what exactly qualifies as a A1 level word)

Feminine words ending in e-- La chose, la vie, une heure, la tête, la voiture, la famille, une idée, la porte.

Masculine words ending in consonants-- Le jour, un enfant, le moment, le mois.

Answer

Thanks for your response, Michelle. I wasn't so much asking for someone to help ME out, but just trying to point out what might help other people. First let me say, this site is awesome. I know it's an enormous amount of work, and they can't make everyone happy. But I spend a lot of time on this site, so when something sticks out as not being quite as clear as the other lessons, I try to point it out.

The examples you gave in your response would be great for a beginner. And I think at least a few of those types of words should be in the lesson. I know it's not a matter of memorizing a big list, but your brain is going to associate SOMETHING from this lesson with the title, like it or not... Soooo, ok, we can identify most words by their endings. Hmmm, I remember it's one way if it ends in -e, and the other way if it ends in a consonant.... But which was which?? There were exceptions.... and exceptions to the exceptions..... Oh, I remember LA NATION was one of the examples... So I guess that means if it ends in a consonant, its feminine. Our brains do this whether we like it or not. And by giving tons of examples of exceptions, and none of the rule itself, we aren't really helping at all. That's just my two cents. Your mileage may vary.....