In language tests, especially in Spanish, a solid literary culture can make all the difference . It not only enriches the content of the essays but also allows the student to stand out and meet the requirements of the competition. Although it requires a lot of effort and time, the benefits are well worth it. This article aims to explain why a literary and cinematographic culture is essential in preparatory classes.
Stand out with relevant cultural knowledge
E.xam examiners expect all candidates to master the cultural, civilizational, and historical bases related to the chosen language. Therefore, major dates and key events are necessarily to be known. However, it is not with basic knowledge that a student can hope to stand out from the crowd. On the contrary, it is the ability to go beyond this basic knowledge that makes a copy original. For example, mentioning a literary or cinematographic reference not only shows that you know the essentials, but also that you have shown curiosity and interest in Spanish culture outside of class. Citing works such as Patria by Fernando Aramburu or Cien años de soledad by Gabriel García Márquez proves that the student is a candidate who has a deeper and more nuanced vision of the subjects covered.
Meet Competition Requirements
The competitions are designed to highlight the copies of candidates who stand out Contrary to popular belief, the examiners do not seek to find as many errors as possible, but rather to highlight the student’s work as much as possible. Knowing a book or a film, knowing how to summarize and analyze it in one or two lines, is an effective way of signaling to the examiners that you have an interest in foreign cultures. This demonstrates not only your knowledge but also your commitment . Indeed, watching a film or reading a book outside the program requires time and organization, which is perceived as additional work, demonstrating the student’s determination and seriousness.
Demonstrate intellectual affinity with the corrector
The examiners, whether from the BCE or Écricome, are often professors with a vast literary and cinematographic culture, sometimes less accessible to
ordinary French students. Knowing works recognized in Hispanic culture (or English-speaking etc.) allows you to create an intellectual affinity with the jury. This sends a clear message: the student shares the same literary culture as the examiners. In addition, it places the student in a restricted group of candidates who share this knowledge, which can be particularly valued when assessing a copy. For example, during my oral English exam at Skema, the formalities quickly disappeared when I mentioned The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger. The examiner, both curious and pleasantly surprised, showed a keen interest in the fact that a French student knew this classic of American literature.
The Crisis of Literature
It is also important to recognize that literature is going through a period of crisis, where reading is losing ground compared to other cultural media. However, it is precisely in this context that distinguishing yourself with relevant literary references takes on its full meaning. However, not all books and films are equal, a nd it is essential to choose those that are directly linked to the civilizational themes studied during the year. To do this, it is recommended to consult your teachers to establish a list of essential works and films. In addition, it is essential to analyze the book or film in question to make a connection with the theme of the subject. Name-dropping without analysis can at best leave the corrector indifferent and, at worst make the copy more confusing. For example, for the 2024 competitions in Spanish LVA, on the theme of memory, it was particularly judicious to cite Madres Paralelas by Pedro Almodóvar or El Silencio de Otros by Almudena Carracedo.
Pleasure and Ease in Writing
Finally, it should not be forgotten that reading and watching films in the language studied should not only be seen as an academic obligation, but also as a pleasure. There is nothing better than organizing a movie session during dinner or reading before going to sleep. In addition, it enriches vocabulary, improves text analysis skills, and makes writing essays easier and more enjoyable. By immersing oneself in Spanish literary and cinematographic culture
, it is possible to develop an ease that will shine through in writing, making essays not only more convincing but also more enjoyable to read.