Quick answer: A French essay has three blocks: an introduction, a body of two or three paragraphs and a conclusion. This French 4 test on French essay structure has 8 questions worth 20 points, to do in 45 minutes: name the parts, choose the connector and read the outline. The scoring guide is on a separate page; free printable PDF.
Level: French 4 (high school, ACTFL Intermediate Mid) · Standards: ACTFL Intermediate Mid, WL 1.2 Interpretive, WL 1.3 Presentational, WL 4.1 Language Comparisons
Question 1 Name the parts (2 points)
Give the French name of each part.
- The central question of the essay. (1 point)
- The sentence that previews the order of the ideas. (1 point)
Question 2 Choose the connector (2 points)
Complete with the best connector.
- Le train est rapide ; ____, il coûte cher. (1 point)
- Il a bien étudié ; ____, il a réussi. (1 point)
Question 3 Read the outline (3 points)
- Write the guiding question. (1 point)
- Which part presents a limit? (1 point)
- Write one connector to link I and II. (1 point)
Question 4 Plan the argument (2 points)
For the topic Les jeux vidéo aident-ils les jeunes ? do the following.
- Rewrite it as a guiding question if needed, or keep it. (1 point)
- Write one sentence announcing the plan. (1 point)
Question 5 Translate into French (3 points)
Translate into French.
- First, the park is free. (1 point)
- However, it is often crowded. (1 point)
- In conclusion, it is a good idea. (1 point)
Question 6 Correct the mistake (2 points)
Correct the mistake in each sentence.
- Car, il est tard, nous partons. (1 point)
- En conclusion, je vais dire que le sport est bon. (Make it impersonal.) (1 point)
Question 7 Build a paragraph (2 points)
Write a three-sentence paragraph about the benefits of reading: one idea, one example, one conclusion. Use two connectors.
Question 8 Write an introduction (4 points)
Write an introduction of 4 to 5 sentences for the topic Faut-il apprendre une deuxième langue étrangère ? Include the hook, the guiding question and the plan.


