Quick answer: To debate a social issue in French, state your position with je pense que + indicative or je ne pense pas que + subjunctive, back it with one argument and one example, and react to others with graded phrases from tout à fait d'accord to pas du tout d'accord. This French 4 test on French debate vocabulary has 9 questions worth 20 points, to do in 45 minutes: vocabulary, choose the mood and conjugate. 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 Vocabulary (2 points)
Write the French for:
- unemployment (1 point)
- a scholarship (1 point)
Question 2 Choose the mood (2 points)
Choose the correct form.
- Je pense que cette idée (est / soit) bonne. (1 point)
- Je ne pense pas qu’il (a / ait) raison. (1 point)
Question 3 Conjugate (2 points)
Complete with the subjunctive.
- Il faut que vous (être) patients. (1 point)
- Il est important que nous (avoir) le temps de parler. (1 point)
Question 4 Reading a chart (3 points)
- How many students are fully in favor? (1 point)
- How many disagree? (1 point)
- How many students voted in total? (1 point)
Question 5 Translate (2 points)
Translate into French.
- I don’t think the system is fair. (1 point)
- True, but we must act. (1 point)
Question 6 Correct the sentences (2 points)
Find and correct the mistake.
- Il faut que tu viens à la réunion. (1 point)
- Je ne pense pas que c’est possible. (1 point)
Question 7 Polite disagreement (2 points)
Give two different polite French phrases to disagree with a classmate. (1 point each)
Question 8 Reading (2 points)
Read, then answer in English.
Samir vient de Casablanca. À Nantes, il a eu du mal à trouver un logement. Un voisin l’a aidé et il a découvert un quartier solidaire. Il pense que l’accueil est essentiel.
- What problem did Samir face? (1 point)
- What does he think is essential? (1 point)
Question 9 Write (3 points)
Write 40 to 50 words in French on access to education. Include one opinion with je pense que, one with il faut que and one concession.


