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Comparing French and American cultures test for French 4 (free PDF download)

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Putting Two Cultures Side by Side – French 4 test with Zoé, the Français PDF coach

Quick answer: To compare cultures in French, use a comparative (plus… que, moins… que, aussi… que, autant de… que), a contrast connector (alors que, tandis que, contrairement à, en revanche) and a softener such as en général, souvent or beaucoup de. This French 4 test on comparing French and American cultures has 8 questions worth 20 points, to do in 45 minutes: comparatives, quantities and superlatives. The scoring guide is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

This test checks comparatives, superlatives, contrast connectors and fair generalizations in a cultural context. Work alone, without notes, and write complete French sentences when asked. Read the message in Question 7 carefully before answering.

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, WL 2.1 Cultural Practices

Time: 45 minutes · 8 questions · Total: 20 points · No dictionary

Question 1 Comparatives (3 points)

Complete each sentence with the comparative form.

  1. Ce cours est (+ intéressant) ___ celui d’hier. (1 point)
  2. Awa est (= rapide) ___ son frère. (1 point)
  3. Noé parle (+ bien) ___ moi. (1 point)

Question 2 Quantities (2 points)

Complete each sentence.

  1. Il y a (+) ___ élèves ___ professeurs dans ce lycée. (1 point)
  2. Léo a (=) ___ amis ___ Chloé. (1 point)

Question 3 Superlatives (2 points)

Complete each sentence with the superlative of the adjective in parentheses.

  1. Ce restaurant est ___ (bon) de Dakar. (1 point)
  2. Cette salle est ___ (− bruyante) ___ lycée. (1 point)

Question 4 Connectors (2 points)

Choose the correct connector.

  1. Chez moi, on dîne tôt, ___ chez ma correspondante, on dîne à 21 h. (alors que / parce que / puisque) (1 point)
  2. ___ ses amis, Sofia déteste le fromage. (Contrairement à / Comme / Pendant) (1 point)

Question 5 Translate (2 points)

Translate into French.

  1. The cafeteria in Nantes is bigger than ours. (1 point)
  2. In general, students have as much homework as before. (1 point)

Question 6 Correct the mistake (2 points)

Rewrite each sentence correctly.

  1. Ce lycée est plus petit de l’autre. (1 point)
  2. Mon frère est le plus meilleur joueur. (1 point)

Question 7 Message from Annecy (4 points)

Read the message and the chart, then answer in English or in French.

Cher Kévin, depuis mon arrivée à Annecy, je compare tout ! Le lycée commence plus tard qu’à Portland, à 8 h 30 au lieu de 7 h 45. En revanche, les journées sont plus longues : lundi, je finis à 17 h 30, alors qu’à Portland je finissais à 15 h. À la cantine, il y a un fromage et un dessert, tandis qu’au lycée Lincoln on avait surtout une pizza. Mais attention : cette comparaison ne vaut que pour mon lycée. Chaque établissement a ses habitudes.

Schedule chart of a Monday: Annecy from 8 h 30 to 17 h 30, Portland from 7 h 45 to 15 hUn lundi de coursAnnecy8 h 30 – 17 h 30Portland7 h 45 – 15 h
Monday schedules (lengths approximate).
  1. Which school starts later? (1 point)
  2. Which school day ends later? (1 point)
  3. Copy one French connector of contrast from the message. (1 point)
  4. Why does the writer say attention? (1 point)

Question 8 Write a comparison (3 points)

Write three French sentences comparing a meal or a holiday in two places or families. Use one comparative structure, one contrast connector and one softener. (1 point per sentence)

See the Comparing French And American Cultures test answer key with scoring

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