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French register and irony test for French B2 (free PDF download)

Reading tone, irony and hidden criticism – French B2 test with Zoé, the Français PDF coach

Quick answer: Register is the level of formality of a text: familier, courant or soutenu. This French B2 test on French register and irony has 9 questions worth 20 points, to do in 45 minutes: name the register, choose tu or vous and standard equivalents. The scoring guide is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

This test lasts forty-five minutes. It checks recognition of register, irony, understatement and polite criticism, then asks you to read a short text and write a few lines. Answer in French unless the question asks for English, and use no notes.

Level: French B2 (CEFR upper intermediate) · Standards: CEFR B2, Reading

Time: 45 minutes · 9 questions · Total: 20 points · No dictionary

Question 1 Name the register (2 points)

Write familier, courant or soutenu.

  1. Il bosse trop, ce type.
  2. Il travaille beaucoup.
  3. Il œuvre sans relâche.
  4. Faut pas déconner.

Question 2 Choose tu or vous (2 points)

Write tu or vous.

  1. Message to your new director (0.5 point)
  2. Message to a cousin (0.5 point)
  3. Letter to the tax office (0.5 point)
  4. Message to a friend’s mother you have just met (0.5 point)

Question 3 Standard equivalents (2 points)

Write the standard word.

  1. un flic (0.5 point)
  2. une baraque (0.5 point)
  3. bosser (0.5 point)
  4. un truc (0.5 point)

Question 4 Irony or sincere? (2 points)

Look at the scenes and write ironic or sincere for each scene, then justify one answer in English.

Black and white picture of two scenes: a person under heavy rain and a person on a sunny beach, each with a spoken sentenceScène 1 : averse« Quel temps magnifique ! »(sous un parapluie cassé)Scène 2 : plage« Quel temps magnifique ! »(en maillot, au soleil)
The same sentence in two situations.
  1. Scene 1 (0.5 point)
  2. Scene 2 (0.5 point)
  3. Justification (1 point)

Question 5 Meaning of understatements (2 points)

Explain each sentence in English.

  1. Ce n’est pas mauvais du tout. (0.5 point)
  2. Ce n’est pas donné. (0.5 point)
  3. Il n’est pas très aimable. (0.5 point)
  4. Chacun ses goûts. (0.5 point)

Question 6 Make it formal (2 points)

Rewrite in formal French.

  1. Je veux voir le directeur. (1 point)
  2. Merci de me répondre vite. (1 point)

Question 7 Reading: a neighbor’s note (3 points)

Read the note, then answer in English.

Chers voisins, nous avons beaucoup apprécié votre soirée de samedi. Nous avons même pu en suivre la fin à travers le plancher, vers trois heures du matin. Nous ne doutons pas que votre bonne humeur sera aussi grande à l’heure du déjeuner, lorsque nous aurons, nous, un enfant qui fait la sieste. Cordialement, la famille Sy.

  1. What is the real purpose of the note? (1 point)
  2. Find one ironic phrase and explain it. (1 point)
  3. Is the closing formula polite or rude? Explain. (1 point)

Question 8 Hidden reproach (2 points)

A colleague tells you: Vous auriez peut-être pu nous prévenir de votre absence. Answer in English.

  1. What is the reproach? (1 point)
  2. Which two elements make the sentence polite? (1 point)

Question 9 Short writing (3 points)

Write 50 to 60 words in French to a landlord who has not repaired the heating for two weeks. Be formal and polite, and let the reproach stay implicit.

See the French Register And Irony test answer key with scoring

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