French document synthesis B2 test answer key with scoring for French B2 (free PDF download)

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The questions are on the French Document Synthesis B2 test. Take it under real conditions before reading the answer key.

Quick answer: To synthesize several documents in French, read each one for its key idea, compare them in a grid, group the shared ideas by theme, and rewrite them in your own words with reporting verbs such as souligne que or nuance. This scoring guide gives the expected answers and the points for the 8 questions of the French B2 test on French document synthesis B2, from key idea to write a short synthesis, with the equivalent answers to accept.

Use this answer key to mark the test. Award the points as indicated in each scoring note and accept any correct alternative formulation. Total: 20 points.

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

Question 1 Key idea (2 points)

(b): cause (lack of places) and result (renting rooms).

Scoring: 2 points for (b).

Question 2 Reformulate (3 points)

(a) La hausse des prix se poursuit. (b) La fermeture de la piscine a été décidée par le maire. (c) La région connaît un départ de ses jeunes. (any valid version).

Scoring: 1 point per sentence; 0.5 if the wording stays too close to the original.

Question 3 Reporting verbs (2 points)

(a) s’accordent (b) nuance

Scoring: 1 point each.

Question 4 Compare two documents (4 points)

(a) Libraries are more visited. (b) Sunday opening attracts students. (c) The budget is stagnant and librarians fear for their collections. (d) Model: Le document 1 met en avant l’ouverture dominicale, alors que le document 2 s’inquiète du budget.

Scoring: 1 point per answer.

Question 5 Fact or opinion (1 point)

(b), a personal judgement.

Scoring: 1 point.

Question 6 Translate into French (2 points)

Selon le document 2, les loyers augmentent, alors que les salaires stagnent. (accept tandis que; accept ne progressent pas)

Scoring: 1 point for the structure, 1 point for the vocabulary and agreement.

Question 7 Noun form and passive (2 points)

(a) L’ouverture des bibliothèques le dimanche… (b) Ce budget a été voté par les élus.

Scoring: 1 point each.

Question 8 Write a short synthesis (4 points)

Model: Les deux documents constatent le succès des bibliothèques. Le premier souligne que l’ouverture du dimanche séduit les étudiants, alors que le second nuance ce bilan : la fréquentation progresse, mais les moyens ne suivent pas, ce qui inquiète les bibliothécaires.

Scoring: ideas 1; organization 1; reformulation 1; language 1.

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What is a synthesis? — A themed, neutral text combining several documents.

Verb meaning 'underlines that'? — souligne que

Verb meaning 'qualifies this idea'? — nuance cette idée

Connector to contrast two documents? — alors que, tandis que, en revanche

French for 'the two authors agree'? — Les deux auteurs s'accordent.

Meaning of prétendre que? — To claim that.

Noun form of les loyers augmentent? — la hausse des loyers

Which pronoun to avoid in a synthesis? — je

Which tense reports the documents? — The present.

How to organize the text? — By theme, not document by document.