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French idioms test for French 4 (free PDF download)

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Everyday French Idioms and What They Really Mean – French 4 test with Zoé, the Français PDF coach

Quick answer: French idioms are fixed expressions whose meaning cannot be guessed from the separate words. This French 4 test on French idioms has 8 questions worth 20 points, to do in 45 minutes: matching meanings, choose the meaning and conjugate. The scoring guide is on a separate page; free printable PDF.

This test checks recognition and production of common French idioms. Answer all questions without notes. Write complete sentences where asked, and check accents and verb forms before handing in the paper.

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

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

Question 1 Matching meanings (3 points)

Match each idiom to its meaning.

  1. avoir le cafard — (1 point)
  2. poser un lapin — (1 point)
  3. coûter les yeux de la tête — (1 point)

Meanings: to cost a fortune; to feel down; to stand someone up.

Question 2 Choose the meaning (2 points)

  1. Elle est dans la lune. means: (1) she is rich (2) she is daydreaming (3) she is traveling. (1 point)
  2. Je donne ma langue au chat. means: (1) I give up guessing (2) I feed my cat (3) I speak slowly. (1 point)

Question 3 Conjugate (2 points)

Complete with the correct form.

  1. Hier, Zoé et Inès (tomber) ____ dans les pommes. (1 point)
  2. Quand j’étais petit, nous (avoir) ____ la pêche tous les matins. (1 point)

Question 4 French to English (2 points)

Translate into English.

  1. Ma sœur saute toujours du coq à l’âne. (1 point)
  2. Ne mets pas ton grain de sel ! (1 point)

Question 5 English to French (3 points)

Translate into French with an idiom.

  1. My cousin stood me up. (1 point)
  2. This bike cost a fortune. (use the passé composé) (1 point)
  3. I feel down today. (1 point)

Question 6 Correct the mistakes (2 points)

Each sentence has one mistake. Rewrite it correctly.

  1. Il a posé un lapin de moi. (1 point)
  2. Elle a tombé dans les pommes. (1 point)

Question 7 Reading (3 points)

Read the notice, then answer in English.

Note on a school bulletin board in French about a French club meetingClub de français — jeudi, 16 hLe film coûte les yeux de la tête, maisMme Diallo a la pêche et paie pour tous !Ne posez pas de lapin à la prof !
Bulletin board note.
  1. When is the meeting? (1 point)
  2. What does the note say about the film? (1 point)
  3. What does Ms. Diallo’s attitude show, and what is the last request? (1 point)

Question 8 Short writing (3 points)

Write 3 or 4 sentences in French about an evening with a friend that went wrong. Use at least two idioms from the chapter. (3 points: idioms, correct verbs, clarity)

See the French Idioms test answer key with scoring

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