Language Use: Grammar and Vocabulary
What the section tests
This section checks control of core grammar and lexical range through gap-fill, transformation, error correction, and multiple-choice items. Accuracy matters, but so does choosing the form that fits the context.
Concepts to master
Verb tenses and moods are central: passé composé versus imparfait, plus-que-parfait, futur simple, conditionnel, and above all the subjonctif after expressions of necessity, doubt, and emotion (il faut que, bien que, je doute que). Review agreement of the participe passé, including with preceding direct objects (les lettres que j'ai écrites). Know pronoun order (le lui, y en) and the difference between c'est/il est, depuis/pendant/pour, and savoir/connaître.
Traps to watch
Questions often contrast imparfait (background, habit) with passé composé (completed event). Watch for false friends (actuellement means currently, éventuellement means possibly). Check whether a preposition is required after a verb (penser à, dépendre de). In agreement items, locate the preceding direct object before deciding.
Rule of thumb
Identify the grammatical trigger first (a conjunction, a preposition, a preceding object), then apply the rule it demands. Read the whole sentence aloud to test naturalness.
Worked example: Il faut que tu (venir) demain. The trigger il faut que requires the subjunctive, so the answer is viennes, not viens.