MB Français 40S study plan
MB Français 40S · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Français 40S
Build a personal vocabulary log of 60 high-frequency literary and argumentative terms, each with a French definition and an original example sentence
Review the full exam format and weighting, then write a one-page summary of what each section demands
Read one short French literary excerpt (about 400 words) daily and annotate the main idea, tone, and three key stylistic devices
Draft a self-diagnostic paragraph in French identifying your three weakest skill areas and how you will address them
Your checkpoint
A 60-entry vocabulary log plus a one-page exam-format summary and a written self-diagnostic in French (150 words minimum)
Français 40S
Analyze two full-length French literary texts for theme, narrative voice, structure, and figurative language
Practice writing thesis statements that answer a prompt directly and can be defended with textual evidence
Compose two full analytical paragraphs using a claim-evidence-commentary structure
Identify and correct your five most frequent grammar errors from week 1 writing samples
Your checkpoint
Two complete text analyses (one per text) with thesis statements and four body paragraphs each
Français 40S
Read and summarize three argumentative or opinion texts, mapping the author's thesis, arguments, and counterarguments
Build a repertoire of 15 transition words and rhetorical devices, and use at least 10 in original sentences
Write one full argumentative essay (400-500 words) under a 60-minute time limit
Self-evaluate the timed essay against a rubric you create for thesis clarity, evidence, organization, and language accuracy
Your checkpoint
One timed argumentative essay plus a completed self-evaluation rubric with three concrete revision targets
Français 40S
Complete one full-length practice exam under strict timing conditions
Score your own responses against official-style criteria and log every error by category
Re-read and rewrite your two weakest written responses to raise the score by at least one band
Memorize a checklist for editing written production: agreement, tense consistency, register, and connectors
Your checkpoint
A scored practice exam with an error log and two rewritten responses
Français 40S
Deepen oral comprehension by listening to 20 minutes of authentic French audio daily and writing summaries
Practice structured oral expression: record three 3-minute monologues on exam-style prompts and transcribe them for error analysis
Strengthen reading speed by completing three timed reading sets with comprehension questions
Expand the vocabulary log to 120 entries, prioritizing terms that recur in exam texts
Your checkpoint
Three recorded and transcribed oral monologues plus three timed reading sets with scores recorded
Français 40S
Complete a second full-length practice exam and compare results with week 4 to identify persistent weaknesses
Write two literary analyses in 45 minutes each, focusing on integrating quotations smoothly
Refine argumentative writing by incorporating a counterargument and rebuttal into one essay
Review grammar and syntax rules tied to your most frequent remaining errors
Your checkpoint
A second scored practice exam with a comparison chart showing improvement and remaining gaps
Français 40S
Complete a third full-length practice exam in a distraction-free setting that mirrors exam conditions
Target your two lowest-scoring sections with 90 minutes of focused drills each
Build a one-page synthesis sheet of literary movements, genres, and rhetorical terms for final review
Practice time management by outlining three essay prompts in 10 minutes each
Your checkpoint
A third scored practice exam plus a completed one-page synthesis sheet and three timed outlines
Français 40S
Review your synthesis sheet and error logs daily, reciting key definitions and structures aloud
Complete one final timed practice exam early in the week and analyze results
Rehearse exam-day routines: reading prompts carefully, allocating time, and proofreading written work
Rest adequately in the final two days and confirm logistics for exam day
Your checkpoint
A final practice exam score report and a personal exam-day checklist
Milestones
Week 2: Can analyze an unseen French literary text and produce a defensible thesis with supporting evidence in under 45 minutes
Week 4: Achieve at least 60 percent on a full-length timed practice exam with a categorized error log
Week 6: Improve practice exam score by at least 10 percentage points over week 4 and write two analyses within time limits
Week 8: Consistently score at or above your target band on timed practice and complete all review materials