Reading Part A: Discrete Sentences
What this section tests
Each item is a single sentence with a blank or an underlined expression. You choose the word or form that completes it correctly. Items target vocabulary precision, idioms, prepositions, verb tense and mood, pronoun choice, and agreement.
Concepts to master
Review verb + preposition combinations: s'intéresser à, dépendre de, réussir à, penser à/de, avoir besoin de. Know when the subjunctive is required after expressions of necessity, doubt, emotion, and conjunctions such as bien que and pour que. Master agreement of adjectives and past participles, especially with avoir and preceding direct objects. Distinguish c'est/il est, savoir/connaître, amener/emmener, apporter/emporter, and other paired verbs. Recognize common false friends: actuellement (currently), éventuellement (possibly), assister à (attend).
Traps
The most common trap is a word that sounds or looks like the English word but has a different meaning. Another is a grammatically possible form that does not fit the sentence’s meaning or register. Check whether a preposition is required by the verb, whether the subject is singular or plural, and whether the clause requires indicative or subjunctive.
Worked example
Elle s'intéresse ___ la musique. The verb is s'intéresser à, so the blank is à: Elle s'intéresse à la musique. Do not choose de just because English “interested in” uses a different preposition.
Rule of thumb
Read the whole sentence, identify the grammatical slot, then test the option in context. If two options seem possible, one usually violates a fixed expression, agreement, or required mood.