English - reading, language and guided composition
The English paper at Bac C is organised in three parts: a reading comprehension section built on a short argumentative or narrative passage, a language section (grammar and vocabulary), and a guided composition. It rewards accuracy in tense use and the ability to answer questions in your own words rather than copying the text.
Section A - Reading comprehension
- True/false items must be justified with a short quotation, not with the whole sentence.
- Reference questions (“What does it refer to?”) test cohesion: identify the noun phrase, not the general topic.
- Vocabulary in context: give a synonym that fits that sentence.
- Answer in complete sentences when the rubric asks for it.
Section B - Language
- Tense contrast: present perfect with since/for and unfinished time; simple past with finished time markers (ago, last year, in 1990).
- Conditionals: type 1 (real), type 2 (unreal present), type 3 (unreal past), and mixed forms.
- Passive voice, reported speech with backshift, relative clauses, inversion after never, rarely, hardly.
- Word formation: success → successful → successfully; decide → decision.
Worked example
Rewrite: “He didn't train hard, so he lost the final.” The situation is an unreal past condition, so the third conditional applies: if + had + past participle, then would have + past participle. Answer: “If he had trained hard, he would not have lost the final.” Reasoning: keep the meaning, remove so, and never put would in the if-clause. A common error is writing “If he would have trained…”.
Section C - Guided composition
Follow the task format (letter, article, speech), write roughly the required number of words, use linking words (however, therefore, moreover) and paragraph structure: introduction, two developed arguments, conclusion.
Mark-losing traps
- Justifying a true/false item by copying a whole paragraph.
- Ignoring the register required (formal letter opening and closing).
- Off-topic compositions that ignore the prompt's angle.
- Spelling confusions: advice/advise, economic/economical, affect/effect.