Written Expression (Expression écrite)
Written Expression (Expression écrite)
This domain tests your ability to produce clear, organized French for a defined task: a message, formal email, informal letter, or short argumentative text. You are assessed on task completion, coherence, range of structures, and accuracy.
Core rules and concepts
- Read the consigne twice and underline: audience, register, purpose, required content points, and word limit. A missing content point costs more than a minor grammar slip.
- Use a visible plan: opening, two developed body points, closing. Each paragraph should have one main idea.
- Match register: formal = « Madame, Monsieur, » and « Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. » Informal = « Salut », « À bientôt », « Bises ».
- Control verb forms: present for current facts, passé composé for completed events, imparfait for background, futur for plans, conditional for polite requests.
- Connect ideas: d'abord, ensuite, en outre, cependant, par conséquent.
Worked example
Task: write a formal email to a course coordinator to request a deadline extension. Reasoning: open with « Madame, Monsieur, »; state the request directly (« Je me permets de vous écrire afin de solliciter… »); give one concise reason; propose a new date; close formally. Avoid « Je veux » (too blunt); use « Je souhaiterais » or « Je vous serais reconnaissant de bien vouloir… ».
Traps that cost marks
- Writing an essay when the task asks for an email.
- Mixing tu and vous.
- Overusing memorized phrases that do not answer the prompt.
- Forgetting agreement: « les documents que j'ai envoyés » (direct object before avoir).
- Ignoring the word count and adding irrelevant material.