First Foreign Language (French)
Core concepts
The French paper tests compréhension écrite (identifying thesis, tone, implicit meaning, text type), compétence linguistique (tenses, agreement, subjunctive, connectors, vocabulary in context), and expression écrite (structured argument, register, cohesion).
Traps
- Passé composé vs imparfait: the imperfect describes background/habit; the compound past reports completed events. Questions often hinge on this contrast.
- Subjonctif triggered by expressions like il faut que, bien que, pour que - but not by espérer que or parce que.
- False friends: actuellement (currently, not actually), éventuellement (possibly, not eventually), assister à (to attend).
- In comprehension, confusing the author's view with a view the author reports and rejects.
- In expression, writing opinion without textual support when the prompt says appuyez-vous sur le texte.
Rule of thumb
For any grammar item, identify the trigger word or time marker first; that alone resolves most tense and mood choices. For written expression, use a three-part frame: thèse → argument + exemple → conclusion qui répond à la question posée.
Worked example
Il faut que tu (finir) ce travail. The trigger il faut que requires the subjunctive: que tu finisses. Compare J'espère que tu finiras - espérer takes the indicative future.