English language
The English paper in the Mauritanian baccalaureate tests reading comprehension, grammar accuracy and written production. It rewards clear, simple English over ambitious but faulty sentences.
Core grammar
- Tenses: present perfect vs past simple; future forms.
- Conditionals: first, second and third; mixed conditionals.
- Passive voice: be + past participle; agent with by.
- Reported speech: tense shift, pronoun and time changes.
- Linking words: however, therefore, although, despite.
Worked example
Turn into the passive: 'The teacher gave the students a test.' Step 1: identify the objects: the students (indirect) and a test (direct). Step 2: choose the indirect object as subject: 'The students were given a test.' Step 3: keep the past simple: were + past participle. The direct-object version is also correct: 'A test was given to the students.' Do not write 'The students were gave'.
Writing method
Answer the task, use a clear introduction and conclusion, and link ideas with connectors. In comprehension, quote briefly only to justify an answer.
Traps
False friends such as 'actually' meaning 'in fact'; subject-verb agreement; missing prepositions; copying the passage in the writing task; mixing conditional forms.