Sec. V French as a Second Language Core Program exam: How to Prepare

The Secondary V uniform examinations for the French as a Second Language Core Program evaluate the following competencies:

• Competency 1: Interagir en français (interacts orally in French)
• Competency 2:  Lire des textes variés en français (reads a variety of texts in French)
• Competency 3: Produire des textes variés en français (writes a variety of texts in French)

There are three parts to the exam:

• Written comprehension: At least three days before the written comprehension examination, students receive a document called Modalités d’évaluation (assessment methods) which provides information about the three examinations, the tasks, and how they will be evaluated. It also contains two tools that students can use during the written production examination: a graphic organizer and a checklist. Depending on the choice made by the educational institution, students can review the document at home or in school.
  
  In teams of three to five, students discuss the topics and questions or statements presented in the Cahier de préparation à la lecture (reading preparation booklet) provided. Then, working independently, they read the Recueil de textes (collection of texts) provided and answer the reading comprehension questions.
   
• Oral interaction: At school or at home, students reread the Recueil de textes. Then, working in teams, they share ideas about possible themes that may come up during the oral interaction examination. During the examination, students participate in a 12-to-15-minute discussion in teams of four, in the teacher’s presence, on a topic selected from the Recueil de textes.
• Written production: Independently, students have 2 consecutive hours to write a 225‑word text on a topic related to the theme of the written comprehension examination.

To provide reassurance to your child, you can remind them that they will be evaluated on their ability to do the following:

• In the written comprehension component:  
  • Answer questions after reading a variety of texts. There are three types of questions: multiple choice (including matching questions), short-answer questions, and long-answer questions
• In the oral interaction component:
  • Make connections and deepen their understanding of ideas
  • React to comments made by others
  • Use various methods to move the dialogue forward
  • Communicate with precision
• In the written production component:
  • Write a coherent and organized text that relates to the theme in the oral interaction component
  • Apply correct punctuation, spelling, and syntax

Your child may bring the following materials with them to the exam:

Only print versions of these references are allowed. Students can bring their own, but sharing is not permitted.

Students are not allowed to use the following materials during the exam:

• Homemade documents (class notes, grammar books prepared by the school or at home, etc.)
• Digital tools (electronic dictionaries, word processing software, etc.), unless their use has been planned in conjunction with the educational institution responsible for administering the examination
• Digital devices that can be used to send messages, access the internet, translate texts, or create, save, or consult information (smartphones, wireless headphones or earbuds, smartwatches, etc.)

Since your child is about to finish high school, they likely have experience writing ministry exams in Secondary IV. Nevertheless, it is important to remind them of these valuable tips:

• Reread all instructions and texts carefully
• Make sure to answer all questions during the written comprehension examination
• Actively participate in the group discussions, especially during the oral interaction examination
• Take notes on any ideas, impressions, and opinions that come to mind
• Use the graphic organizer and checklist to help them during the written production
• Review and edit their text carefully before writing the final copy

To help your child to properly plan for the exam, you can do the following:

• Encourage them to read newspapers and magazines that discuss current events, hot topics, and issues that relate to them and their age group
• Help them set priorities and get organized
• Hold in-depth discussions in French at dinnertime to encourage your child to express their ideas and opinions—you can even use Alloprof’s unique tool called Faire fleurir les conversations!
• Help your child with oral expression and with talking in front of groups
• Help them understand the differences between expository and literary texts

 
Alloprof has a ton of tips and tools for students to use for both reading and writing in French!