Sec. V French as a Second Language, Enriched Program Exam: How to Prepare

The Secondary V French as a Second Language, Enriched Program uniform examination evaluates the following competencies:

• Competency 2: Lire des textes courants, spécialisés et littéraires en français (Reads everyday, specialized, and literary texts in French)
• Competency 3: Produire des textes variés en français (Writes a variety of texts in French)

Students receive the Modalités d’évaluation (assessment methods) booklet, which provides information about the two exams (written comprehension and written production), the tasks, and how they will be evaluated. It also contains two tools that students can use during the written production exam: 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.

• Written comprehension exam (3 hrs.): First, 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. This helps them to understand the theme of the exam. Then, working independently, they read the Recueil de textes (collection of texts) provided and answer the reading comprehension questions in their Cahier de questions (questions booklet).
• Written production exam (3 hrs.): Independently, students write a 400-word persuasive text on a topic related to the theme of the written comprehension examination. They are permitted to use the graphic organizer and checklist provided. They must first produce a draft. After revising and editing their draft, students write the final version. Only the final copy will be evaluated.

It is perfectly normal for students to feel stressed or anxious before an exam. To reassure your child and help them prepare, remind them that they will be evaluated on their ability to do the following:

• In the written comprehension exam: 
  • Answer questions independently 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 written production exam:
  • Write a coherent, well-organized persuasive text that relates to the theme from the written comprehension exam
  • Use correct punctuation, spelling, and syntax
  • Employ rich, precise, and varied vocabulary

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.)

Now that 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 the instructions and texts carefully
• Make sure to answer all the questions during the written comprehension exam
• Actively participate in the group discussions
• Note down any ideas, impressions, and opinions that come to mind
• Use the graphic organizer and checklist during the written production exam
• Review and edit the draft carefully before writing the final copy

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

• Encourage them to read newspapers and magazines that discuss current events, hot topics, and issues that relate to them and their age group
• Encourage them to read books in French
• 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 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!