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French

SAT Subject Test in French Practice

Introduction

This test measures your ability to read French, and it is recommended that you have three to four years of French language study in high school, or a gradual development of competence in French over a period of years.

This test is offered in October, December, January, May, and June at designated test areas.

Practice Questions

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Test Basics

Points	Minutes	Questions
200-800	60	85	Some test materials are taken from real-life sources.

Topics on the Test

Skills Measured
≈30%	Vocabulary in context Tests knowledge of words representing different parts of speech and some basic idioms within culturally authentic contexts.
≈30%-40%	Structure Measures your ability to select an appropriate word or expression that is grammatically correct within a sentence. One part of the test contains vocabulary and structure questions embedded in longer paragraphs.
≈30-40%	Reading Comprehension Tests your understanding of such points as the main and supporting ideas, themes, and setting of a passage. Selections are drawn from fiction, essays, historical works, newspaper and magazine articles, and everyday materials such as advertisements, timetables, forms, and tickets.

Skills Measured

≈30%

Vocabulary in context

Tests knowledge of words representing different parts of speech and some basic idioms within culturally authentic contexts.

≈30%-40%

Structure

Measures your ability to select an appropriate word or expression that is grammatically correct within a sentence. One part of the test contains vocabulary and structure questions embedded in longer paragraphs.

≈30-40%

Reading Comprehension

Tests your understanding of such points as the main and supporting ideas, themes, and setting of a passage. Selections are drawn from fiction, essays, historical works, newspaper and magazine articles, and everyday materials such as advertisements, timetables, forms, and tickets.

Anticipated Skills

Wide-ranging knowledge of the language.

Recommended Prep

Three or four years of French language study in high school, or two years of strong preparation.

When should you take the French test?

There are a few factors to consider while you're deciding when to take the test. You should have at least two years of strong preparation in the language, but the more the better. So, if you're continuing in high school French next semester/year, then wait to take the test. You should be in a French class when you take the test. You're likely not to do as well if you take the test after you haven't been in a French class for several months. For seniors studying French: if French is a strong subject for you, be sure it's one of the SAT Subject Tests you take in time for your colleges to see your score. If you're only taking it for placement purposes, and not as part of your application for admission, wait until you're as far along in your course as possible. If you want to take the French with Listening test, remember that it's only given in November (don't forget to bring a portable CD player with earphones!).

What's the difference between the French test and the French with Listening test?

The French test usually includes reading only—you read in French and answer multiple-choice questions. However, besides the reading portion, the test given in November also includes a listening portion—you listen in French and answer multiple-choice questions. Although students report feeling more anxious about the listening portion, they also tend to do better on that part of the test. Colleges say the French with Listening test gives them a fuller picture of your ability and is more useful for placement purposes. In any case, remember that you won't have to write or speak in French on either of these tests.

Which French is used on the French test?

The language used on the test is authentic; that is, it's taken from real things written and said by real French speakers. The people that make the test don't include any words or sayings that are used in only one country. If you've had at least two years of strong preparation in the language, then you'll be able to understand most of the French on the test.

I hear a lot of French in my home/family. Can I still take the French test?

No matter how you acquired your knowledge of French, it's important to show colleges what you know. Your score will count the same as that of someone who learned French only in the classroom. If you've been exposed to a lot of spoken French, then you should definitely take the French with Listening test (it's given only in November).