Are you nervous about your upcoming AP French exam? Below, French teacher Jinky B. shares seven fool-proof strategies that will help you ace your exam…
Studying for your AP French exam can be intimidating–not to mention overwhelming. Luckily, there are proven and applicable methods you can use to help set yourself up for success.
Below are some of my favorite study methods that I suggest my students do before taking their AP French exam. You can either do these exercises by yourself or with your French tutor.
Note, that these study strategies can also be used when preparing for the International Baccalaureate French exam.
What Does the AP French Test Consist of?
So what is the AP French exam format? The AP French test consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- The listening section features audio clips of native speakers engaging in conversations or giving speeches. Test-takers must answer multiple-choice questions based on what they hear.
- The reading section consists of passages in French followed by multiple-choice questions. The passages cover a variety of topics, and test-takers must be able to understand the main idea as well as specific details.
- The writing section assesses test-takers’ ability to write an essay in French on a given topic.
- Lastly, the speaking section tests oral communication skills through a conversation with a native speaker. Test-takers must be able to discuss the given topics fluently and accurately.
Are you nervous about your upcoming test? If so, you may want to sign up for French lessons. You’ll learn everything you need to know to ace the exam, including what you see int he video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbfeKFEMeQU
How Hard is the French AP Exam?
The French AP exam is notoriously difficult, with a passing rate of only about 50%.
The exam consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The listening and reading sections are multiple choice, while the writing and speaking sections are free response. In the writing section, students are given a prompt and must write an essay in French.
The speaking section is conducted via Skype, and students must respond to questions in French. The difficulty of the exam varies depending on the student’s level of proficiency in French. However, even students who have been studying French for years often find the AP exam to be challenging.
Consequently, it is important to be well-prepared before taking the test.
How Long is the AP French Exam?
The AP French exam is a three-hour long exam that tests students on their proficiency in the French language.
The multiple-choice section consists of 55 questions, and the free-response section consists of five questions.
In the multiple-choice section, students are given a passage to read and then asked questions about the passage. They must choose the correct answer from four possible choices. In the free-response section, students must write an essay in French on one of three given topics.
They will have 60 minutes to complete this section.
7 Study Tips to Help You Nail Your AP French Exam
Are you struggling with your AP French class? Do you want to score a 5 on the AP French test?
If you answered yes to either of these questions, keep reading to learn seven strategies that will help you ace your next AP French exam.
1. Create a study plan
While it might seem a little soon, start studying two to three months before the AP French exam. The more time that you leave for review, the less time you should have to review each day.
Consistent repetition is ideal for learning a language. Set aside 30 minutes a day to review a specific grammar subject; for example, agreement, prepositions, and articles.
2. Review important French conjunctions
While it’s important to know the basic conjunctions, such as mais (but) and lorsque (when), it’s a good idea to start reviewing those special constructions that will you set you above your peers.
Coordinating conjunctions for emphasis: ne…ni…ni (neither…nor) and ou…ou (either…or).
Also, pay attention to those special conjunctions that are used with the subjunctive tense, such as quoique (even though).
3. Practice conjugating regular verbs and commonly occurring irregular verbs
Make sure that you’re familiar with the conjugations of the three different verb groups: -er, -ir, and -re. Also, be sure to you know the conjugations of être and avoir.
These are two verbs that you will encounter when conjugating not only the simple tenses of present, imperfect, and future, but also as a helping verb when writing in the passé composé and plus-que-parfait.
Keep in mind that when using the passé composé with étre, there needs to be subject agreement.
For example, Elles sont allées au cinéma. (They went to the movies). This is a group of women, so you must add an e and an s for agreement.
4. Listen to French podcasts and the radio
One of the best ways to prepare for your AP French exam or to simply maintain your French comprehension is by listening to podcasts.
Set aside five to ten minutes, ideally in the morning so that you’re able to start thinking in French without all the distractions of the day.
Most French podcasts offer different levels, but you should be listening to ones at the highest levels. I recommend Coffee Break French because it’s quick and easy with the structured time frame.
More authentic listening is ideal, so just tune into French radio. Most can be streamed online or via your phone.
5. Watch French movies without subtitles
There are a ton of American movies that you can stream in the French language. When watching, try not display the subtitles because they do not always coincide with what is being said on the screen. Rather, sit back and watch the movie!
If you need some help finding what to watch, browse through these two posts for some great options:
- Find the Best French Movies on Netflix Now
- 12 Classic French Movies (and Movie Series) All Students Need to See
6. Talk to your friends
Use your readily available sources. You’re most likely going to be in a classroom with other anxious students preparing for the AP French exam.
Gather a group of students together and set aside 30 minutes to discuss a topic. It could be something that is pre-determined, such as a movie that everyone watched. Or it could be something more relaxed, such as speaking in French over lunch.
7. Remember to relax
This is the most important part of test preparation. Relax. You’ve prepared for months. Do something that you enjoy. Sleep well. Eat a healthy breakfast. Put yourself in a positive mind-set. Cramming last minute benefits no one. So, just know that you’re prepared and you will succeed!
A Few More Last Minute AP Exam French Practice Tips
Here are a few more real-life tips you can follow – even if you’re reading this the night before the AP French exam.
1. Get a good night’s sleep before the test.
You might think that you can pull an all-nighter and still do well on the test, but trust us – this is not the best idea. When you’re well-rested, you’ll be able to think more clearly and remember what you’ve studied more easily. So make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before the test.
2. Review key concepts and vocabulary words.
One of the best ways to prepare for the exam is to review key concepts and vocabulary words. Make a list of terms that you need to know for each section of the exam, and then create flashcards or a mind map to help you study.
3. Take a few more AP French practice exam tests.
In addition to reviewing key concepts, it’s also a good idea to take practice tests under timed conditions. This will help you get used to working under pressure and ensure that you know how to manage your time effectively on test day. There are a number of online resources that offer free practice tests for the AP French exam.
4. Understand the rubrics.
All AP exams are graded according to specific rubrics, so it’s important that you understand what these rubrics entail before taking the test. By familiarizing yourself with the rubrics, you’ll know what grading criteria your examiner will be using to assess your performance – which in turn will help you focus your studying and prepare more effectively for the exam as a whole.
AP Exam French – You Got This!
If you’re struggling with your AP French class or simply want to score a 5 on the upcoming exam, then follow these seven proven strategies. By getting enough sleep, reviewing key concepts, taking practice tests, understanding the rubrics, practicing your speaking skills, utilizing online resources, and working with a tutor, you’ll be well on your way to acing your next AP French exam!
Now that you have some proven methods for success, go tackle your AP French exam with confidence.
Post Author: Jinky B.Jinky B. teaches French lessons in Jacksonville, FL. She has her Bachelor’s of Arts in French, French Literature and Psychology from Florida State University and has over five years of teaching experience. Learn more about Jinky B. here!
Brooke Neuman