Verb drill
DELF A2 speaking: explain how your learning habits changed
Practise a before-and-now account in French: describe an old habit, a new routine and a result, with ten gaps and follow-up speaking prompts.
- A2
- 10 answers
- Checked all at once
- Accents count
- Learn this in the A2 notebook →
In short
Use avant with the imparfait for your old habit, then depuis with the present for a new habit that continues now. Add one concrete result: Maintenant, je trouve mes mots plus facilement.
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Your speaking role: Lina
You used to read word lists and often forgot how to use the words. A month ago, you started writing two sentences each day with selected words. Writing messages now feels easier. Fast replies are still difficult to understand. Your partner asks what changed and whether you want to continue.
| Job | French example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Old routine | Avant, je travaillais seule. | I used to work alone. |
| Continuing routine | Depuis trois semaines, je parle avec Léa. | I have been speaking with Léa for three weeks. |
| A result now | Je suis plus à l’aise. | I feel more comfortable. |
In a routine that continues now, depuis goes with the present: English often uses “have been”, while French says je parle. For a finished action, choose a past tense. In this exercise, the clues tell you whether to describe the old routine or what Lina does today. Type only the missing words.
1 · Before: put the verbs in the imparfait
- Avant, je des listes de mots. (lire)
- Je ne pas toujours utiliser ces mots. (savoir)
- J’ souvent les mots nouveaux. (oublier)
- Mes exercices surtout des listes. (être)
2 · Now: put the verbs in the present
- Depuis un mois, j’ deux phrases par jour. (écrire)
- Je quelques mots pour mes phrases. (choisir)
- Maintenant, je ces mots plus facilement. (retrouver)
- Cela m’ quand j’écris un message. (aider)
- Certaines réponses rapides difficiles à comprendre. (rester)
- Je continuer cette habitude. (vouloir)
Answer the next question
Pourquoi avez-vous changé de méthode ? — Parce que j’avais du mal à utiliser les mots.
Why did you change your method? — Because I found it difficult to use the words.
Vous comprenez tout maintenant ? — Pas encore. Les conversations rapides sont encore difficiles pour moi.
Do you understand everything now? — Not yet. Fast conversations are still difficult for me.
Cover the role card and tell Lina’s story aloud. Then try your own version: replace the old activity, say when the new habit began and name something that feels easier. Let your partner ask Pourquoi ?, Depuis quand ? or Et maintenant ? Answer that question before adding another detail.