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Partly true French exam answers: find the clause that fails

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

A true detail can hide a wrong condition or cause. Split French answer options into claims, compare the evidence and try four short reading checks.

In short

A partly true option fails when another part contradicts the passage or adds a detail the passage leaves open. Split the option at words such as et, mais and parce que, then check each claim.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learnRed watch out

A facilitator welcomes a newcomer to a pottery workshop.
The details of l’inscription matter when checking an answer. Illustration: Atelier
  • gratuitfree to attend whenever you likefree of charge

    L’atelier est gratuit, mais l’inscription est obligatoire.The workshop is free, but registration is compulsory.

    Keep both facts: On ne paie rien, mais on doit s’inscrire. Zero cost and compulsory registration fit together.

  • reportécancelled permanentlypostponed

    Le débat est reporté à mardi parce que l’intervenante est malade.The debate is postponed until Tuesday because the speaker is ill.

    An option can get Tuesday right and still give the wrong reason. Keep the date and the cause in separate checks.

  • sera communiquéalready stated in this passagewill be communicated

    Le lien de connexion sera communiqué la veille.The connection link will be sent the day before.

    The passage tells you when the link will arrive. It leaves the platform and the link itself open.

How do you spot a partly true answer in a French exam?

L’atelier est gratuit et chacun peut venir sans s’inscrire.

The workshop is free and anyone can come without registering.

Compare this option with the first passage above.

Check the complete option
Claim in the optionEvidenceVerdict
L’atelier est gratuit.L’atelier est gratuit.Supported
On peut venir sans s’inscrire.L’inscription est obligatoire.Contradicted

Both claims must fit the passage. A different failure is an extra detail: “The workshop is free and lasts ninety minutes.” The cost is supported; the length is absent from this passage. A contradiction clashes with the text. An unsupported addition fills a gap.

Question 1No account needed
Which option preserves both workshop conditions?L’atelier est gratuit, mais l’inscription est obligatoire.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

L’atelier est gratuit et il faut s’inscrire.. Gratuit gives the cost; obligatoire requires registration. Only the second option preserves both.

Question 2No account needed
Which option keeps both the outcome and the cause?Le débat est reporté à mardi parce que l’intervenante est malade.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Le débat est repoussé à mardi en raison de la maladie de l’intervenante.. The third option keeps postponement to Tuesday and illness as the reason. The others change the cause or the outcome.

Question 3No account needed
What is wrong with “The link will arrive the day before, through the school app”?Le lien de connexion sera communiqué la veille.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

The app is not specified.. The timing matches la veille. The passage gives no delivery channel, so the app is an unsupported addition.

Question 4No account needed
Choose the complete match.Le débat dure une heure. Il est suivi de questions du public.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Le public pose des questions après une heure de débat.. The second option keeps the one-hour debate followed by audience questions. The first reverses the order; the third changes the duration.

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