IWLP FRENCH Placement
You have declared that you have some prior knowledge of the language that you wish to study. As a result you
need to complete this placement test which is made up of 3 parts:
- General information including Linguistic Background
- Self assessment of language knowledge
- Knowledge test
General Information
Family Name
First Name
Name (as known in UK)
Student number/Staff number
University e-mail
Other email
Nationality
Country of Residence:
Country of Origin
Linguistic background.
Arabic
Cantonese
Czech
English
French
German
Greek
Hokian
Italian
Japanese
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Mandarin
Basic
Intermediate/ Independent
Proficient
Language of Education
Mother tongue
Basic
Intermediate/ Independent
Proficient
Language of Education
Mother tongue
Basic
Intermediate/ Independent
Proficient
Language of Education
Mother tongue
Indicate your ability in the languages below:
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Spanish
Other:
Language study. In respect of the language you have applied for please complete the following information:
 Previous qualifications gained in the chosen language and grade:
GCSE grade
AS level grade
A level grade
Any other qualification and grade:

Informal or independent attempts at learning the language if no formal qualification, please include on-line
and unaccredited courses:
Self assessment. With reference to the language you have chosen to study
Please tick those that apply:
I have some prior knowledge or experience either formal or informal, in any of the four skills: reading, listening,
writing or speaking.
I have a close relationship (eg. parent, grand-parent, boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.) with somebody with whom I can speak
in the language I have chosen to learn
I have lived in a country where this language is spoken for 4 consecutive weeks or longer
I have taken a module of French at University – please specify
Please enter here anything else you consider relevant about your knowledge of French and how you learnt it.
Communicating with others
Expressing myself
Please tick ONE DESCRIPTION in each category that describes you best:
Proficient
I can express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for
(C1)
expressions. I can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects,
showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Independent I can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a
(B2)
topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Independent I can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give
(B1)
reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. I can produce simple connected text on
topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
Basic
I can describe in simple terms aspects of my background, immediate environment and
(A2)
matters in areas of immediate need.
Basic
I can introduce myself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal
(A1)
details such as where I live, people I know and things I have.
Pre-entry
My ability is below Basic (A1)
Proficient
(C1)
Independent
(B2)
Independent
(B1)
Basic
(A2)
Basic
(A1)
Pre-entry
I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction
with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
I can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the
language is spoken.
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of
information on familiar and routine matters.
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is
prepared to help.
My ability is below Basic (A1)
I can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
meaning.
I can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics,
including technical discussions in my field of specialization.
I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly
encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most
immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local
geography, employment).
Basic
I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at
(A1)
the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
Pre-entry
My ability is below Basic (A1)
http://www.euddansk.dk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cefguide.pdf
Understanding
Proficient
(C1)
Independent
(B2)
Independent
(B1)
Basic
(A2)
I can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Knowledge Test for French
REMEMBER: this is not an academic test. Do not use online reference materials, dictionaries or grammars, nor
seek any help in doing this – we want a snapshot of what level you have reached so far, so that we can place you
in the class most appropriate for your ability. Please note that, in order to assist us in placing you at the right
level, you may be contacted by the Co-ordinator to arrange a short conversation in your chosen language in
addition to this test. You should not spend longer than one hour on the test.
There are three sections: each one consists of short exercises and a free-writing topic. You should attempt all the
exercises up to the point where you feel you are just guessing. All students should write something on the first
two topics. Students with GCSE or equivalent as their highest qualification need not complete the third piece of
free writing at the end of section 3.
Please either return your completed PLACEMENT TEST to the ISLI RECEPTION in EDITH MORLEY
BUILDING 224 (FORMERLY HUMSS BUILDING) or scan it to [email protected] so that your
application will be processed without any delay.
If you have any queries please contact [email protected] THANK YOU.
Section 1
Select the correct form of the verb in brackets to complete the sentence in the present
tense.
Eg. Il (ont / es / a) un frère
→ Il (ont / es / a
un frère
1. Elle (est / a / ai) dix-neuf ans.
2. Je (alle / vais / va) à l’université.
3. Je (suis / es / été) étudiant.
Write the correct form of the verb in the present tense:
Eg. Nous……………… (aller) au cinéma. Nous allons au cinéma
4. Ils ...................................... (aller) à la piscine.
5. Je ........................................ (faire) un gâteau.
6. Nous ..................................... (avoir) une voiture
7. Vous ...................................... (être) anglais ?
Read the following dialogue and answer the questions below in English.
Annie : Dis-moi, à quelle heure es-tu partie hier?
Denise : J’ai pris le train à huit heures moins vingt-cinq, c’était rapide, donc je suis arrivée à
dix heures et quart.
Annie : Et qu’est-ce que tu as fait ?
Denise : En arrivant, le matin j’ai visité l’hôtel de ville puis j’ai fait les magasins et l’après-midi
je suis allée à la piscine avec ma sœur et ses amis.
8. What time did she catch the train?
9. What did she do first?
10. With whom did she go swimming?
Read the three sentences below and tick the ONE that you think is correctly written.
11a. Mon amie s’appele Marie, elle est grande et mince, nous aimons faisons de la voile et
jouons au tennis ensemble.
[ ]
11b.
Mon amie s’appelle Marie, elle est grande et mince, nous aimons faire de la voile et
jouer au tennis ensemble.
[ ]
11c.
Mon amie s’appelle Marie, elle est grand et mince, nous aimons faire la voile et jouons
le tennis ensemble.
[ ]
(Sub-total Section 1 ……………/11)
Write approximately 80 words about yourself and your family. Include a
physical description and mention your favourite activities or those of someone
else.
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Section 2
In the following sentences write the correct form of the verb in brackets in the perfect
tense (the “passé-composé”).
Example. Elle ………………………………… (aller) au marché. Elle est allée au marché
J’ ................................................. (manger) un croissant. J’ai mangé un croissant.
12. Ce matin j’ .......................................................... (prendre) le bus pour aller en ville.
13. Nous ..................................................... (aller) au ciné le week-end dernier
14. Vous ...................................................... (jouer) au tennis hier ?
15. Ils .......................................................... (boire) un thé jeudi dernier.
16. Dimanche matin, nous ....................................................... (se lever) à onze heures.
Make the following sentences negative by writing them out with ne…pas or n’.... pas
inserted in the correct position.
Eg. Je suis français. Je ne suis pas français
17. Je mange à midi.
...............................................................................................................................................
18. Demain matin nous allons travailler à la bibliothèque.
...............................................................................................................................................
19. J’ai téléphoné à mon frère.
................................................................................................................................................
20. Samedi soir, nous nous sommes beaucoup amusés.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
21. Read the following passage, then tick ONE of the 4 boxes below (A, B, C, or D),
which you believe reflects the correct and CHRONOLOGICAL sequence of events.
Ce matin, je suis allé en ville, mais avant de partir, j’ai lu mes e-mails. Il y avait un
mél de ma sœur qui voyage en Afrique en ce moment. En ville, j’ai rencontré mon
ami, Martin, parce qu’il m’avait téléphoné hier et nous avions pris rendez-vous à
midi.
A
Je suis allé en ville
J’ai lu mes e-mails
J’ai rencontré mon ami
Mon ami a téléphoné
C
J’ai lu mes e-mails Je
suis allé en ville Mon
ami a téléphoné
J’ai rencontré mon ami
B
Mon ami a téléphoné
J’ai rencontré mon ami
J’ai lu mes e-mails
Je suis allé en ville
D
Mon ami a téléphoné
J’ai lu mes e-mails
Je suis allé en ville
J’ai rencontré mon ami
Read the following account and select the correct form of the verb in brackets. (The
student is explaining his future plans.)
22. « Je suis en troisième année à l’université et je (finirai / fini / finira / finir) mes études
l’été prochain.
23. Après avoir fini, je (fairai / ferrai / ferai / ferais) le tour du monde avec un ami.
24. D’abord nous (irons / allerons / vairons / allés) aux États-Unis,
25. et moi je (prendrai / prend / prendera / pris) l’avion de Londres,
26. mais mon ami (partira / partirons / partir / partiras) de l’Espagne
27. parce qu’il va y travailler avant de (voyage / voyagera / voyager / voyagé). »
(Sub- total Section 2 ……..………/16)
Write about 80 words about a past holiday that you really enjoyed.
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Section 3
For the following sentences, fill in the missing word so that it makes sense in the context and is grammatically
correct. For some sentences you need to choose which tense is appropriate; sometimes the infinitive is
required; sometimes you need to choose from a series of words in brackets.
28. Vous ………………. (faire) du vélo avec vos amis ?
29. A l’université je/j’ ………………… (étudier) la chimie.
30. Pouvez-vous ……………………. (répéter) la question ? Je n’ai pas compris.
31. Ce soir nous …………………………. (manger) au restaurant.
32. Le week-end, nous ………………………….. (se lever) toujours très tard.
33. Le musée ………………………… (in front of) la banque.
34. Hier elle ……………………………………… (s’habiller) rapidement.
35. Si j’ai de l’argent je …………………….. (partir) en vacances.
36. Je partirai quand je ……………………… (être) prêt.
37. J’espère qu’il ………………………….. (venir) ce soir, car il est très sympa.
38. A l’hôtel, elle ……………………… (monter) sa valise au 3ème étage.
39. Après (avoir / être / s’être / elle) réveillée, elle s’est levée tout doucement.
40. Il fera sa dissertation (avant / avant à / devant / avant de) sortir en boîte.
41. Je n’ai (pas / pas l’ / pas d’ / pas les) argent pour acheter une voiture.
42. Il a offert un cadeau à ………………. mère [ has to mean « his mother » ]
43. Ce chanteur chante (plus bien / mieux / plus mieux / meilleur / plus bon) que moi.
44. Ce film est (plus bien / mieux / plus mieux / meilleur / plus bon) que le précédent.
45. Voulez –vous encore du café? Oui, (je le veux / j’en veux / j’y veux / je veux).
In this exercise, decide when to use the passé-composé (perfect tense) and when to
use the imparfait (imperfect tense). You need to conjugate the verbs in brackets.
46. Quand Juliet ……………………………….. (rencontrer) Roméo, elle
…………………
(avoir) 14 ans.
47. Quand mes parents …………………………… (habiter) en France, ils
……………………..
(faire) toujours leurs courses au marché.
48. Imaginez si les Champs Elysées ……………………. (être) fermés aux voitures !
Re-write sentences, replacing the underlined words with the appropriate object
pronoun
(le/ la/les /leur/ y). Ensure that the word-order and agreements are correct.
49. Je regarde le film
……………………………………………………………………………………………
50. J’ai vu Anne et Sophie hier.
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51. Il a dit bonjour à ses voisins.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
52. Je vais au cinéma ce soir.
……………………………………………………………………………………………
Choose the correct relative pronoun:
53. Regarde là-bas, c’est l’artiste (qui / que / dont) nous avons rencontré au Festival
de
Cannes.
54. Tu as apporté l’ iPod (qui/ que/ dont) ne marche pas ?
55. Voici la voiture (qui / que / dont) j’ai besoin pour aller au bureau tous les jours.
Decide if there should be an agreement of the past participle and tick the correct
option:
56. Les filles que (j’ai vues / j’ai vu / j’ai vus / j’ai vue) étaient à la bibliothèque.
57. Les agences à qui elle (a téléphonée / a téléphoné / a téléphonés / a
téléphonées) étaient très serviables.
Should there be or should there not be a subjunctive? Conjugate accordingly:
58. Je veux que tu ………………………………………. (faire) attention.
59. Je pense que cette émission ……………………… (être) très populaire.
60. Il faut qu’elle …………………………….. (pouvoir) nager 50 mètres pour faire de l’aviron.
(Sub-total Section 3 ……../37)
GRAND TOTAL*
…………../64
…..…….. divided by 0.64 = ………..…..%)
*Excluding free-writing
If your HIGHEST qualification is a French GCSE (or equivalent), please finish your test
here.
If you consider yourself to be at least an Intermediate level in French, please complete
the next piece of writing, which will enable us to see your level of free writing.
Write 120 words or so about something about which you are passionate. Use a variety
of expressions (vocabulary and grammar) and structure your essay so that the ideas
are linked. Be more analytical than descriptive. Demonstrate how good you are at
writing French!
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International Study and Language Institute
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Declaration
I confirm that the information above is true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that failure to disclose any
relevant previous exposure to and/or experience or knowledge of the language to be studied will be considered a
case of Academic Misconduct. (https://www.reading.ac.uk/exa-misconduct.aspx ) 
Signed: __________________________
Dated: ___________________________
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Please either return your completed PLACEMENT TEST to the ISLI RECEPTION in EDITH MORLEY
BUILDING
224 (FORMERLY HUMSS BUILDING) or scan it to [email protected] so that your
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
application will be processed without any delay.
If you………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
have any queries please contact [email protected] THANK YOU.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Thank you for submitting your placement test, one of the course tutors will review your results and place you in the
most appropriate class. Please note that on occasion you may be called for an interview. Once you have been
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allocated to a class you will receive a confirmation e-mail and the module details will appear in your on-line
timetable.
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