SQA Exam Prep

• Skim and Scan the Texts:

Start by skimming through the reading passage to get a sense of the main ideas. Look for keywords or names that stand out.

Scan the questions next and see what specific information you need to find in the passage.

• Use Context to Your Advantage:

Don’t worry if you don’t know every word in the passage. Use the context of the surrounding sentences to help you understand the meaning.

Try to find the meaning of unknown words based on the words around them or similar-looking words in English.

• Answer Concisely:

Stick to the main points in your answers. If the question asks for a specific detail, provide a clear, concise response.

• Look for Key Information:

Focus on specific details such as dates, names, facts, opinions, and other significant details mentioned in the passage.

• Practice Regularly:

Work through past reading comprehension papers to familiarise yourself with the types of texts and questions.

Try to read a variety of French texts, such as short stories, news articles, and dialogues.

• Understand the Context:

Read the passage carefully before translating. Make sure you understand the overall meaning of the text before you begin translating individual words.

Be aware of the tense and form used in the original passage to make sure your translation remains accurate.

• Maintain the Structure:

Keep the structure of the original sentence in mind, but ensure the translation reads naturally in English. It’s important that the translation makes sense in the target language.

• Use a Variety of Vocabulary:

Don’t rely on a direct word-for-word translation. Make sure your choice of words fits the context and flow of the sentence.

For example, if the French text uses a synonym or a specific phrase, try to match it to the closest equivalent in English.

• Pay Attention to Gender and Agreement:

In French, adjectives and articles agree with the noun in gender and number. Make sure these are correctly translated into English where applicable (e.g., singular/plural).

• Check Verb Tenses:

Be careful with verb tense. Ensure that the tense used in the French sentence is properly translated into the corresponding tense in English.

• Practice Translating:

Regularly practise translating passages, both from French to English and vice versa. This will help you become more familiar with common expressions, idioms, and the structure of French sentences.

• Understand the Question:

Carefully read the instructions and make sure you know exactly what you are being asked to do. The bullet points will guide the content of your response.

Check if you need to write about a specific event, describe something, give opinions, or explain past and future events.

• Use a Range of Tenses:

Demonstrate your understanding of French grammar by using a variety of tenses: présent, passé composé, imparfait, futur proche, and futur simple.

For example, if you’re describing a past holiday, use passé composé for specific events and imparfait to describe the setting or habitual actions.

• Structure Your Answer:

Make sure to do a new paragraph per bullet point, if you don't do this your mark may be capped even though your content is good

• Be Concise and Relevant:

Don’t go off-topic. Stick closely to the bullet points and focus on what’s being asked. It’s better to answer all the points fully rather than over-elaborating on one.

• Variety and Accuracy:

Use a variety of sentence structures. Try to avoid repeating phrases or using overly simplistic sentences.

Check for common mistakes in agreement (e.g., adjective-noun, subject-verb) and verb conjugations.

• Practice Writing:

Practice by writing essays in response to past exam papers or sample prompts. Get feedback on your grammar and content, and use it to improve.

Familiarise yourself with common expressions and vocabulary related to topics like holidays, school, work, health, or social issues.

• Prepare by Listening to French Media:

To improve your listening skills, regularly listen to French podcasts, news programmes, or watch French TV shows or films. This will expose you to different accents and vocabulary.

• Read the Questions Beforehand:

Before listening, quickly read through the questions. This will help you know what specific information to focus on when you listen.

• Focus on Key Information:

During the listening, you need to identify key facts such as dates, places, names, and specific details. Don’t worry about understanding every single word; focus on the overall meaning and key points.

Pay attention to words that signal important information, such as "hier" (yesterday), "demain" (tomorrow), "en ce moment" (at the moment), etc.

• Take Notes:

Jot down quick notes while listening to help you remember key details. Write down short phrases or numbers, especially when they’re repeated.

Try to catch the beginning and end of the recording, as they often contain the most important context.

• Use the Pause Time Effectively:

There’s a pause after each listening passage. Use this time to quickly review your answers and correct anything that seems unclear.

• Don’t Panic if You Miss Something:

If you miss a word or section, don’t panic. Stay calm, and try to catch the next part of the conversation. You might be able to infer the missed details from the context.