Leesville’s French students were given the opportunity to prove their skills in French by taking the National French Exam on March 6. The multiple choice test is administered nationwide and students rank in the division they “compete” in.
Students were divided into divisions based on their previous French classes and languages spoken at home. The test gauged student’s reading and listening comprehension and language in context skills.
Melissa Smith, senior, said, “I really like the language, and I find it very interesting.”
Upper level students listened to actual French interviews from the French radio station, RTL. Reading comprehension was tested by reading excerpts from French novels and Canadian legends.
Some students found the difficulty of the test startling, while others like Smith knew what to expect from years past. She said, “This higher level was definitely more difficult than [my last test].”
The test was not offered last year due to a change in faculty, but this year the test was issued at no cost to students.
“I wanted to offer the exam this year because it makes French more meaningful and memorable to students,” said Cassie West, French teacher. “I also want my students to be recognized for their achievements in French.”
Students who place in the top portion of the state are awarded a pin and a certificate of accomplishment. In years past, Leesville students placed exceptionally well, with Smith winning third place in North Carolina and Majid Fakhoury placing fourth.
“I’m not hoping for particular scores, I just want students to gain practical applications of French and be to excited to use French somewhere other than class,” said West.
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