Junior Freshman French Oral Examinations 2004

Junior Freshman French Oral Supplemental Examinations 2011

Candidates are reminded that the topics for discussion in the oral examination are related to the material used in the Language 2 course. The intention is not to test candidates' knowledge of the precise subject-matter of the texts used in that course, but rather to provide an opportunity for them to show that they are capable of presenting a topic and a personal point of view in French, with reference to a subject-area which they have had the opportunity to consider in advance.

Assessment will reflect the candidate's ability to make a coherent exposition as well as ability to speak correct and idiomatic French.

Candidates should select and prepare one of the topics listed below, and make a brief presentation of 2-3 minutes on the topic selected. S/he may bring into the examination room a small 'prompt' card with headings and/or keywords, but should not either read a prepared script or repeat a presentation learned by heart. The examiner will then normally ask further questions with the aim of developing a conversation. This conversation will not necessarily be restricted to the initial topic for the whole period of the examination, but may diverge on to other topics.

(1) Que pensez-vous des effets de la numérisation de l'information et des livres? (2) "La passion de la destruction est une joie créatrice." (Bakounine). Quelles innovations ont fait suite à la violence des événements de Mai 68 ? (3) La francophonie: outil de domination ou instrument de lutte, d'émancipation et de solidarité? (4) Le français joue-t-il un rôle crucial dans la construction de l'identité nationale ? (5) La politique a-t-elle sa place aux Jeux Olympiques ? (6) Dans le contexte actuel de globalisation de l’économie, de l’information et de problèmes écologiques planétaires, faut-il être, aujourd’hui, citoyen du monde ?

(7) Selon Theodor W. Adorno, écrire de la poésie après Auschwitz est barbare. Qu'en pensez-vous?

Rachel Hoare - September 2011