AP French Language and Culture FRQ Practice

1. Cultural Comparison

Question:

Compare and contrast the role of food in French culture with that of your own culture. How does food function as a symbol in both cultures? Provide examples from both cultures to support your response.

Response Guidelines:

• Discuss how food is a symbol of cultural identity in French society, such as the importance of meals in family and social gatherings, the cultural significance of traditional French dishes like baguettes, croissants, and cheese, and how food is intertwined with French customs and celebrations.
• Compare this to the role of food in your own culture, focusing on similar or different aspects, such as the importance of meals, food-related traditions, or specific dishes that have cultural meaning.
• Provide examples of specific meals, traditions, or rituals from both cultures that reflect their values and cultural identity.

Grading Rubric:

• Level 5 (Excellent):
  Response provides a well-organized and detailed comparison of the two cultures with accurate and relevant examples. Both French and personal cultural practices are discussed thoughtfully with clear connections to the symbolic role of food.
  Score: 5 points
• Level 4 (Good):
  Response compares the two cultures with relevant examples and demonstrates a solid understanding of cultural differences. Minor gaps in detail or accuracy may be present, but the response remains clear and well-structured.
  Score: 4 points
• Level 3 (Satisfactory):
  Response offers a basic comparison but lacks depth or full accuracy. Some examples may be unclear or less relevant to the cultural aspects of food.
  Score: 3 points
• Level 2 (Limited):
  Response is vague or incomplete, with limited examples or connections to cultural practices. Some key ideas may be missing or unclear.
  Score: 2 points
• Level 1 (Weak):
  Response is disorganized or incomplete, with little or no comparison made between the two cultures.
  Score: 1 point

2. Writing: Personal Experience

Question:

Describe a memorable trip or visit to a French-speaking country. What did you learn about the culture during this visit? How did the experience impact your perspective on the French language and culture?

Response Guidelines:

• Provide a clear description of the trip, including details like where you went, who you were with, and the key cultural activities or sites you experienced (e.g., visiting museums, attending cultural events, dining at French restaurants).
• Discuss the cultural aspects you learned about, such as art, history, customs, or daily life, and how these elements deepened your understanding of French culture.
• Reflect on how the experience influenced your view of the French language, its nuances, and its connection to culture.

Grading Rubric:

• Level 5 (Excellent):
  Response is well-organized and provides an insightful, detailed account of the trip, with deep reflection on how the experience changed or enriched the student’s understanding of French culture and language.
  Score: 5 points
• Level 4 (Good):
  Response provides a clear description of the trip with relevant examples and reflection on cultural aspects. There is a solid understanding of the influence of the experience on language and culture, though some minor details may be missing.
  Score: 4 points
• Level 3 (Satisfactory):
  Response includes a basic description of the trip, but the reflection on language and culture is less developed or incomplete. Some details or depth are lacking.
  Score: 3 points
• Level 2 (Limited):
  Response is vague or unclear, with limited details about the trip or minimal reflection on the cultural and linguistic impact.
  Score: 2 points
• Level 1 (Weak):
  Response lacks organization or relevant content, with little to no connection to the trip’s cultural or linguistic aspects.
  Score: 1 point

3. Listening and Interpretation

Question:

Listen to a conversation between two French speakers discussing a French festival or event. After listening, answer the following questions in French:

1. What is the main purpose of the festival they are discussing?
2. What are some key activities or traditions associated with the festival?

Response Guidelines:

• The first part of your response should summarize the purpose of the festival, which could include its historical, religious, or social significance.
• The second part should describe the activities or traditions associated with the festival, such as parades, performances, food, or music that are central to the celebration.

Grading Rubric:

• Level 5 (Excellent):
  Response accurately answers both questions with full details and correct interpretation of the conversation. Responses demonstrate a clear understanding of the content and reflect the cultural context appropriately.
  Score: 5 points
• Level 4 (Good):
  Response answers the questions accurately with good detail, but may miss minor points. There is a clear understanding of the festival and its activities.
  Score: 4 points
• Level 3 (Satisfactory):
  Response answers the questions but lacks some detail or contains minor inaccuracies in interpretation.
  Score: 3 points
• Level 2 (Limited):
  Response provides incomplete or vague answers, or includes significant misunderstandings.
  Score: 2 points
• Level 1 (Weak):
  Response is inaccurate, incomplete, or does not answer the questions meaningfully.
  Score: 1 point