La nourriture
In France, what is typically eaten for breakfast instead of eggs and bacon?
Bread or croissant with butter and jam, and a hot drink like café au lait
Name one French-speaking country in Africa and its capital.
Example: Senegal – Dakar (Other possible answers: Ivory Coast – Abidjan, Morocco – Rabat, etc.)
What is the difference in meaning between “jour” and “journée”?
Both mean “day,” but “jour” is more neutral/specific (e.g., “Monday”), and “journée” emphasizes duration or experience (e.g., “a long day”)
What kind of food is "ratatouille"?
vegetable stew (typically with eggplant, zucchini, peppers, tomatoes)
Conjugate the irregular verb venir in the present tense with “ils.”
Ils viennent
What is the difference between “le dîner” in France and in the U.S.?
In France, “le dîner” is the evening meal, often lighter and eaten later (around 8 PM)
France shares a border with several countries. Name three of them.
Possible answers include: Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, Andorra, Monaco
Which of these words does not belong: un pantalon, une jupe, un stylo, un pull? Why?
Un stylo — it’s a pen, not clothing
What is the French tradition of “la bise” and when is it used?
It’s the cheek kiss used as a greeting or farewell, typically among friends or family; the number of kisses varies by region.
What is the passé composé of voir with “tu”?
Tu as vu
You see “une quiche” on a menu. What is it, and what are two ingredients likely found in it?
A savory egg pie; typically includes eggs and cheese, often with ham or vegetables
What is the overseas region of France located in the Caribbean, and what language(s) are spoken there?
Martinique or Guadeloupe; French and Antillean Creole
What does the phrase “il y a” mean, and give one example of how it is used in a sentence.
“There is / there are” — Example: Il y a un chat dans la maison.
In French schools, what is different about the school week compared to American schools?
Many French schools have classes on Saturday mornings and often have Wednesday afternoons off; the school day is also longer.
Conjugate the verb jouer in the imparfait with “nous.”
Nous jouions
What is “le goûter” and who usually eats it in France?
An afternoon snack, typically eaten by children after school
What is the difference between “la France métropolitaine” and “les DOM-TOM”?
“La France métropolitaine” is mainland France in Europe; “les DOM-TOM” are overseas departments and territories like Guadeloupe, Réunion, or French Polynesia
What does the phrase “être en train de” mean? Use it in a short phrase in English and French.
It means “to be in the middle of doing something” — I’m doing my homework = Je suis en train de faire mes devoirs.
What is one major difference in how meals are typically served in France compared to the U.S.?
Meals in France are more structured, often with multiple courses (starter, main, cheese/dessert), and mealtimes are considered more formal and social.
How do you say “She will finish her homework” in French using the futur simple?
Elle finira ses devoirs
You are at a French restaurant and see “menu à prix fixe.” What does this mean, and how is it different from ordering à la carte?
It means a fixed-price menu with several courses included; à la carte means paying for each item separately
Name the mountain range in eastern France and explain one way it affects the local culture or economy.
The Alps – they influence skiing and tourism, regional cuisine (like fondue), and have shaped traditional mountain villages and architecture
What’s the difference between “connaître” and “savoir” in French?
“Connaître” means to be familiar with people or places; “savoir” means to know facts or how to do something
What is the purpose of “la rentrée” in France, and what does it signify beyond just “back to school”?
“La rentrée” refers not only to the return to school but also to the restart of work, activities, politics, and cultural life after summer vacation. It’s a national period of renewal.
Translate into French: “I would travel to Québec if I had more money.”
Je voyagerais au Québec si j’avais plus d’argent.
(Note: This includes conditionnel + imparfait for a proper “si” clause)