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French Exams in Hong Kong
Many students in Hong Kong want to get their french certified but most of them don't know the different options available and the difficulties. Here we explain you the differences so you know the options you have.
01
DELF / DALF
DELF is an international Diploma of Studies in French Language awarded by the French Ministry of Education. It has different levels starting by beginners level which is the A1 level.
This exam is designed to be taken by adults or teenagers who are at least 14 years old, it is not intended for kids. It is available to apply 2 times a year in Hong Kong, one time in May and the other in November. You will need to learn french typically for at least around 70 hours before you reach the A1 level so you can pass the exam. If you want to continue to further your level like A2 it will take another 70 hours or more of learning.
02
I/GCSE French
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education and is an exam elaborated by different UK educational organisations.
Students in Hong Kong can take this exam either through their school or we can help them to register as freelance candidates through the Hong Kong Education Bureau. You can choose in Hong Kong whether you want to take the Cambridge Board or Edexcel Board, while French Edexcel is easier.
This exam is intended for students that are 15 years old although anyone is free to register for this exam. Students typically learn french for 4-5 years before they can pass this exam although with the help of a french private tutor you can speed up the process.
03
What is the IBDP?
The IBDP is a two-year, pre-university educational program for students aged 16 to 19.
It’s recognized worldwide as a rigorous secondary-school qualification for university admission.
The curriculum is built around six subject groups and three core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—to broaden and deepen students’ intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills.
French in the IBDP Curriculum
Within the IBDP’s Group 2 (Language Acquisition), French is offered at two pathways:
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Language ab initio (SL)
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Language B (SL and HL)
These pathways accommodate complete beginners as well as students with prior French experience.
Comparing “Language ab initio” and “Language B”
04
TCF
The TCF is an official, general-purpose French proficiency test created by France Éducation international.
It certifies your level according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and remains valid for two years.
When and Where
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Administered several times a year at authorized centers worldwide
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Single, universal test regardless of your target level
Test Verison
05
HKDSE French
Hong Kong secondary students can take French as one of the elective subjects. HKDSE French is a recognized examination accepted by both universities and employers as proof of linguistic ability and understanding. Some Hong Kong secondary schools offer curricula related to HKDSE French.
The Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority uses question papers from the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level provided by Cambridge Assessment International Education. All marking and grading are conducted by Cambridge International.
AS-level is typically a one-year course before students enter universities around the world, including in the UK, US, European nations, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. To begin the AS-level French course, students are recommended to have previously completed the I/GCSE French assessment or an equivalent course. Typically, students should have studied French for around 4 to 5 years before taking HKDSE French.
Common HKDSE French Topics
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Family
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Young people
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Patterns of daily life
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Food and drink
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Health and fitness
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Work and leisure
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Sport
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Travel and tourism
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Cultural life
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Social and economic development
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Environment
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And more...
HKDSE French Exam Components
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Speaking test (29%)
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Reading and writing (50%)
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Essay (21%)
HKDSE French is graded on a scale from A to E.
If you are a total beginner in French and would like to achieve a good result in HKDSE, consider seeking help from an experienced private tutor.
06
SAT French
SAT French is one of many optional SAT subject tests used to certify your skills as a French learner. The SAT, or Scholastic Assessment Test, is a standardized exam widely used for college admissions in the United States.
SAT French evaluates students through 85 multiple-choice questions, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. The questions fall into three categories: Vocabulary in context, Fill in the blanks, and Reading comprehension.
Students are generally expected to have studied French for at least two years during high school.
Why Take the SAT French?
College Admissions
Many colleges value students who demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language.
Placement
Your score may influence course placement in college, potentially allowing you to skip introductory language courses.
Language Skills
It’s a strong indicator of French proficiency, useful for study abroad programs or language-related careers.
Interactive French offers tailored private lessons with native French tutors experienced in SAT French preparation.
Key Features
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Format: 85 multiple-choice questions
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Duration: One hour
Content Areas
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Vocabulary in context
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Structure (grammar and syntax)
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Reading comprehension (narratives, dialogues, informational articles)
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Cultural knowledge of the French-speaking world
Preparation Tips
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Study Vocabulary: Focus on academic and commonly used terms.
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Grammar Review: Master verb conjugations, sentence structure, and agreement rules.
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Practice Reading: Read French texts regularly to improve comprehension and familiarity with different styles.
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Cultural Knowledge: Explore French-speaking cultures through movies, music, and exchange programs.
