Diplôme Supérieur dEtudes Françaises Modernes (DS)

This is an examination at an advanced level, which also tests candidates cultural knowledge (civilization option) or literary knowledge (literature option). It is recognised in Portugal as part of the qualification required for Portuguese nationals to teach French. This diploma is endorsed by the French Ministry of Education.

There are five components:

Reading AND Writing

Candidates must be able to understand and interpret documents and texts, and express their opinions and feelings. Candidates are also expected to be aware of tone and register and to make inferences from texts and documents. They must show the ability to generate natural written language in response to a variety of thematic stimuli. Formal conventions (punctuation, composition, etc.) are taken into account. Reading is also tested in this component.

There are two options: civilisation and literature. For the civilisation option the candidate must complete tasks based on contemporary cultural matters. The following task types are used: multiple-choice, true/false, gap-filling.

For both options there is a guided essay. The civilisation option is based on one of the cultural topics covered in the syllabus. The literature option requires the candidate to write a commentary on an extract from one of the two literary works in the syllabus. Responses should be about 500 words in length.

The civilisation option lasts two hours and forty-five minutes and the literature option lasts three hours and thirty minutes.

Listening AND Speaking

Candidates are tested individually by two examiners. They must demonstrate the ability to answer questions and interact fluently in French. Candidates must be able to participate in a discussion, give opinions, and justify likes and dislikes. The examiner also tests candidates listening skills. This is done through reading and commenting on a text. The component lasts twenty minutes.

Structural Competence

Candidates are expected to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of grammar and lexis.

There are several tasks, including exercises which involve gap-filling, rephrasing sentences or rewriting passages.

The component lasts one hour and fifteen minutes.

Dictation

There is a dictation of approximately 200 words. It is usually adapted from a contemporary literary text. The text is read through once from start to finish without interruption, then dictated sentence by sentence and finally re-read the whole way through. Time is allocated at the end for candidates to make any final changes to their text.

The component lasts thirty minutes.

Résumé

Candidates are tested on their ability to understand and summarise a suitable text, usually a newspaper or magazine article of approximately 400 words in length.

The component lasts one hour and forty–five minutes.

Weighting of components

The Reading and Writing component carries 27% of the total marks, Listening and Speaking 27%, structural competence 23% and the Dictation and Résumé 23%.

Results

There are three pass grades: Très Bien (Very Good), Bien (Good), and Assez Bien (Fair). Certificates are awarded to all successful candidates.