In this class, the first and second quarters count as 20 % each of the grade with the third and fourth quarters counting for 30 % each. In other words, a student needs to demonstrate learning all year.

 

1. GRADES

In each quarter, typically, the grades will be distributed as follows:
Writing............30 %
Listening .........30 %
Speaking.........30 %
Participation ...10 %

2. RUBRICS

A. Essays are graded according to the AP French Language Scoring Guide, generously corrected at the beginning of the year and corrected more closely to the Scoring Guide as the year progresses. See excerpts from the Guide and how it translates to grades:

Strong Control A+ / A	Clear command of language and a sense of idiom. Clarity of organization. Accuracy and variety in grammar and syntax with few errors.	-excellent vocab. - used subjonctif, conditionnel
Good control A- / B+	Reads smoothly overall despite some errors in grammar and usage. Evidence of organization. Varied and generally appropriate vocabulary.	- problems with imparfait vs passé composé - few idioms - outline not completely clear
Fair Control B / B-	Easily comprehensible, with some signs of fluency and organization. Correct use of simple grammatical structures with minor errors. Some apt vocabulary.	- outline not clear - no subjonctif, no conditionnel - vocab. poor
Weak Control C+ / C / C-	Generally comprehensible but frequently forces interpretation on the part of the reader. Little evidence of fluency. Inaccuracies in grammatical structures and/or limited vocabulary.	-confusing to read because of wrong vocabulary use or wrong tenses - requires translation

B. Tapes are also corrected according to the AP French Language, again more leniently at the beginning of the year and closer to the Scoring Guide as the year progresses. The goal for the student is to incorporate the previous corrections and the new learning. It's amazing to see the improvement. See below the main points of the Scoring Guide:

Very Good/ Superior A+ / A	Well-developed and appropriate answer. Variety of syntax structures. Broad use of vocabulary. High ease of expression.	- many idioms -subjonctif and conditionnel - fluid
Good A- / B+	Connection of ideas. Mostly correct syntactic strutures. Some range of vocabulary. Pronunciation does not interfere.	- parce que, quand... - subjonctif / conditionnel/ futur - some fluidity
Adequate B / B-	Moderate fluency. Repetitions. Basic syntactic patterns / vocabulary. Pronuciation unclear at times.	-Difficulties with basic tenses - somewhat slow - basic vocabulary
Limited C+ / C	Partially appropriate answer / Appropriate answer with serious flaws in grammar, usage and pronunciation. Very hesitant.	- hard to understand - mixes avoir/ être - hesitant and slow

 

C. Presentations of pages of the story read in class are graded according to several criteria. To give a solid presentation, students need to demonstrate not only understanding of the passage but also reflection on what they have read, mastery of the vocabulary and good speaking skills. 50 points will be given as follows:

Content	2 6 10	- too detailed /with parts taken directly from the text. - in own words but no indication of what is important. - in own words; relevant info well explained
Structure	2 5 10	- many problems and inaccuracies. - some problems and inaccuracies. - statements were structurally correct.
Fluency / Pronunciation	2 6 10	-very halting delivery / many incomprehensible words. - some hesitancy / incomprehensible words. - smooth and comprehensible.
Comprehension	2 10	- answers follow-up questions unsatisfactorily. - shows good comprehension.
Vocabulary	0 - 3 0 - 2 0 - 2 0 - 3	- accurate translations. - root & related words given. - expression correctly given. - lines & pages clearly indicated.

3. PARTICIPATION

Participation in class means :
- speaking French at all times, as soon as entering the class,even before and after the bell
- sharing with the class. For instance, what activities the student did during the weekend or the night before or any other news.
- volunteering to come to the board or the front of the class.
- answering questions.

When a student participates, the quality of the French is not graded. Only the fact that the student is willing to say or do something is taken into account.