Examples of what a person must do to reach this level, according to the official government guide.
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The Quebec government announced Thursday that 80 per cent of out-of-province and foreign students attending universities in Quebec will need to achieve Level 5 on the Échelle québécoise des niveaux de competence en français by the time they graduate. If not, universities may see “a portion of funding for non-Quebec students” reduced if they do not meet this criterion. (Bishop University of Sherbrooke is exempt from the threat, but it is not the norm.)
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What exactly does level 5 mean?
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According to the government scale, which measures oral and written comprehension and composition, level 5 is the first intermediate step in which the subject can have an interactive conversation with a varied vocabulary, facilitated with the help of an interlocutor.
Here’s what students will need to be able to do.
Oral comprehension
Understands the essence of conversations on current topics. It includes realistic, explicit and concrete statements formulated in simple or sometimes complex grammatical structures. Includes a variety of vocabulary.
1. Include basic information related to common topics.
- Understand the basics of information conveyed by a neighbor regarding organized activities during a neighborhood party
- Understand the basics of information presented in television news relating to international sporting competition.
2. Understand basic descriptions of a common situation or event.
- Understand the basics of the job description for a friend’s company.
- Understand the basics of the TV news description of the consequences of a flood.
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3. Understand the essence of personal experience accounting.
- Understand the basics of your colleague’s sojourn abroad story.
- Understand the basics of the story your neighbor tells about the events that occurred during a children’s party.
4. Include basic explanations related to the decision to accept or reject an offer related to the current situation.
- Understand the basics of explanations for a loved one’s decision to accept a part-time job offer.
- Understand the basics of explanations about a landlord’s decision to ban animals on the premises.
5. Follow short actions to meet common needs.
- Follow the procedure for submitting documents internally prepared by a colleague.
- Follow the procedure provided by your roommate to make your rent payment through the mobile app.
6. Include suggestions or tips for common situations.
- Understand friends’ suggestions for summer vacation.
- Understand your physiotherapist’s advice to prevent recurrence of muscle problems.
Oral production
Communicate common topics in short conversations or presentations. Exchange realistic and concrete observations using simple or sometimes complex grammatical constructions. Use common vocabulary.
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1. Interact to request or provide basic information related to current topics.
- Contact the hotel receptionist by phone to reserve a room and learn about the services provided.
- Interact with a moving company representative to use their services.
2. Describe the basics of the current situation or event.
- Describe a health problem over the phone to a nurse from the Info-Santé service.
- Describe to your loved one the activities offered in the winter carnival program.
3. Share your personal experience.
- Tell a friend about the highlights of the trip.
- Tell your loved one how your driving test went.
4. Explain the decision to accept or reject an offer related to the current situation.
- Explain to a friend the decision to accept the offer from your service provider to change your Internet service plan.
- Explain to a colleague the decision to turn down the job they were offered.
5. Formulate a few-step procedures to meet common needs.
- Tell a friend about the registration procedure with a family doctor.
- Explain to a new colleague the procedure for submitting additional work.
6. Provide suggestions or advice regarding common situations.
- Make suggestions to neighbors about parking their cars while they are staying abroad.
- Advice on finding accommodation for someone who has recently arrived in Quebec.
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Students from outside the province who are interested in studying French at a level 5 will need to meet certain language proficiency requirements in order to succeed in their studies. Level 5 French typically requires a high level of fluency and proficiency in the language, including advanced speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills. Students will need to demonstrate a strong understanding of French grammar and vocabulary, as well as the ability to engage in in-depth discussions and analysis of French literature, culture, and society. Additionally, they may need to meet specific prerequisites or pass language proficiency exams in order to be eligible for level 5 French courses.