Unit 1 · Lesson 3
Written Expression: What the Test Actually Is
The SLE writing test is entirely multiple choice: 65 questions in 90 minutes. You are not asked to write a memo from scratch. You choose the best word to complete a sentence, or identify which version of a sentence has no errors.
The two question types
Type 1: Fill-in-the-blank
A sentence has one gap. Choose the best word or phrase from four options. Tests vocabulary, collocations, and prepositions.
Type 2: Error identification
Four versions of a sentence are given. Only one is correct. Tests agreement, tense, register, and sentence structure.
Error types most commonly tested
• Past participle agreement (COD before avoir)
• Adjective agreement (gender / number)
• Wrong preposition (conformément à, etc.)
• Register mismatch (informal word in formal text)
• Double prepositions (dont + en)
• Tense sequence in reported speech
Key vocabulary and error types
Flip each card to understand the error type and how to spot it.
SLE Written Expression: question types & error categories
1 / 10
French
complétez la phrase
tap to flip
English
complete the sentence (fill-in-the-blank)
The most common SLE writing question type. A sentence or short paragraph has one blank, and you choose the best word or phrase from four options. Grammar, register, and vocabulary are all tested.
0 of 10 learned
Match the pairs
Match each term to its definition.
Written expression vocabulary
0 / 6 matched
Click a French word, then click its English match.
Practice questions
These replicate the two real question types you will face on test day.
Written expression: fill-in-blank & error ID
1 / 8
Fill in the blank: 'Suite à notre réunion du 12 mars, je vous transmets _____ le rapport final.' Which option is correct?
Written Expression understood.
Next: the SLE reading test: comprehending government documents under time pressure.