Unit 2 · Lesson 2
Grammar for Comprehension
The grammar structures that appear most in Paper 2 texts. Understanding relative pronouns, tenses, and passive voice unlocks meaning in complex sentences.
Key idea
When you hit a long sentence, look for the relative pronoun first (qui, que, dont, où). It tells you exactly which noun the clause is describing: and that unlocks the whole sentence.
Quick reference
qui → subject of the clause
que → object of the clause
dont → after verbs with "de"
où → place or time
Grammar reference cards
Click a card to flip it. Focus on when each structure is used.
Grammar for Paper 2 comprehension
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French
qui
tap to flip
English
who / which / that (subject)
Relative pronoun replacing the subject. 'C'est l'homme qui parle.' = He is the man who is speaking.
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Unlocking long sentences: a strategy
Paper 2 texts use complex sentences. Break them down in this order:
- 1Find the main verb — the heart of the sentence. Everything else depends on it.
- 2Identify the relative pronoun (qui, que, dont, où, lequel…) — it tells you which noun the clause describes.
- 3Identify the tense — passé composé vs. imparfait vs. plus-que-parfait signals when and how actions relate.
- 4Check for passive or gérondif — passive changes who does what; gérondif (en + -ant) explains how or when.
Match the pairs
Match each grammar term to its function.
Grammar terms
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Click a French word, then click its English match.
Quick quiz
Apply the grammar to sentences like the ones you'll see in Paper 2.
Grammar for comprehension quiz
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Choose the correct relative pronoun: 'C'est le programme _____ a été lancé l'année dernière.'
Grammar for reading locked in.
Next: listening comprehension: how to approach audio texts and what to listen for.