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Permalink Reply by Coline-Marie Orliac on May 29, 2012 at 6:56pm

Would gladly help you but I know nothing about the test.

If you want to work on your writing and oral skills, we can always get together.

Best wishes to you,

Coline

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Permalink Reply by Alexandra Daly on May 30, 2012 at 2:42pm

Hi Erica,

I recently took the test and found it similar to other standardized French tests: the SAT II, the AP exam, etc. Most of it is multiple choice (including a listening section) and there is a writing section (I had to write a short note to a French colleague who wanted to know what to do in New York during various seasons) and a speaking section where you talk into a tape recorder. Have you studied French for many years? I took the test right after an immersion experience (a semester abroad) and found I was prepared (and I passed), having done no other preparation other than looking at the study guide on the NYSTCE website (which I found true to the test). That's at http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY_viewSG_opener.asp if you haven't seen it.

If I can give you any other information or if you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Alexandra

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Permalink Reply by Erica Edouard on May 30, 2012 at 6:25pm

Merci, how was the culture part? Do you tutor for the exam?  my major was french. I need to improve my conversation skills. I know I'am able to teach french bc I passed two semesters of student teaching

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Permalink Reply by Alexandra Daly on May 30, 2012 at 7:05pm

It sounds to me like we're at a similar level. I also majored in French and student taught. So, I'm sure you know the language well and will be able to pass without difficulty if you're comfortable with testing in general.

I tried not to get overwhelmed with the culture part, since it is something that's difficult to study for (since it can be about literally anything!). I was confident in my linguistic ability, so I went into the test thinking even if I lost points on parts of the culture section, I would still do well overall because of the other parts of the test.

I'm currently not in New York (I'm living about 45 minutes away), so I'm not sure how feasible a tutoring arrangement would be. But again, it sounds like you're well-prepared overall; if you want to get more comfortable speaking, a great way is to have a partner who's a native speaker, which it seems like you're already investigating.

Let me know if I can clarify anything or be of any more help :)

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Permalink Reply by Erica Edouard on May 30, 2012 at 7:28pm

I live in suffolk cout. Thank You so much for your help. are you working at a school? Its so sad on olas.com I only saw one opening for french. We need to keep french alive.

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Permalink Reply by Alexandra Daly on May 30, 2012 at 9:40pm

I see lots of French openings (or French/Spanish and French/ESL) on schoolspring.com; you can check that out in addition to olas. Most of what's on schoolspring is not NYS positions, but I'm certified in various states, which helps a lot when trying to get a job!

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Permalink Reply by Patricia Trowbridge on May 30, 2012 at 11:07pm

Salut Erica!

J'ai trouvé un trés bon livre en France qui s'appele Litérature nouveau bac (textes et méthode). Ce livre m'ai beaucoup aidé. J'ai aussi fait quelque recherche sur l'internet sur la culture française. Bonne chance!!

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Permalink Reply by Erica Edouard on May 31, 2012 at 12:26pm

Merci, where can I buy this book?

Btw, how was the multiple choice?

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