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NotesFrench B HLTopic 6.2Reference words
Back to French B HL Topics
6.2.73 min read

Reference words (French B HL)

IB French B · Unit 6

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Contents

  1. 1What reference words are
  2. 2Tracking the reference — step by step
  3. 3In action
  4. 4Common errors
What it is: A small word (leur, y, en, dont, celui-ci) stands for something said before. You copy what it stands for.
The instruction on the paper: À qui ou à quoi les mots soulignés font-ils référence ? Répondez en utilisant les mots tels qu’ils apparaissent dans le texte. → Who or what do the underlined words refer to? Answer using the words as they appear in the text.
Example: who or what? (bold = underlined on the paper): Dans notre village, la boulangerie et l’épicerie ont fermé l’an dernier. Les habitants leur préféraient le supermarché de la ville voisine, plus grand et moins cher. Aujourd’hui, beaucoup le regrettent : les personnes âgées, qui n’ont pas de voiture, doivent attendre le bus pour faire leurs courses. La commune a mis en place un minibus deux fois par semaine, mais il ne dessert pas tous les hameaux.

À qui ou à quoi les mots soulignés font-ils référence ? Répondez en utilisant les mots tels qu’ils apparaissent dans le texte.

…Les habitants leur préféraient… (ligne 2)

Answer

Step by step

    les mots soulignés
    the underlined words
    à qui ou à quoi
    to whom or to what
    font-ils référence
    do they refer
    dont
    of which, about which
    celui-ci / celle-ci
    this one, the latter
    en
    of it, of them
    Remember: Look back in the text. Your answer must fit in place of the small word.

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    Track the reference

    1

    Spot the word

    Masculine or feminine? Singular or plural?

    2

    Look back

    Sometimes two sentences back.

    3

    Check it agrees

    Same gender and number.

    4

    Swap to test

    Put your answer in its place.

    Spot → Back → Agree → Swap

    Learn what examiners really want

    See exactly what to write to score full marks. Our AI shows you model answers and the key phrases examiners look for.

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    Example: **en**: La mairie a lancé un appel aux habitants pour végétaliser les trottoirs. Ceux qui le souhaitent peuvent planter des fleurs au pied de leur immeuble ; la mairie en fournit gratuitement les graines. L’initiative, critiquée au départ, a finalement séduit les plus sceptiques.

    À qui ou à quoi les mots soulignés font-ils référence ? Répondez en utilisant les mots tels qu’ils apparaissent dans le texte.

    …la mairie en fournit gratuitement les graines… (ligne 3)

    Answer

    Step by step

      Do

      • Look back, sometimes two sentences.
      • Check gender and number.
      • Copy the words from the text.

      Don't

      • Take the nearest noun without checking.
      • Answer with another small word.
      • Explain in your own words.

      IB Exam Questions on Reference words

      Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 6.2.7. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

      Practice Topic 6.2.7 QuestionsBrowse All French B HL Topics

      How Reference words Appears in IB Exams

      Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

      • Define

        Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Reference words.

        AO1
      • Describe

        Give a detailed account of processes or features in Reference words.

        AO2
      • Explain

        Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Reference words.

        AO3
      • Evaluate

        Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Reference words.

        AO3
      • Discuss

        Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

        AO3

      See the full IB Command Terms guide

      Related French B HL Topics

      Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

      6.1.1Format & rubric6.2.1Multiple choice6.2.2True/False + justify6.2.3Vocabulary in context
      View all French B HL topics
      Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for French B HL
      Previous6.2.6Sentence completionNextShort answer6.2.8

      3 practice questions on Reference words

      Students who practiced this topic on Aimnova scored 82% on average. Try free practice questions and get instant AI feedback.

      Try 3 Free QuestionsView All French B HL Topics