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

Reference words

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 (le, leur, y, en, qui) 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): Martin a trouvé un vieux vélo dans le garage de son grand-père. Il l’a réparé pendant tout l’été, avec l’aide d’un voisin. Maintenant, il va au lycée avec, même quand il pleut. Ses amis lui demandent souvent de les aider avec leurs propres vélos, et il a même ouvert un petit atelier de réparation le samedi.

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

…Il l’a réparé… (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
    y
    there: a place
    en
    some, of it
    leur
    (to) 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

    The answer is usually just before.

    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.

    Try AI Feedback FreeYour first topic is free to keep • No credit card required
    Example: **leur**: Mes voisins ont deux enfants de 8 et 10 ans. Comme les parents travaillent tard, je garde les enfants le mercredi. Je leur prépare le goûter et nous faisons les devoirs ensemble.

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

    …Je leur prépare le goûter… (ligne 3)

    Answer

    Step by step

      Do

      • Look back before the word.
      • 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 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 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 topics
      Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for French B
      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 Topics