Reading comprehension questions in English test your ability to understand French signs, timetables, menus, and short personal accounts. In the Junior Cycle examination, you will skim for the general meaning, scan for specific details, and write down clear, factual answers in English.
Skimming and Scanning Strategy
Before searching for specific details, skim the whole text quickly to grasp the general topic. Look at the title, any images, and repeated words to understand the overall context. For example, if you see words like professeur, devoirs, and matières, you immediately know the topic is school life.
Once you understand the general theme, read the English questions before reading the French passage again. Identify what type of information each question requires so you can scan for exact clues:
- Prices: search for digits with the euro symbol (€) or words like gratuit (free).
- Times: look for numbers paired with h, such as 14h30 (2.30 p.m.).
- Places: look for capitalised town names, streets (rue), or buildings (gare, musée).
- Rules: look for warning words such as interdit (forbidden) or défense de (prohibited).
Reading Signs, Times and Prices
Find a real French notice, menu or webpage about a topic you know. Use it to identify useful facts.
| French Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ouvert de ... à ... | open from ... to ... |
| fermé le lundi | closed on Mondays |
| du lundi au samedi | Monday to Saturday |
| jours fériés | public holidays |
| le quai | the platform |
| en retard | delayed / late |
French timetables commonly use the 24-hour clock: 14h30 means 2.30 p.m. Watch out for qualifying words such as sauf (except) or seulement (only). If a monument is open tous les jours sauf le mardi, it is closed on Tuesdays.
Reading Personal Accounts and Stories
Longer passages such as blog entries, emails, and diary extracts focus on people, daily routines, and past experiences. Use any paragraph references given, and check which event or time each question asks about.
- Reasons: When a question asks 'Why?', locate linking words like parce que (because), car (because), or pour followed by an infinitive (in order to).
- Time markers: Pay attention to words that show sequence: hier (yesterday), aujourd'hui (today), demain (tomorrow), or le week-end dernier (last weekend).
- Negation: Negative words such as ne… pas (not), ne… jamais (never), and ne… plus (no longer) can completely reverse a person's habits or opinions.
Key terms
- ouvert / fermé
- Open / closed
- interdit
- Forbidden or not allowed.
- gratuit
- Free of charge
- sauf
- Except; introduces an exception in a rule or schedule.
- l'entrée
- The starter course on a menu, or the entrance of a building.
- le plat du jour
- The special dish of the day in a café or restaurant.
- le quai
- The train platform.
- en retard
- Late or delayed when referring to travel or arrivals.
Check yourself
What does 'fermé les jours fériés' mean on an information sign?
Closed on public holidays.
What time is 17h30 in standard 12-hour English format?
5.30 p.m.
If a sign reads 'défense d'entrer', what action is prohibited?
Entering / entry is forbidden.
A sign states: 'Le musée est gratuit et fermé le lundi.' Give two details in English.
Admission is free, and it is closed on Mondays.