Stage 3 · A2
Choosing passé composé or imperfect — identify and understand
Choosing passé composé or imperfect: progressive explanation, topic-specific examples, guided exercises and a corrected assessment.
1. Objective
By the end, you will identify and explain “Choosing passé composé or imperfect” in new examples.
2. Discover
Compare: Il pleuvait quand je suis sorti.; Je lisais quand le téléphone a sonné.; Nous habitions à Paris quand nous avons déménagé.; Elle dormait quand je suis arrivé.. Which clue helps you recognise passé composé ou imparfait dans le récit?
3. Understand
To understand “Choosing passé composé or imperfect”, start from the examples rather than an abstract definition. Identify the subject first, then the verb form, then what the sentence says about time or intention.
Start with the subject and time reference. Only then choose the tense or verb form: word-for-word translation often leads to the wrong tense.
4. Guided practice
5. Independent practice
6. Write / speak
Create two personal examples with “Choosing passé composé or imperfect”: one close to the model and one from your own day.
7. Check your learning
8. Remember
For passé composé ou imparfait dans le récit, identify the context first, then the form carrying the useful information. Always check your answer in a complete sentence.
9. Now I can…
- I can recognise “Choosing passé composé or imperfect” in a new example.
- I can justify my choice and create an example.
