Sample reading comprehension exam in French

French Language Exam:  Proficiency

September 2006 

• You may use a bilingual dictionary and verb chart.  You may NOT use a grammar book.
• Please type answers and attach sheet with this packet.
• GSAS requires you to write the honor pledge on your answer sheet: “On my honor as a student I have neither given nor received aid on this exam.” (Write out and sign).
• You have until 4:00 pm today to submit your exam to the French department; you may return it in person or e-mail it to the exam proctor (fre-exm@virginia.edu).  Exams submitted after 4:00 pm will not be accepted.  You must also return the paper copy of your exam (both cover sheet and text) to Ms. Stein in the French Department Office (304 Cabell Hall)
• GSAS will notify your dean or department of your exam results within two weeks of the exam date.  Please do not contact the French department or the examiner for your results.

I.  Reading Proficiency:  « Le modèle barcelonais » Le Monde diplomatique.  Please answer the following questions as completely as possible:

1. What major event served as the impetus for Barcelona to entirely revisit its urban network and gave rise to the Barcelonan model?
2. After the socialists came to power in 1979, three major criteria were established for an aggressive urban planning campaign. What was the third criterion and what does the slogan associated with it, “assainir le centre et monumentaliser la périphérie” mean?
3. According to the article, what are the defining characteristics of the Barcelonan model?
4. What adverse effect(s) has the Barcelonan model had on local residents?
5. What are the challenges facing proposed projects for the Distrito 22 triangle?

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