Test Your French Listening and Comprehension Skills (B1-B2 Level)
Why Listening Comprehension Is Essential
Listening is at the heart of language learning. Before you can speak fluently, you need to understand what you hear. This blog post offers a complete listening test, just like in our OuiTeach video, to help you practice and evaluate your French listening skills at the B1-B2 level.
How the Test Works?
You’ll find 10 short texts in different styles: narrative, documentary, imperative, descriptive, dialogue, argumentative, explanatory, historical, diary, and art critique.
After each text, you’ll see three summary choices. Only one is correct.
Tip: Write down your answers as you go. If you get at least 8 out of 10 correct, you can consider the test a success!
The Listening Texts, Summaries, and Answers
1. Narrative Text
French
C’était un matin d’automne. Le vent soufflait fort, et les feuilles mortes tournaient dans la cour du petit lycée. Julie, en retard comme toujours, courait à perdre haleine. Elle avait oublié son exposé sur la Révolution française, et cela la paniquait. En entrant dans la classe, elle croisa le regard de M. Lefèvre, son professeur d’histoire, qui semblait déjà agacé. Mais contre toute attente, il annonça qu’ils feraient le contrôle la semaine suivante. Julie poussa un soupir de soulagement. Finalement, c’était son jour de chance.
English
It was an autumn morning. The wind was blowing hard, and dead leaves were swirling in the courtyard of the small high school. Julie, late as always, was running out of breath. She had forgotten her presentation on the French Revolution, and she was panicking. Entering the classroom, she met the gaze of Mr. Lefèvre, her history teacher, who already seemed annoyed. But against all expectations, he announced that the test would be held the following week. Julie breathed a sigh of relief. In the end, it was her lucky day.
Summary Choices:
A. Julie forgot her presentation and was punished by her history teacher.
B. Julie arrived late but avoided the history test.
C. Julie arrived on time and gave a brilliant history presentation.
Correct Answer:
B. Julie arrived late but avoided the history test.
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2. Documentary Text
French
Le loup gris est une espèce protégée en Europe. Après avoir presque disparu, il a progressivement recolonisé plusieurs régions, notamment les Alpes et le Massif central. Ce retour est dû aux efforts de protection et à l’abondance de proies comme les chevreuils. Cependant, la cohabitation avec les éleveurs reste difficile. Les attaques sur les troupeaux provoquent des tensions, malgré les dispositifs de protection mis en place, comme les clôtures électriques ou les chiens de garde.
English
The grey wolf is a protected species in Europe. After almost disappearing, it has gradually recolonized several regions, especially the Alps and the Massif Central. This return is due to protection efforts and the abundance of prey such as deer. However, living alongside farmers remains difficult. Attacks on livestock cause tension, despite protective measures like electric fences or guard dogs.
Summary Choices:
A. The grey wolf has completely disappeared from France because of hunters.
B. The grey wolf is returning to France, which creates conflicts with farmers.
C. The grey wolf is being released by farmers into the mountains.
Correct Answer:
B. The grey wolf is returning to France, which creates conflicts with farmers.
3. Imperative (Instructional) Text
French
Pour réussir un gâteau au chocolat moelleux, commencez par faire fondre le chocolat avec le beurre. Pendant ce temps, fouettez les œufs avec le sucre jusqu’à ce que le mélange blanchisse. Ensuite, incorporez la farine, puis le chocolat fondu. Versez dans un moule beurré et enfournez à 180 °C pendant 25 minutes. Laissez refroidir avant de démouler.
Bon appétit
English
To make a soft chocolate cake, start by melting the chocolate with the butter. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture turns pale. Then, add the flour, followed by the melted chocolate. Pour into a buttered pan and bake at 180°C for 25 minutes. Let it cool before removing from the pan.
Enjoy!
Summary Choices:
A. This text explains how to make a soft chocolate cake.
B. This text gives tips for serving cake with chocolate ice cream.
C. This text talks about baking an apple cake at 180°C with chocolate topping.
Correct Answer:
A. This text explains how to make a soft chocolate cake.
4. Descriptive Text
French
Le vieux village de Saint-Clément est perché sur une colline, entouré de champs d’oliviers. Les maisons en pierre ont des volets bleus et des toits couverts de tuiles rouges. Le matin, on entend le chant des oiseaux et le clocher sonne chaque heure. Les ruelles étroites sentent la lavande et mènent toutes à la petite place centrale, où les habitants se retrouvent autour de la fontaine.
English
The old village of Saint-Clément is perched on a hill, surrounded by olive fields. The stone houses have blue shutters and roofs covered with red tiles. In the morning, you can hear birds singing and the bell tower chimes every hour. The narrow streets smell of lavender and all lead to the small central square, where locals gather around the fountain.
Summary Choices:
A. Saint-Clément is a quiet, picturesque village by the sea.
B. Saint-Clément is a modern village with some old buildings.
C. Saint-Clément is an old, peaceful village surrounded by nature.
Correct Answer:
C. Saint-Clément is an old, peaceful village surrounded by nature.
5. Dialogue
French
– Tu viens au cinéma ce soir ?
– J’aimerais bien, mais j’ai encore beaucoup de devoirs à finir…
– Dommage, on va voir le nouveau film de science-fiction dont tout le monde parle.
– Ah mince ! Tu me raconteras ?
– Promis ! Et si tu veux, on pourra y aller ensemble ce week-end.
– Bonne idée, je me rattraperai !
English
— Are you coming to the movies tonight?
— I’d like to, but I still have a lot of homework to finish…
— Too bad, we’re going to see the new science fiction movie everyone’s talking about.
— Oh no! Will you tell me about it?
— I promise! And if you want, we can go together this weekend.
— Good idea, I’ll make up for it!
Summary Choices:
A. The two friends are going to the movies together tonight.
B. One friend suggests going to the movies, but the other prefers to work.
C. The two friends are talking about a presentation on science fiction.
Correct Answer:
B. One friend suggests going to the movies, but the other prefers to work.
6. Argumentative Text
French
Il est important de limiter notre consommation de plastique. Chaque année, des tonnes de déchets plastiques finissent dans les océans, mettant en danger la faune marine. Même les plastiques recyclables ne sont pas toujours bien traités. Utiliser des alternatives comme les sacs en tissu ou les contenants réutilisables est un premier pas vers une consommation plus responsable.
English
It is important to limit our use of plastic. Every year, tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans, endangering marine life. Even recyclable plastics are not always properly processed. Using alternatives like cloth bags or reusable containers is a first step toward more responsible consumption.
Summary Choices:
A. It is urgent to replace plastic with more sustainable alternatives.
B. Reducing plastic is harmful to ocean life.
C. The text explains how to use more plastic at home.
Correct Answer:
A. It is urgent to replace plastic with more sustainable alternatives.
7. Explanatory Text
French
Quand on chauffe de l’eau, les molécules s’agitent de plus en plus vite. À 100 °C, l’eau atteint son point d’ébullition : elle passe de l’état liquide à l’état gazeux. Cette transformation est appelée vaporisation. Elle nécessite de l’énergie, c’est pourquoi l’eau met un certain temps à bouillir, même sur le feu vif.
English
When you heat water, the molecules move faster and faster. At 100°C, water reaches its boiling point: it changes from a liquid to a gas. This transformation is called vaporization. It requires energy, which is why water takes some time to boil, even on a high flame.
Summary Choices:
A. Water gets lukewarm when it reaches 100°C.
B. Water boils at 100°C thanks to the movement of molecules.
C. Water heats up more slowly on a high flame.
Correct Answer:
B. Water boils at 100°C thanks to the movement of molecules.
8. Historical Text
French
Le 14 juillet 1789, une foule de Parisiens a pris d’assaut la Bastille, une prison considérée comme un symbole du pouvoir royal. Cet événement marque le début de la Révolution française. À partir de ce jour, le peuple commence à revendiquer plus de liberté, d’égalité et la fin de la monarchie absolue.
English
On July 14, 1789, a crowd of Parisians stormed the Bastille, a prison considered a symbol of royal power. This event marks the beginning of the French Revolution. From that day, the people began to demand more freedom, equality, and the end of absolute monarchy.
Summary Choices:
A. The storming of the Bastille marks the start of the French Revolution.
B. The Bastille was built to protect the king in 1789.
C. The fall of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, ended the French Revolution.
Correct Answer:
A. The storming of the Bastille marks the start of the French Revolution.
9. Diary Entry
French
Ce soir, je suis rentrée très fatiguée. La journée a été longue au travail : trois réunions, un dossier à rendre, et en plus, mon ordinateur est tombé en panne. J’ai failli craquer. Heureusement, en rentrant, j’ai trouvé un petit mot doux sur la table : c’était de Marc. Rien de tel pour retrouver le sourire.
English
Tonight, I came home very tired. It was a long day at work: three meetings, a report to submit, and on top of that, my computer broke down. I almost lost it. Fortunately, when I got home, I found a sweet note on the table: it was from Marc. Nothing like it to bring back a smile.
Summary Choices:
A. She received bad news when she got home from work.
B. She had a pleasant day and wrote a letter to Marc.
C. She had a difficult day but was comforted by a note.
Correct Answer:
C. She had a difficult day but was comforted by a note.
10. Art Critique
French
Le dernier film de Sofia Rinaldi est une œuvre puissante. À travers des plans sobres et une musique discrète, la réalisatrice dresse le portrait d’une femme en quête de sens. Le rythme lent peut surprendre, mais il accompagne parfaitement l’évolution intérieure du personnage. Une réussite artistique qui ne laissera personne indifférent.
English
Sofia Rinaldi’s latest film is a powerful work. Through simple shots and subtle music, the director paints the portrait of a woman searching for meaning. The slow pace may be surprising, but it perfectly matches the character’s inner journey. An artistic achievement that will leave no one indifferent.
Summary Choices:
A. The film is a light comedy praised by critics.
B. The film is slow but deep, and artistically successful.
C. The film tells the story of Sofia, a young woman searching for love.
Correct Answer:
B. The film is slow but deep, and artistically successful.
How Did You Do?
If you got at least 8 out of 10 correct, congratulations! You have a solid B1-B2 listening level. If not, don’t worry—listening comprehension takes practice. You can always retake the test or try other videos.
Share your score in the comments of the YouTube video! We’re curious to know how you did.
And if you enjoyed this style of exercise, let us know! We might create more listening tests, even at higher levels like C1.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and activate the bell on OuiTeach to keep learning French with us.
See you soon for another video—and keep enjoying your French journey !