10.6 Translation Exam Techniques

• What is the length of the English text that must be translated into French in the English to French translation task?

  Approximately 100 words
• Why is understanding the context important when translating a passage?

  To grasp the overall meaning
• Proofreading is essential to check the translation for accuracy and clarity.

  True
• In the English to French translation task, students should focus on producing natural-sounding French.
• The approach to French to English translation is the same as English to French translation.

  False
• Expanding vocabulary is crucial for success in the OCR A-Level French translation exam.


  True
• The idiomatic translation of "Break a leg" is "Bonne chance."


  True
• The English to French translation task is generally more challenging than the French to English task.


  True
• Vocabulary identification is a key strategy for source text analysis.


  True
• Match the type of translation with its example:

  Literal ↔️ "The cat is black" -> "Le chat est noir"

  Free ↔️ "It's raining cats and dogs" -> "Il pleut à verse"

  Idiomatic ↔️ "Break a leg" -> "Bonne chance"
• Idiomatic translations use equivalent phrases to convey meaning.


  True
• Pacing yourself means avoiding spending too much time on one section.


  True
• English translations should aim for a formal, literary style.

  False
• Grammatical errors arise from failing to apply proper grammar rules in the target language.


  True
• What are the two tasks in the OCR A-Level French translation exam?

  French to English and English to French
• What are the two tasks in the OCR A-Level French translation exam?

  French to English and English to French
• What is the first step students should take when approaching a translation task?

  Understand the context
• Match the focus of each translation task with its direction:

  French to English ↔️ Comprehension and expression

  English to French ↔️ Accuracy and language production
• What type of translation emphasizes capturing the overall meaning without strict adherence to original wording?

  Free translation
• Which language uses fewer commas in punctuation—French or English?

  French
• What is a false cognate in translation?

  Words that look similar but have different meanings
• Leaving out important words or phrases during translation is called omission
• Translating word-for-word without context is called literal
• How does reviewing past translation questions improve skills?

  By analyzing source text
• What is one way to immerse yourself in French to improve translation skills?

  Engage in conversations
• What is the primary focus in English to French translation?

  Language production
• What is the final step in a translation strategy during the exam?

  Proofreading
• In the French to English translation task, students must translate a passage of approximately 100 words.
• Steps to approach translation tasks effectively

  1️⃣ Understand the context

  2️⃣ Identify key vocabulary

  3️⃣ Apply grammar and syntax rules

  4️⃣ Proofread
• What should students understand when analyzing the source text for translation tasks?

  The context and purpose
• The final step in translation tasks is to proofread
• A key strategy for English to French translation is to produce natural-sounding French
• Immersing yourself in the language involves consuming French media and engaging in conversations
• The French to English translation task focuses on comprehension
• Match the focus of each language direction in translation:

  French to English ↔️ Understanding context

  English to French ↔️ Accurate grammar
• What should students immerse themselves in to improve their fluency?

  French media
• A literal translation maintains the original sentence structure
• What does prioritizing involve in time management?

  Identifying important information
• In French, periods go inside quotation marks, while in English they go outside
• False cognates are words that look similar in both languages but have different meanings