Activity Overview
As with most novels, Candide provides an excellent source for reinforcing grammar and language skills. In particular, the tale contains so many scenes in which characters tell stories that there is particular exposure to the use of the imperfect and preterite. Use the novel’s narration to address the differences between the imparfait and the passé simple. A simple way to do this is to have students pull sentences from the book that make use of a particular tense. Students can then depict the scene and explain why it requires a particular tense. Having them illustrate the scene will require students to spend time putting thought and analysis into a particular grammatical scenario. This provides excellent reinforcement for verb tense instruction. The sample assignment below focuses on the imperfect tense.
| Règle / Rule | Example / Exemple |
|---|---|
| Une description | "C'était un très beau jeune homme, le visage plein, assez blanc, haut en couleur, le sourcil relevé, l'oeil vif, l'oreille rouge, les lèvres vermeilles, l'air fier, mais d'une fierté qui n'était ni celle d'un Espagnol ni celle d'un jésuite." |
| Action ou phénomène qui se répète, non achevée | "Le baron ne pouvait se lasser d'embrasser Candide, il l'appelait son frère, son sauveur." |
| Action du passé dont la durée n'est pas définie | J'ai besoin de jeunes allemands pour aller au Paraguay. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
For this assignment, you will focus on the imperfect tense in Candide. In a single scene, find three different sentences containing a verb conjugated in the imparfait. Then, create a three-cell storyboard. Below each cell, write one of the three sentences. In the image square above, depict the sentence, and in the top textbox, list the grammatical rule that makes the imperfect tense appropriate for that particular sentence. See the sample storyboard for an example.
Remember the imparfait is used for the following situations:
- Past events without a definite ending point
- Repeated/regular actions in the past
- Physical or emotional descriptions (time, weather, age, feelings, etc.)
- Background event that gets interrupted by a new occurrence
- Wishes or suggestions
- Conditions in “si” clauses (Si...imparfait...conditionnel)
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element of Satire Example | The student has accurately found three examples of the imperfect tense and correctly identified the rule justifying each use of the tense. | The student has accurately found two examples of the imperfect tense and correctly identified the rule justifying two uses of the tense. | The student has misidentified two or more examples of the imperfect tense. Student has incorrectly identified the rules justifying two or more of the uses. |
| Images | All storyboard depictions show effort and appropriately capture the scene in the quoted selection. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and make an attempt to capture the scene in the quoted selection. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to coincide with the quoted selection. |
| Grammar and Spelling | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
Activity Overview
As with most novels, Candide provides an excellent source for reinforcing grammar and language skills. In particular, the tale contains so many scenes in which characters tell stories that there is particular exposure to the use of the imperfect and preterite. Use the novel’s narration to address the differences between the imparfait and the passé simple. A simple way to do this is to have students pull sentences from the book that make use of a particular tense. Students can then depict the scene and explain why it requires a particular tense. Having them illustrate the scene will require students to spend time putting thought and analysis into a particular grammatical scenario. This provides excellent reinforcement for verb tense instruction. The sample assignment below focuses on the imperfect tense.
| Règle / Rule | Example / Exemple |
|---|---|
| Une description | "C'était un très beau jeune homme, le visage plein, assez blanc, haut en couleur, le sourcil relevé, l'oeil vif, l'oreille rouge, les lèvres vermeilles, l'air fier, mais d'une fierté qui n'était ni celle d'un Espagnol ni celle d'un jésuite." |
| Action ou phénomène qui se répète, non achevée | "Le baron ne pouvait se lasser d'embrasser Candide, il l'appelait son frère, son sauveur." |
| Action du passé dont la durée n'est pas définie | J'ai besoin de jeunes allemands pour aller au Paraguay. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
For this assignment, you will focus on the imperfect tense in Candide. In a single scene, find three different sentences containing a verb conjugated in the imparfait. Then, create a three-cell storyboard. Below each cell, write one of the three sentences. In the image square above, depict the sentence, and in the top textbox, list the grammatical rule that makes the imperfect tense appropriate for that particular sentence. See the sample storyboard for an example.
Remember the imparfait is used for the following situations:
- Past events without a definite ending point
- Repeated/regular actions in the past
- Physical or emotional descriptions (time, weather, age, feelings, etc.)
- Background event that gets interrupted by a new occurrence
- Wishes or suggestions
- Conditions in “si” clauses (Si...imparfait...conditionnel)
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 7 Points | Satisfaisant 4 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Element of Satire Example | The student has accurately found three examples of the imperfect tense and correctly identified the rule justifying each use of the tense. | The student has accurately found two examples of the imperfect tense and correctly identified the rule justifying two uses of the tense. | The student has misidentified two or more examples of the imperfect tense. Student has incorrectly identified the rules justifying two or more of the uses. |
| Images | All storyboard depictions show effort and appropriately capture the scene in the quoted selection. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and make an attempt to capture the scene in the quoted selection. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to coincide with the quoted selection. |
| Grammar and Spelling | All sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | Most sentences and/or dialogue contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks) as appropriate for the class level. | The sentences and/or dialogue contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
How Tos about Candide et L\'imparfait / Candide and the Imperfect Tense
Easily Create Collaborative Storyboards with Student Groups
Organize students into small, diverse groups to foster collaboration and maximize idea sharing during the activity.
Assign Each Group a Unique Scene from Candide
Select different scenes for each group so students explore a variety of contexts, encouraging broad engagement with the text.
Guide Groups to Identify Sentences in the Imparfait
Ask each group to locate three sentences in their scene that use the imperfect tense, ensuring active text analysis and reinforcing key grammar concepts.
Facilitate Collaborative Storyboard Creation
Encourage group members to work together on a three-cell storyboard, illustrating each chosen sentence and adding the relevant grammatical rule above each cell for visual reinforcement.
Present and Discuss Storyboards as a Class
Have groups share their storyboards, explaining their choices and the relevant imperfect tense rules, to promote peer learning and deepen understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candide et L\'imparfait / Candide and the Imperfect Tense
What is the imparfait tense and how is it used in Candide?
The imparfait (imperfect tense) in French describes ongoing or repeated actions in the past, background descriptions, or situations without a clear endpoint. In Candide, it's often used to set scenes, express feelings, or show repeated actions from the past.
How can I create a quick lesson on the imperfect tense using Candide?
To teach the imperfect tense with Candide, select a scene, have students find three sentences using the imparfait, and ask them to illustrate each. Have them explain the grammatical rule for each use, reinforcing tense recognition and understanding through visuals and analysis.
What’s the difference between the imparfait and passé simple in Candide?
The imparfait describes ongoing, repeated, or background actions, while the passé simple highlights completed, specific events. Candide uses both tenses: imparfait for setting the scene or repeated actions, and passé simple for main plot events.
Can you give examples of imparfait sentences from Candide for students?
Examples from Candide include: "C'était un très beau jeune homme..." (description), "Le baron ne pouvait se lasser d'embrasser Candide..." (repeated action), and "Il l'appelait son frère..." (ongoing action). These show different uses of the imparfait.
What’s an engaging activity to reinforce the imperfect tense with Candide?
Try a storyboard activity: students find three imparfait sentences in a scene, illustrate each, and explain why the tense is used. This visual and analytical task deepens understanding of verb tense usage in context.
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