Activity Overview
Using storyboards is a great way for students to distinguish the differences between the imperfect and passé composé. Using a T Chart, students will write sentences using the imperfect and passé composé and illustrate scenes to go along with it. This format can help students identify a number of differences between the two tenses, such as sustained action vs. finite action, or habitual action vs. one-time events.
The sample storyboard is set up to display an ongoing action interrupted by a one-time action. The storyboard images will help students envision the scenario and further solidify the grammatical rule. This can be altered and used as a template for students, or students can create their own scenarios from the blank template provided.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use a T Chart to practice writing in the imparfait and passé composé. Create sentences that describe finite and interrupting actions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left column, describe and depict an action in the imparfait that is ongoing.
- In the right column, depict and describe a finite action that interrupts the ongoing action.
- Include an English translation of your sentence.
- Create illustrations with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 4 Points | Satisfaisant 2 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passé Composé | The storyboard includes correct use of the passé composé. All verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly correct use of the passé composé. Two out of three verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly incorrect use of the passé composé. At least two out of three verbs are conjugated incorrectly or used in inappropriate contexts. |
| Imparfait | The storyboard includes correct use of the imparfait. All verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly correct use of the imparfait. Two out of three verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly incorrect use of the imparfait. At least two out of three verbs are conjugated incorrectly or used in inappropriate contexts. |
| English translation | Each French phrase is correctly translated. | Most French phrases are correctly translated. | French phrases are not translated, or the majority are incorrectly translated. |
| Storyboard Scenes | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. The two scenes clearly show an ongoing action being interrupted. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and attempt to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenes attempt to show an ongoing action being interrupted. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios do not all show an ongoing action being interrupted. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | Most sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | The sentences contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
Activity Overview
Using storyboards is a great way for students to distinguish the differences between the imperfect and passé composé. Using a T Chart, students will write sentences using the imperfect and passé composé and illustrate scenes to go along with it. This format can help students identify a number of differences between the two tenses, such as sustained action vs. finite action, or habitual action vs. one-time events.
The sample storyboard is set up to display an ongoing action interrupted by a one-time action. The storyboard images will help students envision the scenario and further solidify the grammatical rule. This can be altered and used as a template for students, or students can create their own scenarios from the blank template provided.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Use a T Chart to practice writing in the imparfait and passé composé. Create sentences that describe finite and interrupting actions.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the left column, describe and depict an action in the imparfait that is ongoing.
- In the right column, depict and describe a finite action that interrupts the ongoing action.
- Include an English translation of your sentence.
- Create illustrations with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Excellent 4 Points | Satisfaisant 2 Points | Insuffisant 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passé Composé | The storyboard includes correct use of the passé composé. All verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly correct use of the passé composé. Two out of three verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly incorrect use of the passé composé. At least two out of three verbs are conjugated incorrectly or used in inappropriate contexts. |
| Imparfait | The storyboard includes correct use of the imparfait. All verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly correct use of the imparfait. Two out of three verbs are conjugated correctly and used in appropriate contexts. | The storyboard includes mostly incorrect use of the imparfait. At least two out of three verbs are conjugated incorrectly or used in inappropriate contexts. |
| English translation | Each French phrase is correctly translated. | Most French phrases are correctly translated. | French phrases are not translated, or the majority are incorrectly translated. |
| Storyboard Scenes | The storyboard depictions show strong effort and clearly convey the meaning of the text. The two scenes clearly show an ongoing action being interrupted. | Most storyboard depictions show effort and attempt to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenes attempt to show an ongoing action being interrupted. | The storyboard depictions show a lack of effort and fail to convey the meaning of the text. The two scenarios do not all show an ongoing action being interrupted. |
| Spelling/Grammar | All sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | Most sentences contain correct grammar and spelling (including accent marks). | The sentences contain many grammatical or spelling errors (including accent marks). |
How Tos about French Imperfect Tense / Passé Composé
Incorporate oral practice for imperfect vs. passé composé
Enhance student understanding by including oral exercises where students explain their storyboard scenes using both tenses aloud. This boosts speaking confidence and helps identify areas of confusion.
Model a sample oral explanation for the class
Demonstrate how to describe a storyboard scene using the imperfect and passé composé by speaking out loud as you point to each panel. Modeling provides clear examples and sets expectations for students.
Pair students for collaborative speaking practice
Assign students to partners and have them take turns describing each other’s storyboard panels using both tenses. Peer feedback encourages active listening and reinforces correct usage in context.
Use sentence starters to scaffold oral responses
Provide sentence starters like “Quand j’étais jeune, je…” or “Soudain, il/elle a…” to help students structure their oral explanations. Scaffolding supports learners at all proficiency levels.
Conduct a quick oral recap as a class
Invite several students to share their storyboard scenes orally with the class, ensuring each uses both tenses. Whole-class sharing promotes accountability and reinforces learning.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Imperfect Tense / Passé Composé
What is the difference between French imperfect tense and passé composé?
The imperfect tense (imparfait) in French describes ongoing, habitual, or background actions in the past, while the passé composé is used for completed, one-time, or interrupting actions. Using both helps convey the timeline and nature of past events more precisely.
How can storyboards help students learn French past tenses?
Storyboards visually illustrate the contrast between ongoing and finite actions, making it easier for students to grasp when to use the imperfect vs. passé composé. Creating images for each tense helps reinforce understanding through context and storytelling.
What is a T Chart and how do I use it for French tense practice?
A T Chart is a graphic organizer with two columns. For French tenses, use one side for imperfect sentences (ongoing actions) and the other for passé composé (interrupting or completed actions). Add illustrations to clarify each scenario.
Can students create their own scenarios to practice imparfait and passé composé?
Yes! Allowing students to make up their own scenarios encourages creativity and deeper learning. They can use blank templates to invent stories, write sentences for each tense, and illustrate the events, making grammar practice engaging.
What are some examples of French sentences using both imperfect and passé composé?
Example: Je lisais un livre quand le téléphone a sonné. (I was reading a book when the phone rang.) Here, lisais (was reading) is imperfect for the background action, and a sonné (rang) is passé composé for the interrupting event.
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