If we use a synonym to the word you give, how should we score that?

Lynn S.B2Kwiziq community member

If we use a synonym to the word you give, how should we score that?

Asked 2 years ago
N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Bonjour Lynn,

In my experience Kwiziq will give alternative answers.

For example, for the first sentence I wrote: "Est-ce que je vais tout droit ?"  Kwiziq marked it right and listed the other correct answers: "Je vais tout droit ?"; or "Vais-je tout droit ?"

My first inclination for the translation to "...I am turning carefully." was "...je tourne doucement." but I wrote "prudemment" instead because Collins dictionary gave the example of "Conduisez prudemment !" My answer was marked as correct and that is what Kwiziq wrote, too, (ie. "prudemment").  But, you can see in the paragraph above that "doucement" is used. I have found that it is not uncommon for the paragraph in the final results to differ somewhat from the answers given during the exercise.

 

You can always look up the different synonyms in various dictionaries and come to your own conclusion. (Sometimes a synonym may not be used in the same context.) Or, you can always pose your question here.

In the end it is really up to you as to how to grade yourself. For example, I don't count off for punctuation, because it is sometimes impossible to know whether or not there is a comma, a period, an exclamation mark, etc. 

Keep in mind that the goal is to learn and expand your vocabulary and understanding of and French grammar and expressions not the grade. I don't think there is even a record kept of them for these self-grading exercises. 

 

And, don't forget you can repeat these exercises as many times as you feel you need to.

 

Hope this helps.

Bonne Continuation !

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Given that you think you found an alternative way translate the sentence, one which isn't given in the alternatives already. Since these exercises are self-scoring, it's upon you to research your answer and decide for yourself. You can, of course, always post your questions to the forum. However, it is actually quite educational to do some research yourself first.

Carolize J.C1Kwiziq community member

Why is "arrêter le moteur" not correct? I found it in Collins, but the suggested correct answer is: "Vous pouvez éteindre le moteur".

N. Hilary (Shamrockhill) W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Bonjour Carolize,

"Eteindre" is commonly used to refer to turning off lights, computers, etc. But, "arreter le moteur" would be more accurately translated as "to switch off" ( a motor), according to Collins. 

Here is the definition from LaRousse for "arreter":

" Interrompre, faire cesser le fonctionnement d'un mécanisme, d'un appareil : Arrête la radio, on ne s'entend plus."

So, it seems that both "eteindre" and "arreter" could be used depending on the nuance of the English - "turn off"; "switch off"; or simply "stop the motor". Maybe a native French speaker could give us some feedback?

Lynn S. asked:

If we use a synonym to the word you give, how should we score that?

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