Baccalauréat
Definition
The baccalauréat, also known as the "bac," is a high-stakes exam taken by French students at the end of their secondary education. It serves as a diploma and determines eligibility for higher education.
Analogy
Think of the baccalauréat as the ultimate boss battle in a video game. Just like defeating the boss unlocks new levels and challenges, passing the bac opens doors to university and future opportunities.
Related terms
Épreuves: These are the individual exams that make up the baccalauréat. They cover various subjects such as math, literature, history, and sciences.
Mention: The mention is an additional distinction awarded to students who perform exceptionally well on their baccalauréat exams. It can be "mention très bien" (highest honor), "mention bien" (high honor), or "mention assez bien" (honorable mention).
Rattrapage: If a student fails one or more épreuves, they have a chance to retake them during a second session called rattrapage. This allows them to still obtain their baccalauréat diploma.
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