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Who was Jean de la Fontaine?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: A 17th-century writer known for his fables. Jean de la Fontaine was a writer of the 17th century. He is known for his fables, short stories with animals and a moral. They are taught at school. Source: the Ministry of the Interior sheet “Patrimoine français : des artistes emblématiques parmi les auteurs (1/3)” (in French).
Sources: Sheet “Patrimoine français : des artistes emblématiques parmi les auteurs (1/3)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ A poet known for Les Fleurs du MalUn poète connu pour Les Fleurs du MalThat is not the right answer: the fact sheet says Jean de la Fontaine is a writer known for his fables.
- ✗ A theatre author known for TartuffeUn auteur de théâtre connu pour TartuffeTartuffe is a play by Molière.
- ✓ A 17th-century writer known for his fablesUn écrivain du 17e siècle connu pour ses fablesCorrect answer. Jean de la Fontaine was a writer of the 17th century. He is known for his fables, short stories with animals and a moral. They are taught at school.
- ✗ A novelist known for Les MisérablesUn romancier connu pour Les MisérablesThis option does not match the fact sheet: Jean de la Fontaine is a writer known for his fables.
What the source says
« Jean de la Fontaine est un écrivain connu pour ses fables. »
Sentence copied word for word from the source, in French, read on 21 October 2026.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Qui était Jean de la Fontaine ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question is on the official list for the multi-year residence card (CSP). The Ministry's wording: “Qui était Jean de la Fontaine ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Patrimoine français : des artistes emblématiques parmi les auteurs (1/3)” (French).
All 47 “History, geography and culture” questions on the CSP list
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