French Subjunctive Exercises B1: Society and Opinion

The present subjunctive is one of the most important grammar points at B1 level. It expresses necessity, wish, doubt and emotion. In this exercise you will practise its forms and uses in the context of social debate, a common theme in the DELF B1.

When is the subjunctive used at B1 level?

The subjunctive is compulsory after these expressions: il faut que (it is necessary that), vouloir que (to want someone to), douter que (to doubt that), bien que/quoique (although), pour que (so that), avant que (before), craindre que (to fear that). Recognising these structures in texts is key to B1 reading comprehension.

Forming the present subjunctive

It is formed from the "ils" stem of the present tense + the endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent. For example: "parler" → ils parlent → parl- → que je parle, que tu parles, qu'il parle, que nous parlions, que vous parliez, qu'ils parlent. Key irregular verbs: être (que je sois), avoir (que j'aie), aller (que j'aille), faire (que je fasse), pouvoir (que je puisse), vouloir (que je veuille).

The subjunctive in B1 social debate

In DELF B1 spoken and written production, expressing your opinion with rich grammar earns extra points. A structure that is valued: "Bien qu'il y ait des progrès, il reste encore beaucoup à faire." Learn to weave the subjunctive into your arguments.

Practice exercises