Flat-pack frustration

"Frustration en kit"
French B2 writing exercise

Tensions are rising as Adrien and Emma are building a flat-pack bookshelf together.

Pay attention to the hints!

Some vocabulary you may want to look up before or during this exercise: "to give up", "flat-pack (adj.)", "a nightmare to [do]", "to put [something] together (furniture)", "to take a deep breath", "to put [something] on the ground", "an instruction manual", "otherwise", "a disaster", "to make sense (something)", "come on!", "can't be that [adj.]", "to hand [something] to [someone]", "to take a look at [something]", "to hold [something] steady", "a panel (furniture)", "a screw", "to put [something] in place", "to prefer that + [Subjonctif]", "to let [someone] do", "honestly!", "to trust [someone] with [something]", "DIY (activity)", "a screwdriver", "against each other".

Written by qualified French expert Céline Pickard PGCE, BA
Last updated: 2025-07-23

I’ll give you some sentences to translate into French

  • I’ll show you where you make mistakes
  • I’ll keep track of what you need to practise
  • Change my choices if you want
Start the exercise
How the test works
You’ll practise: Mode impératif, L'Impératif Présent, Le Présent (Indicatif)

Here's a preview of the text for the writing challenge, when you're ready click the start button above:

- I give up, Emma! This flat-pack bookshelf is a nightmare to put together. - Take a deep breath, Adrien ! Now, put everything down on the ground, read the instruction manual and take your time. Otherwise, it will be a complete disaster! - I tried to read the instructions, Emma, but it didn't make any sense! - Come on, it can't be that hard. Hand them to me and let's take a look at them together. OK, I see what you should have done. Hold these two panels steady, please. Don't move while I put this screw in place... - Be careful Emma! I'd prefer that you let me do it. - Honestly, Adrien! You need to trust me a bit more with DIY. I know how to use a screwdriver! - You're right, let's work together, not against each other!

Let me take a look at that...