TEF Canada speaking: expression orale

The format

Practice prompts

Prompt 1

The task: TEF Canada speaking, section A (5 minutes): obtaining information. You call about a document (an ad, a notice) and ask the examiner questions.

• Greet, say why you are calling, then ask clear, varied questions.
• Mix question forms: est-ce que…, inversion (Faut-il… ?), question words (combien, quand, comment).
• React to each answer (D’accord, très bien, et si…) so it sounds like a real call.
• Use polite forms: je voudrais savoir…, pourriez-vous me dire… ?

Prompt 2

The task: TEF Canada speaking, section A (5 minutes): obtaining information. You call about a document (an ad, a notice) and ask the examiner questions.

• Prepare question topics in your head: price, dates, number of rooms, what’s included, animals, deposit.
• Ask follow-up questions based on what the examiner says.
• Close the call politely: Merci beaucoup pour ces renseignements, bonne journée.

Prompt 3

The task: TEF Canada speaking, section B (10 minutes): presenting an argument to convince. You present a document to the examiner, who plays a friend, and try to convince them.

• Present the document briefly, then give several different arguments (health, friends, cost, nature).
• Expect objections and answer each one: Je comprends, mais…; Justement…
• Stay friendly and persuasive; use the informal tu with a friend.
• Keep talking: rephrase or add an example if you run out of arguments.

Prompt 4

The task: TEF Canada speaking, section B (10 minutes): presenting an argument to convince. You present a document to the examiner, who plays a friend, and try to convince them.

• Lead with the strongest argument, then add smaller ones.
• Use convincing phrases: tu verras, imagine que, ça vaut la peine de, je t’assure que.
• Answer the examiner’s doubts with concrete examples rather than repeating yourself.

How to practise speaking

• Set a timer for 5 minutes and run section A with a friend reading the role of the advertiser.
• Record yourself on section B and listen back: do you give reasons, examples and answers to objections?
• Learn a handful of useful phrases for asking (je voudrais savoir si…), arguing (ce qui est intéressant, c’est que…) and answering doubts (je comprends, mais…).
• A teacher or conversation partner gives feedback you can’t get from an app. Our French classes page can connect you with schools.

Train your ear too with the listening practice.