« Expression orale » (speaking): the method for the 3 tasks

Task 1: the guided interview (2 minutes)

The examiner asks you questions about yourself: family, work, studies, hobbies, plans. There is no preparation.

• Never answer with a single word: add a reason, a detail, an example.
• Show several tenses: present (my situation), past (my background), future (my plans).
• Prepare ideas in advance, but don't recite: the examiner penalizes memorized texts.

Task 2: the interactive exercise (3 minutes 30)

For the TCF Canada, you have 2 minutes to prepare. You act out a situation (asking about housing, an activity, a service) and the examiner plays the other role. You lead the conversation.

• While preparing, write down 8 to 10 questions on different points: price, hours, conditions, documents, options.
• Vary the form of your questions: « Est-ce que… ? », inversion (« Pourriez-vous… ? »), « Quel est… ? ».
• React to the answers: « D'accord », « Et si… ? », « C'est-à-dire ? ».
• Use the polite conditional: « je voudrais », « j'aimerais savoir ».

Task 3: expressing a point of view (4 minutes 30)

The examiner gives you a topic for debate. You must give your opinion and defend it. The examiner may interrupt to ask you to be more specific.

• State your position clearly from the start.
• Develop two or three arguments, each with an example.
• Consider the opposing argument (« Certains diront que… mais… »).
• Conclude by summing up your position.

For fluency

• Buy time naturally: « C'est une bonne question… », « Voyons… ».
• If you are looking for a word, rephrase rather than stop.
• Record yourself and listen back: it is the fastest way to spot your hesitations.

Frequently asked questions