Skip to content
en
Log inGet feedback
Speaking · level B1 to C1 · 12 min

TCF speaking Task 3: defend a point of view

Task 3 is expressing a point of view: the examiner gives you a topic and you give your opinion. It lasts 4 minutes 30 for the TCF Canada and 3 minutes 30 for the TCF IRN, with no preparation. It is the most demanding task, because you have to organize your ideas while you speak. A simple plan, always the same one, frees your mind to look for the right words.

TL;DR

  • Speaking Task 3: defend a point of view for 4 minutes 30 on the TCF Canada, with no preparation.
  • Use the same plan every time: opinion, argument, example, second argument and objection, conclusion.
  • State your position in your first sentence, and answer an objection with « Certains diront que… Pourtant… ».

Goal: Build, out loud and without preparation, a clear position with two illustrated arguments, an objection and a conclusion.

A five-part plan

This plan works for almost every topic. Memorize the structure, not the content.

  • Opinion: state your position in your very first sentence.
  • First argument: one clear reason.
  • Example: a concrete case, ideally from your own experience.
  • Second argument, then objection: present the opposing view and answer it.
  • Conclusion: restate your position in one or two sentences.

State your position directly

A candidate who hesitates for a minute before saying what they think loses time and clarity. You can add nuance, but your direction must be visible immediately. The lessons on giving your opinion and on linking words give you the useful phrases.

Example in French, as in the exam
Sujet : « Faut-il interdire les voitures dans le centre des villes ? » Ouverture : « Je suis plutôt favorable à cette idée, à condition que les transports en commun soient vraiment efficaces. »
Example in French, as in the exam
Sujet : « Les enfants passent-ils trop de temps devant les écrans ? » Ouverture : « À mon avis, oui, même si tous les écrans ne se valent pas. »

Illustrate every argument

An argument without an example stays abstract. A personal example, even a simple one, makes what you say credible and helps you speak longer and more naturally. It does not need to be true in every detail: it must be plausible and linked to the argument.

Example in French, as in the exam
Argument : « Moins de voitures, c'est un air plus sain. » Exemple : « Dans ma ville, une rue commerçante est devenue piétonne l'an dernier : on y entend les gens discuter, et les familles s'y promènent avec les enfants. »
Example in French, as in the exam
Argument : « Les écrans réduisent le temps de jeu actif. » Exemple : « Mon neveu passait ses samedis sur sa console ; depuis qu'il fait du basket, il est beaucoup plus calme le soir. »

The objection: a sign of a good level

Presenting the opposing view and then answering it shows that you can add nuance, which is expected from level B2. Introduce the objection with a clear phrase, then come back to your position.

  • « Certains diront que… Pourtant… »
  • « On peut objecter que… mais il me semble que… »
  • « Il est vrai que… Cependant… »
Example in French, as in the exam
« Il est vrai que les commerçants craignent de perdre des clients. Cependant, plusieurs villes ont montré que les rues piétonnes attirent plutôt davantage de passants. »

Handling follow-up questions

The examiner may prompt you or ask you to clarify an idea (the TCF IRN documents state that the examiner may interrupt you). It is not a trap: it is a chance to develop your answer. Answer the question asked, then link it back to your position.

Example in French, as in the exam
Examinateur : « Et pour les personnes âgées qui ne peuvent pas marcher longtemps ? » Candidat : « C'est une vraie difficulté. Il faudrait prévoir des navettes gratuites et des places réservées aux abords du centre, pour que l'interdiction ne les exclue pas. »

A common mistake

✗ « Il y a des avantages et des inconvénients, ça dépend des gens. » (without ever taking a position)

✓ « Je suis plutôt pour, même si je reconnais que cela pose des difficultés à certaines personnes. »

The task asks for a point of view. You can add nuance, but you must take a position.

Frequently asked questions

How long is speaking Task 3?+
4 minutes 30 for the TCF Canada and 3 minutes 30 for the TCF IRN, according to the FEI candidate handbook. It is the longest task of the speaking section: plan at least two developed arguments with examples.
Is there time to prepare Task 3?+
No. For the TCF IRN, Task 3 has no preparation, and for the TCF Canada, only Task 2 includes 2 minutes of preparation. Take a second to state your position, then develop it.
Do I need a strong opinion?+
You need a clear opinion, stated from the start, but it can be nuanced: « Je suis plutôt favorable, à condition que… » (I'm rather in favour, provided that…). Avoid staying in the middle without ever choosing: the examiner expects a point of view that you defend.
What if I have no ideas on the topic?+
Start from your own experience or that of people around you, then broaden: advantages, drawbacks, consequences for society. One concrete example is worth more than a general idea repeated.

Practice exercise with answers

1. How should you begin Task 3?

2. How long is Task 3 in the TCF Canada?

3. Which phrase introduces an objection?

4. The examiner interrupts you to ask for clarification. What should you do?

Next step

Put this lesson into practice

Write a TCF task and get an estimated level based on the official criteria. With the 14-day free trial. How we check the correction

Get feedback on my writing