TEF Canada speaking (Expression orale): Section A and B strategy

The speaking section has two tasks with very different goals. Examiners reward clear structure, natural connectors, and staying on task far more than perfect grammar. Knowing the shape of each task in advance frees your attention for actual speaking.

Section A — obtaining information

You're given a short scenario (an advert, an event, a service) and must ask questions to find out more. Prepare a bank of question forms — 'Est-ce que…', 'Pourriez-vous me dire…', 'À quelle heure…', 'Combien coûte…' — and vary them. Ask enough questions to fill the time and cover different angles: price, timing, conditions, location.

Section B — persuading

Here you argue for a position and respond to the examiner's objections. Open by stating your opinion clearly, give two or three reasons with examples, and use concession connectors ('certes… mais', 'bien que') when you handle counter-arguments. Finish with a short conclusion that restates your position.

Practice out loud, and record yourself

Reading strategies silently isn't enough — speaking is a physical skill. Record your attempts, listen back, and note fillers and hesitations. Even a few recorded practice runs per topic noticeably improve fluency and confidence before exam day.