How to Succeed in the TEF Canada Oral Expression?
Are you preparing to take the TEF Canada exam? Let’s go over some essential information about the oral expression section! It’s crucial to understand the specific exercises you’ll face during the exam, and we’re here to help you prepare effectively to ensure the best possible outcome.
Is your French Knowledge Test approaching, and have you chosen to take the oral expression component? We’re here to guide you through what to expect on the day of the exam. Here’s everything you need to know and the steps to take for a successful oral expression test:
- How is the oral expression test structured?
- How is it scored?
- What types of exercises will you be asked to complete?
- What are the key tips for acing this test?
- Can you practice speaking on the tefcanada.ca platform?
Join us for this quick overview to prepare more confidently and calmly for your exam!
How is the TEF Canada “Oral Expression” Test Structured?
The oral expression test lasts a total of 15 minutes and is conducted as an interview with an examiner. The test consists of two tasks:
Interactive Task (5 minutes): In this initial task, candidates engage in an interactive conversation with the examiner without any preparation. The goal is to assess the candidate’s ability to communicate and interact with someone they do not know.
Persuasive Task (10 minutes): In the second task, candidates must convince the examiner to participate in an activity, treating the examiner as a friend. This task is also conducted without preparation and evaluates the candidate’s ability to speak spontaneously and coherently. It tests their skills in articulating arguments on a specific topic within a typical daily life context.
This structure aims to assess not only the fluency and coherence of the candidate’s speech but also their ability to persuade and engage in meaningful conversation.
How is the TEF Canada Oral Expression Test Graded?
The oral expression test is recorded during the interview and evaluated collaboratively by the test center and a team of trained assessors from Le Français des Affaires.
This test is scored out of 20 points. The points earned are then translated into proficiency levels according to a framework established by the CECRL (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and the ALTE association (Association of Language Testers in Europe).
These levels provide a standardized way for professionals and educators to objectively assess a candidate’s oral expression abilities.
Relationship Between Levels and Candidate Abilities in Oral Expression for the TEF:
- A1: Ability to describe basic personal information, such as where they live and the people they know.
- A2: Ability to describe simple details about people, living conditions, education, and current or recent professional activities.
- B1: Ability to narrate simple stories, provide brief explanations about a project or idea, and express personal reactions.
- B2: Ability to express thoughts clearly and in detail on various topics of personal interest, present opinions, and discuss the pros and cons of a project.
- C1: Ability to present complex topics in a detailed and structured manner, elaborating on specific points and reaching appropriate conclusions.
- C2: Ability to deliver clear and structured descriptions or arguments, allowing the listener to grasp the essential points easily.
TESTS TAKEN FROM THE REAL TEF EXAM
BASIC
- 5 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 5 Reading Comprehension Tests
- 30 Written Expression Topics
- 40 Oral Expression Topics
STANDARD
- 10 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 10 Reading Comprehension Tests
- 70 Written Expression Topics
- 100 Oral Expression Topics
PREMIUM
- 16 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 11 Written Comprehension Tests
- 100 Written Expression Topics
- 160 Oral Expression Topics
Assessment of the Oral Expression Test
The oral expression test is initially assessed by an examiner who has undergone accreditation training provided by Le Français des Affaires. On the day of the test, the examiner conducts and records the interview at the testing center. This recording is subsequently evaluated by a second assessor, also trained by Le Français des Affaires. Both assessments are conducted independently and in a double-blind manner, ensuring that neither assessor is aware of the evaluation awarded by the other.
The criteria used to assess the oral expression test include:
- Linguistic: Mastery and range of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, fluency, pronunciation, and overall ease of speech.
- Pragmatic: Interaction skills, structuring of discourse, coherence and cohesion, and thematic development.
- Sociolinguistic: Appropriateness to the communication context.
TEF Canada: Oral Expression Topics
The Oral Expression test consists of three tasks with a total duration of 15 minutes:
Section A (5 minutes)
This section involves an interview with your examiner, conducted without prior preparation. You are expected to communicate effectively and ask a minimum of 10 questions.
Typical Instructions:
You come across an advertisement for [Product/Service] and wish to gather more information. Please make a call to inquire further.
- Your task: Formulate and ask at least ten questions.
- Examiner’s role: Your examiner will act as your interlocutor.
Section B (10 minutes)
In this section, you will receive an advertisement. Your goal is to identify persuasive arguments to encourage your examiner to participate in the opportunity presented. You must express your opinion clearly and convincingly, using relevant examples to support your points.
Typical Instructions:
You have read an announcement about [Event/Opportunity]. You will discuss it with a friend who is looking for a job.
- Your task: Present the document to your friend and attempt to convince them to participate.
- Examiner’s role: Your examiner will take on the role of your friend.
What should you do on the day of the test?
The oral expression test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner and consists of two parts: Section A, lasting 5 minutes, followed by Section B, which lasts 10 minutes.
In each part, you will engage in a role-play based on a given topic, such as an advertisement, a newspaper classified ad, a job posting, or a leisure activity offer.
For Section A, stay inquisitive: your main goal is to gather as much information as possible about the topic. You will need to ask relevant questions or rephrase the examiner’s answers to seek further clarification.
In Section B, focus on persuasion: your objective is to present an activity to your examiner and provide compelling arguments to convince them to participate. You will need to express your opinion clearly and support it with examples.
This test is always recorded to allow for double evaluation.
Here are some key tips for succeeding in SECTION-A of the TEF Canada Oral Expression exam:
Create a clear structure: Even without time to prepare during the exam, practicing a simple and logical structure in advance will help you stay organized.
Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more fluent and confident you’ll become. Record yourself and work on areas like grammar and hesitation.
Stay natural: Avoid memorizing scripts word for word. Focus on the main ideas and speak naturally, as if in conversation.
Use varied vocabulary: To demonstrate your language mastery, diversify your word choice and include idiomatic expressions, avoiding repetition.
Manage your time: Keep your responses to about 5 minutes. Practice with a timer to ensure you cover all necessary points without lingering too long on any one.
Stay confident: A positive attitude goes a long way. Smile, stay enthusiastic, and present yourself confidently to leave a good impression.
Minimize pauses: Avoid long pauses or filler words like “uh.” If you pause, resume quickly using connectors like “donc” or “par conséquent”.
Use logical connectors: Make your speech flow with words like “premièrement,” “ensuite,” “enfin,” and “par exemple” to structure your presentation clearly.
Be ready to improvise: If you forget a point, don’t panic. Stick to your main structure and continue speaking coherently.
Articulate and pronounce clearly: Speak slowly and focus on pronunciation, especially with difficult words, to ensure clarity and understanding.
How can I improve my oral expression skills?
The oral expression test can be intimidating due to the direct interaction it requires, but don’t worry—here are some tips to help you stay calm on exam day:
Practice speaking as much as possible before the test, especially if you’re not confident in oral communication. At home, rehearse aloud, imagining yourself in front of the examiner.
Another useful tip: be mindful of timing. Practicing with a timer will help you maintain a steady pace during the exam.
Immerse yourself in French: listen to radio shows, watch movies, or series. This will strengthen your language skills and boost your confidence.
To specifically prepare for the test format, explore our platform, which offers sample topics similar to the ones you’ll encounter during the oral expression exam.
Tips for Effective Communication in Oral Expression
a) Use a diverse vocabulary while maintaining a customized speech.
b) In part B, consider your listener’s perspective and assume they are unfamiliar with the topic you’re discussing.
c) Remember that your listener will not agree with you during the exercise. Don’t let this unsettle you.
d) Stay authentic, just as you would in everyday situations.
Strategies for Acing the TEF Canada Test
Emphasize the Importance of Preparation: Thorough preparation for each TEF Canada test is crucial. It allows you to take the exam confidently and achieve a high score.
Familiarize Yourself with the Test Process: Understand the structure of the oral expression test, which focuses on listening and speaking skills.
Engage in Daily Practice:
- Listen to French Media: Tune into various French radio and TV programs, covering diverse topics like news, documentaries, films, weather, advertisements, and political discussions.
- Watch Films Without Subtitles: Gradually practice watching movies without subtitles to enhance comprehension.
- One-Time Listening: Practice understanding audio materials after just one listen.
Active Engagement:
- Think in French: Aim to think in French rather than your native language.
- Describe Your Surroundings: Mentally describe everything around you in French during travels.
- Visualize Conversations: Imagine conversations between people in photographs.
Memory Techniques: Instead of writing down keywords while listening, focus on memorizing them.
Exam Day Tips:
- Speak slightly slower to help reduce stress.
- Create additional exercises that come to mind for your learning.
Important Notes:
- The examiner will explain the procedure at the beginning and check your understanding.
- Feel free to ask questions if you find anything unclear.
- Use personal experiences to enrich your answers or imagine new ones.
Timing: The examiner will signal when the test time is over.
Final Thought: Follow these tips to be well-prepared for your oral expression test. Good luck!
TESTS TAKEN FROM THE REAL TEF EXAM
BASIC
- 5 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 5 Reading Comprehension Tests
- 30 Written Expression Topics
- 40 Oral Expression Topics
STANDARD
- 10 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 10 Reading Comprehension Tests
- 70 Written Expression Topics
- 100 Oral Expression Topics
PREMIUM
- 16 Listening Comprehension Tests
- 11 Written Comprehension Tests
- 100 Written Expression Topics
- 160 Oral Expression Topics