Speaking module guide
TEF Canada Speaking: Sections A and B Explained
The TEF Canada speaking test (Expression orale) is a 15-minute, face-to-face interview in two sections: you obtain information in Section A, then argue to convince in Section B. Here's exactly what each section asks, the phrases that carry you through it, and how your score converts to NCLC.
Format
TEF Canada Speaking Format
You speak one-on-one with an examiner. The test is recorded and assessed twice, so a nervous start won't sink you — but the whole 15 minutes counts. Both sections start from a short document, usually an advertisement, and the examiner plays a role.
Section A · 5 min
Section A: Obtaining Information
You read an ad or notice and phone (or visit) the person behind it to find out more. The examiner answers as that person. You lead: the task rewards many varied, relevant questions in a polite, formal register (vous).
- 1Greet and say why you're calling: « Bonjour, j'appelle au sujet de votre annonce pour… »
- 2Ask about the essentials first: dates, times, place, price, conditions.
- 3Go beyond the ad — ask about things it doesn't mention (equipment, cancellation, group size, parking…).
- 4React to the answers and follow up: « Et si je dois annuler ? », « C'est compris dans le prix ? »
- 5Close politely: thank them and confirm the next step.
Est-ce que vous pourriez me dire… ? · J'aimerais savoir si… · Serait-il possible de… ?
À quelle heure… ? · Combien coûte… ? · Qu'est-ce qui est compris dans… ? · Faut-il apporter… ?
Y a-t-il une réduction pour… ? · Comment se passe l'inscription ? · Quelles sont les conditions d'annulation ?
Vary the forms: a list of « Est-ce que… ? » questions shows less range than a mix of inversion, indirect questions and conditionals.
Section B · 10 min
Section B: Convincing Someone
You read a document (for example, an ad for a trip, a course or an activity) and try to convince a friend — played by the examiner — to take part. The examiner reacts as that friend would, with questions, doubts or remarks. What counts is how you present the document, develop your arguments with examples, and react to what the examiner says instead of repeating yourself.
- 1Present the document briefly and say what you want: « J'ai vu une annonce qui pourrait t'intéresser… »
- 2Give three or four distinct arguments (practical, financial, personal, professional), each with an example.
- 3Answer each doubt or remark: acknowledge it, then reply — « Je comprends, mais… », « Justement, c'est pour ça que… ».
- 4Close with a concrete proposal: « Écoute, on peut s'inscrire ensemble ce soir ? »
Ce qui est intéressant, c'est que… · Pense aussi à… · En plus, … · Sans compter que…
Je comprends ton hésitation, mais… · Tu as raison sur ce point ; cependant… · Au contraire, …
Imagine un peu : … · Franchement, c'est une occasion à ne pas manquer.
With a friend, « tu » is natural in Section B — use it consistently.
How you're scored
TEF Canada Speaking Score to NCLC
IRCC converts your speaking score (out of 450) to NCLC. NCLC 7 starts at 310 — the level for Express Entry's French bonus points.
| NCLC | TEF Canada speaking score |
|---|---|
| NCLC 10+ | 393–450 |
| NCLC 9 | 371–392 |
| NCLC 8 | 349–370 |
| NCLC 7 | 310–348 |
| NCLC 6 | 271–309 |
| NCLC 5 | 226–270 |
| NCLC 4 | 181–225 |
Convert all four skills at once with the TEF & TCF to NCLC calculator.
Avoid these
Common TEF Speaking Mistakes
- Too few questions in Section A — running out of ideas after five questions. Prepare a mental checklist: when, where, how much, what's included, who, conditions, cancellation.
- Mixing tu and vous — choose the register the role requires and keep it.
- Arguments without examples — « c'est bien » convinces nobody; « tu pourrais pratiquer ton français tous les jours avec ta famille d'accueil » does.
- Ignoring what the examiner says — reacting to the examiner's remarks is part of the task. Answer each one directly.
Questions
TEF Canada Speaking FAQ
How long is the TEF Canada speaking test?
15 minutes in total: Section A (obtaining information) lasts 5 minutes and Section B (convincing) lasts 10 minutes. It is face to face with an examiner and recorded for double marking.
Should I use tu or vous in the TEF speaking test?
Use vous in Section A, where you contact a business or organization. In Section B you are usually talking to a friend, so tu is natural. Whichever you choose, keep it consistent.
What TEF speaking score do I need for NCLC 7?
On IRCC's table, NCLC 7 in TEF Canada speaking is 310 to 348 out of 450; NCLC 9 starts at 371.
Next step
Practise speaking out loud, with feedback.
Frenchly's speaking practice puts you in both sections with Sophie as the examiner. She gives AI feedback on your grammar, vocabulary, register and argument structure, from a transcript of what you said (pronunciation is not scored).