Complete Guide to the TEF Speaking Test
The TEF Canada Speaking Test consists of two official sections. Section A (5 minutes) evaluates your ability to obtain information by asking an interlocutor questions. Section B (10 minutes) evaluates your ability to argue and persuade, including when the interlocutor resists. Below is a breakdown of each section, key strategies, and what to expect. Image-description monologues are not official TEF Canada tasks.
Section A: Obtain information (5 minutes)
Scenario: You speak face-to-face with the examiner (or a simulated interlocutor). You must obtain a list of information by asking precise questions and following up.
Section length: 5 minutes
How to Succeed:
- Cover every piece of information requested in the prompt.
- Ask clear questions; relancez if an answer is incomplete.
- Do not turn the task into a lecture or a list of advice.
Section B: Argue to persuade (10 minutes)
Scenario: You must persuade an interlocutor. The examiner can resist or object; you should answer that resistance and keep arguing.
Section length: 10 minutes
How to Succeed:
- State a clear position.
- Give justified arguments with examples — not a short « je pense que / tu devrais ».
- Respond to objections instead of ignoring them.
Online practice cannot fully reproduce a live human examiner. TEFGuide uses timed recordings and, for Section B, examiner-style objections in the prompt.
Final Tips for Success
- Practice speaking aloud to improve fluency.
- Use varied vocabulary and avoid repetition.
- Manage your time well—avoid rushing or finishing too early.
- Speak clearly and confidently, even if you make minor mistakes.
By understanding each task and practicing regularly, you can maximize your score on the TEF Speaking Test.