TEF Speaking Task A: The "Question Generator" Strategy (Never Run Out of Ideas)

Total Word Count: 1,800+ words

The Nightmare Scenario: You are in the TEF Speaking Exam, Task A. You have to call a gym to ask for information. You ask: "What is the price?" You ask: "What are the hours?" ...and then your mind goes blank. Silence. The examiner stares at you. You panic.

This happens to 50% of candidates. They fail not because their French is bad, but because they run out of ideas. To get CLB 7+, you need to ask 10 to 12 distinct questions in 5 minutes. That is a lot.

In this guide, I will teach you the "Question Generator", a mental framework that ensures you never run out of things to ask, no matter the topic (Gym, Apartment, Job, Volunteer work).

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The "WH-Question" Matrix (Qui, Quoi, Où, Quand, Comment, Pourquoi)

The simplest way to generate questions is to systematically go through the "Question Words".

1. QUI (Who?)

The "Themes" Generator (P-E-S-T-L-E Method adapted)

If the WH-words aren't enough, switch to "Thematic Thinking". Move your brain through these categories one by one.

Theme A: Money (L'Argent)

• "Quel est le tarif mensuel ?"

The Ultimate Weapon: "The Loophole Question" (La Question Conditionnelle)

This is how you get points for grammar (Subjunctive/Conditional). Invent a problem and ask if it's solvable.

• Structure: "Si je [Problem], est-ce que [Solution] ?"

5 Minutes is Long. Manage Your Time.

• Minute 0-1: Introduction. "Bonjour, je vous appelle concernant..."
• Minute 1-2: Basic Questions (Who, Where, When).

Summary Checklist for Task A

Before you pick up the phone (start the roleplay), write these keywords on your scratch paper:

1. PRIX
2. HORAIRES
3. LIEU
4. DOCUMENTS (Inscription)
5. EQUIPEMENT
6. SI... (Hypothesis)

With this list, you are Bulletproof.