Last updated: 24 juin 2026
TEF Speaking Task A: The Question Generator Strategy

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).
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:
- PRIX
- HORAIRES
- LIEU
- DOCUMENTS (Inscription)
- EQUIPEMENT
- SI... (Hypothesis)
With this list, you are Bulletproof.