Section A: Information Gathering (TEF Speaking)

In Section A of the TEF Canada Speaking Exam, you are playacting a real-world scenario. You find an advertisement (for a job, a service, or an event), and you have to call or visit the person responsible to ask for more information. You have 5 minutes to ask about 10 questions. This task evaluates your ability to formulate questions correctly and maintain the appropriate level of politeness (Tu vs. Vous).

In this guide, we master the art of the French interview.

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1. The Structure of the Interaction

Every Section A interaction should follow this path:

1. Introduction: Greet the examiner (acting as the advertiser) and state your purpose.
2. Body: Ask 8 to 12 varied questions based on the ad and your imagination.
3. Conclusion: Thank the person and say goodbye.

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2. Salutations and First Impressions

• "Bonjour Monsieur/Madame."
• "Je vous appelle au sujet de votre annonce pour...": I’m calling you about your ad for...
• "Je serais intéressé(e) par...": I would be interested in...
• "Est-ce que l'offre est toujours disponible ?": Is the offer still available?

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3. Formulating Varied Questions

Don't just use "Est-ce que" 10 times. Varied structure = High score.

• Inversion (Formal): “Quel est le tarif ?” → “Quel est le tarif ?” (Wait, inversion: “Pourriez-vous me dire... ?”).
• Intonation (Casual/Semi-formal): “C'est situé où ?”
• Indirect Questions: “Je me demandais si...” (I was wondering if...).
• Specific Keywords: Horaires, prix, conditions, équipement, inscription.

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4. Politeness and Register (Vouvoiement)

Since you are calling a stranger for a service, you MUST use "Vous."

• Use "Veuillez" and "Pourriez-vous."
• Avoid slang or overly casual fillers ("Ouais," "Ok"). Use "Entendu," "D'accord," "Parfait."

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5. Thinking Beyond the Text

The ad will only give you 20% of the information. You must invent the rest.

• If it's a job: Ask about the team, the salary, the benefits, the start date.
• If it's a rental: Ask about the neighbors, the heating, the proximity to transport.
• If it's a course: Ask about the level required, the teacher's experience, the materials.

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6. Cultural Note: "Le Contact Téléphonique" in France

In French culture, phone interactions are formal. You shouldn't jump straight into questions. A brief "Comment allez-vous ?" is too personal, but a polite "J'espère que vous allez bien" is acceptable if you have spoken before. For the exam, stick to a professional and efficient tone.

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7. Mastery through PrepMyFrench

Question Formation Drills:

We give you a fact (e.g., "The price is 10€") and you have to record three different ways to ask a question about that fact.

AI Speaking Simulator:

Select the "Section A: Information Gathering" scenario.

• Task: You see an ad for a "Yoga Retreat." Call the organizer (the AI) and ask 10 questions.
• Focus: The AI will give you incomplete answers to see if you can rebound with follow-up questions.

Vocabulary Drills:

Use our Information Gathering Deck to learn terms like disponibilités, modalités, prérequis, and tarification.

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Conclusion

Section A is a test of curiosity and grammar. By mastering the question structures in this guide, you turn a potentially awkward 5 minutes into a smooth, professional dialogue. This is where you set the tone for the rest of your speaking exam—show the examiner you are a confident, polite communicator from the very first "Bonjour."

Next Topic: Time to persuade! Read about Section B: Persuading a Friend (TEF).

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