Speaking Task A: How to Ask Formal Questions (TEF Canada Strategy)

Published: January 9, 2026 | Category: TEF Canada | Read Time: 13 Mins

The TEF Canada Speaking Exam (Expression Orale) starts with Task A: Gather Information. Compared to the chaos of Task B (Argumentation), Task A feels deceptively simple. You count generally on 5-6 points.

But do not be fooled. The simplicity is the trap. Because the task is straightforward, examiners are extremely strict about Politeness, Syntax, and Register. If you ask "C'est combien?" (How much is it?) in Task A, you have likely capped your score at B1 regardless of your later performance.

This guide provides a comprehensive framework to mastering Formal Questioning for CLB 7+.

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1. The Scenario (What to Expect)

• Time: 5 minutes preparation (sometimes), 5 minutes speaking.
• The Advert: You are given a short classified ad (e.g., "Yoga Course for Beginners", "Apartment for Rent", "Looking for Dog Walker").
• The Goal: You must call the advertiser (the examiner) and ask 10-12 questions to get more details.

Crucial Rule: You must use the formal VOUS. Even if the ad looks casual, assume you are calling a stranger. Politeness is key.

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2. The Structure of a CLB 7+ Question

To score high, you must move away from standard interrogation (Subject-Verb-Object). You need "Indirect Questions".

Level A2 Question (Basic)

• Est-ce qu'il y a un parking ? (Is there parking?)
• Quel est le prix ? (What is the price?)

Level B2/C1 Question (Target)

• J'aimerais savoir si un parking est disponible pour les résidents. (I would like to know if...)
• Pourriez-vous m'indiquer le tarif mensuel de ce cours ? (Could you indicate the monthly rate...)

The Formula: Polite Introducer + Connector + Subject/Verb

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3. The 4 Essential Question Templates

Memorize these. Use them rotationally so you don't sound like a robot.

Template 1: "Pourriez-vous me dire..." (Could you tell me...)

• Usage: General information.
• Example: "Pourriez-vous me dire quels sont les horaires d'ouverture ?"
• Variation: "Sauriez-vous me dire..." (Would you happen to know...)

Template 2: "Je souhaiterais avoir des précisions sur..." (I would like details on...)

• Usage: Specific details mentioned in the ad.
• Example: "L'annonce mentionne un jardin. Je souhaiterais avoir des précisions sur la taille de ce jardin."

Template 3: "Est-il possible de..." (Is it possible to...)

• Usage: Permissions or conditions.
• Example: "Est-il possible de visiter l'appartement ce samedi ?"

Template 4: "Qu'en est-il de..." (What about...)

• Usage: Transitioning to a new topic.
• Example: "J'ai bien noté pour le loyer. Mais qu'en est-il des charges ? Sont-elles incluses ?"

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4. The 10 Topics You Must Cover

In the exam, you need to think fast. Use the acronym P.L.A.N.C.H.E.S. (or similar mnemonics) to brainstorm questions instantly. Here are the common categories for almost any advert:

1. Price (Prix):
   • Quels sont les frais d'inscription ?
   • Le matériel est-il inclus dans le tarif ?
2. Location (Lieu):
   • L'appartement est-il situé près des transports en commun ?
   • Disposez-vous d'un parking ?
3. Schedule (Horaires):
   • À quelle fréquence les cours ont-ils lieu ?
   • Est-il possible de suivre les cours le soir ?
4. Requirements (Conditions):
   • Faut-il avoir un niveau particulier pour participer ?
   • Est-ce que les débutants sont acceptés ?
5. Equipment (Matériel):
   • Dois-je apporter mon propre équipement ?
6. Duration (Durée):
   • Combien de temps dure chaque séance ?

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5. Handling The "Grumpy Examiner"

Sometimes, the examiner will play the role of someone busy or annoyed. Or they will say: "It's written in the ad, did you not read it?"

Do not panic. This is a test of your adaptability.

Response Strategy:

• Apologize & Clarify: "Veuillez m'excuser, je n'avais pas vu cette information. Mais pour être sûr, pouvez-vous me confirmer que..."
• Pivot: "C'est entendu. Passons à un autre sujet. Concernant..."

Never get angry or silent. Maintain the polite "customer" persona perfectly.

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6. How to Practice

1. Find Adverts: Go on real French sites like LeBonCoin or Kijiji Québec.
2. Pick an Ad: "Vends Vélo" (Selling Bike).
3. Timer (1 min): Write down 12 keywords/questions.
4. Record (3 mins): Ask the questions out loud using the templates above.
5. Review: Did you say "Tu" by mistake? Did you use "C'est quoi" (bad)?

Or simpler: Use our AI Speaking Simulator to roleplay Task A scenarios with instant feedback on your politeness score.