How to Archive B2 Level French in TEF Canada Speaking with Examiner Insights & Strategies

TEF Canada B2 Level French Speaking : When Grading Really Begins

TEF Canada B2 Level French Speaking :
What Do Examiners Write During Your TEF Speaking Test?

TEF Canada B2 Level French Speaking:
How Examiners Evaluate Your Performance

Part A: Information Retrieval - Scoring Criteria & Common Mistakes

Part B: Presentation & Debate Skills - Scoring Criteria

Vocabulary Assessment: B1 vs. B2 Performance

Pronunciation, Intonation & Delivery: B1 vs. B2 Performance

Top 3 Mistakes Candidates Make

The Costly Mistake Most Candidates Make

Our Expert Advice:

Essential French Phrases for Clarification:

Examiners have two essential documents on their desk:

What Goes in the Examiner’s Notes?

The Scoring Process

The 5-Point Assessment Framework

Key Scoring Rules

B2 Level French Speaking Strategic Implications

Performance Levels

Key Differentiation Factors

Critical Errors to Avoid

Strategic Tips for B2 Success

Why This Matters

Presentation Ability

Debate Skills

Critical Preparation Advice

Common Pitfalls

Key Differences

The Hidden Trap

3-Step Vocabulary Upgrade

Key Differences

Table of Contents

Your evaluation officially starts only when the examiner begins recording. Those initial instructions and warm-up conversations? They’re completely ungraded – so breathe easy!

Test-takers often let nerves override their judgment, hesitating to ask for clarification when confused. But here’s the harsh truth: Pushing forward with misunderstood prompts leads to:

Significant point deductions for going off-topic
Compounding errors throughout your responses
Lower scores in fluency and coherence

When in doubt, speak up! It’s always better to ask for clarification than to lose valuable points. Remember: The examiner expects (and respects) thoughtful questions about the prompt.

Excusez-moi, je n’ai pas très bien compris sur ce point-là, pourriez-vous m’expliquer ce que veut dire [mot] ?
(Excuse me, I didn’t quite understand this point – could you explain what [word] means?)
Je ne suis pas très sûr de ce mot “[mot]”, qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ?
(I’m not entirely sure about this word “[word]”, what does it mean?)
Si je ne me trompe pas, “[phrase]” veut dire “[interpretation]” ?
(If I’m not mistaken, does “[phrase]” mean “[interpretation]?”)
Si j’ai bien compris, est-ce que “[concept]” veut dire “[understanding]” ?
(If I understood correctly, does “[concept]” mean “[understanding]?”)

The official scoring sheet
Their personal notes

✔ Question Topics (e.g., time, weather, transportation) – Not the quantity
✔ Follow-up Questions – Whether your dialogue flows naturally vs. disjointed queries
✔ Strong Responses – Especially authentic reactions (not robotic questioning)
✔ Standout Vocabulary – Impressive word choices
✔ Overused Words (Flagged if repeated 3+ times)
✔ Major Errors – Grammatical or comprehension mistakes

After you leave:

Examiners combine memory + notes
Assign final scores (see next page for grading criteria)

Pro Tip: Focus on natural conversation flow and varied vocabulary – these are actively tracked!

Examiners evaluate candidates across these core competencies:

B2 Achievement Requirement
- Minimum 3/5 categories must meet B2 level
- Example: 3×B2 + 2×B1 = B2 final score
The “No Weakness” Rule
- One A2-level category disqualifies B2 certification
- Balanced proficiency trumps isolated strengths
Double-Blind Evaluation
- Two independent examiners assess separately
- Final score reflects their consensus

Priority Focus

Ensure consistent performance across all categories
Grammar + Vocabulary carry equal weight to fluency

Critical Warning

A single weak area (e.g., pronunciation at A2) can override multiple B2 scores

Pro Tip: Use Part B to demonstrate higher-level skills if Part A was shaky. Examiners remember finishing strong!

Level	Description
A2	Asks generic, oversimplified questions (applicable to any topic)
B1	Forms moderately precise questions
B2	Crafts highly targeted questions using specific details from prompts/advertisements

✔ Basic Response (A2-B1)

Understands examiner but may miss nuances
Pre-memorized questions without adaptation

✔ Advanced Skills (B2+)

Actively listens and asks logical follow-ups
References prior information in subsequent questions
Maintains natural conversation flow

Robotic Questioning

No engagement (just smiling/repeating “D’accord”)
Worse: Continuing while misunderstanding the examiner

Irrelevant Questions

Ignores context or your assigned role
Example: Asking “Where is it?” when the address is clearly shown

Redundant Queries

Repeating information already provided in the prompt

Unclear Intent

Asking vague questions without purpose
Leaves examiner confused about expected answers

Use the “This + That” Technique:
“Since the ad mentions [THIS], could you clarify [THAT]?”
Practice Active Listening: Respond to examiner cues with:
“To confirm, you’re saying…?” (“Pour confirmer, vous dites que…?”)
Role-Play: Align questions with your assigned identity (e.g., student, parent, professional)

Part A contributes 40% to your overall score. Even strong Part B performance can’t fully compensate for weak questioning skills here.

Level	Performance	Example
A2	Paraphrases ad verbatim or with minor word changes	Reads: “The course costs 300″∗→Says:∗”Thiscourseis 300″∗→Says:∗”Thiscourseis300″
B1	Restates ad content in own words (simplified)	“The program fee is 300 dollars for all lessons”
B2	Explains ad comprehensively with details/context	“This $300 course includes 20 hours of instruction, materials, and a certification exam – making it more affordable than similar programs”

Level	Performance	Examiner Interaction
A2	Repeats 2-3 basic arguments	Minimal response to examiner
B1	Presents clear but undeveloped points	Occasional relevant replies
B2	Supports arguments with examples/counterpoints	Actively engages examiner’s objections

Master Ad Comprehension First
- Practice summarizing ads in 2 minutes without examiner prompts
- Identify:
  ✓ Core offer
  ✓ Key benefits
  ✓ Target audience
Structure Persuasive Arguments
Use the ARE method:
- Assertion (Claim)
- Reasoning (Why it matters)
- Example (Concrete proof)
Anticipate Objections
Prepare responses for common pushbacks:
- “Too expensive” → “Consider the included certification value”
- “No time” → “Flexible evening slots available”

❌ Rushing to counterarguments before understanding the ad

❌ Over-rehearsed responses that ignore examiner’s input

❌ Monologues without natural dialogue flow

Pro Tip: Record yourself explaining random ads – if a listener can’t guess the exact ad afterward, refine your clarity.

Level

Characteristics

Example

• Basic communication

• Frequent circumlocution/loanwords

• “Good enough” precision

“The… uh, big learning place has many… knowledge teachers?” (for “university professors”)

• Diverse word choice

• Minimal repetition

• Errors don’t hinder understanding

“The intensive program features specialized instructors and comprehensive resources.”

Many candidates lose points despite:
✓ Clear logic
✓ Grammatically correct sentences
✓ Appropriate responses

Why? Limited vocabulary recycling the same words:

Cette activité… ce cours… inoubliable… (from ads/memorized lists)
Lacking synonyms: “good” instead of effective/valuable/engaging

Identify Overused Words
- Record yourself – note repeated terms
Build Synonym Banks

Basic Word	B2 Alternatives
Good	Effective, valuable, engaging, exceptional
Important	Crucial, essential, significant

3. Practice Contextual Usage

- Rewrite sample responses replacing 50% of repeated words

Pro Tip: Use the “1:3 Rule” – For every key term (e.g., activité), prepare 3 alternatives (programme, atelier, session).

Level

Speech Quality

Common Traits

• Frequent pauses, hesitations

• Pronunciation errors causing confusion

• Monotone delivery

Sounds unnatural, robotic, or difficult to follow

• Smooth, natural pace

• Clear accent (even if non-native)

• Expressive intonation

Engages listener with conversational flow

Part A: Information Retrieval

Part B: Presentation & Debate

Grammar/Syntax

Vocabulary

Pronunciation/Intonation

Robotic Speech (Over-Memorization)

Problem: Flat tone, no emotion (sounds like a text-to-speech program)
Fix:

Record & Compare: Listen to native speakers in podcasts → mimic rhythm
Emphasize Key Words: “Ce cours est INOUBLIABLE” (not “ce… cours… est… inoubliable”)

2. Disconnected Sentences

Problem: Choppy speech without transitions (“et… alors… euh…”)
Fix: Use linking phrases:

“En plus…” (Furthermore…)
“Par contre…” (On the other hand…)

3. Weak Physical Presence

Problem: Slouching, low volume, lack of energy
Fix:

Sit upright (improves breath support)
Practice “Projection”: Speak to an imaginary person 2m away

Examiner’s Perspective

“Candidates who sound natural—even with an accent—score higher than those with perfect grammar but robotic delivery. We assess communication, not just accuracy.”

Pro Tip: Try shadowing exercises: