If you’re preparing for the TEF Canada or TEF Quebec exam, the speaking section can be a source of stress—especially when you’re asked to make a phone call in French. One typical task is calling a language school to get information about their course options.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to approach this scenario. You’ll learn what to expect, how to structure your conversation, and which vocabulary, phrases, and sentence starters—including conditional forms—will help you sound fluent and confident.
What is the TEF Speaking Exam and Why It Matters
The TEF speaking exam (Expression orale) is designed to assess how well you can communicate in everyday situations. In the first task, you’re typically asked to make a phone call and collect specific information. You’ll be evaluated on your vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, fluency, and ability to interact naturally.
When you’re calling a language school, think of it as a real conversation: you’re interested in signing up for French lessons but need more details than what’s on the website. Maybe the course levels aren’t clear, or you’re wondering about schedules or group sizes. Your job is to ask the right questions and react naturally.
How to Handle the Speaking Task: Language Course Inquiry
Let’s imagine this: you found a school that looks promising online, but you’re not sure which level is right for you or whether they offer evening classes. So you call to ask for more information.
Here’s how to manage the task, step-by-step:
Step 1: Understand Your Role
You’re the person asking for information. The examiner will act as a school receptionist. Your goal is to ask clear, specific questions that show you’re engaged.
Step 2: Greet and State Your Purpose
Start with a clear, polite introduction. Mention that you’re interested in taking language classes and that you’d like to know more.
Example:
Bonjour, je m’appelle [votre nom]. Je vous appelle car je suis intéressé(e) par vos cours de français. J’aimerais avoir quelques renseignements avant de m’inscrire.
(Hello, my name is [your name]. I’m calling because I’m interested in your French courses. I’d like to get some information before signing up.)
Add natural conditional forms to express flexibility:
Si les horaires me conviennent, je pourrais commencer la semaine prochaine.
(If the schedule works for me, I could start next week.)
Step 3: Ask Relevant Questions
Here are useful questions to guide your role-play:
Quels types de cours proposez-vous (intensifs, du soir, en ligne) ?
(What types of courses do you offer—intensive, evening, online?)Comment déterminez-vous le niveau des étudiants ?
(How do you determine a student’s level?)Combien de personnes sont dans chaque groupe ?
(How many people are in each group?)Quels sont les horaires disponibles ?
(What schedules are available?)Est-ce qu’il y a des cours pour les professionnels ou les débutants ?
(Are there courses for professionals or beginners?)
Conditional-based follow-ups make your questions richer:
Si les cours sont en journée, je ne pourrai pas y assister. Avez-vous des cours en soirée ?
(If the classes are during the day, I won’t be able to attend. Do you offer evening classes?)S’il y avait un test de niveau, est-ce qu’il serait en ligne ?
(If there were a placement test, would it be online?)
What to Listen For During the Call
Listening actively is just as important as speaking well. You need to catch the details that answer your questions. Here’s what to pay attention to:
Schedule Information: Days, hours, frequency of classes
“Les cours ont lieu les lundis et mercredis soir de 18h à 20h.”
(The classes take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 PM.)
Course Type or Level: Beginner, advanced, professional focus
“Nous avons des cours pour les débutants et aussi des ateliers de conversation.”
(We have classes for beginners and also conversation workshops.)
Group Size or Format: Number of students, online or in-person
“Chaque groupe compte en moyenne 8 étudiants.”
(Each group has about 8 students.)
Placement Tests or Enrollment: Is a test required? Can you register online?
“Un test de niveau est obligatoire et se fait en ligne.”
(A placement test is required and done online.)
Costs and Discounts: Pricing options, student rates, bundles
“L’abonnement mensuel est de 120 euros, mais il y a une réduction pour les étudiants.”
(The monthly subscription is 120 euros, but there’s a discount for students.)
Extras: Do they include materials, or offer certificates?
“Le matériel est fourni et vous recevrez un certificat à la fin.”
(Materials are provided and you’ll receive a certificate at the end.)
Keep your ear out for numbers, days, modal verbs (like vous pouvez, il faut), and keywords tied to your questions. If you’re unsure, ask for confirmation.
Step 4: Respond Naturally to the Answers
Engage with the receptionist’s responses. Use natural reaction phrases and ask clarifying questions.
Useful reactions:
D’accord, c’est clair. Merci. (Okay, that’s clear. Thank you.)
Ah parfait, c’est exactement ce que je cherchais. (Perfect, that’s exactly what I was looking for.)
Je comprends. Est-ce que je peux poser une autre question ? (I see. Can I ask another question?)
Use conditional reactions to sound fluent:
Si le groupe est trop grand, je préférerais un cours particulier.
(If the group is too big, I’d prefer a private class.)Je serais plus à l’aise si le professeur parle aussi anglais.
(I’d feel more comfortable if the teacher also speaks English.)
Step 5: Close the Conversation Politely
End the call respectfully. Thank the person and mention your next steps.
Example:
Merci beaucoup pour toutes ces informations. Si tout va bien, je m’inscrirai cette semaine. Bonne journée !
(Thank you very much for all the information. If everything works out, I’ll sign up this week. Have a nice day!)
Sentence Starters & Phrases You Can Memorize
These will help you stay composed and fluent:
Starting the conversation:
Bonjour, je cherche un cours de français. Pouvez-vous m’aider ?
(Hello, I’m looking for a French course. Can you help me?)Je voudrais quelques renseignements sur vos programmes.
(I’d like some information about your programs.)
Asking details:
Est-ce que vous proposez des cours du soir ?
(Do you offer evening classes?)Est-ce que le matériel est inclus dans le prix ?
(Is the material included in the price?)
Clarifying and reacting:
Pardon, vous pouvez répéter ?
(Sorry, can you repeat that?)Très bien, je prends note.
(Very well, I’ll make a note of that.)
Finishing the call:
Merci pour votre aide. Je vais y réfléchir.
(Thanks for your help. I’ll think about it.)Bonne journée et à bientôt.
(Have a good day and see you soon.)
Vocabulary & Collocations to Know
Here’s the vocabulary you’ll likely need for this topic.
Course Types
Cours intensif / semi-intensif = intensive / semi-intensive course
Cours du soir / de week-end = evening / weekend class
Cours en présentiel / en ligne = in-person / online course
Cours particulier = private lesson
Cours en groupe = group class
Atelier de conversation = conversation workshop
School Terms
Un test de niveau = placement test
Une session / un trimestre = session / term
Un calendrier / planning des cours = course schedule
Un certificat de langue = language certificate
Le matériel pédagogique = learning material
Collocations & Useful Expressions
S’inscrire à un cours = to enroll in a course
Choisir un niveau = to choose a level
Suivre une formation = to attend training
Passer un test de niveau = to take a placement test
Améliorer son français = to improve one’s French
Examples with conditionals:
Je m’inscrirais volontiers si les horaires me conviennent.
(I’d gladly sign up if the schedule suits me.)S’il y avait un cours le samedi, je serais intéressé(e).
(If there were a Saturday class, I’d be interested.)
What to Avoid
Make sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
Don’t translate directly from English—learn idiomatic French.
Don’t read from a script. Practice speaking naturally.
Don’t speak too fast or too slow—aim for clarity.
Don’t ignore what the other person says—show you’re listening.
Bonus: Strategy Tips for High Scores
Here’s how to show confidence and skill:
Use conditionals to express interest or preferences.
Prepare a short “about me” to explain why you’re learning French.
Practice with real course descriptions from websites.
Time your answers and practice staying under two minutes.
Final Thoughts
Making a phone call to a language school may seem simple, but it’s a great way to showcase real-life speaking skills in your TEF exam. Be clear, be polite, and be curious. The more specific and natural you sound, the better your score.
