How to Handle Unexpected Personal vs. Global Questions in TCF Canada

by | Sep 19, 2025 | Blog, TCF - Expression Orale (Speaking) - Section (C), TCF - Expression Orale (Speaking) (A), TCF – Expression Orale (Speaking) – Section (B), TCF Canada Format & Strategies, TCF Canada Preparation, TEF/ TCF Canada Preparation

One thing many candidates find tricky in TCF Canada speaking is when the question suddenly changes, from personal experiences to a general/global topic, or the other way around. It can feel confusing, but with some simple strategies, you can handle it easily.

1. Know the Difference

  • Personal questions are about you: your life, experiences, opinions.
    Example: “Tell me about a memorable trip you had.”

  • Global questions are about society or world issues: trends, problems, events.
    Example: “How does technology affect education?”

Sometimes, the question can mix both. Example: “How has technology changed your learning, and how does it affect students in general?”

2. Stay Calm

Even if the question feels unexpected:

  • Take a 2 to 3 second pause to think.

  • Smile and stay confident. The examiner wants to see that you can communicate, not that you know everything in the world.

3. Use a Simple Structure

  • Personal: Situation → Action → Result → Opinion
    Example: “Last year, I started learning French online. At first, it was hard, but I practiced every day and improved. I think regular practice is very important.” → << L’année dernière, j’ai commencé à apprendre le français en ligne. Au début, c’était difficile, mais je me suis entraînée tous les jours et j’ai progressé. Je pense que la pratique régulière est très importante. >>

  • Global: Statement → Example → Opinion → Consequence
    Example: “Technology has changed education by making online learning easier. For example, students can attend classes from anywhere. I think this is good, but it also needs self-discipline.” →  « << La technologie a transformé l’éducation en facilitant l’apprentissage en ligne. Par exemple, les étudiants peuvent suivre des cours où qu’ils soient. Je trouve cela positif, mais cela demande aussi de l’autodiscipline. >>

If the question is a mix, start with your personal example and then connect it to the bigger/global perspective.

4. Keep It Simple

  • Short, clear sentences work best.
  • Use connectors like par exemple, en général, à mon avis.
  • Don’t try to memorize long essays, the examiner wants natural speaking.

5. Practice Switching

  • Take a personal story and ask: How does this relate to society?
  • Take a global topic and ask: Do I have a personal experience about this?

For example, if the topic is climate change, you can say how you try to reduce plastic at home, then talk about what people around the world are doing.

6. Mindset Matters

  • Positive self-talk helps: “I can do this, I have ideas.”
  • Focus on sharing your thoughts, not being perfect.
  • Students who work on their confidence usually do better than those who only rely on tips from others.

7. Quick Tips

  • Listen carefully; don’t rush.
  • If you don’t understand a word, ask politely.
  • Keep answers short and clear: 30 to 60 seconds for personal, 60 to 90 for global.
  • Even in global topics, including a small personal example makes your answer stronger.

Unexpected questions are normal in TEF/TCF Canada. Stay calm, use simple structures, give examples, and focus on communicating your ideas naturally. The more you practice, the easier it gets.

If you’re preparing for TEF or TCF Canada and want personal guidance to speak confidently and naturally, I can help you. At LingoRelic, I design practical, heart-based speaking strategies that help students express themselves fluently and authentically, so exam day feels natural, not stressful.

WhatsApp: +91-9056131830

Email: lingorelic@gmail.com

Instagram: @lingorelic