Speaking in French during TEF/TCF Canada exams can feel stressful. Most Indian students fall into the same traps, and this lowers their scores even though they know the content. The good news is that once you’re aware of these mistakes, you can avoid them and feel more confident in the exam.
Here are the 10 most common mistakes Indian students make in TEF/TCF speaking, and how to fix them.
Thinking in English/Hindi and Translating
A very common problem. Students first think in English or Hindi and then translate word by word. This makes the sentences sound odd and unnatural in French. For example, “I agree with you” often becomes “Je suis en accord avec toi”, which is not how French people say it
Tip: Don’t translate. Start with short, simple French sentences in your mind. For daily practice, describe small things around you in French, like what you are eating or what the weather is. Slowly, your brain will get used to thinking in French.
- Always saying “les gens”, “les personnes” or “beaucoup de choses”
When students don’t have enough vocabulary, they repeat the same words like les gens (people) les personnes (persons) or beaucoup de choses (many things). The examiner notices this quickly, and it makes your French sound basic.
Tip: Build your vocabulary step by step. Instead of always saying les gens, say more specific words like les citoyens, les habitants, la population, les consommateurs depending on the context. Click here to find more specific vocabulary.
Also, instead of beaucoup de choses, you can say plusieurs aspects, différents éléments, de nombreux avantages. These small changes give a big impression.
- Wrong Pronunciation
French pronunciation is tricky, and many Indian students confuse sounds like u vs ou or nasal vowels (on, an, in). Silent letters are also ignored. For example, saying beau like “boo” or pronouncing the “t” in avant. Wrong pronunciation can even change the meaning of words.
Tip: Don’t worry about having a French accent. Just focus on being clear. Listen carefully to native audios, repeat after them, and record yourself. Compare your version to the original. With a bit of daily practice, your pronunciation will improve.
- No Linking Words
Answers often sound broken because students speak in disconnected phrases, like bullet points. Example: « J’aime les villes. Il y a plus d’opportunités. La campagne est calme. Je préfère les villes. » It sounds robotic.
Tip: Learn a few basic connectors to make your answers flow. Use d’abord, ensuite, par contre, en plus, enfin. Even if your grammar is simple, these words make your speech more natural and structured.
- Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow
Some students rush through answers out of nervousness, and the examiner can’t catch what they are saying. Others speak too slowly, with long pauses while searching for words. Both give the impression that you are not in control. You are absolutely under no obligation to speak too fast, trust me.
Tip: Speak at a steady pace. It’s okay to pause for a second if you need to think, but don’t freeze. Use fillers like “je dirais que…” or “alors…” to give yourself a moment to continue smoothly.
- Weak Opinions
In the tasks where the candidates are expected to express opinions, many just say “Oui, je suis d’accord” or “Je préfère les villes” without developing their ideas. This makes answers sound incomplete.
Tip: Learn some simple opinion structures: À mon avis… / Je pense que… parce que… / Il me semble que…. And always add a reason or explanation. Par exemple, “À mon avis, la campagne est meilleure pour les familles, parce qu’il y a moins de pollution et plus d’espace pour les enfants.”
- Using Tu Instead of Vous
This is a very Indian mistake. In English, we just say “you” to everyone, but in French there’s a big difference. Saying tu to the examiner (when it is a formal task) can sound rude or over-friendly.
Tip: Always use vous in the exam except for when the task requires you to use tu. This shows respect and politeness.
- Very Short Answers
Some students answer with one or two lines and stop. This is not enough for the exam because the examiner wants to see if you can develop an idea.
Tip: Always extend your answers. Add an example, a comparison, or a small explanation. Par exemple, Instead of just saying “Je préfère la ville”, say “Je préfère la ville parce qu’il y a plus d’opportunités de travail. Par exemple, à Delhi on trouve de grandes entreprises, ce qui n’est pas le cas dans les villages.”
- Only Using Present Tense
Indian students usually stick to the present tense because it feels safe. But the examiner is checking if you can handle different tenses. If you only speak in the present, your level looks lower.
Tip: Revise a little of past, future, and conditional. Even simple sentences are enough. Par exemple, “Hier, j’ai visité un musée.” / “Dans 10 ans, je voudrais vivre au Canada.” Using 2 to 3 tenses shows variety and gives a better impression.
- Getting Nervous
Stress is natural, but many candidates lose too many marks because they panic, forget simple words, or freeze. The examiner does not want to see stress, only your ability to communicate.
Tip: Practice speaking under exam-like conditions. Record yourself answering questions in 1 to 2 minutes. If you practice this daily, you’ll be more confident on exam day. Remember: the examiner is not there to trap you, but to check if you can express yourself.
Quick FAQ
Q: Is accent important?
Not at all. You don’t need a French accent. Clear pronunciation is all that’s needed.
Q: What if I forget a word?
Don’t panic. Just explain it in another way, there always exists a different way to say the same thing and the examiner doesn’t know what words/ expressions you had in mind originally. So even if you reformulate and express yourself without freaking out too much, that’s perfect! Par exemple, If you forget the word “ascenseur”, say “la machine pour monter au 5e étage”.
Q: Can I ask the examiner to repeat?
Yes, politely. Say: “Pardon, pouvez-vous répéter la question s’il vous plaît ?”
Q: Should I use advanced words?
Only if you’re sure. Simple and correct is always better than complicated mistakes.
And finally,
Examiners are not looking for perfection. They just want to see if you can communicate clearly, with some variety in your grammar and vocabulary. If you avoid these 10 mistakes, you will already stand out from many candidates.
If you want guided preparation for TEF/TCF Canada with personal feedback, reach out to LingoRelic Language Academy. We’ve helped hundreds of students reach their target scores and move closer to their Canadian dream.
WhatsApp: +91-9056131830
Email: lingorelic@gmail.com
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