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Speaking exam tips

Speaking exam tips

Practise one action, then use it in a new situation. These are HootBill original exercises, not official exam questions or scoring samples.

Speaking skills

Speaking task 2

Build a follow-up from the answer

Use something the other person just said to ask about a condition, limitation or example, rather than reciting a list.

Vous dites que le cours est en petit groupe. Combien de personnes y a-t-il en général ?
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Ask about class times, then use the answer to ask about rescheduling. Repeat in a housing scenario.

Speaking task 2

Clarify the part you missed

Asking for clarification keeps the interaction moving. Repeat what you understood, then check the key time, price or condition.

Si j’ai bien compris, le tarif comprend le matériel, mais pas le transport. C’est bien cela ?
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Hide the example and confirm what a price includes in your own words.

Speaking task 1

Answer first, then add a detail

Give a direct answer, then develop it with a habit, experience or reason. Complexity is not a substitute for relevance.

J’aime cuisiner le week-end. Je prépare souvent un plat que je peux partager avec ma famille.
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Describe a hobby in two sentences, then repeat with a different detail.

Speaking task 3

Connect opinion, reason and example

An example should explain your reason, not introduce an unrelated story. Link it back to your position.

À mon avis, les horaires souples sont utiles, parce qu’ils réduisent le stress. Par exemple, un parent peut accompagner son enfant avant de commencer sa journée.
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Choose transport or education and give one reason and example. Remove the example to check whether the argument is clear.

Speaking task 3

Acknowledge a limit and conclude

Both sides do not need equal time. Acknowledge a genuine limitation and explain why you still prefer one option.

Il est vrai que cette solution coûte plus cher au départ. Cependant, elle peut réduire les dépenses à long terme. C’est pourquoi je la préfère.
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Replace the abstract solution with public transport or working from home.

Speaking task 1

Use short sentences you control

Split a difficult long sentence into two. Establish a clear message before adding more connectors and details.

Je travaille dans le commerce. Ce qui me plaît, c’est le contact avec les clients.
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Describe your work, home and routine using two sentences for each.

French examples

Speaking task 2

Ask politely for specific information

Follow a polite opening with the precise information you need. Avoid packing three questions into one.

Pourriez-vous me préciser à quelle heure la visite commence ?
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Replace the time question with a location, price and eligibility question.

Speaking task 2

Check a key phrase

Identify the word you need explained instead of repeating the whole question.

Quand vous dites « accès libre », est-ce que cela signifie que je peux venir sans réservation ?
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Try a new clarification about included fees, flexible hours or limited places.

Speaking task 1

Describe a change in your routine

A contrast between before and now can develop an introduction without a lengthy backstory.

Avant, je prenais toujours la voiture. Maintenant, je marche davantage parce que mon travail est plus proche.
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Replace transport with a study or leisure habit while keeping the time reference consistent.

Speaking task 3

Give an example that supports the reason

Decide what the example should illustrate, then choose a situation that is easy to understand.

Prenons l’exemple d’une personne qui travaille loin de chez elle : un trajet plus court lui laisse davantage de temps pour sa famille.
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Keep the structure but use a student or a retired person as the example.

Speaking task 3

Express conditional support

A condition makes a position more precise when it addresses a genuine concern.

Je suis plutôt favorable à cette idée, à condition que les personnes concernées aient le choix.
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Add a clear condition and reason for online classes or a homework policy.

Speaking task 2

Rephrase when a word is missing

Describe a purpose or give an example when you cannot recall a word.

Je cherche un endroit où l’on peut travailler au calme et utiliser un ordinateur. Est-ce que vous proposez ce type d’espace ?
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Describe a library, gym or childcare service without naming it.

Practice scenarios

Speaking task 2

Housing enquiry: details and next steps

You ask a landlord about accommodation: cost, included services, transport and viewing. This is an original practice direction, not an official question.

Le chauffage est-il compris dans le loyer ? Et serait-il possible de visiter le logement samedi ?
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Ask three questions, then respond to an unsuitable condition by asking about alternatives.

Speaking task 2

Community class: timing and suitability

Enquire about a class, including whether your level is suitable and what happens if you miss a session.

Ce cours convient-il à quelqu’un qui débute ? Si je manque une séance, puis-je la reprendre un autre jour ?
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Alternate applicant and receptionist roles, adding a relevant follow-up after each answer.

Speaking task 2

Weekend outing: constraints and alternatives

Focus on practical participation conditions such as duration, weather or whether children can join.

L’activité se déroule-t-elle dehors ? Que se passe-t-il s’il pleut ?
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Switch from an outdoor activity to a museum visit while keeping the questioning logic.

Speaking task 2

Book a service: state the need first

Briefly state your need, then ask about availability, price and preparation. Keep the role of someone seeking information.

J’aimerais faire réparer mon vélo. Avez-vous une disponibilité cette semaine, et faut-il apporter quelque chose de particulier ?
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Start with two short questions, then follow up on the most important part of the response.

Speaking task 3

Working from home: develop the reasoning

Consider commuting, collaboration and routines, then choose a position and explain where it applies instead of listing every advantage.

Le télétravail peut faire gagner du temps, mais certains échanges sont plus simples au bureau. Un modèle mixte me paraît donc utile.
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Give your position in three sentences, then add an example from a specific occupation.

Speaking task 1

Describe a specific learning habit

Use familiar everyday experiences rather than delivering an unrelated memorized presentation.

J’essaie d’écouter un court dialogue chaque matin. Ensuite, je répète deux phrases et je les utilise dans une nouvelle situation.
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Change the frequency, material and method, then retell it without prompts.

Source: HootBill original content. External questions are not published as real exam questions without source and permission review.