1. Daily Life — Pro Tip
Focus on high-frequency everyday situations:
- Renting accommodation
- Transport delays
- Shopping problems
These appear constantly in Listening and Speaking.
What to master:
- Complaining politely
- Asking for information
- Describing routines
Key expressions:
- Je voudrais… (I would like…)
- Il y a un problème avec… (There is a problem with…)
- Pouvez-vous m’aider ? (Can you help me?)
Practice task:
Describe your daily routine and explain a problem (e.g. noisy neighbor or late bus).
2. Work — Pro Tip
This theme requires formal and professional language, especially for:
- Emails
- Meetings
- Job interviews
Very common in Writing and Speaking.
What to master:
- Formal tone
- Giving opinions politely
- Explaining experience
Key expressions:
- Je vous écris pour… (I am writing to…)
- Je suis responsable de… (I am responsible for…)
- Selon moi… (In my opinion…)
Practice task:
Write a short professional email or describe your job experience.
3. Health — Pro Tip
You must be able to describe symptoms clearly and precisely.
Common in Listening (doctor conversations) and Speaking role-play.
What to master:
- Explaining symptoms
- Asking for advice
- Understanding instructions
Key expressions:
- J’ai mal à… (I have pain in…)
- Depuis combien de temps ? (For how long?)
- Je vous conseille de… (I advise you to…)
Practice task:
Simulate a doctor visit: explain your symptoms and respond to advice.
4. Services & Administration — Pro Tip
This theme is about handling problems in formal situations:
- Bank issues
- Bills
- Internet problems
Very common in Speaking role-play.
What to master:
- Explaining a problem clearly
- Requesting a solution
- Being polite but firm
Key expressions:
- Je rencontre un problème avec…
- Je voudrais faire une demande…
- Pouvez-vous vérifier ?
Practice task:
Call a service (bank/internet) and explain a problem step by step.
5. Education — Pro Tip
Focus on academic communication and personal goals.
Important for Writing (emails) and Speaking (future plans).
What to master:
- Talking about studies
- Describing goals
- Explaining progress
Key expressions:
- Je suis étudiant en…
- Je prépare un examen…
- Je souhaite améliorer…
Practice task:
Explain your study plan and goals in 5–6 sentences.
6. Social Relations — Pro Tip
This is one of the MOST important themes for TEF Speaking.
You must:
- Invite
- Refuse politely
- Persuade
What to master:
- Expressing opinions
- Managing conflict
- Convincing someone
Key expressions:
- Pourquoi ne pas… ?
- Je pense que…
- Tu devrais…
Practice task:
Convince a friend to join an activity or resolve a disagreement.
7. Environment & Society — Pro Tip
This theme focuses on argumentation and opinion.
Very common in:
- Writing Task B
- Reading texts
What to master:
- Giving opinions
- Justifying ideas
- Using examples
Key expressions:
- À mon avis…
- Il est important de…
- Cela permet de…
Practice task:
Write 4–5 sentences giving your opinion about pollution or technology.
8. Travel & Leisure — Pro Tip
Focus on practical travel situations:
- Booking
- Delays
- Hotel issues
Very common in Listening and Speaking.
What to master:
- Asking for information
- Handling problems
- Making reservations
Key expressions:
- Je voudrais réserver…
- Il y a un problème avec…
- À quelle heure part… ?
Practice task:
Simulate booking a hotel and dealing with a problem.
9. Consumer Situations — Pro Tip
This is EXTREMELY important for TEF Speaking.
You must:
- Complain
- Request a refund
- Explain issues clearly
What to master:
- Complaint structure
- Polite but firm language
- Solution-focused communication
Key expressions:
- Je ne suis pas satisfait…
- Je souhaite un remboursement…
- Le produit est défectueux…
Practice task:
Complain about a product and request an exchange or refund.
10. Media & Information — Pro Tip
This theme tests your ability to:
- Understand news
- Express opinions
- Discuss ideas
Common in:
- Listening (reports)
- Writing (arguments)
What to master:
- Summarizing information
- Giving opinions
- Discussing topics
Key expressions:
- Selon les médias…
- Je pense que…
- Il est clair que…
Practice task:
Summarize a news story and give your opinion in 4–5 sentences.
