Pronunciation and your speaking exam score
Does your pronunciation affect your score in the speaking portion of the exam, and if so, how much?
First, control of a language’s phonological system — its sounds — is part of the assessment criteria for both TEF and TCF and directly affects your score. Let’s look at the general criteria for levels A2, B1, B2 and C1 in both exams, so you can see how the requirements progress and compare your spoken French with the examiners’ expectations at each level. This will help you identify what to aim for and how to improve as you move from one level to the next.
📌At level A2: speech must be understandable. Yes, understanding may require effort; in an exam, for example, the examiner may ask you to repeat what was said. But as a rule, the tester pronounces simple expressions and familiar words correctly. And in general, the pronunciation is correct; difficulties arise with more complex, unfamiliar words.
📌At level B1: The pronunciation is generally understandable, but still with frequent pauses. The tester pronounces common expressions and words correctly, but intonation and stress may still be incorrect. Although even if the test taker has difficulties in pronunciation, which make it difficult to understand the details, they do not interfere with the transfer of the general meaning.
📌At level B2: The test taker has natural intonation, stress, and articulation. Even if there is a foreign accent, it does not interfere with understanding. The test taker may still have difficulty pronouncing, but this does not affect the overall meaning of the message. The tester is able to independently hear and correct his own mistakes. He can also choose intonation to better convey his message.
📌At level C1: The test taker speaks naturally and fluently throughout the entire answer, but unsystematic errors are allowed. In most cases, the intonation corresponds to the situation. The tester knows how to control the rhythm and tempo of his speech, emphasize what is important with his voice, and highlight ideas.
⚠️Mastery of the sound system is one of several criteria for the oral part, which, of course, requires improvement and work, but this is a gainful thing, it comes with time. The most important thing is to generally pay attention to this aspect, listen more, learn to hear and analyze pronunciation. Well, then try to apply it.