How to improve your speaking and writing responses
This tip is especially useful for TCF candidates, but it can help anyone.
Today in class with one of the students we discussed the concept of Ouverture. If you don't already know what it is and how to use it in your answer, then this post is for you.
Ouverture is a key element in exam texts and oral answers. Although it sounds like an “introduction,” it actually belongs at the end of the answer.
📌Why do you need Ouverture?
▪️It helps to go beyond the question asked, offering new ideas for thought or discussion.
▪️A well-developed Ouverture demonstrates your ability to analyze information and serves as an excellent complement to the conclusion without letting the answer end abruptly.
▪️This is your chance to connect the topic to current events or general issues, highlighting its importance in the real world.
📌How to create a spectacular Ouverture?
For example, for an oral or written response to task tâche 3:
* Think about the future: How might the topic evolve?
* Relate to current events: Is there a connection to current trends?
* Ask a question: You can end the answer with a question that stimulates further discussion.
‼Example Ouverture on the topic “Il est difficile de vivre seul(e). Êtes-vous d’accord?”, if all the arguments were in defense of this statement, there could be the following options:
🔺Toutefois, il serait intéressant de se demander si, dans certaines circonstances, vivre seul pourrait aussi offrir des opportunités uniques d’indépendance et de développement personnel.
🔺Néanmoins, la solitude peut parfois conduire à une meilleure connaissance de soi et à une plus grande créativité.
🔺Cependant, serait-il possible que pour certains individus, la solitude puisse être une source d’épanouissement et un moyen de renforcer leur résilience face aux défis de la vie ?
Ouverture is the part of the text that most often has to be edited or added to in the works that are sent to me for checking. In most cases, they simply forget to turn it on. This is also an important part of the oral answer, preparation for which should be done in advance, so as not to try to do it in a panic at the time of answering the exam in the remaining seconds.
Ouverture is not just a nice ending to your answer, it is an indicator of your ability to think broadly and creatively. Don't miss this opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and practice this part of the answer in advance.
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