Only 2 weeks until TEF/TCF Canada?
How to prepare for the exam as quickly as possible?
Say you realize you need to take a French exam. You check the test centre’s website, and the next exam is in 2 weeks!
Should I sign up or wait six months until the next one? ⠀
I'm all for trying it if you get the chance. And the following recommendations will help you organize yourself and get the most out of express training: ⠀
- The most important thing is to understand the exam format. This information is available on the official website and in textbooks. Be careful with the latter, they do not always provide up-to-date data. I had a post about this. ⠀
- Do practice tests. They can be found in the public domain, for example, on YouTube. This training will help you identify your weak points and pay attention to them. ⠀
- Be sure to take the time test at least 1-2 times. This way you can feel the “framework”. ⠀
- Understand the evaluation criteria and what score you need. Don’t set a goal to just pass the exam, aim for a specific number, or better yet, higher. ⠀ If you haven’t found this information, contact a teacher who prepares you for just such exams. By the way, it will also help you objectively assess your level and tell you at what points you need to improve it. Sometimes 1-2 consultations are enough to prepare with a bang. ⠀
- Find out what pitfalls you may encounter. Any surprise during the exam can unsettle you. For example, some completely crazy themes or accents in TCF. Many people get confused when they hear, for example, Canadian or African French. Read blogs, chats, or ask your teacher. ⠀
- Put your life into French mode as much as possible so that it surrounds you constantly. Reset your phone, listen to news in French, watch movies without translation. ⠀
- Understand oral and written response structures. You can always get away with this, even if you fall short in grammar and vocabulary, or float in the topic. ⠀
In such a short time, your attitude is especially important. There is no point in panicking and suffering “Oh, 2 weeks left!” Better focus all your energy on effective preparation.
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