Finding counterarguments for the TEF Canada speaking section
Let’s talk about the TEF. One of its tasks has a catch — and that’s exactly why so many people are afraid to take the exam. ⠀
You need to convince the examiner to take some action - get a job, go somewhere with you, start a new life, etc. ⠀
And what is important here is not so much the arguments that you will initially give, but how you will react to your interlocutor’s responses. That is, the examiner will evaluate your ability to COUNTERARGUMENT. ⠀
It's not that easy even in your native language. What can we say about foreign ones?
But there are some tips on how you can show yourself well here: ⠀
- Listen carefully to your interlocutor ⠀
Nerves make many candidates focus so hard on their own speech that they don’t respond to the other person at all. They simply reel off memorized phrases. You need to listen to the reply to your first argument and build the conversation from there. Even if you have a mental file of ready-made questions, choose the one that logically follows the other person’s latest remark. Don’t ignore it. ⠀
- Use universal language ⠀
During lessons, my students and I analyze phrases that work as counterarguments to any question. I won’t list them now, but if you have them in your arsenal, be careful too. There is no need to give away your entire set at the examiner’s first answer. They said one counterargument - you are waiting to see how your interlocutor will react next. Distribute helper phrases throughout your dialogue. ⠀
- Be proactive ⠀
The further the dialogue goes, the more control you take over it. There should be a feeling that it is no longer the examiner who controls the course of the conversation, but you yourself. Ask him counter questions: - What do you think about this? Is this right for you? What would you do here? ⠀
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