Overview
This lecture provides a step-by-step strategy for beginners and intermediate learners to prepare for the TEF Canada French exam in 2025, focusing on latest resources, structured learning phases, and effective self-study practices.
Mindset & Initial Promises
- Trust the recommended methods, as they are based on real experiences.
- Avoid getting distracted by too many resources; focus on the ones suggested.
- Be honest with your effort and maintain consistent, regular study habits.
Structure of Learning Phases
- Preparation is divided into four phases: Beginner, Deep Dive, Intermediate, and TEF prep.
- Each phase targets different skills and resources, progressing from basics to exam-specific practice.
Beginner Phase (Month 1)
- Follow the Frenchify YouTube playlist for a step-by-step grammar foundation.
- Use the "Complete French All-in-One" book for structured grammar practice and exercises.
- For vocabulary and listening, utilize Frenchify Podcast and the book Edito A1 (complete 4-5 units).
- Avoid other apps/resources initially and focus on building a strong grammar and vocabulary base.
Deep Dive (Months 2-4)
- Finish all grammar videos in the Frenchify playlist; fill gaps using "Complete French All-in-One".
- Complete 60-70% of Edito A1 for vocabulary and practice.
- Practice listening and reading with Frenchify Podcast, French Facile, and other basic YouTube French story channels.
- For speaking, create scripts on common topics, memorize, and record yourself reciting them.
- Writing practice is passive through grammar exercises.
Transition to Intermediate Level (Month 4+)
- Start using TV5Monde (A1/A2 audios) and RFI Français Facile (level A2) for listening and comprehension exercises.
- Complete your grammar studies and focus more on reading and listening practice.
- Evaluate progress monthly, not daily or weekly.
Intermediate Phase & TEF Prep (Months 5+)
- Use "Read and Think French" and French news sites like Le Monde for advanced reading and vocabulary.
- Listen to channels like Radio Canada Info and RAD for Quebecois accent exposure.
- For listening, include B1 level audios from RFI, TV5Monde, and channels like InnerFrench, Easy French, and J'aime Epicurieux.
- Speaking practice should now involve spontaneous monologues or bullet points instead of full scripts.
- Begin exploring TEF Canada Section A (speaking and writing), focusing on exam structure and strategies.
- For writing, concentrate only on TEF-specific formats and tasks.
Final Exam Prep (Months 8-12)
- Purchase PrepMyFuture for TEF mock exams and focus on identifying weak areas.
- Practice fast reading and listening to improve speed and comprehension under exam conditions.
- For refined prep, use French news sites and high-level books to expand technical vocabulary.
Key Terms & Definitions
- TEF Canada — Test d’évaluation de français, a French language proficiency test for immigration.
- A1/A2/B1 Levels — Beginner and intermediate proficiency levels in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Grammar — Rules that structure how sentences are formed in a language.
- Vocabulary — The set of words within a language known to a learner.
- Listening Comprehension — The ability to understand spoken French.
- Speaking Practice — Exercises to improve oral skills, fluency, and accent.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Start the Frenchify YouTube grammar playlist and follow along with "Complete French All-in-One".
- Practice vocabulary and listening with Edito A1 and Frenchify Podcast.
- Move to advanced resources (TV5Monde, RFI, InnerFrench, etc.) as you progress.
- Purchase "Read and Think French" and follow news sites for reading practice.
- Register on PrepMyFuture for mock exams around month 8.
- Focus on exam-specific speaking and writing tasks as you reach the intermediate level.
- Track your progress monthly and adjust focus to weaker areas.