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Task 2

Asking for information

Duration
3 minutes 30 of conversation
Preparation
2 minutes
Format
Role play: you ask the examiner questions
Goal
This task assesses your ability to get information in an everyday situation. The examiner plays a role (a friend, a colleague, a neighbour…) and you ask questions to find out more or to make a decision.

A four-step method

1. During the preparation time

Spot the themes given in the prompt (for example: deadline, size, duration) and note 10 to 12 questions spread across them. Add one or two themes of your own so you never run out of ideas.

2. Opening the conversation

Greet the examiner the way your character would and restate the situation in one sentence. Choose « tu » or « vous » right away, depending on the relationship in the prompt.

3. Asking your questions and reacting

Ask one question at a time, listen to the answer and react before moving on (« Ah bon ? », « Super ! », « Je vois »). A real conversation counts more than a long list of questions.

4. Closing the conversation

Sum up what you learned or announce your decision, then thank the other person.

Varying how you ask questions

Examiners value variety. Alternate between these three forms:

Three ways to ask the same question

  • Tu aimes lire ? (intonation, registre familier)Do you like reading? (rising tone, informal)
  • Est-ce que tu aimes lire ? (registre courant)Do you like reading? (standard)
  • Aimes-tu lire ? (inversion, registre soutenu)Do you like reading? (inversion, formal)

Question words

  • Quand… ? À quelle heure… ?When…? At what time…?
  • Où… ? Combien de temps… ?Where…? How long…?
  • Comment… ? Pourquoi… ?How…? Why…?
  • Quel(le) est… ? Qu'est-ce que… ?What is…? What…?

Useful French phrases

Opening the conversation

  • Salut ! Ça fait longtemps, comment vas-tu ?Hi! It's been a long time, how are you?
  • Bonjour, excusez-moi, j'aurais quelques questions à vous poser.Hello, excuse me, I have a few questions for you.
  • Je voulais te demander quelques détails sur…I wanted to ask you a few details about…

Reacting and following up

  • Ah bon ? C'est intéressant !Really? That's interesting!
  • D'accord, je vois.OK, I see.
  • Et à ce propos, est-ce que… ?And on that subject, do…?
  • Tu peux m'en dire un peu plus ?Can you tell me a bit more?

Closing

  • Merci, ça m'aide beaucoup !Thanks, that really helps!
  • Parfait, je pense que je peux m'en occuper.Perfect, I think I can take care of it.
  • Super, on en reparle bientôt !Great, let's talk about it again soon!

Sample answers

Durations are estimated at a normal pace (130 words per minute). The prompts and answers are in French, just like at the exam.

More sample answers are coming soon.