Hi Berry,
Glad to hear you're planning on sitting for the TEF.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I just took it yesterday. **Side note, I'm a native speaker and had my entire education in French, except for University level.**
There is a specific version of the TEF test, called "TEF Canada". So make sure you sign up for the right one. In my country, the test is computer based (e-TEF), and you take the listening (compréhension orale) and reading (compréhension écrite) on the computer. Writing (Expression écrite) is done after a 5mn break. Speaking (Expression Orale) is done at a later time in the day, specified to you on the day of the test. But of course, double check these details with your test center, most likely to be the "Institut Français".
In more details, the sections are presented as follows:
N.B: Below are just what I got in my test, but it can be different for yours, so don't take this at face-value.
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Reading:
-Four sections, MCQ Q/A, with increasing difficulty as you go. 1hr
-You'll first be tested on your ability to recognise basic information. For example, you'll be presented a list of dishes and drinks, with prices, and will be expected to recognise that you can find this type of information in a restaurant.
-Second, you'll be tested on your ability to relate a given small text, and be able to identify what topic it's talking about. For example, you read a text about a marketing position, and should know that it's a job offer.
-Third, well, this is where things can really get seriously tricky, especially when it comes to non-native speakers. I've heard many people complain about this section, and they are quite right. You need to read long texts of about 400 words, and answer questions related to information within the text. Answers can be quite ambiguous, and texts rich in complex vocabulary. So you really need to pay attention to this part, even if you're very familiar with the language.
-Finally, you'd be asked to pick the most appropriate paraphrased version to a given sentence.
Listening:
-Four sections, MCQ Q/A, with increasing difficulty as you go. 40mn
-First, relate an image to a situation described in a conversation. For example, you hear two people talking about different events (eating, swimming, etc...), and be able to link each image with the right word.
-Second, listen to voicemail messages, and identify what the main topic was (Family, Friends, Professional, or Commercial). Then identify what was the purpose of the caller (e.g Cancel an appointment, Ask for information...etc)
-Third, like the reading part, listen to longer conversation, mostly taken from radio talk shows, and be able to answer questions related to the conversation. You'll hear each conversation twice. Tricky part.
-Finally, you'll hear a sentence, and then read the sentence, and answer yes or no to wether or not you think what you heard is what you're reading. If it was in English, if would go something like: Sentence heard: I need a break. Sentence read: I need to Break. Careful though, many get this part wrong, as they keep their eyes on the sentence while they listen, and it gives them the illusion that what they hear is indeed what they read.
Writing:
-Two sections. One hour total
-First, you have to write the end of a short newspaper story based on a few sentences they're giving you. Minimum 80 words. It's called "Faits Divers".
-Second, you need to write a letter to a journalist, who just published an article about a given topic. You have to share 3 arguments with him as to why you agree or disagree. 200 words minimum. You need to be very structured in this part (Intro, Arguments, Conclusion using the right connectors)
Speaking:
-Two sections. Two jury members. One talks, the other grades. They switch after the end of the first part.
-First section (5mn). You'll do a role-play where you call someone to ask more information about an ad. You have to ask at least 10 questions that are relevant to the presented document. For example, I had to "call" and ask questions about an ad on a castle that does wine tasting tours in grape fields around a castle. Others who took the test had to "call" to ask questions about a yard sale.
-Second section (10mn). Still a role-play, where you have to convince your friend to act on an ad presented to you. For example, I had to convince her to sign-up for a Book club. You have to present valid and structured arguments. No need to actually convince her/him as per se, but it's still an argumentation. They will play hard ball, pretending not to be interested.
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So there you go. Again, it's more or less the same structure as in here, but the content can change according to where you'll be taking the test.
HOWEVER, I just want to give my thoughts about it. The test IS NOT easy. IELTS is far more straight forward. If you're planning to take just ONE of the tests, I suggest going with IELTS. If you want to have max points by taking both tests, knock yourself out. But hear this, even native speakers say the test is unfair to non-natives. And they are right. Honestly, I don't know how someone who spent 1 or 2 years studying the language can write a fully elaborate letter with fancy connectors, or even listen to radio debates or conversations, and detect subtle French nuances and expressions, and be able to fully understand some of the texts. Really, some of the texts were quite a challenge!
If you think you have good French, by all means go ahead! But it's not a test you can just study for and learn techniques.
Good luck to you!
Cheers!
I prepared from TEF book and it was enough. I didn't see any difference in the test concept.