Speaking & writing

The examiner's 10 most common follow-ups, and how to turn each into points

A follow-up isn't the examiner trying to catch you out. It's the test checking whether you can keep producing French without a script. Every follow-up is one of three kinds, and each kind has a standard response.

Updated November 2026 · 3 min read

The short answer

All follow-ups are reason, example or extension questions in disguise.
Standard response: repeat the key word → answer simply → add a reason, example or comparison.
Challenging follow-ups (C'est toujours vrai ?) reward nuance, not retreat.
Answering follow-ups well often lifts the score more than the original answer.

1Three kinds of follow-up

Reason

Pourquoi ? Comment ça ?

Wants a justification.

Example

Par exemple ? Vous avez vécu ça ?

Wants something concrete.

Extension

Et les inconvénients ? C'est toujours vrai ?

Wants the other side or a limit.

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The ten most common examiner follow-ups
What each one is really asking for
A French opener to turn each into points

4Frequently asked questions

Why does the TCF examiner ask follow-up questions?+

To check whether you can keep developing your ideas without preparation. Follow-ups are an opportunity to show reasons, examples and nuance, which are what earn B2-level scores.

Keep reading

Add 30 seconds to every TCF speaking answerAsk yourself the examiner's follow-ups first: four templates and a daily drill.Task 3: the examiner's 10 challenge trapsTen challenge types with ready French responses, and the concede–reframe–extend formula.The 10 questions that most often cause freezesWhy? Example? Do you agree? Ten sticking points and a French way into each.Task 3: handling the examiner's sudden rebuttalThree rebuttal families and the acknowledge–pivot–counter pattern, with worked responses.

Turn the method into points

Practise with levelled TCF Canada questions and full mock exams built for NCLC 7, with an explanation for every answer.