Speaking & writing

10 phrases that lift a TCF speaking answer to the next band

These ten phrases won't expand your vocabulary much. They change how you sound: from a learner putting sentences together to someone thinking aloud in French. Two or three per answer is enough.

Updated November 2026 · 3 min read

The short answer

Nuanced openers: Je dirais que, Il me semble que, D'une manière générale.
Persuasive markers: Ce qui est sûr, c'est que, Il ne faut pas oublier que.
Logic: En effet, Par conséquent, D'un côté… de l'autre.
Stronger endings: Tout bien considéré, C'est pour toutes ces raisons que.

1The rule: few, and in the right place

Put one at the start, one in the middle and one at the end. Using every phrase in one answer sounds rehearsed. Using none sounds basic.

Members only

The full upgrade phrase set is for members

This part is ready-to-use practical material. Become a member to read it, and unlock every members-only guide plus the levelled exam questions and full mock exam bank.

Ten phrases in four groups: register, persuasion, logic, endings
Where to place them so they sound natural
A before/after answer showing the difference

4Frequently asked questions

How can I sound more advanced in TCF speaking?+

Use a few nuanced openers and logical connectors, such as je dirais que, il me semble que, en effet, par conséquent and tout bien considéré, and place them at the start, middle and end of your answer.

Keep reading

20 skeleton sentences for TCF speakingReady-made French frames in six groups, plus a standard answer frame and full example.TCF speaking simulation: 10 questions, improvised answersNatural spoken answers in 60–90 seconds, and how to run your own timed simulation.Stuck below NCLC 7 in speaking? Expand every sentenceOpinion, reason, example, consequence: four expansion techniques and a daily drill.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.