SLE speaking guide
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Exam format · SLE points
- speaking tasks
- 4
- section length
- 40 min
- result reported as
- SLE points
Quick answer
The SLE oral proficiency assessment is an interview with an assessor, in person or by video, that places you at level A, B or C from the conversation: describing your work, explaining a process, giving an opinion on a work situation and answering follow-up questions. Level C requires sustained, precise French on abstract and hypothetical topics.
What each level asks
A: handle simple, routine exchanges about familiar work topics. B: take part in most work conversations, explain and describe with reasonable fluency, even with errors. C: discuss complex and hypothetical work matters at length, defend a position and handle sensitive situations with precise language.
How to practise
Speak about your own job for two minutes at a time, then answer "why", "what if" and "how would you handle" questions about it. Recording these runs and having them evaluated shows whether your answers stay at the B level of description or reach the C level of argument.