How to Prepare For The TCF Vocabulary Section?

If you've ever sat down and studied for the TCF vocabulary section, you know the feeling: endless lists of words, and the gradual suspicion that you're memorizing French in a vacuum.

If you want to truly comprehend this section, you have to consider it as a toolbox. This section is about showing you can use French in everyday situations, like ordering a coffee, talking about the weather, or describing your work without stress.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what the TCF vocabulary section looks like, why it matters, and how you can get the best score in this section. 

Overview of The TCF Vocabulary Section 

In the TCF exam, vocabulary is not tested on its own. Instead, it is included in the Language Structures section, which combines both grammar and vocabulary. 

The questions start at beginner level (A1–A2) and gradually move up to advanced level (B2–C2). 

They are designed to check how well you can use French in everyday situations, for example, by spotting mistakes in word choice, matching expressions, or selecting the right word or phrase to fit a given context.

• Number of questions: 18 multiple-choice questions.
• Time limit: 15 minutes.

Question Format 

Each question has four options (A, B, C, D) with only one correct answer. The questions get harder as you go, starting from beginner level (A1–A2) and moving up to advanced (B2–C2). You may be asked to:

• Spot errors in word choice, register, or usage.
• Match equivalent expressions or grammatical terms.
• Choose the right word or phrase based on context, such as in everyday conversations or social situations.

Scoring

Each compulsory section of the TCF (Listening, Language Structures, and Reading) is scored on a scale from 0 to 699 points. Since vocabulary is part of the Language Structures section, how well you do on those vocabulary questions directly impacts your score there. 

That score is then combined with your results in Listening and Reading to give your overall average, which determines your final level.

CEFR levels: Scores are mapped to CEFR levels (A1–C2). For example:

• 100–199 points → A1 (basic user)
• 200–299 points → A2
• 300–399 points → B1
• 400–499 points → B2
• 500–599 points → C1
• 600–699 points → C2 (near-native mastery)

Note: On paper, it’s always 18 questions. On the computer, the test adapts slightly depending on your answers. You don’t need any prior knowledge of specific topics; the focus is on practical language use.

How To Prepare for The TCF Vocabulary? 

Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for the TCF vocabulary section. They’re based on common exam patterns and proven study methods, and the goal is to make learning words easier to remember and more natural to use during the test.

1. Focus on Common Themes with Related Words 

The exam often brings up everyday topics, such as technology, social media, food, and work.

To remember all of them, don’t just memorize random words; group them by theme. If you’re studying “internet,” learn words like hameçonnage (phishing), confidentialité (privacy), and dépendance numérique (digital addiction). 

Then try using them in short sentences, like debating whether the internet makes daily life easier.

2. Learn Through Repeated Exposure 

Don’t force yourself to learn everything in one sitting. Pay attention to spelling and pronunciation, then read articles or listen to podcasts where those words naturally appear. The more you hear them in context, the easier you’ll remember, especially idioms or formal phrases.

3. Use Short, Frequent Study Sessions

Avoid long study times. Ten minutes here and there is better than an hour of studying. Use apps with spaced repetition, or review just before bed to help memory. Also, a few minutes after meals or during breaks add up quickly.

4. Practice by Describing Daily Activities

Talk about your day in French, even to yourself. For example: Je prends le métro bondé pour éviter les embouteillages (“I take the crowded metro to avoid traffic jams”). Connecting words to real life makes them easier to recall.

5. Watch for Common Mistakes and Sounds

Some words look or sound similar but mean different things. Pay attention to silent letters or odd pronunciations, like légal where the “g” sounds like “j.” Modern terms like piratage (hacking) or fausses nouvelles (fake news) also show up often, so practice spotting and correcting them.

6. Use Media for Practice with Review

Podcasts, news clips, or TV5MONDE are great sources. Pause, jot down new phrases, then try them in conversation. Feedback from apps or teachers helps you polish usage, especially at higher levels.

7. Do Targeted Practice Questions  

Work on exercises about current topics, like life without the internet. Fill in blanks with words such as mot de passe (password) or discuss issues like harcèlement numérique (cyberbullying). Time yourself and check why certain answers fit better.

8. Combine with Other Skills

Don’t study words in isolation. Use them in grammar drills, build longer sentences, and take weekly practice tests. Also, review mistakes carefully; you’ll spot better word choices that way.

9. Take Regular Mock Exams

Include mock exams in your routine to get used to the test format and timing. This helps you apply vocabulary in real exam conditions and spot areas that need more work. 

One of the best resources to prepare for the TCF exam is Mocko.ai, an AI-powered platform that provides practice for French proficiency tests like the TEF, which has similarities to the TCF in structure and content. It offers realistic simulations to build your skills.

Here are some features and advantages of Mocko.ai:

• Realistic Mock Tests: It creates exams that mimic the actual test, with dynamic questions tailored to your level.
• Intelligent Feedback: After each test, you get detailed reports and instant feedback on your answers, helping you understand mistakes and improve.
• AI Tutor Support: Acts as a personal tutor with smart guidance and expert tips to boost your proficiency.
• Advantages: It's efficient for busy learners, provides quick progress tracking, and focuses on key skills like vocabulary and grammar. 

Lastly, let’s review some questions to get you familiar with the exam.  

TCF Vocabulary Section Sample Questions

The vocabulary questions in the TCF check how well you can use words in the right context, not just memorize them. You’ll see tasks with synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, or spotting incorrect word use. Below are a few sample examples inspired by common practice materials: 

1. Error Identification: Choose the sentence with an incorrect word usage. 

1. Je suis ravi de vous rencontrer.  
2. Le temps est beau aujourd'hui. 
3. J'ai faim de voyager. 
4. Elle porte une robe élégante. 

Answer: c - This tests understanding of fixed expressions like "avoir faim" (to be hungry) vs. "avoir envie" (to want).

2. Equivalent Expression: Select the phrase that means the same as "Il pleut des cordes." 

1. Il fait beau. 
2. Il pleut beaucoup. 
3. Il y a du soleil. 
4. Il neige. 

Correct Answer: b - This evaluates knowledge of idioms ("It's raining cats and dogs" equivalent).

3. Contextual Choice: Complete the sentence: "Pour réserver une table au restaurant, il faut ______ à l'avance." 

1. appeler 
2. manger
3. payer 
4. dormir 

Correct Answer: a - Focuses on vocabulary for everyday actions.

FAQs