TEF Vocabulary Structure: How to Prepare For It?

The TEF Vocabulary and Structure section is usually where learners feel the real challenge begins. It’s not just about understanding French; it’s about showing that you can think in the language. 

Unlike listening or reading comprehension, this module doesn’t just measure what you understand; it evaluates how well you can choose the right word and apply the right grammar rule under pressure. In just 30 minutes, you’ll face 40 questions that challenge your command of French lexicon, syntax, and cohesion.

Success in this part of the exam doesn’t come from cramming word lists. It comes from spotting patterns, making quick choices, and proving you can handle French with ease and confidence.

Let’s take a detailed look at the TEF vocabulary structure and teach you how to come out successfully from this section. 

A Quick Overview of The TEF Exam 

As you might know, the TEF is a computer-based exam recognized around the world. It’s used for Canadian immigration, Québec selection, French citizenship, and even university admissions.

The test is modular, which means you can choose the sections that match your goals. Here’s a quick look at the main parts:

• Listening (Compréhension Orale): 40 minutes, 60 questions. Everyday and professional French, with new short interviews and street surveys.
• Reading (Compréhension Écrite): 60 minutes, 50 questions. Real-life texts like articles, emails, and ads.
• Speaking (Expression Orale): 15 minutes, 2 tasks. Role-plays and debates to test interactive speaking.
• Writing (Expression Écrite): 60 minutes, 2 tasks. A short text (80–120 words) and a longer argumentative letter (200–295 words).
• Vocabulary & Structure (Lexique et Structure): 30 minutes, 40 questions. Focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence flow, our main area of focus.

TEF Vocabulary Structure 

Now let’s get to the main part. The Lexique et Structure module checks how well you can use French grammar and vocabulary in a real context. 

In some versions, the test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty changes based on how you respond. 

In this section, the focus is on practical skills: word usage, syntax, and cohesion, all tested through everyday examples.

TEF Vocabulary Section Details 

The Lexique et Structure module is short but intense: 30 minutes, 40 questions.

You'll encounter incomplete sentences or short paragraphs with missing words or structures. Select the best option from several choices to complete them correctly. 

For example: "Malgré les obstacles, elle a décidé de _____ son rêve." (Options might include poursuivre, abandonner; correct: poursuivre). This tests contextual fit over isolated knowledge.

All tasks are multiple-choice, with incomplete sentences or short paragraphs where you pick the best option to fill the gap. There’s no writing or speaking here; it’s purely about selecting the right answer.

What’s Being Tested:

• Vocabulary: Choosing words in context, spotting synonyms and antonyms, understanding idioms, and recognizing thematic vocabulary.
• Grammar & Syntax: Applying verb tenses, agreement, prepositions, and pronouns, and keeping sentences cohesive.
• Overall Skill: Showing you can identify the correct forms in real-life situations, and use French with clarity and fluency.

How the TEF Vocabulary Questions Are Divided

The Lexique et Structure module has 40 questions total, split evenly between vocabulary and grammar/syntax. Each side uses two formats: sentence completions and short texts.

Vocabulary (20 questions)

This part checks if you can pick the right word for the situation.

• 14 sentence completions: You’ll see a single sentence with a blank space. Your job is to choose the word that fits best; it could be a synonym, a thematic term, or an idiomatic expression.
• 6 short texts: Instead of one sentence, you’ll get a short paragraph (2–4 sentences) with missing words. You need to fill the gaps with vocabulary that makes the passage accurate and natural.

Grammar & Syntax (20 questions)

This part tests how well you handle sentence structure and grammar rules.

• 14 sentence completions: You’ll see sentences with a grammar issue, maybe the wrong verb tense, a missing preposition, or incorrect agreement. You choose the option that fixes it.
• 6 short texts: Here, you’ll read a short passage and select the right connectors or structures to make the text flow smoothly. Think of things like linking clauses, using the right pronouns, or keeping verb forms consistent.

Overall, this part of the exam looks closely at the finer details of French usage. You’ll be tested on:

TEF Vocabulary Scoring

Each correct answer earns 1 point, and there’s no penalty for guessing. To reach a B2–C1 level, aim for about 70–80% accuracy (roughly 28–32 correct answers).

Common Challenges In The TEF Vocabulary Section and How to Overcome Them

Many TEF candidates find this module tricky because it tests both speed and precision. Here are the main hurdles and how to tackle them:

1. Time Pressure: With 40 questions in 30 minutes, you have less than a minute per item. It’s easy to get stuck.

✅ Train with timed practice sets. Get used to moving quickly, skipping tough questions, and coming back later if time allows.

2. Similar Words (e.g., savoir vs. connaître): French often has pairs of words that look interchangeable but aren’t. These subtle differences can trip you up.

✅ Learn them in context, not isolation. For example, savoir is used for facts or skills (Je sais nager), while connaître is for familiarity with people or places (Je connais Paris). Practice with sentences so the distinction feels natural.

3. Subtle Grammar Rules (like subjunctive triggers): The subjunctive mood appears after certain expressions (il faut que, bien que, pour que), and missing it can cost points.

✅ Make a list of common triggers and practice short sentences. For example: Il faut que tu viennes (subjunctive) vs. Je pense que tu viens (indicative). Seeing them side by side helps cement the rule.

4. Over-Reliance on Memorization: Some learners try to memorize endless word lists or grammar charts, but the test measures how you apply knowledge in real sentences.

✅ Focus on usage. Read short French texts (emails, ads, articles) and pay attention to how words and structures appear naturally. Then practice filling in blanks with those same patterns.

Preparation Tips for Success

In the Lexique et Structure module, not only do you have to memorize grammar rules and vocabulary lists, but you also have to use French actively and accurately in context. Here are some helpful strategies:

1. Strengthen Your Core Skills

Start with grammar basics: review tenses, articles, and pronouns using trusted resources like Grammaire Progressive du Français.

For vocabulary, focus on learning words in context rather than isolation. Group them by themes such as immigration, environment, or daily life, and aim to add 50–100 new words to your repertoire each week.

2. Practice with Purpose

Target the formats you’ll see on the exam, sentence completions, and short texts. Work on connectors like cependant, donc, and par exemple to strengthen cohesion. 

Don’t shy away from complex grammar rules either; practice the subjunctive and subordinate clauses in realistic scenarios, so they feel natural.

3. Use Reliable Resources

Official samples from France Éducation International or the TEF Canada portal are essential. Supplement them with TEF preparation books like Préparation au TEF or Le TEF: 500 exercices. 

For a more interactive option, platforms like Mocko.ai stand out. Mocko is built for TEF and TCF exam preparation, giving learners realistic mock tests with clear feedback. 

The platform mirrors the official exam setup and includes all modules, so your practice is authentic, professional, and targeted.

Why Mocko Is Useful for TEF Vocabulary

The Lexique et Structure module is about applying vocabulary and grammar in context, not rote memorization. Mocko.ai helps here by:

• Giving you sentence completion tasks and short text exercises identical to the exam format.
• Offering AI-powered feedback that suggests synonyms, clarifies usage, and strengthens contextual understanding.
• Allowing you to practice under real timing conditions (30 minutes for 40 questions), which builds speed and confidence.
• The system adjusts difficulty based on your responses, helping you progress steadily toward higher proficiency.

If you want to master the TEF vocabulary section, don’t forget to check out Mocko!

4. Simulate Test Conditions

Time yourself for 30 minutes when practicing. Train your eye to skim quickly, eliminate wrong options, and keep pace with the exam’s rhythm. Again, specialized TEF platforms like Mocko are great options for this purpose. 

5. Make French Part of Your Day

Read French media like Le Monde or listen to RFI for exposure to authentic vocabulary. Podcasts such as Coffee Break French are great for idioms and spoken flow. Keep a short journal in French and use tools like BonPatron to check your writing for errors.

7. Target Weak Spots

If verbs are your weak point, drill them until they feel automatic. Use thematic vocabulary banks, especially those relevant to TEF Canada, like immigration terms, to strengthen areas that matter most.

Conclusion

The Lexique et Structure section of the TEF is a gateway to proving fluent, accurate French usage through contextual vocabulary and grammar. 

If you get to know how the test works, keep up steady practice, and use fresh resources, you’ll get better at each part of the test and take real steps toward your goals, whether that’s immigration, citizenship, or studying abroad. Bonne chance!

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