Build a 2-Minute Monologue

The monologue architecture

Part 2 gives you a cue card with four bullet points and one minute to prepare. Then you speak for two minutes. Most French speakers run out of things to say at about 45 seconds. The fix is structure, not more ideas.

Transition phrases

The 1-minute prep strategy

Write key words, not sentences. Maximum 4 words per bullet point. If you write full sentences, you'll end up reading them — and a read monologue sounds flat and rehearsed. Plan your opening sentence mentally, then let the rest flow from your key words.

If you finish early

Add a reflection: "What strikes me most looking back is..." This fills the last 15 seconds naturally and shows the examiner you can reflect — a Band 7+ signal.

If you blank mid-speech

Move to the next bullet point. Don't freeze. "Anyway, moving on to..." is always available. You can circle back later if time permits.