Discourse competence and interaction strategies
What you must understand
This domain tests whether you can build a coherent turn and manage interaction. Concepts: signposting (d'abord, ensuite, enfin), topic development (claim, example, consequence), turn-taking (interrupting politely with excusez-moi de vous interrompre), checking and clarifying (vous voulez dire que…?), and hedging (il me semble, dans une certaine mesure).
Traps that appear
- Listing without structure: three ideas with no connector sound like a list, not an argument.
- Monopolising the turn: never yielding or checking understanding is penalised in interactive tasks.
- Misreading the task: a question asking for opinion plus justification needs both; giving only an opinion loses marks.
- Ignoring a follow-up question: candidates often answer the first question and miss the examiner's probe.
- Over-hedging: too much peut-être makes your position invisible.
Rule of thumb
Use a three-move frame for any extended answer: position → reason or example → consequence or concession. The concession (certes… mais) demonstrates advanced discourse control.
Worked example
Question: « Pensez-vous que le télétravail soit bénéfique ? » Answer: « Dans une certaine mesure, oui : d'abord, il réduit les trajets, ce qui libère du temps. Certes, il peut isoler, mais si l'entreprise organise des rencontres régulières, cet inconvénient s'atténue. » - position, reason, concession, resolution.