FIDE Exam: Role Play / Phone Simulation (A2)

FIDE A2: understanding task 2 (phone role play)

In the FIDE A2 speaking exam, task 2 is a phone simulation: you talk with the examiner, who plays a real-life interlocutor (building management, a friend, a service, etc.). The goal is not to speak for a long time, but to be efficient: explain a problem, manage an appointment (make, change, cancel), and propose a solution.

What the examiner expects: you understand the situation, you explain the problem clearly, you look for a solution, you stay polite, and you end the call properly.

You do not have the instruction in front of you: you listen and react. If one word blocks you, you can ask for a rephrasing in French.

A simple method to succeed

1) Take control from the first sentence

Right away, say why you are calling. If you are clear immediately, the dialogue becomes easier and shorter.

2) Explain the problem: what, why, when

Use a very simple structure: the problem, the cause, the consequence (late or cancel), and the time if possible.

3) Propose a solution and confirm the details

A strong performance is problem + solution. Even a simple solution is enough: suggest another time, another day, or ask for an option.

To sound polite, you can use the conditional: ce serait possible…

When the other person agrees, confirm clearly: time, day, place, and the next action.

4) End the call properly

Always close with a simple formula: thanks + goodbye + have a nice day.

Must-know phrases to memorise (A2)

These situations often repeat. Learn “blocks” you can reuse depending on the scenario.

Introduce yourself + reason: Bonjour, c’est… / Je vous appelle parce que…
Inform: Je vous appelle pour vous dire que… / Je vous appelle pour vous prévenir que…
Ask: Est-ce que vous pouvez… ? / C’est possible de… ? / Ce serait possible de… ?
Confirm: D’accord, je comprends. / C’est noté. / Parfait.
Thank: Je vous remercie. / Merci beaucoup. / Merci pour votre aide.

Common exam scenarios

Cancel a visit / an appointment (e.g. bike problem)

Goal: announce the cancellation, give a simple reason, and propose an alternative.

Announce a delay and find a solution (e.g. missed bus)

Goal: announce the delay, give an estimate, and look for a solution.

Common mistakes to avoid (A2)

Waiting for too many questions

If you wait, the dialogue becomes harder. Give the essentials early: reason + consequence + time.

Forgetting the solution

Always propose something: change the time, move it to tomorrow, ask for another option, confirm the next step.

Getting lost in details

Stick to a clear structure: problem → consequence → solution → confirmation → end of call.

Conclusion

To succeed in the simulation, keep 3 reflexes:

1) say immediately why you are calling,

2) explain the problem and the time simply,

3) propose a clear solution and confirm the details.

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