Varshil wasn’t initially keen on learning French. It was a friend’s suggestion that French proficiency could speed up his Canadian PR process that motivated him to start! Despite past disappointments with language learning, he began studying French in September 2024. Soon, he discovered that he has a genuine interest in grammar and language structure, which worked as a catalyst for his growing enthusiasm. His experience shows how internal motivation can make a big difference.
Key Takeaways
- Know about Varshil, who had started learning French with zero interest, but found motivation through a love of grammar and Canada PR goals, and his internal passion changed everything.
- Teach how he had balanced his full-time job and gym with daily focused study (Cosmopolite books, grammar practice, films, podcasts) & classroom help.
- Learn how he overcame pronunciation fears, listening struggles, & peer pressure by practising speaking solo & sticking to his own pace.
- Know the exam day tips by Varshil, such as arriving early, staying calm with breaks, enjoying speaking tasks, and friendly examiners, to make it less scary.
- Know the Pro advice by Varshil. Know exam format inside out, time practice tests daily, speak often, rest well, celebrate small wins.
How He Prepared?
Balancing a full-time job, gym, and personal commitments, Varshil dedicated focused hours each day to French study. Weekdays were packed, leaving only 5–6 hours of sleep, while weekends were fully devoted to exam preparation. He combined self-study with classroom learning, emphasising grammar in the early levels (A1, A2).
His main resources included:
- Classroom materials and homework exercises
- Cosmopolite series for immersive audio learning
- Grammar books like Practice Makes Perfect
- Online platforms offering exam-style practice tests
- French media like films, podcasts, and vlogs
He also practiced speaking one-on-one to improve fluency, preferring solo study to avoid distractions.
Exam Day Experience
On exam day, Varshil experienced both nerves and reassurance. Arriving early, taking short breaks, and light distractions via social media helped him stay calm. The exam environment was supportive, including options for keyboard preferences and permitted breaks.
He enjoyed the speaking section the most, finding the examiner friendly and the tasks engaging, ranging from informal interviews to discussions about tourism and environmental topics. Writing tasks required careful time management and proofreading, underscoring the importance of preparation and mental focus.
Challenges He Faced
Varshil faced pronunciation anxiety and difficulties with listening initially. Seeing peers progress faster caused stress, but he learned to focus on his own pace. The transition from A2 to B1 was particularly challenging, but continuous speaking practice and recording exercises helped him gain confidence.
Tips for Future Learners
- Get to Know the Exam Inside Out: Don’t just glance at the format, but understand every section, from listening and reading to writing and speaking. Knowing what to expect reduces surprises on test day.
- Make Practice a Daily Habit: Even short, focused sessions count. Work on grammar, expand your vocabulary, write a little, and speak a lot: consistency is key.
- Choose Resources Wisely: Stick to materials that really help like classroom notes, the Cosmopolite series, trusted grammar books, mock tests, and real-world French media all make a difference.
- Train Like It’s the Real Exam: Time yourself while doing practice tests and tasks. Simulating the exam helps build confidence, stamina, and effective time management.
- Speak Up, Often: Fluency comes with practice. Talk with instructors, classmates, or language partners regularly to reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
- Stay Positive and Motivated: Progress isn’t always linear. Celebrate small wins, don’t compare yourself to others, and treat setbacks as learning moments.
- Rest to Study Better: Don’t underestimate sleep and breaks. Balanced rest keeps your focus sharp and prevents burnout during months of preparation.
Reflection
Varshil’s journey was challenging, marked by fatigue, self-doubt, and technical hurdles. Yet, his dedication, structured plan, and support from teachers proved invaluable. Achieving B2 in under a year while juggling multiple commitments offers a motivational roadmap for learners aiming to pass the TCF or similar French proficiency exams.
