Task 3 is the last and most demanding part of the TCF Canada writing test (expression écrite, tâche 3). You read two short documents that take different positions on the same topic. Then you write a text in two parts: a neutral summary of both viewpoints, then your own argued opinion.
It's the task where structure matters most. A clear plan and a good set of linking words can be worth more than advanced vocabulary.
The format at a glance
- Words: summary of both documents
- 40–60
- Words: your argued opinion
- 80–120
- Words in total
- 120–180
- For all three writing tasks
- 60 min
The writing section has three tasks in 60 minutes:
| Task | What you write | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | A message to a friend, colleague or organisation (describe, invite, inform) | 60–120 words |
| Task 2 | An article, blog post or letter recounting an experience with your impressions | 120–150 words |
| Task 3 | A comparison of two documents, then your opinion | 120–180 words (40–60 + 80–120) |
You manage your own time across the three tasks. Many candidates keep 25 to 30 minutes for task 3, because it needs reading time and planning. See the full TCF Canada exam format for the other sections, or sit a timed free TCF Canada practice test.
What examiners look for
Examiners grade your writing on a 0–20 scale. For task 3, they look at:
- Task completion. Did you summarise both documents, then give your opinion, within the word ranges?
- Neutral summary. Part 1 reports what each document says. Your opinion doesn't belong there.
- Argument. Part 2 takes a clear position and supports it with reasons and an example.
- Organisation. Paragraphs, logical order and linking words (d'abord, en revanche, par conséquent…).
- Language. Range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar. Small errors are expected; errors that block understanding cost more.
A simple template
Part 1: the summary (40–60 words)
- One sentence introducing the shared topic.
- One sentence for document 1's position and main reason.
- One sentence, starting with a contrast word, for document 2's position and main reason.
Useful phrases: Les deux documents traitent de…, Selon le premier document…, Pour l'auteur du premier texte…, En revanche / Au contraire, le second document affirme que…
Part 2: your opinion (80–120 words)
- Your position in one sentence: À mon avis…, Personnellement, je pense que…
- First argument, introduced by D'abord or Premièrement.
- Second argument or a concession: Ensuite…, Certes…, mais…, Cependant…
- A concrete example: Par exemple…, Dans mon pays…
- A short conclusion: En conclusion…, Pour toutes ces raisons…
A corrected model answer
Here's an original task 3 prompt in the official format, followed by a model answer aimed at NCLC 7 or above.
Thème : la semaine de quatre jours.
Document 1. « Dans notre entreprise, la semaine de quatre jours a réduit la fatigue et l'absentéisme. Les employés sont plus motivés et nous avons même attiré de nouveaux talents. » (Directrice d'une PME)
Document 2. « Travailler quatre jours, c'est souvent faire dix heures par jour. Pour les parents comme moi, ces longues journées sont difficiles à organiser avec la garderie. » (Employé de banque)
Les deux documents parlent de la semaine de quatre jours.1 Pour la directrice d'une PME, cette organisation présente de vrais avantages : les employés sont moins fatigués, moins souvent absents et plus motivés.2 En revanche3, l'employé de banque estime que ces journées de dix heures sont épuisantes et difficiles à concilier avec la vie de famille.
À mon avis, la semaine de quatre jours est une bonne idée, à condition qu'elle soit bien organisée.4 D'abord, un jour de repos supplémentaire permet de mieux récupérer et de consacrer du temps à sa famille ou à ses projets personnels. Ensuite, comme le montre le premier document5, des employés reposés travaillent souvent mieux. Cependant, je comprends les inquiétudes des parents.6 C'est pourquoi les entreprises devraient laisser à chacun le choix entre quatre journées longues et cinq journées normales. Par exemple, dans mon ancien emploi, nous pouvions choisir notre horaire, et cela fonctionnait très bien.7 En conclusion, cette réforme peut améliorer la qualité de vie, mais seulement si elle reste flexible.8
Why it works
- 1Opens with the shared topic: a neutral, efficient first sentence.
- 2Reports document 1's view with its reasons, without judging it.
- 3A contrast connector (en revanche) introduces document 2. Part 1 is 55 words.
- 4A clear position with a condition: nuanced, which examiners like.
- 5Uses one of the documents to support the argument.
- 6A concession shows the writer has considered the other side.
- 7A short personal example makes the argument concrete.
- 8A one-sentence conclusion that echoes the opening position. Part 2 is 111 words.
What a weaker answer looks like
Here are typical problems we see in practice answers to prompts like this one, and how to fix them:
- Opinion in the summary. "Le premier document a raison…" in part 1. Fix: report, don't judge. Save à mon avis for part 2.
- Copying the documents. Long quotes lifted word for word. Fix: rephrase with your own words (réduire l'absentéisme → les employés sont moins souvent absents).
- One giant paragraph. Fix: two clear paragraphs, one per part.
- No connectors. A list of sentences with no logical links. Fix: plan three or four connectors before you start writing.
- Running out of words, or time. A 90-word answer or an unfinished conclusion. Fix: practise with a timer until 25 minutes feels comfortable.
Connectors worth memorising
| Purpose | Connectors |
|---|---|
| Introduce | Les deux documents traitent de… / Il s'agit de… |
| Add | D'abord, ensuite, de plus, en outre, enfin |
| Contrast | En revanche, au contraire, cependant, pourtant, alors que |
| Concede | Certes… mais, même si, bien que (+ subjonctif) |
| Cause and effect | Car, puisque, grâce à, c'est pourquoi, par conséquent |
| Example | Par exemple, notamment, comme le montre… |
| Conclude | En conclusion, pour toutes ces raisons, en somme |
Want more openings, opinion phrases and linking words? The free French writing phrases for the TCF and TEF collects them in one printable guide, and the French grammar cheat sheet covers the structures examiners look for.
Reading a table of connectors is not the same as reaching for the right one with the clock running. To make them automatic, drill them in context: each round gives you a sentence with a gap and asks which connector fits the logic.
Your turn: timed practice
Try this original prompt. The counter shows your word count against the 120–180 target, and the timer gives you 30 minutes. Use the accent bar if your keyboard doesn't have French characters.
Thème : vivre en ville ou à la campagne. Document 1 : « Depuis que j'habite à la campagne, je respire mieux, je dors mieux et mes enfants jouent dehors. » (Lucie, infirmière). Document 2 : « Sans voiture, la campagne est impossible. En ville, j'ai tout à côté : le travail, les écoles, les médecins et les loisirs. » (Marc, étudiant). 1) Présentez les deux points de vue (40 à 60 mots). 2) Donnez votre opinion et justifiez-la (80 à 120 mots).
0 wordsTarget: 120–180 words
120 more to reach the minimum
Counting rule: we count words separated by spaces, so "l'homme" counts as one word. Counts on the exam may differ slightly; aim for the middle of the range.
When you've finished, check your answer against the template: two paragraphs, a neutral summary, a clear opinion, two arguments, an example and a conclusion.
Get your writing scored
Self-checking only goes so far. Our TCF Canada writing practice gives AI feedback on all three tasks, with an estimated score on the 0–20 scale and corrections. To see how writing fits into your overall level, read NCLC 7 in TCF Canada, and when you're ready, test yourself on the full mock test. Our plans include unlimited scored attempts. Your writing score is out of 20: check what it means with the NCLC score converter (10/20 is NCLC 7).
Taking the TEF Canada instead? Its writing test has two sections with minimum word counts (80 and 200 words) and separate time limits. See our TEF Canada writing examples and the TEF Canada writing practice. For the speaking side of the TCF, read our speaking task 2 examples.