WritingTCF Canada7 min read
TCF Canada Writing Task 3: Structure, Word Counts and Examples
How to write TCF Canada task 3: summarise two documents in 40–60 words, argue your view in 80–120. Template, connectors, a corrected model and a word counter.
Study materials
Study smarter for the TCF or TEF Canada
Model answers at every level, vocabulary by theme, short grammar lessons and a strategy guide for each section of both tests. Everything focused on what earns points.
Model answers
See what each level looks like
The same TCF Canada writing task (Tâche 1: describe your new neighbourhood and invite a friend) answered at three levels. These are our own examples; the scores are estimates on the TCF’s /20 scale.
- B1 · about 6/20
Clear, but simple
Covers the task with basic connectors and everyday vocabulary.
« Mon nouveau quartier est très bien. Il y a un parc et des magasins. Tu peux venir samedi ? »
- B2 · about 11/20
Organized and precise
Varied sentences, precise words, clear invitation with details.
« Mon quartier, calme et verdoyant, regorge de petits cafés. Que dirais-tu de venir le week-end du 12 ? »
- C1 · about 15/20
Natural and nuanced
Idiomatic, well linked, with a personal tone and complex structures.
« Si l’on m’avait dit que je tomberais sous le charme d’un quartier aussi paisible, je ne l’aurais pas cru ! »
Vocabulary by theme
The themes that come up most
Work and careers
Télétravail, horaires, congé, entretien d’embauche, collègues.
Housing and city life
Loyer, quartier, déménager, transports en commun, voisinage.
Health and wellbeing
Rendez-vous, ordonnance, activité physique, sommeil, stress.
Environment
Pollution, recyclage, transition énergétique, mobilité durable.
Education and technology
Formation, écrans, réseaux sociaux, apprentissage en ligne.
Society and culture
Bénévolat, immigration, diversité, loisirs, consommation.
Grammar refreshers
The points that cost the most marks
- Storytelling
Passé composé vs imparfait
Actions versus background: essential for TCF writing task 2 and TEF writing Section A.
« Il pleuvait quand nous sommes arrivés. »
- Opinions
Subjunctive after opinions
Negative or doubtful opinions trigger the subjunctive. Useful in TCF task 3 and TEF Section B.
« Je ne pense pas que ce soit la meilleure solution. »
- Coherence
Connectors of contrast
Show nuance and structure your argument.
Cependant, pourtant, en revanche, alors que.
- Range
Relative pronouns
Build richer sentences instead of short simple ones.
Qui, que, dont, où, lequel.
Strategy guides · TCF Canada
TCF Canada: one guide per section
Listening strategy
What to read before the audio, and how to avoid traps.
TCF Canada listening practiceReading strategy
Pacing 39 questions in 60 minutes.
TCF Canada reading practiceWriting strategy
Time split, word counts, structure.
TCF Canada writing practiceSpeaking strategy
Phrases and structure for all three tasks.
TCF Canada speaking practice
Strategy guides · TEF Canada
TEF Canada: one guide per section
Reading strategy
Using free navigation across 40 questions.
TEF Canada reading practiceListening strategy
One play, no going back: how to stay on track.
TEF Canada listening practiceWriting strategy
Section A news story and Section B argued letter.
TEF Canada writing practiceSpeaking strategy
The formal phone call and the friend who never agrees.
TEF Canada speaking practice
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
WritingTEF Canada10 min read
TEF Canada Writing: Section A & B Examples
TEF Canada expression écrite: Section A (80+ words, 25 min) and Section B (200+ words, 35 min), with templates and annotated models by NCLC level.
Your next step
Take the free TCF Canada mock test
All four skills, timed like the real exam, with an estimated NCLC level per skill. No account needed.