TCF Canada writing: the 3 tasks, word counts and a worked example

TCF Canada writing has 3 tasks in 60 minutes, taken in a group: task 1 is 60 to 120 words, task 2 is 120 to 150 words and task 3 is 120 to 180 words [1]. A task outside its word range, an off-topic text, an undone task or unreadable handwriting can bring an “A1 non atteint” mark [1].

Source: France Éducation international, TCF Canada page (no date shown on the page; last read in full on 15 October 2026).

The 60 minutes cover all 3 tasks together [1].

This page goes deeper on that one section than the TCF Canada format page does: what each task asks, what you are assessed on, the 4 conditions that can bring an “A1 non atteint” mark, and one example task 1 message written by us. For the whole exam, read the TCF Canada guide. To turn scores into levels, use the TCF Canada score chart. The sister page for the other Canadian French test is TEF Canada writing. For writing topics to practise on outside the exam, see French writing practice.

What is the TCF Canada writing section?

The TCF Canada writing section tests your ability to express yourself in French in writing, in 3 tasks over 60 minutes, taken in a group [1]. It is one of 4 mandatory sections, with listening, reading and speaking [1]. The exam body, France Éducation international, sets the tasks and word ranges below [1].

What are the 3 TCF Canada writing tasks?

Each task has a minimum and a maximum word count, as the table at the top shows [1].

Task 1. You write a message to describe, narrate and/or explain. The instructions state the status of the person or people you write to, so the register follows from them [1].

Task 2. You write an article, a letter or a note for several readers, to report an experience or tell a story. The account comes with comments, opinions or arguments, according to an aim set in the instructions. The official example of an aim is to claim something or to make up with someone [1].

Task 3. You write a text that compares 2 points of view on a social issue. They are expressed in 2 documents. You then give your own opinion on the topic the 2 documents treat [1].

What is assessed in TCF Canada writing?

France Éducation international lists the abilities the writing section assesses [1]:

• communicating a message clearly;
• giving the information asked for;
• describing, narrating and explaining;
• justifying a choice, a position or a decision;
• linking ideas and keeping the discourse coherent;
• comparing 2 points of view;
• giving your opinion and arguing it;
• using vocabulary and structures suited to the task;
• being able to reformulate.

The page gives the list and no marking grid, so how the abilities are weighted is not public on the page we read [1].

What can make a TCF Canada writing paper “A1 non atteint”?

The writing paper may be marked “A1 non atteint”, below the lowest level, in 4 cases [1]:

1. Your handwriting cannot be read (on a paper sitting).
2. A task is not written with the required number of words.
3. The text is off topic.
4. One or more tasks are not done.

The word count is the one for that task, so a 100-word answer fits task 1 and misses tasks 2 and 3 [1].

What does a TCF Canada task 1 answer look like?

Our prompt. You have just moved into a new building. Write a message to your neighbours, whom you do not know yet. Introduce yourself, say that you are holding a small party on Saturday, and apologise in advance for the noise. (Task 1 range: 60 to 120 words.)

Our answer (about 85 words).

Bonjour à tous,

Je viens d’emménager au troisième étage. Je voulais me présenter et vous dire que je suis très content de vivre dans cet immeuble.

Samedi, de 17 h à 20 h, j’organise une petite fête avec quelques amis pour célébrer mon nouvel appartement. Il y aura de la musique, mais je la garderai à un volume raisonnable. Si le bruit vous dérange, venez me voir : vous êtes tous invités ! Je m’excuse d’avance pour le dérangement.

À bientôt, Votre nouveau voisin du troisième

What it does. It answers every point of the prompt: it introduces the writer, gives the day and time of the party, and apologises. It uses a polite, neutral register for people the writer does not know, since the instructions give the readers’ status and the register should follow it. It stays inside the range, around 85 words, so there is room for a few more details without crossing 120. Counting words yourself while you practise is a habit worth building, because a task outside its range is one of the 4 conditions above [1].

How does IRCC score TCF Canada writing?

IRCC converts each ability to an NCLC level on its own, and in IRCC’s TCF Canada tables writing runs from 4 to 20, as speaking does [2]. IRCC sets its minimum levels per ability, so a strong score in another section does not make up for a low writing score [2]. The full conversion table is in the TCF Canada score chart.

Where is the official TCF Canada writing sample?

France Éducation international publishes a PDF called “TCF TP / TCF CANADA / TCF QUÉBEC - Exemple d’épreuves d’expression écrite” on its sample papers page [3]. The direct link is the writing sample PDF [3]. We have not opened it and do not describe its contents here. The page also lists a similar PDF for another version of the test, so choose the one with TCF Canada in its title [3].

Five quick questions on the section, using only what this page has set out.

Common mistakes

• Writing outside the word range. Each task has its own range, and a task that misses it can bring an “A1 non atteint” mark [1].
• Using the same length for all 3 tasks. The ranges are 60 to 120, 120 to 150 and 120 to 180 words [1].
• Leaving a task undone to save time. An undone task is on the same list of 4 conditions [1].
• Going off topic. An off-topic text can also be marked “A1 non atteint” [1].
• Ignoring the readers’ status in task 1. The instructions state it, so use it to choose the register [1].
• Writing hard-to-read handwriting on a paper sitting. Illegible writing is one of the 4 conditions [1].
• Trusting a guide over the official pages, including this one. France Éducation international and IRCC update their pages. Compare their content with the date at the top of this page.

Sources