MockoTCF Expression écrite Task 3 is the most demanding of the three tasks. You read two short source texts that present different views on a topic, and you write a text of 120 to 150 words in which you summarise each view and then give your own position. The examiner is looking for logical organisation, clear use of comparison language, and a genuine personal argument, not just a paraphrase of the two sources.
What you’ll learn
- Understand what each source text argues before writing
- Summarise two contrasting views accurately without plagiarising
- Use comparison and contrast connectors to link the two views
- State and support your own position in a final paragraph
- Organise 120 to 150 words into a clear three-part structure
Reading the two sources: what to extract
Before you write anything, read both source texts and note the main argument of each. You do not need to report every detail. One or two key ideas per source is enough for a 120 to 150 word text.
- 1Read Source A and write the main argument in one sentence in plain language.
- 2Read Source B and write the main argument in one sentence.
- 3Note one specific reason or example each source uses to support its view.
- 4Decide your own position: do you agree with A, with B, or with elements of both?
Do not copy the source texts word for word
- Copying large chunks of the source is called plagiarism and costs marks.
- Rewrite each argument in your own words, even if your French is simpler.
- You can quote a very short phrase in quotation marks, but the surrounding sentences must be yours.
The three-part structure
Task 3 follows a predictable structure that you can rehearse and reuse for any topic. Once this shape is automatic, you spend your exam time on the ideas, not the organisation.
- Part 1 (30 to 40 words): present the first view (Source A), who holds it and why.
- Part 2 (30 to 40 words): present the second view (Source B), contrast it clearly with the first.
- Part 3 (50 to 60 words): give your own opinion, explain it with at least one reason or example.
D'un côté, le premier texte défend l'idée que la vie en ville est plus pratique car les services et les transports sont accessibles facilement. De l'autre côté, le deuxième texte affirme que vivre à la campagne est meilleur pour la santé grâce au calme et à la nature. Pour ma part, je pense que les deux modes de vie ont leurs avantages. Cependant, je préfère la ville parce que je travaille et que les transports en commun me permettent de gagner du temps.
Part 1 presents the city view (practical, services, transport). Part 2 presents the countryside view (health, calm, nature). Part 3 gives a personal position with a concrete reason (work, commuting). About 95 words for the body, inside the 120 to 150 word target with an introduction line.
Comparison and contrast language
The examiner expects to see language that shows you are comparing two views, not just describing them one after the other. A handful of reliable phrases covers this.
- To introduce the first view: "D'un côté…", "Selon le premier texte…", "D'après le document A…"
- To introduce the second view: "De l'autre côté…", "En revanche…", "À l'inverse…", "Tandis que…"
- To contrast two specific ideas: "alors que", "même si", "pourtant"
- To introduce your opinion: "Pour ma part…", "Personnellement…", "À mon avis…"
- To justify your position: "parce que", "car", "en effet", "c'est pourquoi"
Vary your comparison phrases
- Do not start Part 1 and Part 2 both with "Le texte dit que…". Use different phrases.
- The contrast phrase at the start of Part 2 is the most important: it signals that you understand the texts present different views.
Writing your own opinion paragraph
The personal opinion paragraph is where many candidates lose marks. They state a position but do not explain it. A position needs at least one reason, and that reason is even stronger with a brief example from daily life.
Faible: « Pour ma part, je préfère la ville. » Solide: « Pour ma part, je préfère la ville parce que j'y travaille et que les transports en commun m'évitent d'avoir une voiture. De plus, j'aime avoir des cinémas et des restaurants à portée de main. »
Weak: "For my part, I prefer the city." (position only, no reason) Strong: adds two reasons (work, no car needed) and one concrete advantage (cinemas, restaurants). The strong version scores much higher on content and cohesion.
- State your position in the first sentence of Part 3.
- Give one reason introduced by "parce que" or "car".
- Add a second point with "de plus" or "en outre" if you have words left.
- Close with a short sentence that restates or reinforces your view.
How to practise this
Practice method for Task 3
- Find two short French opinion texts on any topic (social media, environment, city life). Summarise each in one sentence, then write your own view. Aim for 120 to 150 words total.
- Time yourself: 15 minutes is about right for Task 3 in the exam.
- Rehearse your comparison phrases until they come automatically. The structure should never be the hard part.
- After writing, check: does Part 2 begin with a contrast connector? Does Part 3 have a reason, not just a position?
Key takeaways
- Task 3 has three parts: present view A, present view B (with a contrast connector), then give your own opinion with a reason.
- Aim for 120 to 150 words, distributed roughly 35 words per source summary and 55 to 60 words for your opinion.
- Never copy the source texts word for word. Paraphrase each argument in your own French.
- A personal opinion paragraph needs at least one reason, not just a statement of preference.
- Contrast connectors ("en revanche", "à l'inverse", "tandis que") signal that you understand the two views differ.
