TEF Writing Practice

The TEF Writing Task (Written Expression) is one of the most important parts of the TEF exam, especially for candidates aiming for immigration through TEF Canada or TEF Québec. This section evaluates your ability to write clearly, structure ideas logically, and adapt your tone depending on the situation.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how the TEF Writing Task works, the structure of Section A and Section B, real sample questions and answers, templates you can reuse, and proven strategies to reach higher CLB/NCLC levels.

What is TEF Written Expression?

The TEF Written Expression module measures how well you can communicate ideas in clear, accurate, and structured French writing. Unlike other parts of the exam, this section requires you to actively produce language rather than recognize it, which makes it one of the most challenging but also most rewarding components of the TEF.

TEF Canada writing has exactly two tasks, and both are compulsory:

1. Section A: Continue a News Item

You read the opening lines of a short news article, usually a fait divers, and write what happens next: at least 80 words in 25 minutes. Keep the neutral, factual style of a newspaper, tell the events in the past tense, and organize your text in short paragraphs.

2. Section B: Defend Your Point of View

You read an opinion, for example in a newspaper, and explain why you agree or disagree, with arguments and examples: at least 200 words in 35 minutes. The task is often called “the letter”, and a letter to the newspaper is a common format, but it is not required. Keep a formal register.

There is no complaint letter, personal message or summary task in TEF Canada writing.

This module evaluates more than just your vocabulary. It looks closely at:

• Grammar and syntax: Correct use of tenses, agreements, and sentence structure.
• Lexical range: Whether you can go beyond basic words and use richer vocabulary appropriately.
• Coherence and cohesion: How well your ideas flow, supported by logical connectors and transitions.
• Adaptability: Your ability to switch between formal and informal styles depending on the audience.
• Clarity and organization: Whether your writing has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

In short, TEF Written Expression is about proving that you can write in French with accuracy, variety, and purpose, just as you would in real academic, professional, or everyday contexts.

TEF Written Expression Test Structure and Timing

The Written Expression test lasts 60 minutes total, with no interruption, and consists of two compulsory sections (A and B) that you must complete.

Section A (25 minutes)

Continue or complete a short text, such as writing the rest of a newspaper article or news item (minimum 80 words, often recommended 100–150 words). This task focuses on recounting facts or continuing a narrative in a neutral, informative style.

Section B (35 minutes)

Express and justify a point of view, often in the form of a formal letter (e.g., to a newspaper editor responding to an article) or argumentative text (minimum 200 words, often 200–300 words recommended). This requires developing at least three arguments with examples.

Time management is crucial: 25 minutes for Section A and 35 minutes for Section B are the official timings, so keep the last few minutes of each section to reread your text.

TEF Writing Task Sample Questions

Let’s have a more detailed look at the tasks that you’ll face during the exam: 

Section A: Completing a Newspaper Article (80–150 words)

This task provides the beginning of an article (e.g., a news report or fait divers), and you continue it logically while maintaining the original tone and style.

Example structure:

• Continue directly from the provided text with smooth transitions.
• Develop the main events or details factually.
• Add relevant examples or consequences.
• End with a neutral conclusion or wrap-up.

Section B: Argumentative Letter or Opinion Piece (200–300 words)

You respond to a statement (e.g., from a newspaper) by writing a formal letter expressing agreement/disagreement and justifying with arguments.

Example structure:

• Introduction: Greet formally (e.g., Monsieur/Madame le/la Rédacteur/trice), state the purpose (reference the article/date), and clearly state your position.
• Body: Develop 3+ clear arguments with examples/explanations (use paragraphs for each). Include linking words like d’abord, de plus, par exemple, en revanche.
• Conclusion: Summarize your view, offer a final thought, and close formally (e.g., Veuillez agréer, Madame/Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées).

Section A Example:
The test gives you the start of a news item and asks you to continue it (80 words minimum, 25 minutes), for example:
« Un chien perdu retrouve sa famille. Dimanche dernier, Max, un labrador de six ans, a disparu pendant une promenade en forêt avec ses maîtres, près de Saint-Aubin. »
A continuation at about NCLC 7:

Section B Example:
You read this opinion in a newspaper and give and defend your own view (200 words minimum, 35 minutes):
« Le télétravail devrait devenir la règle pour tous les employés de bureau. »
The start and end of an answer written as a letter to the newspaper, at about NCLC 7, with the middle shortened:

A full Section B answer needs at least 200 words, with developed arguments, examples and a concession. For complete answers to both sections at NCLC 5, 7 and 9, with notes on why each one lands at its level, see our TEF Canada writing samples.

TEF Writing Task Template (Section B)

Introduction:
Madame, Monsieur,
J’ai lu avec intérêt votre article sur [sujet]. Je souhaite vous donner mon avis : je pense que [votre position].

Body Paragraph 1:
Tout d’abord, [argument 1]. Par exemple, [exemple].

Body Paragraph 2:
De plus, [argument 2]. En effet, [explication].

Body Paragraph 3:
Enfin, [argument 3]. Certes, [objection possible], mais [votre réponse].

Conclusion:
En conclusion, je reste convaincu(e) que [résumé de votre opinion].

Formal closing:
Veuillez agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées.

• 🎯Related Article: Common TEF Writing Topics

TEF Writing Assessment Criteria

Examiners evaluate based on these key criteria (aligned with official TEF guidelines):

1. Language Proficiency: Accuracy in grammar/syntax, variety and precision of vocabulary.
2. Coherence and Structure: Logical flow, use of connectors, clear organization (introduction, body, conclusion).
3. Adaptability: Appropriate style/tone (formal vs. informal), register, and adaptation to context (e.g., using "vous" for formal).
4. Communication Effectiveness: Clarity of ideas, relevance to the prompt, and fulfillment of task requirements (word count, content).

Strong performance across these leads to higher CLB/NCLC levels for immigration or other purposes.

TEF Written Expression Tips

To improve your TEF Written Expression score, focus on both language accuracy and structure. These simple strategies can help:

1. Understand the prompt first
   Before writing, check the task type, audience, tone, and required points.
2. Make a quick plan
   Spend 2–3 minutes planning your introduction, main ideas, examples, and conclusion.
3. Use the right tone
   Use formal language when writing to a company, editor, teacher, or official person.
4. Organize your answer clearly
   Use short paragraphs and make sure each paragraph has one main idea.
5. Use connectors naturally
   Words like d’abord, ensuite, cependant, de plus, and en conclusion help your writing flow better.
6. Respect the word count
   Do not write too little. Make sure you meet the minimum word requirement for each task.
7. Leave time to review
   Check grammar, spelling, verb tenses, agreements, and whether your answer matches the prompt.

Useful French Connectors for TEF Writing

• d’abord (first)
• ensuite (then)
• de plus (moreover)
• cependant (however)
• en revanche (on the other hand)
• par exemple (for example)
• en conclusion (in conclusion)

Advanced Vocabulary for TEF Writing (High Score Boost)

Instead of saying:

• bon → bénéfique / avantageux (beneficial / advantageous)
• mauvais → néfaste / nuisible (harmful)
• important → essentiel / primordial (essential)
• beaucoup de → de nombreux / un grand nombre de (numerous / a large number of)

Useful academic verbs:

• démontrer (to demonstrate)
• mettre en évidence (to highlight)
• souligner (to emphasize)
• contribuer à (to contribute to)
• entraîner (to result in)

Opinion phrases:

• À mon avis, … (In my opinion, …)
• Il est indéniable que… (It is undeniable that…)
• Je suis convaincu(e) que… (I am convinced that…)
• On pourrait objecter que… (One could object that…)

Read More: How is TEF Written Expression Scored? ↗️

Common Mistakes In TEF Writing and How to Avoid Them

1. Grammar and syntax errors – Mistakes in verb conjugation, gender agreement, or sentence order lower scores. → Proofread for agreements and tenses.
2. Limited vocabulary – Overusing basic words makes writing repetitive and less effective. → Incorporate varied synonyms and precise terms.
3. Poor structure – Lack of clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions weakens arguments. → Always outline first.
4. Time pressure – Candidates often struggle to plan, write, and revise within the exam’s strict time limits. → Practice timed simulations.
5. Not meeting word counts or ignoring instructions (e.g., wrong tone, off-topic). → Double-check prompt requirements.
6. Inappropriate tone (e.g., using informal "tu" in formal tasks). → Match the context.

🎯Related Article: Common Mistakes in TEF Writing You Shouldn’t Make

Prepare for the Other TEF Modules

While improving your TEF Written Expression, it’s also useful to review the other parts of the exam. Your writing skills can support your performance in TEF Oral Expression, TEF Reading Comprehension, and even help you understand exam prompts more clearly.

You can also check our guides on TEF Listening Comprehension, TEF Canada, TEF Québec, and TEF exam registration to complete your preparation for the full test.

Conclusion 

The TEF Written Expression brings together several moving parts: understanding the task formats, managing the 60‑minute structure, adapting tone, organizing ideas, and meeting the expectations examiners use to assign CLB/NCLC levels. 

Once you know how each section works and what the evaluators look for, the test becomes far more predictable and much easier to prepare for.

This guide covered the structure of Section A and Section B, the assessment criteria, common mistakes, and strategies that help candidates improve. With that foundation, the next step is simply consistent practice with Mocko that mirrors the real exam. So don’t waste any time and sign up on Mocko today!

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