How is TCF Canada writing scored?

Examiners rate each task against a level scale that converts to NCLC/CLB. They assess whether you completed the task, the range and accuracy of your grammar and vocabulary, the coherence and structure of your text, and whether the tone fits the situation.

How do I practise TCF writing for free?

Write to the exact task formats and word counts under a 60-minute timer, then check for gender, tense, agreement and elision errors. The free course at frenchclb6.ca has a writing workshop with an automatic error checker and a dedicated Task 3 (compare two opinions) trainer.

TCF Canada · Expression Écrite

TCF Canada writing practice

Q: What are the three TCF Canada writing tasks?

Task 1 is a short message — around 60 to 120 words — to describe, recount or explain something to friends or family. Task 2 is a longer text for a public audience, around 120 to 150 words, such as an account or a post. Task 3 asks you to compare two opposing opinions on a topic and give your own argued view, around 120 to 180 words. You have 60 minutes for all three.

The three writing tasks, their word counts and timing, how each is scored, and the exact structure for the hardest one — Task 3 — with a free corrector to practise on. No signup.

The TCF Canada writing section at a glance

The Expression Écrite section gives you 60 minutes to complete three tasks of increasing difficulty. Each is graded by examiners on a level scale that maps to NCLC/CLB. Word counts below are approximate — confirm the current official format before your exam date.

Task 1 — Short message (~60–120 words)

Write a short, informal message — to a friend or family member — to describe, recount or explain something: invite someone, share news, give directions. Informal register, but still controlled grammar.

What scores well: a clear opening and closing, the right tense for the situation, and connectors even in a short text. Don't pad — clean and complete beats long and messy.

Task 2 — Text for a public audience (~120–150 words)

A longer piece aimed at a wider readership — an account, a review, a post describing an experience. The tone is more neutral than Task 1, and the structure matters more: an introduction, a developed middle, a short close.

What scores well: paragraphs (not one block), varied sentence length, and concrete detail rather than vague generalities.

Task 3 — Compare two opinions, give your own (~120–180 words)

You're shown two short opposing opinions on a topic and asked to summarise both, then argue your own position. This is the most weighted task and the clearest CLB 6 → NCLC 7 divider. A structure that reliably scores:

Intro — name the topic and the tension in one sentence.
Opinion A — summarise it fairly (D'une part, certains pensent que…).
Opinion B — summarise the other side (D'autre part, d'autres estiment que…).
Your view — take a clear side with two reasons (Pour ma part, je pense que… parce que… de plus…).
Conclusion — one sentence that lands it (En conclusion…).

The connectors are doing the heavy lifting. Drill them and this task becomes a template you fill in.

Free writing practice

Write, then get your errors caught

The free course has a writing workshop with an automatic checker that flags gender, tense, agreement and elision mistakes, a dedicated Task 3 (compare two opinions) trainer, and the connectors that hold an argument together. Write to the real word counts and time limit, then fix what it catches.

Practise TCF writing free→

Frequently asked questions

What are the three TCF Canada writing tasks?

Task 1 — a short message (~60–120 words). Task 2 — a longer public text (~120–150 words). Task 3 — compare two opinions and give yours (~120–180 words). 60 minutes total.

How is it scored?

By examiners on a level scale mapped to NCLC/CLB — task completion, grammar/vocabulary range and accuracy, coherence, and appropriate tone.

How do I practise for free?

Write to the exact formats under a timer, then run the free corrector and fix gender, tense, agreement and elision errors.

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