TL;DR
The most costly mistakes in TCF writing are ignoring the word limits (which can mean « A1 non atteint », below A1), answering only part of the instructions, using the wrong register, copying sentences from the prompt and agreement errors. A clear structure with linking words earns points on all three marking criteria.
The three marking criteria
| Criterion | What is assessed |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | Range of vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, spelling, sentence building |
| Pragmatic | Coherence and cohesion, development of the topic |
| Sociolinguistic | Fit with the situation: who you are writing to, register, set phrases |
According to France Éducation international, each piece of writing is marked twice, independently and without either examiner seeing the other's mark. On computer, the first marking can be done by FIDELIA, its AI marking assistant; the second is still done by a person.
Each mistake below affects at least one of these criteria, according to the candidate handbook.
Mistakes that can sink a task
- 1. Ignoring the word limits: the task can be marked « A1 non atteint ».
- 2. Going off topic or not doing the task you were asked to do.
- 3. Copying sentences from the prompt or reciting a text learned by heart.
Instruction and register mistakes
- 4. Forgetting part of the instructions (for example the times, or the final suggestion).
- 5. Using the wrong register: writing to a landlord with « tu », or writing to an employer as if it were a text message.
- 6. In Task 3 of the TCF Canada, giving your opinion without first presenting the two documents.
To a landlord, the first sentence is too casual; the second is right:
✗ Salut, ton chauffage marche pas.
✓ Madame, je me permets de vous signaler que le chauffage ne fonctionne plus depuis lundi.
Language mistakes
- 7. Agreement: subject and verb, adjectives, past participles with « être ».
- 8. Mixing up the passé composé and the imparfait when telling a story.
- 9. No linking words, or the same ones again and again (« et », « mais »).
- 10. Sentences that are too long and badly punctuated: simple, correct sentences are better.
Three corrections, in agreement, tenses and linking words:
✗ Les enfants était contents. ✓ Les enfants étaient contents.
✗ Quand je suis arrivé, il a plu. ✓ Quand je suis arrivé, il pleuvait.
✗ C'est cher. Et c'est loin. Et c'est petit. ✓ C'est cher ; de plus, c'est loin et assez petit.
The trap specific to the TCF Canada
Task 3 (120 to 180 words) asks you to compare two points of view before giving your own. It is the longest task, so keep enough time for it.
Managing the 60 minutes of the TCF Canada
France Éducation international reminds candidates in its advice: manage your time so you complete all 3 tasks. An unfinished task is one of the cases marked « A1 non atteint ».
One possible split: 15 minutes for Task 1, 20 for Task 2 and 25 for Task 3, including proofreading.
How to avoid these mistakes
- Reread the instructions and underline each thing you are asked to do.
- Make a quick plan before you write.
- Keep 3 minutes to proofread, checking agreement and your word count.
- Preparing for a test in France? This article also exists in French.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most serious mistake in TCF writing?+−
Should I use « vous » in TCF messages?+−
Do spelling mistakes count?+−
Are long sentences or short sentences better?+−
Can my writing be marked by an AI?+−
What score would you get in writing?
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