Word limits
| Task | TCF Canada and Québec | TCF IRN |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 60 to 120 words | 30 to 60 words |
| Task 2 | 120 to 150 words | 40 to 90 words |
| Task 3 | 120 to 180 words | 40 to 90 words |
The candidate handbook states that a task that does not respect the word count can be rated "below A1" (« A1 non atteint »). Count your words and always stay within the limits.
Task 1: the message
- A greeting that fits the reader: « Salut Karim » (a friend), « Madame, Monsieur » (a stranger), « Bonjour Madame Leroy » (a professional contact).
- First sentence: the reason for the message.
- Body: all the information the instructions ask for, with concrete details.
- Ending: a suggestion, a question or a request, then a polite closing.
Task 2: tell and comment
- Introduction: the context (when, where, with whom).
- The story in the past: « passé composé » for actions, « imparfait » for descriptions.
- Comment: your view of the experience, with at least one argument.
- Conclusion: a summing up or a piece of advice for the reader.
Task 3: compare two points of view
- First part (40 to 60 words): present the two documents neutrally, in your own words.
- Second part: your opinion, two arguments and a concrete example.
- Use linking words of contrast and concession: « alors que », « tandis que », « certes », « cependant ».
- Never copy sentences from the documents: it is penalized.
Managing the 60 minutes
| Task | Suggested time |
|---|---|
| Task 1 | 15 minutes |
| Task 2 | 20 minutes |
| Task 3 | 22 minutes |
| Proofreading | 3 minutes |
The mistakes that cost the most
- Not answering the whole prompt (forgetting a piece of information you were asked for).
- Using the wrong register (« tu » with a stranger, a stiff « vous » with a friend).
- Copying the prompt or reciting a memorized text.
- Writing without paragraphs or linking words.
- Neglecting agreement (subject and verb, past participle, adjectives).
Frequently asked questions
How many words should I write for each task?+−
For the TCF Canada: 60 to 120 words for Task 1, 120 to 150 for Task 2 and 120 to 180 for Task 3. For the TCF IRN, the texts are shorter: 30 to 60, 40 to 90 and 40 to 90 words (FEI candidate handbook).
What happens if I don't respect the word count?+−
According to the candidate handbook, a text that does not respect the word count can be rated "below A1" (« A1 non atteint »), like an off-topic answer or a task left undone. Count your words at the end of each task.
How long is the writing section?+−
60 minutes for all three tasks for the TCF Canada and the TCF Québec, 30 minutes for the TCF IRN. You split the time yourself, keeping a few minutes to proofread.
Can I prepare texts by heart?+−
It is risky: according to the candidate handbook, a memorized text or sentences copied from the prompt can be rated "below A1" (« A1 non atteint »). Prepare flexible structures instead (introducing, arguing, concluding) that you adapt to each prompt.
How is the writing section marked?+−
Each task gets a level, from "below A1" (« A1 non atteint ») to C2, given by two markers, and the final mark is out of 20. Three criteria count: linguistic (vocabulary, grammar, spelling), pragmatic (coherence, development) and sociolinguistic (fitting the situation).
Practice exercise with answers
1. How many words does Task 3 of the TCF Canada require?
2. In Task 3, what should you do first?
3. Which tense describes the setting in a story told in the past (Task 2)?
Put this lesson into practice
Write a TCF task and get an estimated level based on the official criteria. With the 14-day free trial. How we check the correction