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Understanding the TCF · level All levels · 7 min

Reading the instructions and managing your time

On the TCF, an off-topic answer, a task left undone or a text outside the word limits can be rated "below A1" (« A1 non atteint »). These mistakes do not come from a lack of French, but from reading the prompt too quickly. The good news: reading a prompt is a skill you can learn, just like managing your time.

TL;DR

  • Off topic, a task left undone or a text outside the word limits can be rated « A1 non atteint » (below A1).
  • Before writing, ask: who to, what kind of text, and which verbs in the prompt you must cover.
  • Read the prompt twice, plan in one minute, then reread it at the end to tick off each point.

Goal: Work out in under a minute what a prompt asks for, and split your time across each section of the TCF.

Five questions to ask yourself

Before you write or speak, make a mental note of these points. They are almost always in the prompt.

  • Who to? A friend, a colleague, a stranger, a newspaper: the reader decides the register (« tu » or « vous », polite formulas).
  • What kind of text? A message, a story, a letter of complaint, an opinion piece.
  • What exactly should you do? Count the verbs in the prompt: describe, tell, suggest, justify. Each one is a part you must cover.
  • How many words? The limits depend on the task and on the version of the TCF.
  • What position? In opinion tasks, state your view clearly and defend it.
Example in French, as in the exam
Écrivez à votre voisin pour lui proposer une fête d'immeuble. Précisez la date et ce que chacun peut apporter.
Example in French, as in the exam
Donnez votre opinion sur le télétravail.

First prompt (writing to your neighbour about a building party): three things to do, suggest the party, give a date, say what each person can bring.

Second prompt (your opinion on remote work): a clear opinion, two arguments, one example. A text that only describes remote work is off topic.

Managing your time in writing

The writing section lasts 60 minutes for three tasks on the TCF Canada, 30 minutes on the TCF IRN. The splits below are our advice, not an official rule: adapt them to your speed.

TaskTCF Canada (60 min)TCF IRN (30 min)
Task 1about 15 minabout 8 min
Task 2about 20 minabout 11 min
Task 3about 25 minabout 11 min

Always keep 2 to 3 minutes per task to count your words and check agreement.

If a task blocks you, move on to the next one: three completed tasks are worth more than one perfect task and two blank ones.

Managing your time in comprehension

The TCF Canada reading section has 39 questions in 60 minutes, getting harder as you go. Move quickly through the first ones to save time for the long texts at the end. In the listening section, each recording is played only once: you gain time before listening, by reading the question and the options.

Managing your time in speaking

On the TCF Canada, Task 2 gives you 2 minutes of preparation time: note three or four questions to ask, not full sentences. On the TCF IRN, there is no preparation time. In both cases, keep talking until the time is up: a long silence does not earn you any points.

A three-step method

  • Read: the whole prompt, twice, spotting the verbs.
  • Plan: three or four ideas in order, in one minute.
  • Check: reread the prompt at the end and tick off each point asked for.

A common mistake

✗ Prompt: « Invitez vos collègues à un pot de départ et indiquez le lieu. » (invite your colleagues to a farewell drink and say where it is). Answer: a well-written text about your departure, with no venue.

✓ The same invitation, with the venue, the date and a polite formula suited to colleagues.

Leaving out part of the prompt makes the task incomplete, however good your French is. Rereading the prompt at the end prevents this slip.

Frequently asked questions

How much time do I have per question in the reading section?+
On average, about a minute and a half: 39 questions in 60 minutes for the TCF Canada, 25 questions in 35 minutes for the TCF IRN. For the TCF IRN, the questions get harder as you go: move quickly through the first documents to save time for the longer ones.
How should I split the 60 minutes of the TCF Canada writing section?+
A split that works: about 15 minutes for Task 1, 20 for Task 2 and 25 for Task 3, proofreading included: keep 2 to 3 minutes at the end of each task to count your words and proofread. Adapt it to your level, but never sacrifice Task 3, the longest one.
What if I don't understand a word in the prompt?+
Don't freeze: the context of the prompt (who you are writing to, the situation, the word count) is often enough. Identify what you are asked to do (tell, describe, persuade) and who you are writing to, then answer every point.
Should I proofread at the end?+
Yes, always keep a few minutes. First check that you have answered every point in the prompt and respected the word count, then check agreement and verb forms.

Practice exercise with answers

1. In a prompt, what decides the register (« tu » or « vous »)?

2. You have 5 minutes left and you haven't started Task 3. What should you do?

3. How long is the TCF IRN writing section?

4. During the 2 minutes of preparation for Task 2 (TCF Canada), what should you note down?

Next step

Put this lesson into practice

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