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120 original prompts

TCF writing: prompts and model answers

Sets of 3 tasks in the TCF Canada and Québec format, sorted by topic. For each prompt: tips, a model answer and feedback on your own text. Prompts and model answers are in French, as on the test.

TL;DR

  • TCF Canada writing has 3 tasks in 60 minutes: 60 to 120 words, then 120 to 150, then 120 to 180.
  • A task that does not respect the word count can be rated « A1 non atteint » (below A1).
  • The prompts are free; model answers and AI feedback come with the subscription.

The practice sets are in French, as on test day.

Set 1Neighbourhood life and leisureSet 2Work and professional lifeSet 3Environment and consumptionSet 4Health and well-beingSet 5Digital life and technologySet 6Education and trainingSet 7Transport and mobilitySet 8Family and relationshipsSet 9Consumption and moneySet 10Culture and leisureSet 11Immigration and integrationSet 12Media and informationSet 13Travel and tourismSet 14FoodSet 15Paperwork and public servicesSet 16Sport and well-beingSet 17Housing and neighboursSet 18Community involvement and solidaritySet 19Health and the health care systemSet 20Studies and student lifeSet 21Animals and natureSet 22Holidays and traditionsSet 23Safety and city lifeSet 24Employment and job huntingSet 25Languages and communicationSet 26Arts and heritageSet 27Generations and ageingSet 28Shopping and online retailSet 29PetsSet 30Volunteering and community organizationsSet 31Science and innovationSet 32Citizenship and public lifeSet 33Fashion and appearanceSet 34Weather and climateSet 35Relationships and marriageSet 36Retirement and the end of a careerSet 37Disability and accessibilitySet 38Crafts and craftsmanshipSet 39Success and failureSet 40Nature and gardening

The 3 tasks and their word limits

TaskWhat you writeWords
Task 1A message to describe, tell or explain, for one or more readers whose role is given60 to 120
Task 2An article, letter or note reporting an experience or telling a story, with comments, opinions or arguments120 to 150
Task 3Compare two points of view on a social issue, given in two documents, then give your own opinion120 to 180

You have 60 minutes for all three tasks. According to the candidate handbook, a task that does not respect the word count is rated "below A1" (A1 non atteint), however good the French.

How to handle each task

  • Task 1: write a clear message suited to the reader, using « tu » for a friend and « vous » for a professional, with all the information asked for.
  • Task 2: tell what happened in the past tense, then comment. Linking words give your text its structure.
  • Task 3: sum up both documents objectively in your own words, then give your opinion with arguments and examples.
Example in French, as in the exam
D'abord, … Ensuite, … Enfin, …
Example in French, as in the exam
En effet, … Cependant, … Par conséquent, …
Example in French, as in the exam
D'un côté, … De l'autre, … À mon avis, …

How your writing is marked

Two examiners mark each task independently and give it a level from below A1 to C2, on three groups of criteria: linguistic (vocabulary, grammar, spelling, sentences), pragmatic (coherence, development of the topic) and sociolinguistic (fit with the situation). Our corrector uses the same criteria to estimate your level.

Frequently asked questions

How does the TCF Canada writing section work?+
3 tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1: a message of 60 to 120 words. Task 2: an article, letter or note of 120 to 150 words that tells a story and comments on it. Task 3: compare two points of view, then give your own, in 120 to 180 words.
What happens if I don't stay within the word limits?+
The candidate handbook says a task that does not respect the word count can be rated "below A1" (A1 non atteint). Always stay within the limits: our corrector counts your words as you type.
How is my answer corrected?+
Our AI assesses your text on the three official criteria (linguistic, pragmatic, sociolinguistic), gives you an estimated level, explains your mistakes and suggests an improved version. Feedback is included in the subscription, with a 14-day free trial.
What about the TCF IRN writing section?+
It is shorter: 3 tasks in 30 minutes, of 30 to 60, then 40 to 90 and 40 to 90 words. The corrector also offers prompts in the IRN format.

Sources