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Official TCF word limits

TCF word counter

Paste or type your French text and choose the task: the counter checks live that you are within the required number of words.

TL;DR

  • In the TCF Canada and TCF Québec, writing asks for 60 to 120 words, then 120 to 150, then 120 to 180.
  • In the TCF IRN, the limits are 30 to 60 words, then 40 to 90 and 40 to 90.
  • A task outside the limits can be rated « A1 non atteint »: aim for the middle of the range.

Words

0 / 60 to 120

Sentences

0

Characters

0

Task instruction (in French): Rédiger un message pour décrire, raconter ou expliquer, adressé à un ou plusieurs destinataires dont le statut est précisé.

Get feedback on this type of text

Word limits for each task

TaskTCF Canada and QuébecTCF IRN
Task 160 to 120 words30 to 60 words
Task 2120 to 150 words40 to 90 words
Task 3120 to 180 words40 to 90 words

Aim for the middle of the range: it leaves you room to finish your idea without going over. Once your text fits, you can get feedback on it with our writing corrector.

Frequently asked questions

How are words counted in the TCF?+
The candidate handbook does not detail the counting method. Our counter follows a simple, predictable rule: each group of letters separated by a space counts as one word. Words with an apostrophe or a hyphen, such as « l'école » or « peut-être », count as one. Keep a small margin from the limits.
What happens if I go over the word count?+
The candidate handbook says a task that does not respect the word count can be rated "below A1" (A1 non atteint). Stay within the limits, aiming for the middle of the range.
How many words for each TCF Canada task?+
Task 1: 60 to 120 words. Task 2: 120 to 150 words. Task 3: 120 to 180 words. In the TCF IRN: 30 to 60, then 40 to 90 and 40 to 90 words.

Sources