Short, sourced answers to the questions candidates ask most about the writing section.
The word limits are compulsory. A task not written with the required number of words can be marked "A1 not reached".
In TCF a word is anything between two spaces: "C'est-à-dire" is one word and "Un bon sujet" is three. You write the count under each task.
FEI sets no split: the 60 minutes cover three tasks and you manage them. Task 3 is the longest, so leave it the most time.
CCI publishes only minimums: 80 words for section A and 200 for section B.
No. CCI says the letter form is not required and a letterhead earns no points. Long generic introductions and conclusions are ignored.
No. Copying sentences from the subject or the documents can lead to "A1 not reached". Present the two opinions in your own words.
Two markers working independently in both tests. For TCF on computer the first marking may come from FEI's automated correction-assistance system; the second is always human.
TCF Canada: 10/20. TEF Canada: 310 or more in the "ancien score" column.
Yes. The TEF platform has a virtual keyboard for é, è, ê, ç and à.
The full task-by-task format is on the writing description page, the score tables on the writing scoring page, and worked examples on the writing samples page. For the whole test, see the TCF / TEF test format.
Practise TCF / TEF online
Every section of TCF Canada and TEF Canada is in the TestSucceed app. The tasks are timed like the real exam and marked instantly, and your writing and speaking are assessed by AI trained by our French exam experts. Start with TCF / TEF practice or sit a full TCF / TEF mock test.
Written by Kirill O'Nayd
French test expert and educator at TestSucceed. He prepares candidates for TCF Canada and TEF Canada and follows how each section is timed and marked. See all TestSucceed preparation materials.