The Expression ecrite (Writing) section of the TCF Canada requires you to write three texts in 60 minutes, each responding to a different communicative situation at increasing levels of complexity. Unlike the adaptive reading and listening sections, TCF Canada writing is fixed-format: the same tasks are given to all candidates, and responses are scored by trained raters. For CLB 7, you must demonstrate B2-level written French: clear argumentation, appropriate register, varied vocabulary, and grammatically complex sentences. This guide covers all three tasks with model structures and the scoring criteria raters apply.
TCF Canada Expression Ecrite – Module Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 60 minutes (all three tasks combined) |
| Number of tasks | 3 |
| Task 1 | Short informal or semi-formal message (approx. 60–80 words); A2–B1 level situation |
| Task 2 | Medium-length semi-formal or formal text (approx. 120–150 words); B1–B2 level situation |
| Task 3 | Long formal argumentative text (approx. 200–250 words); B2–C1 level situation |
| CLB 7 requirement | Strong performance on Tasks 2 and 3; B2 register, vocabulary, grammar, and argumentation |
Task 1 – Short Informal or Semi-Formal Message (A2–B1)
Task 1 asks you to write a short message to a friend, neighbour, or acquaintance about an everyday situation. The prompt gives a specific scenario and typically specifies 2–3 content points to include. The register is informal (tu form).
| Element | What to Do |
| Salutation | Cher/Chere [name] / Bonjour [name], |
| Body | Address each content point in 1–2 sentences; use connectors (parce que / donc / et / mais) |
| Closing | Brief warm closing: “A bientot / J’espere te voir / Dis-moi ce que tu en penses” + sign-off: “Amicalement / Bises, [name]” |
| Word count | 60–80 words; do not pad but do not be too brief — each content point needs at least one sentence |
Task 2 – Semi-Formal or Formal Text (B1–B2)
Task 2 asks for a longer, more formal written response — typically a letter to a professional contact, a community message, or a semi-formal email. The prompt specifies the situation and 3–4 required content points. Register shifts to vous form for most prompts.
| Scoring Criterion | CLB 7 Standard for Task 2 |
| Task achievement | All content points addressed completely; appropriate register (vous form where required); correct text type and format maintained |
| Coherence | Logical paragraph structure; B2 connectors used (d’une part… d’autre part / en outre / cependant / par consequent) |
| Vocabulary | B2 range; varied verbs, adjectives, nouns; no A2-level word repetition; some precise and formal phrasing |
| Grammar | Complex sentences with subordinate clauses; correct past tenses (passe compose / imparfait); conditionnel for polite requests; occasional subjonctif |
Task 3 – Formal Argumentative Text (B2–C1)
Task 3 is the most demanding — a formal essay or opinion letter responding to a position statement or social question. This is where CLB 7 is made or lost. The text must present a clear position, develop it with arguments and examples, engage with a counter-perspective, and reach a well-formed conclusion. At least 200 words are expected.
| Essay Section | Content | Target Words |
| Introduction | Contextualise the issue; state your thesis — a clear, specific position on the question | 35–45 words |
| Argument 1 | Develop your primary argument; add a concrete example or evidence | 55–65 words |
| Argument 2 or counter-argument | Second independent argument, OR acknowledge the opposing view and rebut it with precision | 55–65 words |
| Conclusion | Restate your thesis in different words; optionally add a broader implication or recommendation | 30–40 words |
B2/CLB 7 French Writing – Connectors for Task 3
| Function | French Phrases |
| Stating a position | Il me semble que… / Je suis d’avis que… / Force est de constater que… / Il est indeniable que… |
| Developing an argument | De plus / Par ailleurs / Il convient de souligner que / A cet egard / En outre |
| Introducing a concession | Certes… cependant / Il est vrai que… toutefois / On pourrait objecter que… il n’en reste pas moins que… |
| Concluding | En definitive / Au terme de cette reflexion / En somme / Il ressort de tout cela que… |
TCF Canada writing preparation requires daily timed writing practice in the 6 weeks before your exam. Write one Task 3 essay every 2 days, timing yourself to 30 minutes; write a Task 2 letter every other day, timed to 20 minutes. After each piece, check: all content points covered, minimum 4 B2 connectors used, correct register (vous/tu), verb tenses accurate. languagetest.in provides TCF Canada Expression Ecrite mock tasks for all three task types with model responses at B2/CLB 7 level and scoring rubrics for structured timed practice.
References: TCF Canada official: ciep.fr/tcf-canada | IRCC CLB benchmarks: canada.ca | languagetest.in TCF Canada writing preparation
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