TCF Canada Writing
Three texts in sixty minutes, each with its own purpose and word count. Here is how the TCF Canada writing test works, how to manage your time, and what examiners reward.
In this guide
Exam formats, score tables and immigration requirements can change. This article was last reviewed on 4 October 2026. Always verify current requirements with IRCC and the official test provider before booking or submitting an application.
The TCF Canada writing test asks you to produce three different texts in one hour: a short practical message, a longer narrative or descriptive text, and a short argument based on two documents. Each task tests a different skill, so the best preparation is a clear method for each one, plus a strict time plan.
The test at a glance
| Task | Text type | Length | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A message: email, note, invitation, reply | 60–120 words | 10–12 min |
| 2 | An account, article or blog post describing an experience | 120–150 words | 18–20 min |
| 3 | A comparative argument based on two short documents | 120–180 words | 25–28 min |
The writing test lasts 60 minutes. Depending on the centre, TCF Canada may be administered on paper or on a computer. Keep 3–5 minutes at the end to reread everything. Word counts are those published for the test at the time of writing; check your convocation for any update.
Task 1: the practical message
You write a short message for a real purpose: invite a friend, reply to a neighbour, ask a colleague for help, describe a place. Examiners check that you answer every point in the instructions, use the right register, and organise the message clearly with a greeting, a body and a closing. Our Task 1 guide includes two model messages.
« Salut Léa, J'espère que tu vas bien ! Je t'écris pour t'inviter à mon anniversaire, samedi prochain… »
Task 2: the account or article
You narrate or describe an experience for a newspaper, a blog or a website: a memorable trip, an event in your neighbourhood, a change in your life. This task is where past tenses matter most: the imparfait for the background and the passé composé for events. Give your text a short title, an introduction, two developed paragraphs and a closing reflection.
« L'été dernier, alors que je vivais encore à Lyon, j'ai décidé de traverser la France à vélo. »
Task 3: the comparative argument
You read two short documents with different views on the same topic, then write a text that presents both views and gives your own opinion. For many candidates, this is the most demanding task. A reliable structure:
- Introduce the topic and the debate in one or two sentences.
- Summarise document 1's view in your own words.
- Summarise document 2's view, using a contrast connector.
- Give your opinion with one developed argument.
- Conclude briefly.
« Si le premier document souligne les avantages du télétravail, le second insiste au contraire sur ses limites. »
How the test is scored
Your three texts produce one score out of 20, converted by IRCC into an NCLC level. NCLC 7 = 10 or 11 out of 20, NCLC 8 = 12–13, NCLC 9 = 14–15, NCLC 10+ = 16–20. Check the current table on canada.ca.
What examiners reward
- Task completion: every element of the instructions is covered.
- Coherence: paragraphs, connectors, a logical progression.
- Range: varied vocabulary and structures, not the same three verbs.
- Accuracy: agreement, tenses, prepositions and spelling.
- Register: informal for a friend, formal for an institution.
Time strategy for 60 minutes
| Minutes | Action |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Read all three instructions; note the key points for each. |
| 2–13 | Write Task 1. |
| 13–33 | Write Task 2. |
| 33–57 | Write Task 3. |
| 57–60 | Reread: agreements, accents, word counts. |
Common mistakes
- Ignoring a point in the instructions. If you are asked to give the date, the place and a reason, all three must appear.
- Writing far below the minimum. Too few words means too little evidence of your level.
- Copying the documents in Task 3. Rephrase in your own words.
- Mixing tu and vous in the same message.
- No paragraphs. A block of text looks disorganised even if the French is good.
A three-week practice plan
- Week 1: one Task 1 message a day (12 minutes), checking every instruction point.
- Week 2: alternate Task 2 and Task 3, timed; build a personal list of connectors.
- Week 3: two complete 60-minute tests; correct them with a checklist of your frequent errors.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the TCF Canada writing test?
60 minutes for three tasks. Depending on the centre, you write on paper or on a computer.
What happens if I write more than the maximum?
Stay close to the limits: going far over wastes time you need for the other tasks.
Is spelling important?
Yes. Accuracy is part of the score, so keep time to reread accents and agreements.
What score is NCLC 7 in writing?
10 or 11 out of 20.