TCF Canada Writing: Task 3

The task at a glance

Typical topics are everyday social questions: remote work, screens and children, city or countryside, public transport, online shopping, tourism, school uniforms.

The two-part plan

Organise your text in two clear parts. Some sample instructions present the task this way, with a separate word count for each part. The word counts below are a suggested split, not an official rule: always follow the instructions on your test.

Always read the instructions on your paper: if they give separate word counts for each part, follow them exactly.

Part 1: compare the two documents

• Introduce the topic in one sentence.
• Sum up document 1 in your own words.
• Sum up document 2, with a contrast connector.
• Do not give your opinion yet, and do not copy sentences from the documents.

Part 2: give your opinion

• State your position clearly.
• Develop one or two arguments, each with an example or a consequence.
• You can acknowledge the other side with a concession: certes…, mais…
• Conclude in one sentence.

Model answer

Topic (example): Document 1: Remote work improves employees’ quality of life: no commuting, more time for family. Document 2: Remote work isolates employees and weakens team spirit.

Partie 1

Le télétravail divise l’opinion. Selon le premier document, il améliore la qualité de vie des salariés, qui gagnent du temps et peuvent mieux concilier vie professionnelle et vie familiale. Le second document, en revanche, souligne ses limites : l’isolement et un esprit d’équipe affaibli.

Partie 2

À mon avis, le télétravail est une avancée, à condition de ne pas en abuser. D’une part, éviter deux heures de transport chaque jour permet d’être plus reposé et souvent plus efficace. D’autre part, je reconnais que travailler seul toute la semaine peut devenir pesant. Certes, les outils numériques facilitent la communication, mais ils ne remplacent pas une vraie discussion autour d’un café. C’est pourquoi je pense qu’un modèle hybride, par exemple deux jours au bureau et trois à la maison, est la meilleure solution pour les salariés comme pour les entreprises.

(43 words in Part 1 and 92 in Part 2: 135 words in total)

Why it works

• Part 1 is neutral: it reports both views without judging them.
• The documents are rephrased, not copied: gagnent du temps, concilier vie professionnelle et vie familiale.
• A clear position, with nuance: une avancée, à condition de ne pas en abuser.
• Organised arguments: d’une part, d’autre part, certes… mais, c’est pourquoi.
• A concrete example: deux jours au bureau et trois à la maison.

Useful phrases

Common mistakes

• Copying sentences from the documents. Examiners want your words. Rephrase every idea.
• Giving your opinion in Part 1. Keep it neutral, then take a position in Part 2.
• Summing up only one document. Both views must appear.
• A list of arguments without development. One developed argument is worth more than four bare ones.
• Running out of time. Task 3 usually takes the longest: protect your 25 minutes.
• No contrast connector between the two documents. En revanche or au contraire shows you understood that they disagree.

Practice topics

For each topic, imagine two documents with opposite views, then write 120–180 words in 25 minutes:

1. Should smartphones be banned in schools?
2. Is it better to live in the city or in the countryside?
3. Should public transport be free?
4. Online shopping: progress or a threat to local shops?
5. Should tourists pay a tax to visit popular cities?

Frequently asked questions