TEF Canada Writing
Two texts in sixty minutes: a short news story, then an opinion text. Here is what each section asks for, how to split your time, and the checklist that saves points.
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 TEF Canada writing test asks for two texts in one hour. Section A tests narration: you continue a short news story. Section B tests argumentation: you react to a statement and defend your opinion. Together they show whether you can tell events clearly and build a convincing argument, two skills at the heart of NCLC 7.
The test at a glance
| Section | Task | Typical length | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Continue a news article (fait divers) | 80 words minimum | About 25 min |
| B | React to a statement and defend your opinion | 200 words minimum | About 35 min |
Check your convocation for the exact requirements on test day.
Section A in brief
You receive the opening lines of a short news article and write what happens next, in the third person and a neutral journalistic style. As you plan, make sure you cover four useful elements: what happened, who was involved, how people reacted and how the story ended. Use the passé composé for events, the imparfait for the background and a short quote from a witness (full Section A guide).
« Je n'avais jamais vu une telle ambiance », confie une passagère.
Section B in brief
You read a statement, often an opinion published in a newspaper, and write a text that reacts to it. Plan for five minutes, then follow a clear structure: introduction with your position, two developed arguments with examples, a concession, and a conclusion that opens with a proposal (full Section B guide).
« Si je partage son inquiétude, je ne pense pas qu'une interdiction soit la bonne solution. »
Section B is not automatically a formal letter. The task assesses your ability to express and justify a point of view. Follow the format the prompt asks for rather than forcing every answer into a letter.
How writing is scored
IRCC converts your writing result into an NCLC level. For Express Entry, use the « Équivalence ancien score » column: NCLC 7 = 310–348, NCLC 8 = 349–370, NCLC 9 = 371–392, NCLC 10+ = 393–450. Check the current table on canada.ca.
What examiners look for
- Task completion: the text does what the instructions ask, in the right format.
- Coherence: paragraphs and connectors that guide the reader.
- Range: varied vocabulary and structures, including the subjunctive and the conditional.
- Accuracy: agreement, tenses, prepositions, spelling and accents.
Time management
| Minutes | Action |
|---|---|
| 0–3 | Read both instructions; jot down ideas for each |
| 3–25 | Write Section A |
| 25–30 | Plan Section B |
| 30–55 | Write Section B |
| 55–60 | Reread both texts with the checklist |
The rereading checklist
- Do adjectives and past participles agree?
- Are past tenses consistent in Section A?
- Is there a subjunctive after il faut que, bien que, je ne pense pas que?
- Are accents correct (à / a, où / ou, é / è)?
- Did you reach the minimum length?
Common mistakes
- Writing Section A in the first person.
- Contradicting the facts given in the news opening.
- A one-sided Section B with no concession.
- Three short arguments instead of two developed ones.
- No time left to reread.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the TEF Canada writing test?
60 minutes for two sections.
What is the hardest part?
For most candidates, Section B, because it requires a structured argument with nuance.
What score is NCLC 7 in writing?
310 to 348 in the « Équivalence ancien score » column.