TEF Canada writing has two sections: Section A, continue a news article in at least 80 words (25 min), and Section B, express and justify a point of view in at least 200 words (35 min). Speaking takes about 15 minutes: Section A, obtain information by asking questions (5 min), and Section B, argue to convince the examiner (10 min). IRCC uses the ancien score, and NCLC 7 needs 310/450 in writing and 310/450 in speaking.
Key takeaways
- Writing A: continue a news article, 80+ words, 25 minutes.
- Writing B: argue a point of view, 200+ words, 35 minutes.
- Speaking A: get information by asking questions, 5 minutes.
- Speaking B: convince the examiner, who pushes back, 10 minutes.
- NCLC 7 = 310/450 in writing and in speaking (ancien score).
On this page
TEF Canada writing is two sections: Section A asks you to continue a news article in at least 80 words (25 min), and Section B asks you to express and justify a point of view in at least 200 words (35 min). Speaking is about 15 minutes: Section A, obtain information (5 min), and Section B, convince the examiner (10 min). For NCLC 7, IRCC needs 310 out of 450 in each, on the ancien score.
These two modules are where your French has to do something, not just recognise something. The upside: the task types never change, so a solid routine for each section goes a long way. Listening, reading, fees and scoring are covered in the TEF Canada overview.
- 25 + 35 min
- Writing Sections A and B
- 5 + 10 min
- Speaking Sections A and B
- 310 / 450
- Ancien score for NCLC 7, writing and speaking
| Module | Section | Task | Time | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | A | Continue a news article | 25 min | 80 words minimum |
| Writing | B | Express and justify a point of view | 35 min | 200 words minimum |
| Speaking | A | Obtain information | 5 min | Mostly your questions |
| Speaking | B | Argue to convince | 10 min | Mostly your arguments |
How do you prepare for each module?
#Pick a tab. Each one has the plan, a model or sample, and a practice timer with the real timings.
Section A: continue the article (25 min, 80+ words)
You get the start of a news story and write what comes next. Stay in the same style: a journalist writing in the third person, with facts, times and places. Keep the same names and details as the opening.
- Reread the opening and note who, what, where and when.
- Continue logically: what happened next, then reactions (a witness, an official), then a consequence.
- Use reporting verbs: a expliqué, a déclaré, selon…, d'après…
- Don't add a personal opinion. It's a news article, not a letter.
Practice opening (original): « Gatineau, le 3 mars. Un chien disparu depuis trois semaines a retrouvé seul le chemin de la maison de ses propriétaires, à plus de 50 kilomètres de l'endroit où il s'était perdu. »
Selon les voisins, Filou a été aperçu pour la première fois lundi soir, près de l'autoroute. Les habitants de la rue des Érables l'ont ensuite reconnu grâce à son collier rouge et ont prévenu la famille Tremblay, qui l'avait perdu pendant un déménagement il y a trois semaines.
« Nous avions perdu tout espoir », a expliqué Mme Tremblay, très émue. D'après un vétérinaire du quartier, le chien était fatigué mais en bonne santé. Les spécialistes pensent qu'il s'est orienté grâce à son odorat. La famille a remercié tous les voisins et prévoit d'organiser une petite fête samedi prochain pour célébrer son retour.
Section B: argue a point of view (35 min, 200+ words)
You react to a statement, often by writing a letter or a post, and defend your position. The marker looks for a clear stance, well-organised arguments and examples.
- 1Plan (5 min)Choose your side. Note three arguments and one example each. Note one counter-argument you'll answer.
- 2IntroductionRefer to the statement and give your position in one or two sentences.
- 3Three argumentsOne paragraph each, opened with d'abord, ensuite, enfin. Add a concrete example.
- 4Concession and conclusionCertes… mais… Then restate your position and, if it fits, propose a solution.
- 5Check (3–5 min)Agreements, verb endings, and that you're past 200 words.
Practice statement (original): « Les écrans devraient être interdits aux enfants de moins de dix ans. » You write to the newspaper that published it.
Madame, Monsieur,
J'ai lu avec attention votre article affirmant que les écrans devraient être interdits aux enfants de moins de dix ans. Je comprends cette inquiétude, mais je ne partage pas du tout cet avis, et je voudrais expliquer pourquoi.
D'abord, une interdiction totale me semble irréaliste. Les écrans sont partout : à la maison, à l'école et même chez le médecin. Il serait plus utile d'apprendre aux enfants à bien les utiliser que de faire comme s'ils n'existaient pas.
Ensuite, les écrans peuvent être de véritables outils d'apprentissage. Par exemple, ma fille de huit ans apprend l'anglais grâce à une application ludique, et ses progrès sont impressionnants. De nombreux enseignants utilisent aussi des vidéos pour rendre leurs cours plus vivants.
Enfin, c'est aux parents de fixer des règles, pas à la loi. Dans notre famille, par exemple, les tablettes sont interdites pendant les repas et une heure avant le coucher. Ces limites simples fonctionnent très bien.
Certes, un usage excessif peut nuire au sommeil et à la concentration. C'est pourquoi je défends un usage encadré plutôt qu'une interdiction. Informons les familles et proposons-leur des conseils concrets : nous protégerons ainsi nos enfants sans les priver des avantages du numérique.
Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées.
Now try Section B against the real 35-minute clock. The timer counts your words as you type.
TEF Canada · Section B: Argue a point of view (letter or post)
200+ words · 35 min« Après leurs études, tous les jeunes devraient faire un an de service civique obligatoire. » Vous réagissez à cette opinion dans un courrier au journal. Défendez votre point de vue avec des arguments (200 mots minimum).
Practice prompt (not an official exam question). Take a clear side. Give several arguments, each with an example, and link them with connectors.Section A: obtain information (5 min)
You're given a situation and need to find out the details by asking the examiner questions. Think of a curious, polite customer. Short, clear questions, many of them, in a sensible order.
- Open politely: « Bonjour, j'appelle au sujet de… »
- Cover the basics: où, quand, combien, comment, pour qui, qu'est-ce qui est inclus.
- Vary your question forms: est-ce que…, inversion (Pourriez-vous… ?), and indirect questions (J'aimerais savoir si…).
- React to answers before the next question: « Ah, d'accord. Et dans ce cas… ? »
- Close: thank the examiner and say what you'll do next.
Section B: convince the examiner (10 min)
You try to persuade the examiner, who plays someone who isn't convinced and may push back. Ten minutes is long. What gets you through is structure, not vocabulary.
- 1Present the ideaSay what it is and why you're excited about it, in a few sentences.
- 2Give three reasonsHave them ready. Each with a concrete example.
- 3Handle objections« Je comprends ta/votre crainte, mais… » Answer, then bring it back to your main reason.
- 4Keep proposingOffer solutions to each doubt. Persuasion is a conversation, not a speech.
- 5Close« Alors, qu'est-ce que tu en penses ? Tu veux essayer ? »
Rehearse both sections with the real timings on the timer below, or on the full speaking practice timer.
TEF Canada · Section A: Obtenir des informations
Call about an ad and get as much information as you can.Annonce : « Cours de cuisine du monde — le samedi matin — tous niveaux — places limitées. » Vous téléphonez pour obtenir le maximum d’informations.
Practice prompt (not an official exam question).- Bonjour, j’appelle au sujet de votre annonce.
- J’aimerais savoir si…
- Pourriez-vous me dire… ?
- Est-ce qu’il est possible de… ?
- Et en ce qui concerne le prix… ?
What are the most common mistakes?
#- Giving your opinion in Section A. It's a news article.
- Changing names or facts from the article's opening.
- Spending 35 minutes on Section A and rushing B.
- Section B with no clear side, or only one argument.
- Section A: asking three questions, then running out.
- Section A: long speeches instead of questions.
- Section B: giving up when the examiner disagrees.
- Section B: long silences while searching for a perfect word.
What scores do you need for NCLC 7?
#Your attestation shows a /699 score and an "Équivalence ancien score" for each skill. IRCC uses only the ancien score, where writing and speaking are both out of 450. The ancien score guide shows exactly where to find it.
| NCLC | Writing /450 | Speaking /450 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 393 | 393 |
| 9 | 371 | 371 |
| 8 | 349 | 349 |
| 7 | 310 | 310 |
| 6 | 271 | 271 |
| 5 | 226 | 226 |
Each skill converts on its own, with no averaging. Try your practice scores in the TEF Canada score converter, and see what NCLC 7 is worth in the CRS points guide. For the listening and reading modules, see the full TEF Canada exam format.
Check yourself
1 of 5.What does TEF Canada writing Section A ask you to do?
2 of 5.What is the minimum length for writing Section B?
3 of 5.How long is speaking Section B, where you convince the examiner?
4 of 5.Which score does IRCC use from your TEF Canada attestation?
5 of 5.You score 305/450 in speaking. Is that NCLC 7?
Taking TCF Canada instead? Its writing and speaking tasks are different: see the TCF Canada writing and TCF Canada speaking guides.
Questions people ask
Section A needs at least 80 words in 25 minutes, and Section B needs at least 200 words in 35 minutes.
About 15 minutes: Section A (obtain information) lasts 5 minutes and Section B (convince the examiner) lasts 10 minutes.
310 out of 450 on the ancien score, which is the score IRCC uses. Speaking also needs 310 out of 450.
It's best not to. Section A continues a news article, so stay factual and in the third person, and keep your opinions for Section B.
Terms in this guide
Each one is defined in plain English in the TEF & TCF Canada glossary.
Sources
Rules and fees change. Always confirm with IRCC and your test centre before you pay.