If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or apply for Permanent Residency (PR), demonstrating proficiency in one of the country’s official languages can greatly improve your chances. While many applicants opt for English exams, showcasing strong French language skills can give you an added advantage—particularly through test such as the TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) and the TCF (Test de connaissance du français). Both are officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
This guide highlights the TEF Canada exam, with a specific focus on the Writing (Expression Écrite) section, and offers strategies to help you prepare effectively.
Quick Overview of TEF
The TEF Canada is conducted by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Paris (CCIP) and is widely recognized as an international assessment of French language proficiency. Since 2002, it has been officially accepted by IRCC for federal immigration pathways such as Express Entry, as well as for Quebec immigration programs (via the TEF Québec variation).
Beyond immigration, TEF scores can also be used for academic and professional applications in French-speaking regions.
TEF Canada Writing (Expression Écrite) Test
The Writing section evaluates your ability to express yourself clearly and appropriately in written French. You must demonstrate linguistic accuracy, coherence, structure, and the ability to convey ideas effectively in different real-world scenarios.
Exam Format
Duration: 1 Hour
The TEF Canada Writing test consists of two tasks, completed within 60 minutes:
The test includes two computer-based parts (A and B) to be completed within 60 minutes.
– Section A asks you to write a brief report or journal-style text (at least 80 words, about 25 minutes) based on a given scenario, similar to a fait divers.
– Section B requires you to produce an argumentative essay (minimum 200 words, about 35 minutes) where you support a specific point of view.
In both tasks, organization, clarity, vocabulary use, and grammatical accuracy are essential. You may also need to type using a French keyboard.
Section A: Report / Journal Entry (Around 25 minutes)
Task: Expand a given scenario by continuing the story or creating a short report based on a headline or brief event.
Length: Minimum: 80 words
A practical communication task such as:
Writing an email
Responding to a request
Making a complaint
Providing information
Asking for clarification
Section B: Longer, Argumentative Essay (About 35 minutes)
Task: Express and support your viewpoint on a specific topic, often in the form of a letter to an editor.
Length: Minimum: 120 words
A structured piece where you must:
- Present your opinion on a given topic
- Provide arguments and examples
- Express agreement/disagreement
- Build logical connections between ideas
Scoring System
Unlike the Listening test, Writing is not multiple-choice. Instead, examiners assess your work based on several criteria:
- Task completion & relevance
- Clarity and organization of ideas
- Grammar and vocabulary usage
- Coherence and cohesion
- Ability to express opinions, facts, and arguments effectively
Your performance is mapped to CLB levels for immigration purposes, ranging from CLB 4 to CLB 10+, depending on quality and complexity.
Common Writing Task Types
Below are the typical formats you may encounter:
For Section A:
- Informal or semi-formal email
- Request for information
- Response to an invitation
- Message explaining a situation
- Complaint or inquiry letter
For Section B:
- Write an opinion essay on a social, cultural, or practical topic
- Present pros and cons of an issue
- Argue for or against a proposed idea
- Justify a position with examples
Each task requires clarity, structure, and appropriate tone (formal or informal as instructed).
Preparation Tips for TEF Writing
To excel in this section, consider the following points:
- Read the question carefully to understand the required format.
- Plan your structure (introduction, body, conclusion) before writing.
- Use linking words like d’abord, ensuite, pourtant, cependant, en conclusion to improve flow.
- Keep track of word count—write enough without becoming repetitive.
- Check grammar and spelling before submitting your text.
- Practice timed writing to comfortably finish both tasks within 60 minutes.