Guide TCF Canada
TCF Canada writing task 1: the 60–120 word message
TCF Canada writing task 1 asks for a 60–120 word message to describe, tell or explain something to the person named in the prompt. Outside those limits, the text could be rated “below A1”.
Key facts
- Instructions: write a message to describe, tell or explain; the recipient and your role are given in the prompt. 60 to 120 words.
- Whole test: 3 tasks in 60 minutes. On paper or on computer depending on the centre.
- Word count: a word = any group of characters between two spaces (“c'est-à-dire” counts as 1).
- May be rated “below A1”: word count out of range, off topic, task not done, sentences copied from the prompt or documents, memorised text, answer left on the scratch paper.
- Scoring: two independent raters give each task a CEFR level, combined into a score out of 20 (10–11/20 = NCLC 7). On computer, the first rating may be done by the FIDELIA marking-assistance system; the second is still human.
Official sources: TCF candidate handbook (version Q, Sept. 2026) · France Éducation international — TCF Canada · FEI — TCF on computer · Official writing sample test
Practise now
No sign-up. An NCLC estimate as a range, never an official result.
Where candidates get stuck
What comes up most often in the candidate accounts we have read.
- Forgetting part of the prompt. The prompt often asks for three things (tell, explain, suggest). Miss one and the task is not done.
- The wrong register. “Salut” to a landlord, “Madame, Monsieur” to a friend: the message does not fit the situation.
- Accents and agreement. On computer, accents slow you down; on paper, adjective and past participle agreement give you away.
- Too short or too long. 75 words is within the limits; 125 is out of range, however good the text.
Official sources: TCF candidate handbook (version Q, Sept. 2026) · France Éducation international — TCF Canada
How to practise
- Underline each verb in the prompt (“expliquez”, “proposez”) and give each one a paragraph or a strong sentence.
- Aim for 90–110 words: enough to develop, with a safety margin.
- Write in our editor: word count using the official rule, out-of-range alert, phrases copied from the prompt flagged, then a correction and two model answers.
Original practice topics
103 topics written for this site, with pointers and, for writing, two model answers.
- Votre ami Karim vient de s'installer à Montréal et veut ouvrir un compte bancaire. B1
- À Gatineau, vous et votre voisine, Mme Tremblay, avez engagé ensemble une entreprise de… B1
- Dans votre bureau à Ottawa, vous vous occupez de la caisse commune qui sert à acheter le café et… B1
- Vous louez un appartement à Sherbrooke et vous payez votre loyer par chèque depuis deux ans. B1
- Vous suivez un cours du soir de cuisine au Centre communautaire des Érables, à Moncton. B1
- Vous venez de vous installer à Sherbrooke. B1
FAQ
How many words for TCF Canada writing task 1?
Between 60 and 120 words. A text outside those limits could be rated “below A1”.
Official source: TCF candidate handbook (version Q, Sept. 2026)
How are words counted?
A word is any group of characters between two spaces: “c'est-à-dire” counts as one word. Our editor applies that rule.
Official source: Official writing sample test
How much time should I spend on Task 1?
The three tasks share 60 minutes and you split the time yourself. Our advice: about 10 minutes for Task 1, the shortest, so you keep at least 20 minutes for Task 3.
Official source: France Éducation international — TCF Canada
Read next
TCF TEF Study is independent: neither France Éducation international nor CCI Paris Île-de-France has reviewed this content. Facts come from the official pages cited; check them before you register, as the test owners can change them. Updated 22 October 2026.