Guide TEF Canada
TEF Canada writing section B: the opinion letter (35 min, 200 words)
TEF Canada writing section B lasts 35 minutes: you respond to a statement from a newspaper by writing a letter to the paper of at least 200 words, with at least three arguments.
Key facts
- Length: 35 minutes. Task: give your opinion on a statement from the press, in a letter to the newspaper. At least 200 words, at least three arguments.
- What the official sample says is assessed: fit with the situation, overall structure, clear argument, ability to develop and add nuance, vocabulary, syntax, spelling.
- Whole test: sections A and B in 60 minutes, each timed separately, on computer (Paragraphe software, on-screen French keyboard). Paper is only allowed as an exception.
- Scoring: two independent raters. For IRCC, NCLC 7 = 310 to 348 in the writing “ancien score”.
Official sources: Official TEF sample — writing (PDF) · TEF Canada — on test day · TEF Canada — results · IRCC — language test results (Express Entry)
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.
- Three arguments that are really one. “It's practical”, “it saves time”, “it's simpler”: three sentences, one idea.
- Forgetting the letter format. Greeting, restating the claim, formal closing: the situation calls for it.
- Arguments without examples. An argument needs development: an explanation, a concrete example, a consequence.
- Time. 200 argued words in 35 minutes, on a keyboard: little time is left to proofread without a plan.
Official sources: Official TEF sample — writing (PDF) · TEF Canada — on test day
How to practise
- Plan: introduction (the claim, your position), three paragraphs (one argument + one example each), conclusion that adds nuance or a proposal.
- Choose three different angles: personal, economic, social, for example.
- Aim for 230–260 words and keep 5 minutes to check agreement and accents.
Original practice topics
82 topics written for this site, with pointers and, for writing, two model answers.
- Avec la disparition progressive de l'argent comptant, nous perdons peu à peu la conscience réelle… C1
- Les parents qui donnent de l'argent de poche sans rien exiger en retour privent leurs enfants… C1
- Les applications qui arrondissent chaque achat pour épargner automatiquement font plus pour nos… C1
- Les écoles secondaires devraient offrir une heure d'activité physique chaque jour, même si cela… B2
- Payer un abonnement au gym est une perte d'argent : marcher, courir ou s'entraîner chez soi suffit… B2
- Dans les ligues sportives pour enfants, on ne devrait ni compter les points ni désigner de gagnant… B2
FAQ
How many words for TEF Canada writing section B?
At least 200 words, with at least three arguments, in 35 minutes.
Official source: Official TEF sample — writing (PDF)
Do I have to agree with the statement?
No. You can agree, disagree or take a nuanced view; you need a clear position and at least three arguments to back it.
Official source: Official TEF sample — writing (PDF)
What TEF Canada writing score gives NCLC 7?
310 to 348 in the “ancien score”, the only line of the certificate IRCC accepts.
Official sources: IRCC — language test results (Express Entry) · TEF Canada — certificate
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.