Writing practice
The TCF writing paper has three tasks in 60 minutes. Each section below teaches one task: what it tests, a method, and prompts to practice. Write, watch your word count, then compare your text with a model answer.
The TEF Canada has two sections instead: continue an article (80 words or more), then give and justify an opinion (200 words or more). Tasks 2 and 3 train both.
Task 1: a message
60 to 120 words
A short, practical message to a named person: you describe, tell or explain something, and ask or offer something.
Method
- Underline who you write to and everything the prompt asks for.
- Pick the register: familiar for a friend, polite for a teacher or a company.
- Write a greeting, one short paragraph per point, and a sign-off.
- Count your words, then reread for spelling and agreement.
Prompts
Task 2: an article
120 to 150 words
Telling an experience to the readers of a blog, a magazine or a website, then giving your opinion of it.
Method
- Find a title that says what the text is about.
- Tell what happened in order, with time markers such as first, then and finally.
- Give your opinion with two reasons or examples.
- End with a sentence that opens up: a wish, a piece of advice or a question.
Prompts
Task 3: compare and argue
120 to 180 words
Summing up two short documents with opposite views, then arguing for your own position. It is the hardest task.
Method
- Read both documents and note each one's main idea and arguments.
- Part one, 40 to 60 words: sum up both views in your own words, with no opinion.
- Part two, 80 to 120 words: state your position, then give two arguments with examples.
- Link your ideas with words of contrast and conclusion, such as however and therefore.