Speaking & writing
TCF Canada writing: structures, connectors and a B2 strategy for all three tasks
Writing is the TCF section that rewards preparation most directly. The three tasks never change shape, the grading criteria are known, and a structure you've rehearsed twenty times will not fail you on exam day.
Updated November 2026 · 3 min read
The short answer
- Three tasks in 60 minutes: Task 1 message (60–120 words), Task 2 article (120–150), Task 3 argued comparison (120–180).
- Each task has a fixed structure. Learn it once, reuse it on any topic.
- Coherence comes from connectors: d'abord, ensuite, cependant, en effet, donc, en conclusion.
- Budget time: about 10 minutes for Task 1, 20 for Task 2, 25 for Task 3, plus 5 to proofread.
1The three tasks
| Task | What you write | Words | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A message (email, note) to a friend or contact: invite, inform, ask, describe | 60–120 | ≈ 10 min |
| 2 | An article, blog post or letter recounting an experience, with your feelings or opinion | 120–150 | ≈ 20 min |
| 3 | Two short documents with opposing views on a topic: summarise both, then give your position | 120–180 | ≈ 25 min |
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- A ready structure for each of the three writing tasks
- The connectors that carry coherence, by function
- Word-count and time control, plus a four-step plan
7Frequently asked questions
How many words are the TCF Canada writing tasks?+
Task 1 is 60–120 words, Task 2 is 120–150 words and Task 3 is 120–180 words, all in 60 minutes.
What score do I need in TCF writing for NCLC 7?+
10 or 11 out of 20. 12–13 is NCLC 8 and 14–15 is NCLC 9.
Keep reading
Write, get scored, rewrite
Practise all three writing tasks with AI scoring and model answers, so every essay moves you closer to NCLC 7.