TEF Canada writing: the two sections, marking criteria and scores

The two sections

The test asks for two very different texts: a story, then an argument. The two sections are timed separately, and each has its own page with a method and examples.

Section A: continue a news story

You get the opening of a short news story from the « faits divers » pages. You write what comes next, in several paragraphs: what happened after that and how the story ends, keeping in mind that your text is still a newspaper article. Method and example: TEF Canada section A.

Section B: defend your opinion in a letter

You get a statement taken from a newspaper. You write a letter to the newspaper saying what you think of it, developing at least three arguments. Method and example: TEF Canada section B.

A word minimum, no maximum

CCI Paris Île-de-France only sets a minimum: 80 words for section A and 200 words for section B. There is no word maximum, whereas every TCF Canada task has a cap (see our TCF vs TEF comparison).

That does not make length a strategy. In its article on preparing for section B (23 June 2020), CCI explains that a long but empty introduction or conclusion earns no points: what counts is how you develop your arguments. The real limit is time: 200 argued words in 35 minutes call for a quick plan.

Our grader counts your words and warns you if your text falls short of the minimum.

Timing each section

Both times are official: 25 minutes for section A and 35 minutes for section B. Within each section, here is the split we suggest; it is not an official rule.

• Section A: reread the opening to note the place, the time and the people involved, and stay consistent with them to the end.
• Section B: jot down your three arguments, with an example for each, before writing your first sentence. That plan is what saves time.
• Both sections: keep a few minutes for spelling, agreement and punctuation.

CCI Paris Île-de-France marking criteria

Each paper is assessed by two language-teaching specialists, independently, with a standardised marking grid. They award an overall performance level on the CEFR scale. According to the sample tests published by CCI, the criteria fall into two families:

For section B, CCI’s preparation article adds a few pointers:

• one sentence at the start is enough to state your position;
• each argument should be developed, with details and examples;
• the text should hold together, with clear links between sentences;
• sentences and vocabulary should be varied, precise and suited to the topic;
• spelling and punctuation count.

The full report from our grader scores each of these criteria and explains each score in one sentence. To link your arguments, pick from our list of French linking words.

Scores and NCLC

Since 11 December 2023, every TEF Canada test is scored out of 699, and each skill has its own NCLC bands. Your certificate shows two columns: the score out of 699 and an « Équivalence ancien score » (old-scale equivalent). So three charts exist side by side; here are the writing figures for each.

Tests taken since 11 December 2023: the score out of 699

Below 268, the level is below NCLC 4. The bands are different for reading and listening and for speaking: see our full NCLC chart. Source: CCI Paris Île-de-France, « Correspondance Score TEF – Niveau NCLC ».

Tests taken from 1 October 2019 to 10 December 2023

For that period, a single scale applied to all four skills:

Below 300, the level is below NCLC 4. Since a TEF Canada certificate is valid for 2 years from its issue date, this chart is mainly useful for reading an old result.

Express Entry: the « Équivalence ancien score » column

According to IRCC’s page on language test results for Express Entry (modified on 16 October 2026), you must enter in your Express Entry profile only the results from the « Équivalence ancien score » column of your certificate: the system is not compatible with scores out of 699. For writing, that column reads as follows:

Below 181, the level is below NCLC 4. Listening and reading have different bands in this column; they are in the full NCLC chart too.

Which chart for which purpose?

Example: for a test taken since 11 December 2023, NCLC 7 in writing is 428–471 out of 699, and 310–348 in the « Équivalence ancien score » column.

Our grader estimates your NCLC level against CCI’s criteria, then shows the matching bands out of 699 and in « Équivalence ancien score ». It is an estimate for practice: only CCI Paris Île-de-France issues TEF Canada results.

Practise and get your text corrected

Write on this prompt (or paste your own): free preview with your estimated NCLC level and your 2 most important corrections.

TCF Canada TEF Canada

Task Section A · Continue a news storySection B · Opinion letter

Fermer les supermarchés le dimanche

Vous avez lu dans un journal l’affirmation suivante : « Les supermarchés devraient fermer le dimanche pour que tout le monde puisse se reposer. » Écrivez une lettre au journal pour dire ce que vous en pensez (200 mots minimum). Développez au moins trois arguments pour défendre votre point de vue.

Another prompt · I have my own prompt

Your text (in French)

0 words · Expected: 200 words minimum Timer 35:00 Start

Correct my text

Free preview: estimated level and the first 2 corrections. Full report with a pack or a pass.

TEF Canada writing FAQ

Sources: CCI Paris Île-de-France – Le français des affaires (« TEF Canada » page, writing sample test, « Correspondance Score TEF – Niveau NCLC » chart, section B article of 23 June 2020) and IRCC (Express Entry language test results page, modified on 16 October 2026). Information checked on 19 October 2026.