1) Presentation of the test and advice
The writing test is one of the TEF exam.
The objective of this test is to evaluate your ability to write in French in various situations.
This test includes two tasks:
- Section A (25 min): continue a given text (minimum 80 words).
- Section B (35 min): express and justify an opinion (minimum 200 words).
The test is taken on a computer (which was not always the case a few years ago). It lasts a total of 1 hour.
In which TEF exam does this test appear?
This activity is part of:
- the TEF,
- the TEF Canada,
- the TEFAQ.
In the rest of this article, you will discover what you are asked to do in each section and tips to succeed.
A) “Le fait divers”: how to approach Section A of the TEF writing test
Communicating information clearly
In this task, you must continue a text that has already been started. Your role is to imagine what happens next by providing content that is coherent, logical, and enriched with new elements that do not appear in the initial prompt: additional explanations, details, clarifications, etc.
The goal is to communicate information in a structured way within a short timeframe, since you only have 25 minutes.
Before writing, take the time to carefully analyze the topic and use the title to imagine how the events unfold.
Evaluation criteria
Your text is judged based on several aspects:
- the relevance of the information you provide in relation to the topic;
- the richness and precision of the added elements (development, examples, details);
- the coherence of the text, the quality of organization, sentence construction, and vocabulary level (variety, accuracy, relevance to the theme);
- spelling and punctuation.
Tips for succeeding in “TEF Expression Écrite Section A”
1. Fully understand the topic
With only 25 minutes, misinterpreting the task can be costly.
Take a moment to read the prompt carefully and identify:
- the place,
- the time period,
- the characters,
- the initial event.
Your text must logically follow what you are given.
2. Follow the typical structure of a “fait divers”
Use a simple and orderly structure:
- Place + time
- Sequence of events (chronological order)
- New and coherent information
- Short conclusion (consequence, outcome)
3. Keep a neutral and objective tone
A “fait divers” is not meant to express personal opinion.
Avoid all subjectivity:
- No “selon moi”
- No judgments
- No personal emotions (you must inform).
4. Use appropriate verb tenses
To narrate a past event:
- Passé composé → main actions, specific events
- Imparfait → descriptions, context, habitual actions
Example:
« Il circulait tranquillement lorsque la voiture a dérapé. »
5. Add new elements
Do NOT rephrase or summarize the prompt.
Instead, enrich the story with:
- realistic details,
- circumstances,
- reactions,
- interventions (witnesses, authorities),
- immediate consequences.
Your text should feel complete and informative.
6. Prioritize clarity
Short, precise, well-connected sentences are better than long and risky constructions.
Clear and appropriate vocabulary is more than enough.
7. Manage your time effectively
A good breakdown is:
- 2 minutes: read the topic
- 3 minutes: plan
- 15 minutes: write
- 5 minutes: proofread
Good proofreading prevents easy mistakes.
8. Practice regularly
Train by completing beginnings of “faits divers” in 25 minutes.
With practice, the structure and style become natural.
Additional tips:
- Clear organization: Follow the traditional structure without deviating: specify the place, the date, recount the events, then conclude briefly.
- Choice of verb tenses: Mainly use “passé composé” or “imparfait,” depending on the rhythm and type of narration.
- Mandatory neutrality: A “fait divers” must remain factual and impartial. Avoid any subjective remark or personal judgment.
B) Argumentation: how to approach Section B of the TEF writing test
A task centered on argumentation
What the examiner expects above all is a clear position.
You have 35 minutes to say whether you agree or disagree with the statement given in the prompt, and to support your position with arguments and concrete examples.
How to start your text?
To avoid wasting time, rely on a simple and quick introduction. Here are some possible expressions:
- Bonjour,
- Madame, Monsieur,
- À l’attention de la rédaction,
- Vous affirmez que… (reformulation)
- Pour ma part, je considère que…
- J’ai lu dans votre journal l’idée suivante : « … »
- Je ne partage pas cette opinion, car…
- Après avoir pris connaissance de votre article indiquant que…
- Suite à votre article indiquant que…, je me permets de réagir.
- Je réagis à votre article qui indique que…, une affirmation que je trouve pertinente.
Evaluation criteria
For this section, the evaluators examine:
- the relevance of your ideas to the topic;
- the strength and precision of your arguments (development, examples, illustrations);
- the overall coherence of the text;
- the organization of ideas and logical flow between sentences;
- language quality (vocabulary, syntax, accuracy, relevance to the theme);
- spelling and punctuation.
Tips for succeeding in “TEF Expression Écrite Section B“
1. Understand the purpose of the test
This part evaluates your ability to:
- take a stance,
- defend a point of view,
- justify your ideas with arguments and examples.
You have 35 minutes. Your text must be persuasive, structured, and clear.
2. Clearly identify your position
Before writing, decide whether you:
- agree,
- disagree,
- or partially agree with the statement.
Do not begin writing until you have chosen your angle.
Your position must be clear from the introduction.
3. Follow a simple and solid structure
Your text will be much more convincing if you use a clear outline:
Introduction
- Cite or reformulate the statement.
- Clearly announce your position.
Development
Present two or three arguments, each with:
- a concrete example
- or a simple illustration
One argument = one paragraph.
Avoid listing ideas without developing them.
Conclusion
- Summarize your arguments in one sentence.
- Restate your position.
4. Ensure coherence and use connectors
To make your text more fluid, use linking words such as:
- “tout d’abord”,
- “ensuite”,
- “en effet”,
- “par exemple”,
- “cependant”,
- “enfin”.
These connectors strengthen the logic of your ideas.
5. Stay precise and relevant
Your argumentation must strictly respond to the topic.
Avoid:
- overly general ideas,
- unnecessary stories,
- unsupported opinions.
Every sentence must support your position.
6. Use correct but simple language
The examiner is not looking for complicated sentences, but for:
- well-constructed sentences,
- varied but understandable vocabulary,
- controlled syntax.
If a sentence feels too long, shorten it.
7. Manage your time wisely
A helpful breakdown:
- 5 minutes: analyze the topic + plan
- 25 minutes: write
- 5 minutes: proofread
Never skip proofreading.
8. Practice forming arguments
The more you practice, the faster your ideas will organize themselves.
Try regularly responding to statements such as:
- « On devrait… »
- « Il est préférable de… »
- « Il ne faut pas… »
