How does the TCF Canada Written Expression work?

The TCF Canada Written Expression test lasts 60 minutes and consists of 3 tasks of increasing difficulty: task 1 (short message, 60-120 words), task 2 (article or letter, 120-150 words) and task 3 (comparison of two viewpoints and argumentation, 120-180 words). Each task is assessed against the official scoring criteria.

On which criteria is the TCF Canada Written Expression graded?

Written Expression is assessed on following the prompt, the ability to describe, inform and argue, as well as coherence, breadth of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. TCFCAD's simulator relies on AI grading that scores your writing against these official criteria and suggests concrete ways to improve.

Does TCFCAD offer written expression grading?

Yes. TCFCAD includes a timed Written Expression simulator with instant AI grading on the official criteria, plus ready-to-use templates for the 3 tasks. You get an estimated NCLC score and personalized advice to improve.

How do you get a good score in Written Expression on the TCF Canada?

To aim for NCLC 9, strictly follow the prompt and word count, structure your answers (introduction, body, conclusion), vary vocabulary and logical connectors, and proofread to eliminate grammar mistakes. TCFCAD templates provide ready-made structures for each task, and the AI simulator lets you practice under real conditions.

Can you try the written expression simulator for free?

TCFCAD offers free access to practice content without sign-up. Full access to the Written Expression simulator with AI grading and the templates for the 3 tasks is included in the packs available on the Pricing page, from 9.99 $ as a one-time payment, no subscription.

Written expression TCF Canada : simulateur IA

01 — The 3 tasks to master

The written expression test, broken down.

60 minutes, 3 tasks, a precise scoring scale. Here is what the examiner expects at each step.

01 15–20 min · 60–80 words

Short message

Email · letter · message

You write a message to describe, recount or explain a situation to a specific recipient.

Register formal or semi-formal depending on context
Strict adherence to the prompt (recipient, purpose)
Appropriate opening and closing formulas

Sample topic

"Write a message to your roommate asking them to be more careful with the housework, while staying courteous."

02 20–25 min · 120–150 words

Blog article

Article · forum · op-ed

You develop your personal opinion on a given topic, providing arguments and examples.

Register everyday, suited to the web
2 to 3 arguments structured and supported
Introduction + body + conclusion

Sample topic

"Should teenagers' use of social media be limited? Give your opinion on a youth blog."

03 25–30 min · 120–180 words

Comparative article

Synthesis + stance

You summarize two opposing viewpoints, then defend your own with arguments.

Part 1: 40–60 words — neutral summary
Part 2: 80–120 words — your opinion
Do not copy the source documents

Sample topic

"Two opposing views on remote work. Summarize them, then take a reasoned stance."

02 — Everything you need

Three resources, one method.

Templates so you never start from a blank page, a simulator to practice under real conditions, AI to grade every attempt.

Resource 01

Ready-to-use templates

Complete structures for the 3 tasks, with ready-made phrasings, connectors and placeholders to fill in.

3 tasks covered
80+ ready-made phrasings
Suited to formal / everyday registers

Access the templates

Most used

Resource 02

Timed simulator + AI

You write a task, the clock ticks, the AI grades in 15s on the 6 official TCF criteria.

Up to 360 attempts depending on the plan
Instant grading, score /20
Progress tracking per criterion

Launch the simulator

Resource 03

Corrected current-affairs topics

Model answers graded /20, annotated line by line, on recent themes.

Topics refreshed every month
Detailed annotations per criterion
B2 and C1 levels annotated

See the model answers

03 — The official scale

On 6 criteria, no more.

This is exactly what the examiner checks off. Our AI corrections reproduce this scale identically.

Criterion 01

Following the prompt

Recipient, register, length, purpose — everything requested must be there.

Criterion 02

Ability to interact

Adapting to the recipient, suitable register, opening and closing formulas.

Criterion 03

Coherence & cohesion

Clear structure, paragraphs, logical connectors, natural flow of ideas.

Criterion 04

Vocabulary

Range and precision of vocabulary, variety, accuracy of terms.

Criterion 05

Morphosyntax

Conjugation, agreement, sentence structure, overall grammatical command.

Criterion 06

Spelling

Lexical and grammatical spelling, punctuation, accents.

04 — Do / don't

The 10 rules that make or break your score.

What our graders spot first in NCLC 9 papers — and the mistakes that sink NCLC 6 papers.

DO

The winning habits.

Quick outline on scratch paper before writing (2 min max).
Respect the required length — cheating on the word count is penalized.
Vary the logical connectors (d'abord, en outre, cependant, ainsi…).
Register suited to the recipient — no "hey" to your director.
Take a clear stance in Task 3. No "I don't know".

DON'T

The costly mistakes.

Sentences too long and complex — you multiply mistakes.
Copying the source documents in Task 3 (zero points).
Forgetting the opening or closing formula in Task 1.
Mixing formal and casual registers in the same paper.
Rushing the proofread — keep 5 min at the end, non-negotiable.

05 — Toolbox

The essential logical connectors.

Learn 3 per category. Use them from Task 2 on to boost cohesion. (French connectors — learn them as-is.)

To list

d'abordensuiteenfinen premier lieupar ailleurs

To add

de plusen outreégalementpar ailleursde surcroît

To contrast

cependanttoutefoisen revanchenéanmoinsau contraire

To illustrate

par exemplenotammenten effetainsià savoir

Cause

carpuisqueétant donné queen raison degrâce à

Consequence

doncpar conséquentainsic'est pourquoidès lors

To conclude

en conclusionpour finiren sommefinalementà mon sens

To qualify

certesil est vraibien quemalgréen partie

Master the TCF Canada
Written Expression.

The written expression test, broken down.

Short message

Blog article

Comparative article

Three resources, one method.

Ready-to-use templates

Timed simulator + AI

Corrected current-affairs topics

On 6 criteria, no more.

Following the prompt

Ability to interact

Coherence & cohesion

Vocabulary

Morphosyntax

Spelling

The 10 rules that make or break your score.

The winning habits.

The costly mistakes.

The essential logical connectors.

Write your first paper. Get your score.

Master the TCF Canada Written Expression.

The written expression test, broken down.

Short message

Blog article

Comparative article

Three resources, one method.

Ready-to-use templates

Timed simulator + AI

Corrected current-affairs topics

On 6 criteria, no more.

Following the prompt

Ability to interact

Coherence & cohesion

Vocabulary

Morphosyntax

Spelling

The 10 rules that make or break your score.

The winning habits.

The costly mistakes.

The essential logical connectors.

Write your first paper. Get your score.

Master the TCF Canada
Written Expression.