TCF Canada writing task 1: a sample prompt, B1 and B2 answers

FrenchExaminer · Published 2026-10-23 · 5 min read · AI-drafted, reviewed by a second AI pass, not yet reviewed by a human

TCF Canada written expression task 1 asks for a message of 60 to 120 words to a friend or relative. Below is an original prompt with two model messages, one at B1 and one at B2, each followed by a short commentary, so you can see what separates them and what to change in your own writing.

What does TCF Canada writing task 1 ask you to do?

According to France Éducation international, the written expression test of TCF Canada has 3 tasks in 60 minutes. Task 1 is a message to a friend or relative of 60 to 120 words; task 2 is an article, letter or note reporting an experience (120 to 150 words); task 3 asks you to compare two documents and defend an opinion (120 to 180 words).

Task 1 is the shortest and the most personal. It tests whether you can react to a simple situation in a natural, informal register, with clear sentences and correct basic grammar. Because it is short, every error is visible, and so is every good structure.

For the full test format, see our page on the TCF Canada and the dedicated writing test overview.

What is a good original practice prompt for task 1?

The prompt below is original and generic in form; it is not taken from any official test. Use it to practise under timed conditions.

Prompt: Vous venez de déménager dans une nouvelle ville. Écrivez un message à un ami pour lui raconter votre installation, lui décrire votre quartier et l'inviter à venir vous voir. (60 à 120 mots)

Before writing, note the three actions the prompt asks for. A complete answer must do all of them:

tell about your move (what happened);
describe your neighbourhood (what it is like);
invite your friend (a proposal with a reason or a time).

Missing one of these actions is a common way to lose control of the task, even when the French itself is correct. For more practice material, see the free TCF Canada practice test.

What does a B1 model message look like?

This B1 message answers all three requests with simple, mostly correct sentences. It stays inside the word limit.

Salut Karim,

Comment vas-tu ? Je t'écris parce que j'ai enfin déménagé à Lyon. Mon appartement est petit, mais il est très lumineux. J'habite près d'un grand parc et il y a beaucoup de magasins dans mon quartier. Les voisins sont sympas. Je travaille beaucoup, mais j'aime cette ville. Est-ce que tu peux venir me voir le mois prochain ? On pourra visiter la ville ensemble et manger dans un bon restaurant. Réponds-moi vite !

À bientôt, Priya

This text sits comfortably within the 60 to 120 word range. It is clear and polite, which is what B1 looks like in practice.

Strengths: all three actions are covered; opening and closing are natural; vocabulary is appropriate to the situation.
Limits: sentences are short and linked mostly by "mais" and "et"; the description of the neighbourhood is generic; the invitation is correct but plain; there is no nuance about feelings or plans.

What does a B2 model message look like?

The B2 message covers the same three actions, but it organises ideas, links them and adds precision and nuance.

Salut Karim,

J'espère que tu vas bien ! Je voulais te donner de mes nouvelles : j'ai enfin emménagé à Lyon, et je dois avouer que l'installation a été plus longue que prévu, car le camion de déménagement est arrivé avec trois heures de retard. Heureusement, tout est en place maintenant. Mon appartement est modeste, mais il est très lumineux, et il se trouve à deux pas d'un grand parc où je compte courir le week-end. Le quartier est vivant sans être bruyant, ce qui me convient parfaitement. Si tu as un moment le mois prochain, viens passer quelques jours chez moi : je te ferai découvrir la vieille ville et mes adresses préférées.

Grosses bises, Priya

This text is long and close to the upper limit of 120 words, so count your own words carefully when you write by hand or on screen.

What separates B1 from B2 in these two messages?

The table below compares the two messages on the points a rater can observe. Read it as a checklist for your own draft.

Aspect	B1 message	B2 message
Sentence structure	Short, separate sentences	Longer sentences with subordinate clauses ("car", "où", "ce qui")
Linking words	"et", "mais", "parce que"	"heureusement", "sans être", "si tu as un moment"
Vocabulary	Common words ("sympas", "beaucoup de")	More precise words ("emménagé", "modeste", "vivant")
Tenses	Present, passé composé	Passé composé, futur, plus varied expressions ("je compte", "je te ferai découvrir")
Invitation	Direct question	Conditional offer with a concrete plan

The gap is not about using rare words. It is about connecting ideas, adding a small detail to each action and varying structures while staying accurate. A B2-style message with errors in basic agreement can read worse than a clean B1 one, so accuracy comes first.

How do you use this prompt to improve your own writing?

Follow these steps, in order, to turn the sample into practice:

Set a timer and write your own answer to the prompt under timed conditions, without looking at the models.
Count your words and make sure you stay between 60 and 120.
Check that your text does all three actions: tell, describe, invite.
Underline your connectors. If you only use "et" and "mais", add two or three more.
Reread once for verb endings, agreements of gender and number, and accents.

Then change the situation (a new job, a trip, a family event) and repeat. For score references, the IRCC conversion table sets TCF Canada writing, scored 0 to 20, at NCLC 7 for a score of 10 to 11 and NCLC 8 for 12 to 13; use the NCLC calculator to place your result. To see how your text would be assessed by criterion, try the writing correction and read how the scoring works. You can also check your overall level first with the free test at free instant level test.

Why does the NCLC level behind your writing score matter?

Your writing score is converted to an NCLC level, and that level feeds your immigration profile. The IRCC equivalence table gives NCLC 7 for a TCF Canada writing score of 10 to 11, and NCLC 7 or higher in all four abilities is the requirement named for the French-language proficiency category of Express Entry category-based selection.

For CRS points, the IRCC grid awards 16 points per ability for first official language at CLB 7 (with a spouse; 17 without), and additional points for French apply from NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Draw dates, sizes and cut-offs change, so read them on the official IRCC rounds page and see our overview of Express Entry French draws and of CRS points for French. Writing is one of four abilities, so a strong task 1 helps only if the other three are at a similar level.

Questions candidates ask

How many words should TCF Canada writing task 1 be?

According to France Éducation international, TCF Canada writing task 1 is a message to a friend or relative of 60 to 120 words. Staying inside this range matters, so count your words in practice and train yourself to cover all the requested actions within it.

What is the difference between B1 and B2 writing in French?

A B1 message is clear and correct but simple, with short sentences and basic connectors. A B2 message adds linked ideas, more precise vocabulary, varied structures and small concrete details. Accuracy remains essential at both levels, because errors are very visible in a short text.

Do I need to use formal language in task 1?

Task 1 is a message to a friend or relative, so an informal register is the natural choice: tutoiement, a friendly opening such as "Salut" and a warm closing. Keep the tone natural, but still write complete, correct sentences rather than slang or abbreviations.

How long should I spend on writing task 1 in the exam?

The whole TCF Canada written expression test lasts 60 minutes for 3 tasks, according to France Éducation international. Task 1 is the shortest, so plan a small share of the time for it and keep enough minutes for tasks 2 and 3, which are longer.

Can I reuse the sample messages in my exam?

Memorising a full model is risky and not useful. The prompt in the exam will differ, and a text that does not answer the actual request will miss the task. Instead, reuse the structure: cover every requested action, link ideas, add one detail each, and check accuracy.

What score do I need in writing for NCLC 7?

The IRCC equivalence table converts TCF Canada writing, scored 0 to 20, to NCLC 7 for a score of 10 to 11. NCLC 8 corresponds to 12 to 13. Check the current requirement of your immigration programme on the official IRCC pages.

Is TCF Canada task 1 harder than task 3?

Task 1 is shorter and more personal, so many candidates find it easier, but its short length means every mistake is visible. Task 3 requires comparing two documents and defending an opinion in 120 to 180 words, which demands more argument structure.

How can I get my writing practice corrected?

Write your answer to a timed prompt, then submit it for correction by criterion, such as task fulfilment, vocabulary and grammar. FrenchExaminer offers this kind of writing correction; its estimates are not official results, and only the real exam score counts for immigration.