TEF Canada writing (expression écrite): 450 score and NCLC

Two sections, 60 minutes, a fixed time for each

The TEF Canada writing test lasts 60 minutes and has two sections, each with its own timer: 25 minutes for Section A and 35 minutes for Section B. You cannot borrow time from one section to use in the other.

You write on a computer, in the test software. If you click “Terminer” (finish) before Section A ends, you cannot go back and you move straight on to Section B. The software stops by itself when time runs out.

A sheet of scrap paper can be handed out on request; it is collected and destroyed after the test. Dictionaries and reference documents are not allowed.

Section A: continuing a news item

You are given the opening of a short news article (a fait divers). You write the rest and the ending of the article, in several paragraphs, with a minimum of 80 words, in 25 minutes.

The task sets no maximum, but 25 minutes is short: aim for a clear narrative (what happens next, reactions, outcome) rather than an oversized text.

A simple outline: one paragraph for what happens right after the opening, another for reactions or consequences (witnesses, authorities, the people involved), then a conclusion. Keep the tense and factual tone of the opening article, with short sentences.

Section B: writing a letter to the newspaper

You are shown a statement published in the press. You write a letter to the newspaper giving your opinion, with at least three arguments and a minimum of 200 words, in 35 minutes.

Again, only a minimum is stated. The published material does not officially say how a text that is too short is treated; prep sites mention a heavy penalty, which we could not confirm. The safest approach is to clear the minimum comfortably with three well-developed arguments.

A possible structure: an introduction that answers the statement (agree, disagree or qualified), one paragraph per argument with an example, then a conclusion. Letter formulas (Madame, Monsieur… Veuillez agréer…) give the expected register.

Marking and the score out of 450

Each answer is marked by two independent raters using a standard grid, which leads to an overall CEFR level. The published criteria cover two areas: the quality and effectiveness of the text (fit with the situation, overall organisation, clarity of information and argument, ability to develop and qualify points) and the richness and command of the language (vocabulary, syntax, tenses and moods, spelling).

The results slip shows two columns: a score out of 699 (the new scale) and an equivalent on the old score, where writing is marked out of 450. For Express Entry, IRCC only uses the old score, so do not copy the score out of 699 across. A sample results slip published by the test organiser shows 299 out of 450 (level B2), which is NCLC 6.

From the score out of 450 to NCLC

This is the conversion IRCC uses for TEF Canada writing. Our tool’s estimates are produced by an AI and given as a range: they are indicative and are not official results.

A score close to a boundary changes level: 309 is NCLC 6, 310 is NCLC 7. So do not draw firm conclusions from a single attempt, especially with an AI estimate.

• IRCC’s table stops at NCLC 4. A score below the NCLC 4 threshold does not reach that level (our own inference: IRCC does not list this case).

Practise under test conditions

Practise with a timer for each section and no going back: it is the only way to find out whether you can produce 80 useful words in 25 minutes and then a letter of over 200 words in 35.

After each attempt, compare your text against the two published areas: the quality of the text (organisation, clarity of arguments), then the language (vocabulary, syntax, tenses, spelling). Note which one costs you the most points.

• Try a free practice with an AI estimate
• Browse the question bank
• Guide: counting words in French