How to prepare for TCF/TEF writing (Expression écrite)
Dear students,
Preparing for the TCF / TEF writing test is not only about grammar.
It is about method, structure, speed, and clarity.
If you follow this system, you will improve quickly and score higher.
1. Understand the test (very important)
In the exam, you will have 2 or 3 writing tasks:
Task 1 – Practical Writing
- Email / message
- Complaint / request
Your goal: communicate clearly and politely
Task 2 – Short Text
- Describe
- Explain
Your goal: organize your ideas
Task 3 – Opinion / Argument
- Give your opinion
- Justify your ideas
Your goal: argue clearly
2. The golden method (you must always use this)
No matter the task, always follow this structure:
Introduction
- What is the topic?
- What is your objective?
Development
- Idea 1 + explanation
- Idea 2 + example
- (optional) contrast
Conclusion
- Final opinion
- Recommendation
Important rule:
If your text has no structure, you will get a low score — even with good grammar.
3. How to do each task
TASK 1 – Email (very important)
Use this structure:
1. Greeting
Madame, Monsieur,
2. Purpose
Je vous écris pour…
3. Request / explanation
Je voudrais…
Est-ce que vous pourriez…
4. Closing
Je vous remercie…
5. Signature
Cordialement
Tip:
Memorize these sentences and reuse them.
TASK 2 – Description / explanation
Use a simple structure:
- Introduction
- 2 ideas
- Conclusion
Use connectors:
- parce que
- ensuite
- donc
TASK 3 – Argument (most important)
Follow this structure:
Introduction
De nos jours…
Je pense que…
Development
Paragraph 1:
- Idea + reason
Paragraph 2:
- Example
Paragraph 3 (optional):
- Contrast
Conclusion
En conclusion…
Golden formula:
Opinion → Reason → Example → Conclusion
4. Expressions you must memorize
Opinion
- Je pense que…
- À mon avis…
Connectors
- parce que
- donc
- mais
- cependant
Structure
- d’abord
- ensuite
- enfin
5. Common mistakes (avoid these)
- No structure
- Repeating the same ideas
- Wrong verb tenses
- No connectors
- Writing too little or too much
6. Time management (very important)
During the exam:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Task 1 | 10–15 min |
| Task 2 | 15 min |
| Task 3 | 20–25 min |
Always:
- Plan (2 minutes)
- Write
- Check (2–3 minutes)
7. How to check your work
Before finishing, ask yourself:
- Do I have a clear structure?
- Did I use connectors?
- Are my verb tenses correct?
8. How we will train in class
Every week:
- Day 1–2 → Grammar + examples
- Day 3 → Guided writing
- Day 4 → Independent writing
- Day 5 → Timed test
9. How you will be evaluated
You will be graded on:
- Task completion
- Organization
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Coherence
10. Secret to success
Students who get high scores:
- Write simple and correct sentences
- Follow the structure
- Use connectors
- Give clear examples
To avoid:
- complicated sentences with mistakes
To succeed, you must:
- Understand the task
- Use the correct structure
- Use memorized expressions
- Write clearly and logically
If you follow this method, you will be ready for TCF / TEF writing and reach B1 (and even B2).