TEF Expression Écrite
The Expression Écrite section assesses your ability to write clearly, correctly, and coherently in French.
You are evaluated on grammar, vocabulary, organization of ideas, and your ability to adapt your writing to different tasks such as messages, opinions, or formal requests.
Our preparation focuses on TEF-specific writing structures, common exam topics, and error-reduction strategies, helping you write with clarity and precision to reach higher NCLC levels.
What You will Find in This TEF Guide:
1. Summary of this Test
2. TEF Orale expression practices and tests
3. How long does it take you to prepare and to pass the test?
4. Explore another section of the TEF
5. TEF Tips and Strategies
6. Comparative Table of Writing Skills: A2, B1, and B2 Levels
Here is a video with the summary of this part:
1. Summary of this Test:
Here is a summary about this part of the TEF test and also links with exercises you can use to prepare to obtain good points:
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Number of tasks: 2
- Maximum score: 450 points
- Format: Typed on a computer (in official test centers)
- Goal: Assess your ability to express yourself in written French.
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2. TEF Expression Écrite Practices and Tests
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3. How long does it take you to prepare and to pass the test?
It depends from where you are starting and how many hours you are planning to study per week and also what do you want to achieve. (CLB 5, CLB 7)
Here some escenarios for CLB 5:
Escenario A: If you are starting from 0 and you are planning to study 10-12 hrs a week you will need about 8 to 10 months.
Escenario B: You are also starting from scratch but you can study more time 15-20 hrs a week, It will take less time .That is around 5 to 7 months.
Escenario C: If you have some knowledge of French ( let’s say DELF A1 level or NCLC level 3) You will need between 3 to 5 months to Achieve CLB 5. ( If you study 15-20 hrs a week)
4. Explore another section of the TEF:
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5. TEF Tips and Strategies
TEF Tips and Strategies
Tips for the Written Expression:
a) Time management for TEF written expression : Gestion du temps pour l’expression écrite du TEF
b) TOP Tips for the TEF Written Section A: Conseils pour l’expression écrite du TEF – Section A
7. Comparative Table of Writing Skills: A2, B1, and B2 Levels
| Criteria | A2 | B1 | B2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text structure | Short, simple sentences, often juxtaposed | Longer sentences with some linking of ideas | Well-organized text with paragraphs and varied connectors |
| Vocabulary | Simple, everyday vocabulary | Broader vocabulary related to themes | More precise, sometimes formal or technical vocabulary |
| Tenses used | Present tense, passé composé | Present, passé composé, imparfait, some subjunctive or conditional | Mastery of several tenses (subjunctive, conditional, plus-que-parfait) |
| Sentence complexity | Mostly simple sentences | Introduction of complex sentences (subordinate clauses) | Frequent use of complex sentences with correct subordinate clauses |
| Coherence and logic | Basic sequencing, sometimes repetitive | Better coherence with simple connectors (but, because, so) | Strong coherence with varied connectors (however, while, furthermore) |
| Grammar mistakes | Frequent but do not prevent understanding | Fewer mistakes but still noticeable (agreements, prepositions) | Rare mistakes, fluent and natural writing |
| Tone | Often neutral or very direct | Some effort to organize and rephrase ideas | Tone adapted to the context (formal, informal, or more nuanced) |
Learn more about this test from Le français des affaires:
You can also prepare for DELF and TCF here:
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Do you want to practice another Resource? Click on the image of your interest:
TEF Section Écrite