TCF Canada · Writing (Expression écrite)

TCF Canada Writing: Sentence Structure

The sentence patterns, connectors and model sentences that make your French clear, varied and accurate across all three writing tasks.

What the examiner looks for

Your writing is assessed on whether you complete the task, organise ideas coherently, use a rich, appropriate vocabulary and control grammar and sentence structure. Good structure means clear sentences that follow each other logically — not the longest sentences.

Start with a solid simple sentence

The base pattern is subject + verb + complement. Master it before adding complexity.

Simple sentences J'habite à Montréal depuis deux ans.
Le télétravail améliore la qualité de vie.
Nous avons visité le musée hier.

Use simple sentences for facts and for the key point of a paragraph. They keep you safe from errors.

Build complex sentences with connectors

Function	Connectors	Example
Cause	parce que, car, puisque	Je préfère le train parce qu'il est plus confortable.
Consequence	donc, c'est pourquoi, alors	Les loyers augmentent, c'est pourquoi beaucoup déménagent.
Contrast	mais, cependant, en revanche	La ville est chère ; en revanche, elle offre de nombreux emplois.
Concession	bien que + subjunctive	Bien que le trajet soit long, je viens à vélo.
Purpose	pour, afin de	J'étudie le soir afin de réussir mon examen.
Addition	de plus, par ailleurs	De plus, ce quartier est très calme.

Use one complex structure per paragraph that you are sure about (for example bien que + subjonctif). Repeating "et… et… et…" or "parce que" in every sentence lowers your vocabulary score.

Give and defend an opinion (Task 3)

Task 3 asks you to compare documents and take a position. A reliable paragraph pattern is opinion → argument → example.

Model paragraph À mon avis, le télétravail est bénéfique. En effet, il permet de gagner du temps sur les trajets. Par exemple, un employé qui vit en banlieue économise souvent deux heures par jour. Cependant, il faut veiller à garder le contact avec l'équipe.

Opinion: À mon avis, / Selon moi, / Je pense que…
Argument: En effet, / D'une part… d'autre part…
Example: Par exemple, / Ainsi,
Balance: Cependant, / Néanmoins,
Conclusion: En conclusion, / Pour finir,

Vary your tenses

A good text uses more than the present tense. Use the passé composé for finished events, the imparfait for descriptions, the futur for plans, and the conditionnel for polite requests (Pourriez-vous…). Only use the subjunctive after set triggers such as il faut que, bien que, pour que.

How to use these structures in each task

Task	Length	Focus
Task 1	60–120 words	Short, clear sentences; polite requests; consistent tu/vous. See the Task 1 email guide.
Task 2	120–150 words	Narration or description; passé composé and imparfait; sequence connectors.
Task 3	120–180 words	Opinion, arguments and contrast; a clear introduction and conclusion.

Proofreading checklist (last 2 minutes)

Does each sentence have a subject and a conjugated verb?
Do adjectives and past participles agree in gender and number?
Are accents and apostrophes correct (à/a, où/ou, l'/la)?
Did you avoid repeating the same connector or word?
Is your word count within the range for the task?

Turn these structures into a higher score

Practise writing under exam conditions and get feedback with Pack Atlas.

See Pack Atlas

Frequently asked questions

What sentence structures does the TCF Canada writing test reward?

Clear, correct sentences with a good range: simple sentences for facts, plus complex sentences with connectors (parce que, bien que, afin de) and a variety of tenses. Accuracy matters more than length.

Should I write long complex sentences to score higher?

No. A long sentence with mistakes scores lower than a short correct one. Mix short and medium sentences and only use complex structures you fully control.

Which connectors are the most useful?

D'abord, ensuite, enfin for sequence; en revanche, cependant for contrast; donc, c'est pourquoi for consequence; à mon avis, selon moi for opinion.

How many words do the three tasks require?

Task 1: 60–120 words, Task 2: 120–150 words, Task 3: 120–180 words, all in 60 minutes.

How can I practise?

Write timed answers to recent-style prompts and compare with corrections. Pack Atlas includes writing prompts with corrections.

Keep going

Task 1 email structure

A 4-part structure and a model message.

Free practice test

Try a practice set for free.

Task 2 guide

Tell an experience in 120–150 words.

Task 3 opinion text

Compare two documents and defend a view.

Writing prompts (in French)

Recent-style Task 1, 2 and 3 prompts.

TCF vs TEF Canada

Which test suits you better?