TCF Canada Writing Task 3: Opinion Text
Read two documents, take a position and defend it in 120–180 words: a 4-part plan, the connectors to use and a full model answer.
What is Task 3?
Task 3 is the longest and the most demanding writing task: 120 to 180 words. You get a title and two short documents that present different views on a topic (for example, gender equality at work or remote work). You must explain the issue, give your own opinion and justify it.
It tests your ability to organise arguments and use precise vocabulary — so give it the most time, about 25 minutes of the 60-minute test.
A 4-part plan for your opinion text
- Introduction — present the topic and the question in your own words.
- Argument 1 — your first reason, with an example.
- Argument 2 — a second reason, or a nuance/counter-argument, with an example.
- Conclusion — restate your opinion in one sentence.
Connectors for an opinion text
| Purpose | Expressions |
|---|---|
| Introduce the topic | De nos jours, / Aujourd'hui, / La question de… est au cœur du débat. |
| Give your opinion | À mon avis, / Selon moi, / Je suis convaincu(e) que… |
| Add an argument | D'abord, / De plus, / En outre, |
| Give an example | Par exemple, / Ainsi, / C'est le cas de… |
| Contrast | Cependant, / En revanche, / Bien que + subjonctif |
| Conclude | En conclusion, / Pour finir, / Tout compte fait, |
Model answer (about 150 words)
Topic: Gender equality in the workplace. Document 1 says some jobs are mostly held by men and that equality is respected in Québec. Document 2 says that, despite efforts, some professions remain largely male-dominated and women should not be pushed to do "men's jobs".
À mon avis, l'égalité n'est pas totalement atteinte. D'abord, les femmes accèdent moins souvent aux postes de direction, même quand elles ont les mêmes diplômes. Par exemple, dans l'industrie, elles restent peu nombreuses parmi les cadres. Cette situation montre que les préjugés existent encore, même dans les entreprises qui affirment respecter l'égalité.
De plus, il ne s'agit pas d'obliger une femme à choisir un métier, mais de lui garantir la même chance. Cependant, il faut aussi encourager les filles à s'intéresser à ces secteurs dès l'école, grâce à des ateliers et à des rencontres avec des professionnelles.
En conclusion, je pense que l'égalité passe par des opportunités équitables pour tous.
Why it works: it rephrases both documents, states a clear opinion (à mon avis), gives two arguments with an example, acknowledges a nuance (cependant) and ends with a one-sentence conclusion.
Common mistakes in Task 3
- Copying the documents — rephrase and add your own idea.
- No clear opinion — say plainly what you think.
- Arguments without examples — each reason needs one concrete example.
- No conclusion — finish with a short closing sentence.
- Too long or too short — stay between 120 and 180 words.
A 25-minute method
- 4 min — read the title and documents, note one idea from each, choose your side.
- 18 min — write the 4 parts.
- 3 min — proofread and check the word count.
Combine this with the Task 2 and Task 1 guides to cover the whole writing test.
Train on real-style Task 3 prompts
Write timed opinion texts and get feedback with Pack Atlas.
See Pack AtlasFrequently asked questions
How many words is TCF Canada writing Task 3?
Task 3 requires 120 to 180 words. Aim for roughly 160 to develop your arguments without running out of time.
What do I have to do in Task 3?
You read a short title and two documents that present different viewpoints on a topic, then write a text that presents the issue, gives your opinion and supports it with arguments and examples.
Do I have to copy the documents?
No. Rephrase the ideas in your own words. Copying long parts wastes your word count and does not show your own language ability.
Should I take a side or stay neutral?
Take a clear position and defend it, while briefly acknowledging the other view. A balanced but decided opinion is easier to organise.
How long should I spend on Task 3?
Around 25 minutes: 4 minutes reading and planning, 18 minutes writing and 3 minutes proofreading.
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