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TCF Canada writing task 3: word limit and how to compare two documents

Updated 2026-10-28

Task 3 is the longest part of the TCF Canada writing test and the one that asks for the most thinking. You read two documents with different (often opposite) points of view on a social issue, compare them, and give your own opinion, in 120 to 180 words. Plumepass is not affiliated with France Éducation international. Overview of the test: TCF Canada writing.

The word limit

The candidate manual gives one range for task 3: 120 to 180 words. It also lists a task without the required number of words as one case where 'A1 non atteint' can be given. FEI does not publish how it counts words. Plumepass counts words separated by spaces, so aim for about 150 to 170 and check the counter before you finish.

You may have seen a split such as 40 to 60 words for the comparison and 80 to 120 for your opinion. That is a common study tip, not in the official candidate manual. It can help you balance the text, but do not treat it as a rule.

What task 3 asks

Here is one of our original practice tasks (not a real exam task), with its two short documents:

Deux salariés expriment des opinions opposées sur les bureaux en espace ouvert. Rédigez un texte pour le bulletin interne de votre entreprise dans lequel vous comparez ces deux points de vue et vous donnez votre avis personnel. (120 mots minimum / 180 mots maximum)

Parler, c'est avancer (témoignage d'un développeur informatique) : Dans notre espace ouvert, tout le monde se parle facilement. Si j'ai une question, je me lève et la réponse arrive en deux minutes. L'ambiance est plus joyeuse, les nouveaux apprennent vite et les chefs sont proches de nous. Bien sûr, il y a un peu de bruit, mais je préfère cela à un bureau fermé où l'on reste seul toute la journée.

Impossible de se concentrer (courrier d'une comptable à un magazine professionnel) : Je travaille avec des chiffres et j'ai besoin de silence. Dans l'espace ouvert, les téléphones sonnent, les collègues discutent et on m'interrompt toutes les dix minutes. Je fais plus d'erreurs et je rentre le soir épuisée. Un bureau individuel, ou au moins un espace calme, devrait être un droit pour les métiers qui demandent de la concentration.

A structure that works

  1. Title and one-sentence frame for the readers named in the instruction.
  2. View A in two sentences, in your own words, with its main reasons.
  3. View B in two sentences, with a link word that shows the contrast (au contraire, en revanche).
  4. What explains the difference: one sentence that goes beyond restating the documents.
  5. Your opinion in two or three sentences, with at least one reason or a proposal.

Paraphrase instead of copying: lifted sentences do not show your own vocabulary range, which is a linguistic criterion.

An original example at B2 level (about 160 words)

Written by us for the task above. It is our own estimate of B2 level, not an official sample.

Faut-il travailler en espace ouvert ?

Deux collègues, deux expériences opposées. Le développeur apprécie l'espace ouvert : les questions trouvent une réponse en quelques minutes, l'ambiance est joyeuse et les nouveaux apprennent vite. La comptable, au contraire, juge ce cadre épuisant : entre les téléphones et les conversations, elle est interrompue toutes les dix minutes, fait plus d'erreurs et rentre fatiguée chez elle. Ces deux points de vue s'expliquent par la nature du travail. Quand on échange beaucoup, la proximité est un atout ; quand on doit se concentrer sur des chiffres, elle devient un obstacle.

À mon avis, aucune des deux solutions ne convient à tout le monde. Je pense qu'il faudrait garder un grand espace commun pour la collaboration, mais aussi créer quelques salles silencieuses, réservables selon les besoins du moment. Chacun choisirait alors, selon sa tâche du jour, le lieu où il travaille le mieux. L'entreprise garderait ainsi l'esprit d'équipe sans sacrifier la concentration de ceux qui en ont besoin.

Word count: 159 words, counted by spaces, title included.

Why it works

  1. It compares, not just summarises. Each view is restated in new words, au contraire marks the contrast, and one sentence explains why the views differ (the nature of the work).
  2. The opinion is reasoned and practical. It does not choose a side by default: it proposes a mixed solution and says what each part is for.
  3. It suits the readers. A title and a neutral, polite tone fit a company newsletter, and the text stays inside 120 to 180 words.

Common mistakes

Write this task with a timer. The bank has 40 task 3 items, each with two original documents. Before this task, see task 2.

Sources

Try it on a practice task

Write the task with a timer and word count, then get a level estimate, the corrections that matter and a better version of your answer. 1 grading is free, and 2 more after you add your e-mail.

Practise this task

Questions

What is the word limit for TCF Canada writing task 3?

120 to 180 words. The candidate manual gives this one range for the whole task and does not divide it into parts.

Is it true that task 3 has a 40 to 60 and an 80 to 120 word split?

That split is a common study tip. It is not in the official candidate manual, so treat it as a suggestion, not a rule.

What happens if I write more than 180 words or fewer than 120?

The manual lists a task without the required number of words as one case where it can be marked 'A1 non atteint'. FEI does not publish its counting rule, so keep a margin: aim for about 150 to 170 words.

Do I have to agree with one of the two documents?

No. You compare the two views and give your own opinion on the topic. You may side with one, with neither, or take a middle position, as long as you explain why.

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