TEF/TCF Canada Writing: Building the Perfect Argumentative Essay

The final task of both the TEF and TCF Writing exams requires you to write an argumentative text (an essay or a formal letter to an editor) defending a specific point of view. You are usually given a short text expressing an opinion, and you must write 200+ words arguing for or against it.

This task separates the B2 candidates from the C1 candidates. The secret to a CLB 9 is not just having good vocabulary; it is having a flawless, logical architecture that guides the examiner through your thoughts.

The Architecture of Persuasion

An argumentative essay in French follows a rigid, highly traditional structure. If you deviate from this structure to be "creative," you will lose points.

1. L'Introduction (The Introduction)

Your introduction must accomplish three things in exactly three sentences: