TEF Writing Section A: Crime, Accident & Weather "Fait Divers" Templates

Section A of the TEF Canada Expression Écrite (Writing) requires you to write a short news article or "fait divers" (a bizarre local news item, accident, robbery, or weather event) of 80 to 100 words, based on a short headline or opening phrase.

To get maximum points, you must demonstrate mastery of narrative past tenses—specifically knowing when to switch between the Passé Composé (completed actions), Imparfait (background description/weather/state), and Plus-que-parfait (actions occurring before the main event).