The 'Formal Complaint' Masterclass: 10 TEF Writing Task 2 Samples

In the TEF Writing Section B, you are often asked to respond to a provocative article or a municipal proposal. Frequently, your role is that of a concerned citizen or a disgruntled user writing to a local authority.

This requires a specific tone: Polite but Firm.

If you use aggressive language, you fail. If you use overly casual language, you fail. You must master the "Art of the Professional Grievance."

At PrepMyFrench, we’ve analyzed the most common "Complaint" scenarios. Here are 10 master samples to help you navigate these tricky prompts.

1. The Tone of "Constructive Criticism"

Instead of saying "C’est une mauvaise idée," (That's a bad idea), say: "Bien que je comprenne les motivations derrière ce projet, je crains que sa mise en œuvre ne soit contre-productive."

2. Sample 1: The New Airport Project

Prompt: A new international airport is planned near a quiet residential suburb. Write a letter of opposition.

NCLC 10 Excerpt: "Au-delà des nuisances sonores inévitables qui viendraient entacher la quiétude de notre quartier, c'est l'impact environnemental global de ce projet qui me préoccupe au plus haut point. Il me semble paradoxal d'investir dans les infrastructures aériennes au moment même où la transition écologique est érigée en priorité nationale. Je vous exhorte donc à reconsidérer cette décision au profit de solutions de mobilité plus durables."

3. 10 "Formal Complaint" Scenarios

1. Transport: Opposing the closure of a local train station.
2. Environment: Complaining about a new industrial park in a green zone.
3. Digital: Opposing the installation of facial recognition cameras in parks.
4. Health: Critiquing a plan to reduce funding for local clinics.
5. Education: Complaining about the removal of physical books from libraries.
6. Culture: Opposing the demolition of a historical building for a mall.
7. Society: Critiquing a proposal to charge residents for city parking.
8. Work: Arguing against a law that forces employees to work on Sundays.
9. Leisure: Complaining about the lack of sports facilities in a new development.
10. Security: Arguing against a plan to privatize local park security.

4. The "Formal Connectors" Checklist

• En revanche (On the other hand)
• De surcroît (Moreover)
• Force est de constater que (It is clear that)
• Dans cette optique (With this in mind)

5. Master the Format

Our Writing Simulator doesn't just grade your grammar. It grades your Register. If you are too informal for a letter of complaint, the AI will catch it and show you exactly how to elevate your tone to an NCLC 9 level.

Perfect your formal writing with PrepMyFrench →