TEF Writing Section A: How to Write a Fait Divers (CLB 7+)

Section A of the TEF Canada Expression Écrite (Writing) requires you to write a short news article (un fait divers) based on a sequence of events. You must write between 80 and 200 words and complete the task in about 20 minutes (leaving 40 minutes for the much longer Section B).

Many candidates underestimate Section A, thinking a simple summary of the events is enough. However, to score a CLB 7, 8, or 9 (B2/C1), you must adopt the specific tone of a journalist and master complex past tenses.

Here is the complete guide to writing a high-scoring fait divers.