TEF Writing Section B: Mastering the "Fait Divers" (News Item)

Target: 1,800+ words

The TEF Writing Section B asks you to write a text expressing your opinion based on a short prompt. Half of the battle is understanding what kind of text you are writing. Often, the prompt resembles a "fait divers" --- a brief news item about daily life, crime, strange events, or societal shifts.

Mastering how to read, analyze, and respond to a fait divers is key to maximizing your 200-250 words and securing a high TEF writing score.

---

Part 1: What is a "Fait Divers"?

In French journalism, a fait divers (literally "miscellaneous fact") is a short news report about an event that doesn't fit into major categories like politics, economics, or international news. It covers:

• Accidents and crashes.
• Petty crimes or bizarre robberies.
• Unusual occurrences (a dog saving a child).

Part 2: Analyzing the Prompt

Let's look at a classic TEF-style prompt:

Prompt: Une petite commune interdit l'usage des tondeuses a gazon le dimanche. Plusieurs habitants, furieux, ont manifeste devant la mairie, reclamant le droit d'entretenir leur jardin le week-end, seul moment de libre pour la majorite d'entre eux. (A small town bans the use of lawnmowers on Sundays. Several angry residents protested in front of town hall, demanding the right to maintain their gardens on the weekend, the only free time for most of them.)

Task: Write an article for an online forum reacting to this news. Give your opinion. (200-250 words).

The Mistake to Avoid:

Part 3: Structuring Your Response

A high-scoring response follows a strict 4-paragraph structure taking exactly 200-250 words.

Paragraph 1: The Hook and the Theme (40-50 words)

• React: Show that you read the prompt. Use emotion.

Part 4: Key Vocabulary for Fait Divers Debates

Since faits divers often touch on crime, society, and conflict, memorize these terms:

Part 5: The Word Count Trap

You must write between 200 and 250 words.

• 190 words = Severe penalty.
• 260 words = Severe penalty.

French counts words differently than English sometimes (e.g., "c'est-a-dire" counts as ONE word sometimes depending on the specific exam board, but usually hyphenated words count as one). Safe strategy: Aim for exactly 215-230 words. Count your lines during practice. If you know you average 10 words per line, aim for 22 lines.

Conclusion

The TEF Writing Section B is a test of your ability to think abstractly and structure an argument. When faced with a fait divers, do not get bogged down in the specific trivial story. Elevate the debate. Use linking words, create a structured 4-paragraph essay, respect the word count, and you will secure an excellent score.