TEF Writing Section: The Complete Email and Letter Format Guide

Knowing French grammar is only half the battle on the TEF Writing section. The other half is knowing the format. French formal correspondence follows strict conventions that differ significantly from English. Use the wrong format, and you lose points before the examiner even reads your content.

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Part 1: TEF Writing Structure

The TEF Writing section has two tasks:

This guide focuses on Section A --- the email/letter.

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Part 2: Formal Letter Format (Lettre Formelle)

A French formal letter follows a precise visual layout:

1. Sender Information (Top Left)

Your name, address, phone, email.

2. Recipient Information (Right, Below Sender)

Name, title, company/institution, address.

3. Location and Date (Right)

"Paris, le 15 mars 2025"

4. Subject Line (Optional)

"Objet : Demande de renseignements"

5. Salutation (Formule d'appel)

• To someone you don't know: "Madame, Monsieur,"
• To a specific person: "Madame la Directrice," / "Monsieur le Responsable,"
• To someone whose gender you don't know: "Madame, Monsieur,"

6. Body (3-4 Paragraphs)

• Opening: State purpose. "J'ai l'honneur de vous ecrire afin de..."
• Development: Provide details. "En effet,..." / "Par ailleurs,..."
• Request/Action: "Je vous serais reconnaissant(e) de bien vouloir..."
• Closing: "Dans l'attente de votre reponse, je vous prie d'agreer..."

7. Closing Formula (Formule de politesse)

• "Veuillez agreer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguees."
• "Je vous prie d'agreer, Madame la Directrice, l'expression de mes sentiments respectueux."
• Shorter: "Cordialement," (semi-formal) or "Respectueusement," (formal)

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Part 3: Formal Email Format (Courriel Formel)

Emails are slightly less rigid than letters but still follow conventions:

Structure:

• De: [email protected]
• A: [email protected]
• Objet: Demande de renseignements / Reclamation / Candidature

Body:

Same structure as a formal letter, but:

• Skip sender/recipient addresses (they're in the email header).
• Closing can be slightly shorter: "Cordialement," or "Bien cordialement,"

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Part 4: Semi-Formal Email (Ami / Connaissance)

When writing to someone you know but in a polite context:

• Opening: "Cher Pierre," / "Chere Marie,"
• Body: More natural, can use "tu" if appropriate (but "vous" is safer on the exam).
• Closing: "Amicalement," / "Bien a toi," / "A bientot,"

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Part 5: Common Scenarios on TEF Section A

Scenario 1: Complaint (Reclamation)

• "Je me permets de vous ecrire pour vous signaler un probleme..."
• "J'ai constate que le produit/service ne correspondait pas a mes attentes."
• "Je souhaiterais obtenir un remboursement / un echange."

Scenario 2: Information Request

• "Je vous ecris afin d'obtenir des renseignements sur..."
• "Pourriez-vous m'indiquer les tarifs / horaires / conditions d'inscription ?"
• "Je vous remercie par avance pour votre reponse."

Scenario 3: Reservation / Booking

• "Je souhaiterais reserver une chambre / une table pour le..."
• "Pourriez-vous me confirmer la disponibilite ?"

Scenario 4: Job Application Cover Letter

• "Suite a votre annonce parue le..., j'ai l'honneur de presenter ma candidature."
• "Mon experience de X ans dans le domaine de..."
• "Je reste a votre disposition pour un entretien."

Scenario 5: Thank You / Follow-up

• "Je tiens a vous remercier pour l'accueil chaleureux que vous m'avez reserve."
• "Suite a notre entretien du..., je souhaitais confirmer..."

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Part 6: Key Phrases by Register

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Part 7: Scoring Criteria and Tips

TEF Writing Section A is scored on:

1. Task completion: Did you address ALL points in the prompt?
2. Register: Did you use the right level of formality?
3. Coherence: Is your letter logically structured?
4. Language: Grammar, vocabulary, spelling.

Tips:

• Always count your words. Under 80 = penalty. Over 120 = no extra credit, risk of errors.
• Never mix "tu" and "vous" in the same letter.
• Always end with a proper closing formula. Skipping it = automatic deduction.

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Conclusion

The TEF Writing Section A is one of the most predictable parts of the exam. The scenarios repeat, the formulas are fixed, and the format is rigid. Memorize the key phrases, practice 3-4 letter types, and you can score 80%+ on this section with confidence.