TCF Canada writing: how many words for each task (Tâche 1, 2, 3)?
Task 1: 60–120 words. Task 2: 120–150 words. Task 3: 120–180 words total. These are RANGES, not minimums — "180" is Task 3's maximum, not a floor.
TCF Canada Writing (Expression écrite) is three tasks in 60 minutes, scored 0–20. The official Manuel du candidat gives word ranges: Task 1 = 60–120, Task 2 = 120–150, Task 3 = 120–180 total.
The classic mistake is treating "60 / 120 / 180" as three minimums. They're not: 180 is Task 3's maximum (its minimum is 120), and Task 2 is capped at 150. Overshooting a maximum wastes time you need for the other tasks and can lower your mark — aim for the middle of each range.
Task 3 has a two-part structure inside its 120–180: a short Part 1 (about 40–60 words) summarising two viewpoints, then Part 2 (about 80–120 words) taking your own position. Plan for both parts, or you'll run out of room.
Official Manuel du candidat TCF Canada (France Éducation International), verified July 2026.