TEF Canada Preparation Course: TEF Canada: Expression écrite (writing)

1. Question 1 of 16

   In writing Section A, what is the minimum number of words?

   • A120
   • B50
   • C80
   • D200
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   Answer: C. 80

   Section A asks you to continue an article in at least 80 words.

2. Question 2 of 16

   In writing Section B, what is the minimum number of words?

   • A300
   • B250
   • C200
   • D150
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   Answer: C. 200

   Section B asks you to express and justify a point of view in at least 200 words.

3. Question 3 of 16

   How much time do you have for writing Section A?

   • A25 minutes
   • B35 minutes
   • C20 minutes
   • D30 minutes
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   Answer: A. 25 minutes

   The writing test lasts 1 hour: 25 minutes for Section A and 35 minutes for Section B.

4. Question 4 of 16

   What do you receive in writing Section A?

   • AA graph that you must describe
   • BThe start of a news story to continue
   • CA statement that you must agree or disagree with
   • DA letter that you must answer
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   Answer: B. The start of a news story to continue

   Section A gives you the start of a news story, and you write the rest. The statement to argue about is Section B.

5. Question 5 of 16

   In Section A, what happens if you copy the beginning of the text into your answer?

   • AIt is required in the first paragraph
   • BIt doubles your mark for coherence
   • CIt wastes time and earns no points
   • DIt counts toward your word count and score
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   Answer: C. It wastes time and earns no points

   The official advice is not to copy or summarize the start: add new details, explanations and information instead.

6. Question 6 of 16

   In Section B, should you write a formal letter with an official heading?

   • AOnly if the statement comes from a newspaper
   • BYes, it earns extra points
   • CYes, it is required
   • DNo, a formal letter heading earns no points
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   Answer: D. No, a formal letter heading earns no points

   The official advice says you do not have to write a letter, and a formal letter with an official heading earns no points.

7. Question 7 of 16

   What kind of introduction does the official advice recommend for Section B?

   • AOne sentence that restates or quotes the statement
   • BA long general introduction
   • CYour name and address
   • DA long paragraph that summarizes both sides of the question
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   Answer: A. One sentence that restates or quotes the statement

   Start with a single sentence that rephrases or quotes the statement. Long general introductions and conclusions are not taken into account.

8. Question 8 of 16

   Your keyboard has no accented letters. What can you do in the writing test?

   • AUse the virtual keyboard on the screen
   • BWrite in English
   • CAsk for a paper copy
   • DWrite the words without any accents
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   Answer: A. Use the virtual keyboard on the screen

   A virtual keyboard is available on screen if your keyboard has no accented characters.

9. Question 9 of 16

   Which of these is part of how the writing texts are assessed?

   • AHaving exactly five paragraphs
   • BNeat handwriting
   • CThe length of your title
   • DSpelling and punctuation
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   Answer: D. Spelling and punctuation

   The criteria include relevance, quality of information or arguments, coherence and cohesion, sentences and vocabulary, and spelling and punctuation.

10. Question 10 of 16

    Read the start of the news story. Which sentence is the best way to continue it in Section A?

    Trois-Rivières : un chat coincé dans un arbre depuis deux jours

    Mardi matin, des voisins de la rue des Érables ont entendu des miaulements venant d'un grand chêne.

    • AMardi matin, des voisins ont entendu des miaulements dans un grand chêne.
    • BCe texte parle d'un chat coincé dans un arbre.
    • CÀ mon avis, il faudrait interdire les chats en ville.
    • DInquiets, ils ont appelé les pompiers, qui sont arrivés une heure plus tard avec une grande échelle.
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Inquiets, ils ont appelé les pompiers, qui sont arrivés une heure plus tard avec une grande échelle.

    A good continuation adds new, coherent information. The other options copy the start, summarize it or give an off-topic opinion.

11. Question 11 of 16

    Choose the best verb form: « Pendant que les pompiers ___ l'échelle, le chat a sauté tout seul. »

    • Ainstallent
    • Binstalleront
    • Cinstallaient
    • Dont installé
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    Answer: C. installaient

    Use the imparfait for an action in progress in the background, and the passé composé for the event that interrupts it.

12. Question 12 of 16

    Which connector introduces an additional argument?

    • ACependant
    • BDe plus
    • CPar contre
    • DPourtant
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    Answer: B. De plus

    "De plus" (moreover) adds an argument. The other three show contrast.

13. Question 13 of 16

    Choose the best connector: « Les loyers ont beaucoup augmenté ; ___, beaucoup de familles quittent le centre-ville. »

    • Apar conséquent
    • Btandis que
    • Cpourtant
    • Dbien que
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    Answer: A. par conséquent

    The second part is a result of the first, so a consequence connector fits: "par conséquent" (as a result).

14. Question 14 of 16

    Which sentence is correct?

    • ALes employés est partis plus tôt.
    • BLes employés sont partis plus tôt.
    • CLes employé sont partis plus tôt.
    • DLes employés sont parti plus tôt.
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    Answer: B. Les employés sont partis plus tôt.

    With être, the past participle agrees with the subject: les employés (masculine plural) sont partis.

15. Question 15 of 16

    Choose the best word: « ___ le télétravail ait des avantages, il peut isoler certains employés. »

    • ADonc
    • BBien que
    • CPuisque
    • DParce que
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    Answer: B. Bien que

    "Bien que" (although) introduces a concession and is followed by the subjunctive (ait).

16. Question 16 of 16

    Section B: which sentence best develops an argument?

    • ALe télétravail, c'est bien, et beaucoup de gens aiment ça.
    • BJe m'appelle Ana et je travaille dans un bureau.
    • CIl y a des avantages et des inconvénients au télétravail, comme pour presque toutes les choses que l'on fait dans la vie.
    • DLe télétravail fait gagner du temps : une employée qui habite loin peut économiser une heure de transport par jour.
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    Answer: D. Le télétravail fait gagner du temps : une employée qui habite loin peut économiser une heure de transport par jour.

    A strong argument states an idea and supports it with a concrete example. The other sentences are vague, generic or off-topic.

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