Does task 2 only ask for a story?

No. The official description also requires comments, opinions, or arguments depending on the prompt's purpose.

Should task 2 be written in the past tense?

A completed experience often needs past tenses, while evaluation and advice may use the present or conditional. Choose tense by meaning.

How can I stay under 150 words?

Keep two essential moments, add a short evaluation after each, and conclude in one or two sentences.

TCF Canada Writing Task 2 Guide

TCF Canada writing task 2 requires 120–150 words in an article, letter, or note for multiple readers. You recount an experience or event and add comments, opinions, or arguments that serve the stated purpose. A strong response connects what happened with a clear personal evaluation.

Official format

The official range is 120–150 words.
The form may be an article, letter, or note for multiple readers.
The account or narrative includes comments, opinions, or arguments according to the purpose.

Method

Build a narrative line

Set the context briefly, then select two meaningful moments. Each event should help the reader understand your evaluation rather than consume words on secondary detail.

Move from experience to opinion

State your reaction, judgment, or recommendation and support it with one concrete reason. Connectors should express time, cause, and result instead of appearing as a memorized list.

Control the length

In practice, you can devote roughly two thirds to the experience and one third to commentary and the closing. That ratio is a strategy; the official requirement is a complete response within 120–150 words.

Original practice prompt

Original practice prompt: you joined an environmental activity organized by your neighbourhood. Write for the community website, recount the activity, evaluate the organization, and suggest one improvement.

Submission checklist

✓ 120–150 words
✓ format and readers clear
✓ events in a logical order
✓ at least one supported opinion
✓ closing serves the prompt's purpose

Frequently asked questions

Does task 2 only ask for a story?: No. The official description also requires comments, opinions, or arguments depending on the prompt's purpose.
Should task 2 be written in the past tense?: A completed experience often needs past tenses, while evaluation and advice may use the present or conditional. Choose tense by meaning.
How can I stay under 150 words?: Keep two essential moments, add a short evaluation after each, and conclude in one or two sentences.

Continue preparing

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Official sources

Published: 2026-08-22 · Updated: 2026-08-22

Suggested timing and structures are practice strategies, not official scoring rules. The original prompt is not an examination topic.