Must I use both documents in task 3?

Yes. Address both viewpoints through summary and paraphrase rather than long copying. Omitting one document makes the comparison incomplete.

How much space should my opinion take?

The official description sets no fixed percentage. Both the comparison and your own argument should be clearly visible.

Can task 3 have a nuanced conclusion?

Yes. You may recognize conditions on both sides, but still answer the question with an identifiable judgment or recommendation.

TCF Canada Writing Task 3 Guide

TCF Canada writing task 3 requires 120–180 words comparing two viewpoints in two documents about a social issue and presenting your position. First summarize both central ideas accurately, organize the agreement or conflict, and then support your judgment with reasons and an example.

Official format

The official range is 120–180 words.
Two documents present viewpoints about the same social issue.
You compare the positions for the specified reader rather than copying the documents sentence by sentence.

Method

Extract both positions

Write one sentence for document A's claim and one for document B's claim, then mark one shared point or main conflict. Preserve meaning without inventing relationships the documents do not state.

Organize the comparison

You can summarize both views before comparing them, or alternate around one central disagreement. Either way, make it clear which ideas belong to the documents and which belong to you.

Build your argument

State an identifiable position, support it with two reasons or one reason and a concrete example, and acknowledge one relevant limitation. Repeating the source material is not personal argumentation.

Original practice prompt

Original practice materials: document A says remote work reduces commuting and improves efficiency; document B says prolonged remote work weakens collaboration and increases isolation. Compare the views and say whether companies should make remote work their main model.

Submission checklist

✓ 120–180 words
✓ both documents represented accurately
✓ agreement or conflict compared
✓ personal position supported
✓ source views separated from personal views

Frequently asked questions

Must I use both documents in task 3?: Yes. Address both viewpoints through summary and paraphrase rather than long copying. Omitting one document makes the comparison incomplete.
How much space should my opinion take?: The official description sets no fixed percentage. Both the comparison and your own argument should be clearly visible.
Can task 3 have a nuanced conclusion?: Yes. You may recognize conditions on both sides, but still answer the question with an identifiable judgment or recommendation.

Continue preparing

Read the complete skill guide Start focused practice Browse the TCF question bank View membership plans

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.