How the Writing Exam Works (2 parts)
The TEF IRN writing test is split into two sections:
- Part A. Message / note / email in an everyday situation (inform, request, complain, invite, thank).
- Part B. Argumentative text where you convince or promote something (course, club, volunteering, local service) using 2 to 3 clear arguments, examples, and a structured conclusion.
Past TEF IRN Writing Topics (2020 to 2025)
| Year |
Reported/Published sample themes — Section A |
Reported/Published sample adverts — Section B |
| 2025 |
- Friend just moved house |
|
- Friend started new job | - Volunteer to help children with homework
- Apply for free Saturday language classes (lefrancaisdesaffaires.fr) |
| 2024 | - Friend bought a new pet
- Friend returned from hospital | - Join an environmental clean-up weekend
- Become assistant librarian (YouTube “Sujets mars 2024”) (youtube.com) |
| 2023 | - Friend passed driving test
- Friend won a prize | - Motivate for a community garden project
- Sign up for a 4-day hiking club (candidate forums, PrepMyTEF thread) (fr.scribd.com) |
| 2022 | - Friend is expecting a baby
- Friend changed city | - Apply to host foreign studentsVolunteer at an animal refuge (fr.scribd.com) |
| 2021 | - Friend bought a new car
- Friend organises a party | - Convince to take part in a radio debate
- Join a neighbourhood festival committee (e-book “Exemples 2021”) (amazon.fr) |
| 2020 | - Friend started evening classes
- Friend took up a sport | - Apply to coach children’s football
- Sign up for week-end unplugged retreat (old prep PDFs) (fr.scribd.com) |
| Extra | - Friend is free for coffee tomorrow
- Write a friend to tell them you’re late to your meeting with him/her
- Write a friend about language course you joined
- Write a friend about a product that doesn’t work
- Write to a friend about urban gardening | - Apply to support new colleagues during their first few weeks
- Sign up for weekend unplugged retreat (old prep PDFs)
- Apply to lead conversation workshops in several languages
- Apply to participate in vegetable garden community
- Write your neighbors to choose you for a recycling manager building election |
Templates. Part A + Part B (Fill-in Frameworks)
Quick Tools. Connectors + Opinion Phrases
Mock Exam
Extra Writing Practice
Part A. Everyday Message (Email / Note)
Part B. Persuasive Text