Word counts in TEF/TCF writing: do they really matter?
Editorial note — September 30, 2026: this article was published in 2020 and is retained as an archive. The format, retake and score-review deadlines, fees and document procedures may have changed. Check with the exam provider and your test centre before registering. TCF Canada: official guidance · TEF Canada: official guidance
How critical will it be if you do not “fit” into the required number of words in the written part? ⠀
Many people worry that they’ll write more — or less — than the required amount in the exam.
Such frames are especially frightening for those who take the test “by hand” and are forced to count the signs on their own. ⠀
In order to know the exact number of words, I recommend practicing counting in advance, and maybe even learning to always fit the same number of words on one line. Multiply this figure by the number of lines and voila - the total. ⠀
As for the norm.
There is a rumor that if you write less than the minimum text, the written part will not be counted. Has anyone heard that they actually did this? I don't. But I know of a case where the test taker did not complete the text, but the test was passed, although the score for the subsequent part was lower than in the rest.
Only one thing can be said for sure - you need to try at all costs to “fit” into the given framework - create a text no more and no less, but exactly as much as they ask. ⠀
Let me remind you that, if you are taking TCF, then you have parts, both lower and upper limits: ⠀
- Part 1 – 60-120 words;
- 2nd – 120-150 words;
- 3rd – 120-180 words. ⠀
If you are taking TEF, then, fortunately, you are given only the lower bound: ⠀
- Part 1 has a minimum of 80 words;
- in the 2nd – at least 200. ⠀
There is no upper limit in this exam. But this does not mean that you need to write endlessly long texts.
They are not judged by size.
And the longer you write, the less time you have for self-testing. ⠀
Don't forget to take this into account when preparing. Give yourself exactly as much time for each part as you plan to spend on it on day X. ⠀
Read other useful articles:
Why English is no longer enough to immigrate to Canada
Textbooks for preparing for TCF
Oral part TEF Canada: Section A. What topics should I prepare for?