Source-based argument (TEF Section B)
In the TEF Canada writing test, Section B asks you to read a short text (often a forum post or an opinion article) and then write a reasoned response of about 200 words. You are not simply giving your raw opinion: you must refer to the source, take a clear position and defend it with structured arguments. This lesson shows you how to quote the text, build a coherent argued paragraph and reach the register the examiner expects.
Associez chaque connecteur à sa fonction dans un texte argumenté.
Match each connector with its function in an argued text.
Quelle expression introduit le mieux la position du document ?
Which phrase best introduces the source's position?
Quelle phrase appartient à la conclusion, et non à l'introduction ?
Which sentence belongs in the conclusion, not the introduction?
A good Section B answer always anchors itself in the text you were given. You do this by naming the author or the source, summarising their position and signalling whether you agree. Use reporting verbs and impersonal phrases rather than copying whole sentences, because copying lowers your score and shows poor reformulation.
| selon l'auteur | according to the author |
| d'après ce texte | according to this text |
| l'auteur affirme que | the author claims that |
| l'auteur soutient que | the author maintains that |
| comme le souligne l'article | as the article points out |
| je partage cet avis | I share this view |
| je ne suis pas de cet avis | I do not share this view |
| il est vrai que | it is true that |
| certes, mais | admittedly, but |
| en revanche | on the other hand |
| par ailleurs | moreover / furthermore |
| en définitive | ultimately / in the end |
Complétez avec un verbe qui rapporte l'affirmation de l'auteur.
Complete with a verb that reports the author's claim.
L'auteur ____ que les transports en commun devraient être gratuits.
Complétez avec le connecteur qui introduit un argument contrastant.
Complete with the connector that introduces a contrasting argument.
Le télétravail isole parfois les salariés. ____ , il leur fait gagner un temps précieux.
Traduisez cette concession en français.
Translate this concession phrase into French.
It is true that the cost is high, but the benefits are real.
An argued answer follows a predictable skeleton: an introduction that presents the source and announces your position, a body of one or two paragraphs each developing a single argument with an example, and a short conclusion that restates your stance. Each argument should be linked to the next with a connector (d'abord, ensuite, enfin) so the reader follows your reasoning without effort.
Remettez les mots dans l'ordre pour former une phrase d'introduction correcte.
Reorder the words to form a correct introduction sentence.
Écoutez et tapez l'expression d'opposition que vous entendez.
Listen and type the opposing-view phrase you hear.
Quelle réponse présente le registre le plus adapté à la section B ?
Which answer shows the most appropriate register for Section B?
Traduisez cette position nuancée en français.
Translate this nuanced position into French.
I understand this point of view; however, I only partly share it.
Remettez les mots dans l'ordre pour former une phrase de conclusion correcte.
Reorder the words to form a correct concluding sentence.
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