Succeeding in Task 3 of Written Expression

Task 3 of the Written Expression test is the longest and most demanding: you present two points of view based on two documents, then give your own. Well prepared, it can also earn you the most.

What the instructions ask

You receive a debate topic and two short documents defending opposite positions. Your text, of 120 to 180 words in French, must:

• briefly present the two points of view;
• give your opinion;
• support it with arguments and examples.

Allow about 30 minutes for this task.

Paraphrase, never copy

The examiner wants to see that you understood the documents, not that you can copy them. Rephrase each idea in your own words: « selon le premier document… », « l'auteur du second texte estime au contraire que… » (according to the first document…, the author of the second text believes on the contrary that…).

Copying whole sentences loses you points in vocabulary and in following the instructions.

A simple, effective plan

1. Introduction: one sentence to present the debate.
2. The two points of view: a paragraph summarising each document.
3. Your opinion: two arguments, each with a concrete example.
4. Conclusion: one sentence restating your position.

Connectors that make the difference

Connectors make your reasoning clear: « d'une part… d'autre part », « certes… mais », « en revanche », « c'est pourquoi », « en définitive ». Vary them: repeating « mais » and « aussi » makes a text feel poor.

Keep time to proofread

Set aside at least 5 minutes for proofreading: agreements, conjugations, accents. Also check the word count: a text that is too short or too long does not follow the instructions well.

Palier's simulator gives you a live word counter and detailed feedback on each task, with explanations in English: it is the best way to measure your progress.