TCF Canada writing · task 3
Banning cars from city centres: the task 3 topic, and how to handle it
What it really asks, a plan, the vocabulary and the pitfalls, explained in English. No model answer to copy: you write the text yourself.
At a glance
The prompt, as candidates report it (in French, as on the exam)
L’interdiction des Voitures dans les Centres-Villes
Document 1. Avec des taux de pollution alarmantes constatés dans plusieurs endroits dans le monde, plusieurs villes ont réussi leur pari d’interdire la circulation de voitures en zones urbaines. La capitale de la Norvège, Oslo, a récemment opté pour cette solution et s’en félicite estimant que c’est une décision bénéfique pour tout le monde. Après un certain temps, les accidents diminueront, la dépendance au pétrole baissera et la qualité d’air sera meilleure.
Document 2. Beaucoup de villes se lancent dans des projets d’interdiction de voitures en zone urbaine sans mettre en place les outils et les infrastructures nécessaires pour réussir cette transition. Certes, en diminuant les voitures, on aura moins d’embouteillages, de stress et surtout un air beaucoup moins pollué, mais en contrepartie, il faut prévoir entre- autres de gigantesques parkings pour garer les voitures, opter davantage pour le transport en commun (métros et bus) et prévoir des autorisations de circulation pour certains corps de métiers (comme la police, les urgentistes, les livreurs […]
Translation
Banning cars from city centres
Document 1. With alarming pollution levels recorded in many places around the world, several cities have successfully gambled on banning cars from urban areas. Norway’s capital, Oslo, recently chose this solution and is pleased with it, considering the decision beneficial for everyone. Over time, accidents will decrease, dependence on oil will fall and air quality will improve.
Document 2. Many cities are launching projects to ban cars from urban areas without putting in place the tools and infrastructure needed for this transition to succeed. Admittedly, with fewer cars there will be fewer traffic jams, less stress and above all much less polluted air, but in return, among other things, huge parking lots must be planned, public transport (metro and buses) must play a bigger role, and driving permits must be provided for certain professions (such as police, emergency doctors, delivery drivers [...]
In the candidates’ reports, the second document stops mid-sentence. You do not need the ending to present it.
Word counts: France Éducation international, the body that designs the TCF Canada. Reports: a public archive of topics reported by candidates since 2023, explained in the study of 642 topics.
What the prompt really asks
- Present the first document: the example of Oslo and the expected benefits (fewer accidents, less oil, cleaner air).
- Present the second accurately: it does not reject the ban, it criticizes cities that decide on it without preparing the transition (parking lots, public transit, permits for certain jobs).
- Take a position, ideally saying under what conditions.
- Back your opinion with an example from your city or your daily life.
Who you are writing to. The prompt names no addressee: an argued text in a neutral tone, without « tu ». « À mon avis » or « pour ma part » make your position clear.
A plan in six steps
About 155 words, for a range of 120 to 180. The numbers for each step are guides; the word range itself is part of the instructions, and every point asked for must be covered. Suggested split: about 40 to 60 words to present the two documents, 80 to 120 for your opinion.
- Document 1. Oslo and the promised benefits. about 25 words
- Document 2. Yes to the benefits, but not without infrastructure. about 30 words
- Your position. For, against, or for under certain conditions. about 15 words
- Your argument. An example from your city or your daily life. about 40 words
- The concession. The people for whom a car is essential. about 30 words
- Conclude. One concrete measure to finish. about 15 words
Vocabulary for this topic
B1 to B2 words and phrases to use in your text, not to pile up.
- interdire la circulation automobileto ban car traffic
- une zone piétonnea pedestrian zone
- les automobilistesdrivers, motorists
- la qualité de l’airair quality
- les embouteillagestraffic jams
- la dépendance au pétroledependence on oil
- les transports en communpublic transit
- un parking relaisa park-and-ride
- aménager des pistes cyclablesto build bike lanes
- les livreurs et les services d’urgencedelivery drivers and emergency services
- une période de transitiona transition period
- une mesure progressivea gradual measure
- à condition de + infinitifprovided that
Three pitfalls on this topic
Turning the second document into an opponent
It acknowledges the benefits (fewer traffic jams, less stress, less pollution) and criticizes the method. Writing « l’auteur est contre l’interdiction » is a misreading.
Repeating « voiture » ten times
Vary it: « les véhicules », « la circulation automobile », « les automobilistes », « la voiture individuelle ». Range of vocabulary is part of what is assessed.
A fuzzy opinion
This topic lends itself to a nuanced position, but nuanced does not mean fuzzy: state your position, then say under what conditions it holds.
B2-level sentences to inspire you
Two or three sentences, not a full answer: borrow the idea, not the words, and write the rest yourself.
- Le premier document salue l’exemple d’Oslo, où l’interdiction des voitures devrait réduire les accidents, la dépendance au pétrole et la pollution.The first document praises the example of Oslo, where the car ban is expected to reduce accidents, dependence on oil and pollution.
- Le second ne conteste pas ces bienfaits, mais il reproche à de nombreuses villes d’agir sans prévoir assez de transports en commun ni de parkings.The second does not dispute these benefits, but it criticizes many cities for acting without providing enough public transit or parking lots.
- À mon avis, fermer le centre-ville aux automobilistes est une bonne décision, à condition de le faire progressivement et d’accompagner ceux qui ont besoin de leur voiture pour travailler.In my opinion, closing downtown to drivers is a good decision, provided it is done gradually and with support for those who need their car for work.
Write it, then read your report
On the platform, you write this topic and get a report: word count, register, linking words, opening and closing phrases, mistakes found. Never a score. Free account, no card: one new topic a week.
Write it now