Are you considering taking the DELF B2 exam but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the preparation process? Fear not!
In this article, we’ll break down the essential steps to help you prepare effectively for the DELF B2 exam. From understanding the exam format to practicing key skills, we’ll cover everything you need to know to succeed!
Table of contents
Important tips to ace the exam!
Familiarize Yourself with the DELF B2 Exam Structure
The DELF B2 exam is graded on a scale of 0 to 100 points. It comprises four distinct sections, with each section carrying a weightage of 25 points.
1. Listening Comprehension
This part involves listening to two recordings: a short one (2-3 minutes) which is played twice and a longer one (up to 8 minutes) which is played only once.. After listening, you’ll answer questions to demonstrate your understanding. This section also lasts for 30 minutes and is worth 25 points.
2. Reading Comprehension
In this part of the exam, you’ll be given two texts to read, one informational and one on a controversial topic. You’ll then answer questions to test your understanding of the texts. This section lasts for one hour and is worth 25 points.
3. Written Production
You’ll be given a document, such as a formal letter or article, and asked to write approximately 250 words to express and support your opinion on the topic. This section lasts for one hour and is worth 25 points.
4. Spoken Production
You’ll have 30 minutes to prepare a 10-minute oral presentation based on a short document provided to you. After your presentation, you’ll have a discussion with two examiners for 10 minutes. This section is worth 25 points as well.
Grading Criteria of DELF B2 Exam
To successfully complete the DELF B2 exam, you must achieve a minimum total score of 50 out of 100 points.
Moreover, you are required to attain at least 5 points out of 25 in each separate section.
1. Listening Comprehension
This consists of two exercises. Exercise 1 is worth a total of 18 points, and Exercise 2 is worth 7 points.
2. Reading Comprehension
This also consists of two exercises. Exercise 1 is worth a total of 13 points, and Exercise 2 is worth 12 points.
3. Written Production
This section has only one exercise and is worth 25 points.
4. Spoken Production
This section has one exercise: a monologue and is worth a total 25 points.
Understand the Range of Topics in DELF B2 Exam
The DELF A1 exam assesses your basic understanding and ability to use French in everyday situations. Here’s a breakdown of the main topics covered:
Vocabulary to learn
- Culture
- Defence
- Demographics
- Economy
- Education
- Environment
- Family structures
- Fashion
- Health
- History
- Journalism
- Law and Order
- Natural disasters
- Politics
- Religion
- Science and technology
- Work Environment
- Domestic Chores
Grammar topics to master
- Present and past subjunctive
- Usage of verbs with subjunctive or infinitive
- Conjunctions with subjunctive or infinitive
- Complex relative pronouns
- Prepositional verb structures
- Prepositional phrases with adjectives
- Logical connectors: hypothesis, opposition, condition, cause, consequence
- A range of connectors or linkers
- Simple past tense
- Dependent clauses in future and past tenses
- Present participle
- Present and past conditional forms
- Impersonal constructions to convey different levels of certainty
- Nominalization
Immerse Yourself in Everything Francophone
1. Stay up-to-date with current affairs
It’s crucial to be in the loop with what’s happening in the French-speaking world. Read French news websites, watch French news channels, and listen to French debates and speeches. This will not only improve your comprehension skills but also give you valuable insights into French culture and society.
2. Converse in French every day
Practice makes perfect, right? Make an effort to speak French as much as possible, whether it’s with friends, family, or language exchange partners. Engage in conversations about various topics to expand your vocabulary and improve your fluency.
3. Don’t forget about listening and reading comprehension
These are essential skills for the DELF B2 exam. Listen to French podcasts, watch French movies without subtitles, and read French books, articles, and essays. Try to expose yourself to a variety of accents and writing styles to improve your comprehension abilities.
Consider Joining Online French Learning Classes for B2
Taking classes will give you a structured environment to learn French. You’ll have a teacher guiding you through grammar, vocabulary, and all the other stuff you need to know for the exam. Most language schools offer courses tailored to the exam format, so you’ll get targeted practice on the types of questions you’ll encounter.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: where can I find these French classes? Well, look no further! Allow me to introduce you to La Forêt French Classes.