So, you’re gearing up for the DELF B2 Writing Test, huh?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone in feeling a tad nervous about it.
But fear not!
From understanding the test format to mastering essential writing skills, we’ll break down everything you need to know to boost your confidence and maximise your performance on exam day.
Let’s get equipped to tackle it head-on and ace the test like a pro!
Table of contents
Format and Time Allotted DELF B2 Writing Test
The DELF B2 writing test lasts for one hour and consists of only one exercise: an argumentative personal statement.
In this exercise, you will be asked to contribute to a debate, write a formal letter, a critical article, or a similar task, expressing your opinions and arguments clearly and convincingly in about 250 words.
First, take a few minutes to carefully read and understand the prompt provided. Identify the topic, the specific task you’re required to complete, and any guidelines or instructions given.
Then, outline the key points you want to address and plan the structure of your essay. Once you have a clear plan in place, start writing your essay.
Make sure to allocate some time towards the end of the exam to review your essay, making any necessary revisions for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
Scoring DELF B2 Writing Test
Your performance in this section is evaluated based on various criteria, with a total of 25 points up for grabs. Each criterion assesses different aspects of your writing skills, from coherence and argumentation to grammar and vocabulary usage.
Firstly, coherence and cohesion are worth 4 points. This aspect evaluates your ability to structure your essay logically and connect ideas smoothly.
Secondly, your ability to argue an opinion carries 3 points. This criterion focuses on your capacity to express and defend your opinions persuasively. Make sure to present a clear argument supported by relevant evidence and examples.
The capacity to present facts also holds 3 points. You’ll be evaluated on how effectively you incorporate factual information into your essay.
Moreover, sociolinguistic correctness is worth 2 points. This criterion assesses your ability to use language appropriately in a formal context. Complying with instructions and following guidelines also carries 2 points. It’s crucial to read the prompt carefully and address all aspects of the task.
Vocabulary skills and spelling hold 5 points. Aim for a varied and precise vocabulary, and be diligent in avoiding spelling errors. Using synonyms, idiomatic expressions, and domain-specific terminology can enhance your vocabulary score.
Lastly, grammatical skills are worth 6 points. Pay attention to sentence structure, verb tenses, agreement, and other grammatical aspects
Preparation DELF B2 Writing Test
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Draft a Plan
Before diving into writing, take the time to draft a plan for your essay.
This should include an introduction, where you present your main argument or topic, a development section where you lay out 2-3 arguments with supporting evidence, and a conclusion where you summarize your main points.
This will ensure that your essay is well-organized and coherent.
2. Learn French Politesse
Knowing polite phrases in French is crucial for scoring well on the exam. While these phrases may not be used in everyday conversation, they are important during the exam as your choice of words will be evaluated.
Memorize key polite phrases such as “Monsieur le Maire,” “Je vous écris afin que vous faire part…,” and “Nous vous prions d’agréer, Monsieur, l’expression de nos sentiments distingués.” Using these phrases appropriately can enhance your score.
3. Focus on Grammar and Structure
Examiners pay close attention to the grammar and structure of your essay. Be sure to include French subjunctive phrases (such as “il faut que” and “afin que”) and logical connectors (like “tout d’abord,” “puis,” “ensuite,” “néanmoins,” and “cependant”) to improve the flow and coherence of your writing.
4. Stick to the Word Limit
The word limit for the DELF B2 Writing Test is 250 words. While you can write more, you should never write less. However, avoid exceeding the word limit by too much, as this can lead to unnecessary mistakes. Aim to stay within the prescribed word limit to ensure that your essay is concise and focused.
5. Read French Texts
Reading French newspapers, articles, essays, and other texts will expose you to different writing styles and help you become familiar with formal written French. Pay attention to how arguments are presented, and take note of any useful vocabulary or phrases you come across.
6. Time Management
Practice managing your time effectively during the exam to ensure that you can complete all sections within the allotted time. Set aside specific time intervals for planning, writing, and revising your essay to maximize your productivity
Materials DELF B2 Writing Test
Here are some recommended resources to help you study effectively:
1. ABC DELF B2 – 2021 Edition
This book is specifically designed to prepare you for the DELF B2 exam. It covers all the necessary skills and topics tested in the writing section, including argumentative essays, formal letters, and critical articles. The exercises and sample questions provided will help you familiarize yourself with the format and expectations of the exam.
2. Le DELF – 100 % Réussite – B2
Another useful resource is this comprehensive guidebook, which offers practical tips and strategies for success on the DELF B2 exam. It includes practice tests, model answers, and guidance on how to improve your writing skills. With this book, you can track your progress and identify areas where you need to focus more attention.
3. Production Écrite DELF B2
This workbook focuses specifically on the writing section of the DELF B2 exam.
It provides a variety of exercises and activities to help you practise writing different types of texts, such as argumentative essays, formal letters, and critical articles.
By working through the exercises in this workbook, you can strengthen your writing skills and build confidence for the exam.
In addition to these materials, it’s also helpful to practise writing on your own regularly. You could write about various topics such as book reviews, movie reviews, letters to the editor, or essays.
This will not only improve your writing skills but also help you become more comfortable with expressing your ideas in French.
You can refer to this link for paid online resources: Prepmyfuture
Conclusion
As we come to the conclusion of our discussion on preparing for the DELF B2 Writing Test, it’s important to recap the key points and emphasize the importance of effective preparation.
By now, you should have a clear understanding of the format of the exam, the criteria used for scoring, and the specific skills you need to focus on.
Take deep breaths, read the instructions carefully, and pace yourself appropriately.
Remember that the DELF B2 Writing Test is just one part of the overall exam, and your performance in other sections also contributes to your final score. Bonne chance!
To get an overview of the DELF B2 Exam, head on to How to Prepare for the DELF B2 exam