A B2 French user can confidently debate, negotiate, and be spontaneous in their speech—even though it won't be perfect.
But how do you portray confidence when you're not speaking but reading, writing, or listening?
It's all about being concise. That is, knowing the right answer and not straying off topic just to cover your bases.
In this DELF B2 exam study guide, we'll teach you how to study for each section. Plus we've got tips for the exam itself, so you can tackle each section with B2-level confidence!
Table of contents:
Reading
For the reading exam, you'll answer questions about two pieces of text. One could be informational, such as a news brief or an article about an aspect of francophone culture. The other may be on a more controversial topic.
How to prepare for DELF B2 reading
Become familiar with reading French news articles so the exam articles aren't a new experience for you.
When reading French news media, don't stress if you can't understand it completely. Look up words and phrases you don't know to expand your vocabulary.
To make this even easier, we have a very useful Bilingual Reader tool with French reading exercises that let you highlight any word or phrase you don't know, translate it, and suggest the right lessons to help you learn it!
Reading exam tips
On the day, follow this formula:
- Start by reading the text
- Then read the questions, twice
- Then read the text again
This should ensure you understand the gist and details of the text and questions. But keep an eye out for multi-part questions and wordplay.
To demonstrate your confidence, answer the questions completely but succinctly. A sentence or two should be enough.
Writing
In the writing exam, you'll usually be given a piece of text. Then, in at least 250 words, you'll make and support an argument or state and justify an opinion on the text.
How to prepare for DELF B2 writing
Reading regularly will improve your knowledge of French structure, grammar, and vocabulary. Read texts like opinion pieces, book reviews, and letters to the editor to learn commonly used connecting and transitional phrases.
You could also write a short opinion piece and post it on an online forum such as Hi-Native to request comments and corrections from native speakers. Let them know you'd appreciate an in-depth proofread so that you can improve as much as possible.
Even better, we have tonnes of French writing exercises created by native French teachers - for all levels - with varied topics so you don't get caught off guard in your exam.
Also check out our self-corrected writing challenges for Premium subscribers published every Friday!
Writing exam tips
This exam tests not just your French skills but your ability to use them to debate a topic. Therefore, you need a well-constructed piece of writing to be effective. That includes:
- Introduction
- Main points with explanation and justification
- Conclusion
Before you start, jot down a brief outline. This will help you avoid rambling endlessly without a clear point. You'll follow your concise structure as you write.
Speaking
With 30 minutes of preparation time, the speaking exam requires you to deliver a 10-minute presentation on a given subject. You'll then discuss the presentation with your examiners for a further 10 minutes.
How to prepare for DELF B2 speaking
Listen to French media; particularly radio, podcasts, or TV that debates a subject. This will help you learn useful phrases for arguments and presentations.
And practice speaking as much as you can! If you can't converse with many French speakers in person, try speaking to different people online. This will help you get used to different accents, vocabulary, and speaking styles.
For more speaking practice tips, check out these articles:
- Practice speaking French, whether or not you're in France
- Online speaking practice
- Solo speaking practice
Speaking exam tips
Similarly to the writing exam, create an outline of the points you plan to cover. You can agree or disagree with your source material, but stay on point when speaking.
Use short quotations from the text and examples from current events to support your point of view. This shows a good understanding of the subject and confidence in your argument.
Listening
In the listening exam, you'll usually have to answer questions on a 2-3 minute and an 8-minute recording.
How to prepare for DELF B2 listening
Build up your comprehension by listening to some French media every day. Isolate words or phrases you don't know. Learn what they mean and how to use them.
Make sure to use our French listening exercises too! These not only let you practice listening but also help you identify your mistakes in real time so you can improve faster.
Listening exam tips
Keep an eye on the questions while the recording is playing, so you know what information to listen out for.
The second, longer audio clip will be played twice. The first time, listen out for the gist. The second time, focus on absorbing the details.
Finally, don't get bogged down in writing with perfect grammar. Rather, answer the questions accurately. You're being graded on comprehension, not production.
All the free resources you need!
The DELF B2 exam earns you a powerful diploma to help prove your skills and advance your career. We're here to make sure you get it!
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Related info: Official French Tests & Diplomas | French Test Prep
