What DELF A2 Production Écrite tests
The A2 writing section certifies you can write short, connected texts on familiar topics — a note, a message, a personal account. The bar is basic connected prose in present + passé composé + futur proche, with everyday vocabulary and informal register.
You get 45 minutes for both tasks combined. Most successful candidates spend 5 minutes planning, 15 on Task 1, 20 on Task 2, and 5 on a final proofread.
Format & the two tasks
| Task | What you do | Word count | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Écrire un message | Reply to an invitation, ask for information, or send a short thank-you. | 60–80 words | /13 |
| 2 · Raconter une expérience | Recount a past event or describe a recent experience. | 60–80 words | /12 |
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How the 25 marks split
| Criterion | Marks | What earns them |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 achievement | 6 | Task type respected, all prompt elements addressed, word count met. |
| Task 1 language | 7 | Basic connectors, present + past, correct register. |
| Task 2 achievement | 6 | Coherent recount with time markers and 2–3 events. |
| Task 2 language | 6 | Passé composé + imparfait alternation, everyday vocabulary. |
Templates that reliably score 20+
For Task 1, learn the 4-line letter skeleton — salutation (‘Salut Léa,’ or ‘Bonjour Monsieur,’), opening (‘Merci pour ton message’), body (2–3 lines of content), closing (‘À bientôt,’ or ‘Cordialement,’). Even under time pressure the frame writes itself, leaving your attention for the content.
For Task 2, the 5-line recount works on any prompt: when + where (‘Le week-end dernier, je suis allé…’), what happened (‘J’ai visité…’), a small twist or highlight (‘Nous avons rencontré…’), your feeling (‘C’était vraiment…’), closing thought (‘Je pense que…’).
The passé composé + imparfait alternation is the specific structure the grid rewards. ‘Je suis allé au marché. Il pleuvait.’ scores; ‘Je suis allé au marché. Il a plu.’ does not — same events, different Franco-narrative register.
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Common mistakes that cap you at 15
- Under-length answers. 45 words on Task 1 costs 3–4 marks even if the French is clean.
- Wrong register. Writing to a friend with ‘vous’ and formal formulas is penalised on task achievement.
- Present-only recount. Task 2 requires past tenses; a present-tense narrative caps grammar at 3/6.
- Missing salutation or closing on Task 1. Both are task-achievement points — free marks if you remember.
- Ignoring one of the prompt’s bullets. Task 1 typically lists 3 things to include; missing any drops task achievement by 2 marks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many words should I write for DELF A2?
60–80 words for each of the two tasks. Under 60 is penalised on task achievement; over 80 is not marked past the limit and eats time you need for the second task. Aim for 70–75.
Can I use bullet points in DELF A2 writing?
No — the tasks require connected prose. Bullet points are penalised on coherence and on the task-type criterion, regardless of whether the text is a message or a recount.
Which tenses do I need for DELF A2 writing?
Present, passé composé and futur proche are the required set. Alternating passé composé + imparfait in the recount task scores extra marks. Absence of passé composé signals sub-A2 and caps grammar.
How long should each task take?
About 15 minutes for Task 1 and 20 minutes for Task 2, with 5 minutes for planning at the start and 5 for a proofread at the end. Task 2 is longer because the recount asks for more narrative structure.
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