The Comprehension des ecrits (Reading) component of the DELF A2 is worth 25 points and is 30 minutes long. It presents three or four short texts on everyday topics — a notice, an advertisement, a short informational article, a short message — each followed by comprehension questions. At A2, texts are simple, short, and deal with familiar situations: shopping, travel, work, social plans, everyday services. You do not need to understand every word; you need to locate specific information efficiently. This guide covers the format, all question types, and the reading strategies that lead to a consistent pass.
DELF A2 Comprehension des Ecrits – Module Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Number of texts | 3–4 short texts (sometimes combined into one multi-part exercise) |
| Total marks | 25 |
| Pass mark | 5 out of 25 (combined with listening; pair threshold is 25/50) |
| Text length | 50–150 words per text; very short and accessible |
| Text type | Notices, advertisements, short articles, messages, schedules, menus, signs |
Text Type 1 – Notices and Signs (5–6 Marks)
The first text is typically a short notice, sign, or announcement: a shop closing time, a park rule, a library notice, a building sign. Questions ask you to identify the purpose of the notice, who it is for, and what it says.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What is this notice about? | The topic is always the most prominent information; look at the title or the largest text first |
| Is this notice for…? (Vrai/Faux) | Identify the target audience from the language and context: is it for customers / students / residents / visitors? |
| What must you do / not do? | Look for verbs of obligation: “Il est interdit de… / Priere de… / Veuillez… / Defense de…” |
Text Type 2 – Advertisement or Announcement (5–6 Marks)
An advertisement for a product, service, event, or job offer. Questions ask about what is on offer, the price, the conditions, the dates, or the contact information. This text type rewards scanning — do not read word by word; scan for the specific information the question targets.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What is being advertised? | The product or service is named in the title or first line; identify the category (housing / job / course / event) |
| How much does it cost? / What are the dates? | Scan for numbers; prices use “€” or “euros”; dates use day-month format or names of months |
| What conditions apply? | Look for conditions near the price or registration information: “a partir de / sous reserve de / pour les moins de…” |
| How do you contact them? | Look for “Tél. / Email / Site web / Adresse” — these are always clearly marked in French advertisements |
Text Type 3 – Short Informational Article (6–7 Marks)
A short factual article about an everyday topic — a local event, a new service, a cultural practice, a travel tip. Questions test whether you understood the main idea and can locate 2–3 specific details.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What is the article about? | Read the title and first sentence; the topic is always introduced immediately |
| Vrai / Faux statements about the article | Locate the relevant sentence in the text for each statement; confirm or deny based on the text — do not rely on general knowledge |
| Multiple choice about a specific detail | Read the question carefully; scan for the paragraph containing the relevant information; eliminate options that contradict the text |
Text Type 4 – Short Message or Practical Document (6–7 Marks)
A short note, email, letter, or practical document such as a schedule, a menu, or a timetable. Questions ask about what the person wants, what information is provided, and what action is required.
| Question Type | Strategy |
| What does the person want or need? | Look for the key request or question in the message — usually in the first or last sentence |
| What information does the document provide? | Identify the type of document first (schedule / menu / price list); answer based on the structure, not just individual words |
| Complete a grid or form using information from the text | Transfer information exactly as written — do not paraphrase for this question type; copy names, times, and numbers precisely |
A2 French Reading Vocabulary – Key Words to Recognise
| Category | French Words to Know |
| Time and dates | lundi / mardi / mercredi / jeudi / vendredi / samedi / dimanche; janvier–decembre; matin / apres-midi / soir; ouvert / ferme |
| Places | mairie / bibliotheque / gare / aeroport / hopital / pharmacie / supermarche / ecole / universite / restaurant |
| Obligation and permission | interdit / autorise / obligatoire / possible / disponible / gratuit / payant / reserve |
| Quantities and prices | gratuit / pas cher / reduction / promotion / a partir de / jusqu’a / tarif / prix |
DELF A2 reading is the most manageable component of the exam for candidates who practise scanning — reading for specific information rather than trying to understand every word. In the week before your exam, practise with 2–3 short French texts daily: read the questions first, then scan the text for answers, timing yourself to roughly 7 minutes per text. languagetest.in provides DELF A2 reading mock tasks covering all four text types with complete answer keys and explanations to support targeted preparation.
References: CIEP DELF A2 official guide: france-education-international.fr | TV5 Monde A2 reading: tv5monde.com/enseigner-apprendre-le-francais | languagetest.in DELF A2 reading preparation
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