The DELF B2 exam tests your ability to communicate independently and argue effectively in French. It’s structured around four core competencies—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—each carrying equal weight in the final score. This guide breaks down exactly what each section covers, how much it counts, and how to prepare efficiently.
Listening Comprehension (25%)
Duration: ~30 minutes Format: Two long recordings (interviews, debates, lectures) played twice, followed by multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
What you’ll hear:
- News reports or radio extracts on current affairs
- Professional discussions (e.g., a team meeting, a conference excerpt)
- Informal conversations with opinions and counterarguments
Weightage: 25 points out of 100
Study tips:
- Listen to French news daily (France Info, RFI) for 15 minutes
- Practice identifying the speaker’s stance—agree, disagree, or neutral
- Use mock tests with real-time audio to simulate exam pressure
Take a free DELF B2 demo mock to find out where you stand: Try the demo →
Reading Comprehension (25%)
Duration: 60 minutes Format: Two texts (600–800 words each) from newspapers, magazines, or blogs. Questions include true/false, matching, and short answers.
What you’ll read:
- Opinion pieces or editorials
- Informative articles (science, culture, society)
- Official documents (brochures, reports)
Weightage: 25 points out of 100
Study tips:
- Skim for main ideas first, then scan for details
- Build vocabulary around argumentative connectors (cependant, néanmoins, par conséquent)
- Read one French editorial per day and summarize the author’s argument in 2 sentences
Writing Production (25%)
Duration: 60 minutes Format: One task: write a structured argument (200–250 words) in the form of a letter, article, or essay.
What you’ll write:
- A formal letter (complaint, application, proposal)
- An opinion piece for a blog or newspaper
- A report or critique of an idea
Weightage: 25 points out of 100
Study tips:
- Master the structure: introduction, thesis, counterargument, conclusion
- Use linking words to show logical flow (d’une part… d’autre part, en revanche, ainsi)
- Practice writing under time constraints—set a timer for 55 minutes
Speaking Production (25%)
Duration: 20 minutes (15 min preparation + 5 min speaking) Format: Monologue followed by debate with the examiner.
What you’ll do:
- Present your opinion on a given topic (e.g., remote work, climate policy)
- Defend your position during a 5-minute discussion with the examiner
Weightage: 25 points out of 100
Study tips:
- Prepare 2–3 arguments for and against common debate topics
- Record yourself speaking and listen for clarity and fluency
- Do mock speaking sessions with a partner or tutor; the examiner will challenge your views
See DELF B2 mock-test packs and pricing: View plans →
Overall Weightage Summary
| Section | Points | Time | |---------|--------|------| | Listening | 25 | 30 min | | Reading | 25 | 60 min | | Writing | 25 | 60 min | | Speaking | 25 | 20 min |
Each section is scored out of 25. To pass, you need at least 50/100 overall, with no section below 5 points. Focus on your weakest area first—most candidates lose points on writing and speaking.