The DELF B2 exam tests your ability to argue, defend opinions, and handle abstract topics in French. Below are 10 representative questions across all four sections — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — with full worked solutions that show the reasoning, not just the answer. Use these to understand the exam's logic and identify your weak spots.
Compréhension Orale (Listening) — 25 minutes
You hear each recording twice. Questions test gist, detail, and inference.
Question 1: Short radio report about urban cycling policies
Audio transcript (excerpt): "…la mairie a décidé de réduire la vitesse maximale à 30 km/h dans tout le centre-ville. Les associations de cyclistes saluent cette mesure, mais certains commerçants craignent une baisse de fréquentation…"
Question: What is the main concern of the shopkeepers?
Worked solution: The shopkeepers fear a drop in customer traffic. The key phrase is "craignent une baisse de fréquentation." The answer is not about speed limits or cyclists' safety — it's about footfall and business.
Question 2: Interview about teleworking
Question: According to the speaker, what is the biggest challenge of teleworking?
Worked solution: The speaker mentions "l'isolement social" and "la difficulté à séparer vie professionnelle et personnelle." The correct answer is social isolation, not productivity or technical issues. Listen for emotion-laden words like "solitude" or "coupure."
Question 3: Weather forecast with warnings
Question: What should listeners do tomorrow afternoon?
Worked solution: The forecast says "un épisode méditerranéen intense est attendu — évitez les déplacements non essentiels." The answer is to avoid unnecessary travel. The trick: they mention rain and wind, but the instruction is about movement, not just taking an umbrella.
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Compréhension Écrite (Reading) — 60 minutes
Two long texts (argumentative essay and informational article) with comprehension and vocabulary questions.
Question 4: Argumentative text on food waste
Text excerpt: "…le gaspillage alimentaire représente un enjeu à la fois éthique et environnemental. Réduire ce gaspillage passe par une meilleure planification des achats et une sensibilisation dès l'école…"
Question: According to the author, what are two necessary actions to reduce food waste?
Worked solution: The author explicitly states: better purchase planning and awareness-raising in schools. Do not add your own ideas like composting or donations — stick to what is in the text. Scan for the colon after "passe par."
Question 5: Informational article on a new medical app
Question: What is the main purpose of the app described?
Worked solution: The app "permet aux patients de suivre leurs symptômes et de partager ces données avec leur médecin en temps réel." The main purpose is real-time symptom tracking and sharing with doctors. Not diagnosis, not appointment booking.
Question 6: Vocabulary in context
Question: In the sentence "les détracteurs de cette réforme avancent des arguments économiques," what does "détracteurs" mean?
Worked solution: "Détracteurs" means opponents or critics. Context clue: they advance economic arguments against the reform. Synonyms: opposants, critiques. Not supporters or neutral observers.
Production Écrite (Writing) — 60 minutes
Two tasks: a formal letter/essay (250 words) and a structured argument (250 words).
Question 7: Formal letter to a local newspaper
Prompt: You disagree with a recent editorial about banning cars in the city center. Write a letter to the editor expressing your counter-arguments.
Worked solution structure:
- Opening: State the article reference and your disagreement politely ("Je fais suite à votre éditorial du… et je souhaite apporter un point de vue différent.")
- Body paragraph 1: Economic impact on small businesses (loss of customers, delivery issues).
- Body paragraph 2: Practical alternatives (improved public transport, pedestrian zones with exceptions).
- Closing: Call for balanced discussion ("Une transition progressive serait plus bénéfique qu'une interdiction brutale.")
- Key: Use formal register (vous, conditionnel, subjonctif). Avoid slang.
Question 8: Argumentative essay — "Do social networks harm democracy?"
Worked solution structure:
- Introduction: Present the debate ("Les réseaux sociaux sont accusés de polariser l'opinion, mais ils permettent aussi une participation citoyenne élargie.")
- Thesis paragraph: Yes, they spread misinformation and create echo chambers.
- Antithesis paragraph: However, they give a voice to minorities and enable rapid mobilization.
- Conclusion: Nuanced view — regulation and media literacy are essential.
- Key: Use connectors (cependant, en revanche, par conséquent). Each paragraph must have a clear main idea + example.
Production Orale (Speaking) — 20 minutes (with 30 min prep)
Three parts: exposé (monologue), interaction, and debate.
Question 9: Exposé — "Should university education be free for everyone?"
Worked solution approach:
- Introduction: Define the issue (free vs. accessible).
- Argument 1: Free education promotes equality of opportunity.
- Argument 2: But it strains public finances and may devalue degrees.
- Counter-argument: Free education can be funded through progressive taxation.
- Conclusion: A hybrid model (income-contingent loans) might be best.
- Key: Speak for 5-7 minutes. Use structured phrases: "D'une part… d'autre part…"
Question 10: Interaction — Examiner asks you to defend your opinion on animal testing
Sample exchange:
- Examiner: "Pensez-vous que les tests sur les animaux soient justifiés pour la recherche médicale?"
- Candidate response: "Je comprends leur utilité pour les vaccins, mais je crois qu'il faut développer des alternatives comme les organes sur puce. Les souffrances animales doivent être minimisées."
- Worked solution: Acknowledge the complexity, show you can concede a point before countering. Use "certes… mais" and "il est vrai que… néanmoins." Avoid black-and-white statements.
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