If you're preparing for the DELE B2 exam, you already know it's not just about vocabulary lists or grammar drills. The Instituto Cervantes exam tests whether you can actually function in Spanish in real-world scenarios — reading opinion pieces, handling workplace conversations, writing formal emails, and expressing nuanced arguments.
Below are 10 representative questions across the four sections (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking), each with a worked solution that shows the thinking behind the correct answer. Use them to calibrate your current level and identify weak spots.
Reading Comprehension (Prueba 1)
Question 1: Multiple-choice — Identifying author's stance
Text excerpt (adapted): "Aunque la energía nuclear sigue siendo un tema polarizante, los recientes avances en reactores modulares pequeños han reabierto el debate. Para sus defensores, representan una fuente limpia y constante; para los críticos, los riesgos de residuos y accidentes persisten."
Question: ¿Cuál es la postura del autor sobre la energía nuclear?
A) Totalmente a favor. B) Totalmente en contra. C) Neutral, presentando ambos lados. D) Crítica, pero sin tomar partido.
Worked solution: The text uses the phrase "para sus defensores... para los críticos" — a classic neutral structure. The author doesn't endorse either side, just reports the renewed debate. Answer: C.
Question 2: Fill-in-the-blank — Connectors
Sentence: "El proyecto no salió adelante ______ la falta de financiación."
Options: a pesar de, debido a, por lo tanto, sin embargo.
Worked solution: The clause explains the cause of the project not moving forward. "Debido a" (due to) is the only causal connector. "A pesar de" means despite, "por lo tanto" means therefore (result), "sin embargo" means however (contrast). Answer: debido a.
Question 3: True/False/No se dice
Statement: "El autor afirma que el cambio climático es la única causa de la migración en Centroamérica."
Text reference: The article mentions climate change as one factor alongside economic instability and violence.
Worked solution: The text lists multiple causes; it never says climate change is the only one. The statement is false. Answer: Falso.
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Written Expression (Prueba 2)
Question 4: Formal email — complaint
Task: Write a 150–180 word email to a hotel manager complaining about noise during your stay. Use formal register.
Worked solution — structure:
- Opening: Estimado Sr. García, me dirijo a usted para expresar mi insatisfacción...
- Body: Describe the issue (noise from construction at 7 a.m.), impact (couldn't sleep), expectation (compensation or discount).
- Closing: Agradezco su atención y quedo a la espera de una pronta respuesta. Atentamente, [Name].
Key markers for B2: Use subjunctive for polite requests ("agradecería que me informaran"), conditional for hypotheticals ("podrían considerar"), and formal vocabulary ("queja", "inconveniente", "medidas").
Question 5: Opinion essay — advantages and disadvantages
Task: Write 180–200 words on whether remote work is beneficial for employees.
Worked solution — argument map:
- Introduction: Remote work has both pros and cons, depending on the individual.
- Body paragraph 1 (advantages): Flexibility, no commute, better work-life balance. Use connectors: "por un lado", "además".
- Body paragraph 2 (disadvantages): Isolation, blurred boundaries, difficulty collaborating. Use "por otro lado", "sin embargo".
- Conclusion: Personal preference and job type matter; companies should offer hybrid models.
B2-level language: Use "a mi juicio" instead of "creo que", and "en conclusión" to wrap up.
Listening Comprehension (Prueba 3)
Question 6: Short dialogue — identifying speaker's intention
Audio transcript (abridged): "Mira, te lo digo porque me preocupo: si sigues así, vas a terminar agotado."
Question: ¿Qué intención tiene el hablante?
A) Criticar. B) Aconsejar. C) Amenazar. D) Informar.
Worked solution: The phrase "te lo digo porque me preocupo" signals concern, and "si sigues así" is a warning based on care. The speaker is giving advice, not criticizing or threatening. Answer: B.
Question 7: News report — extracting specific information
Audio: A report about a new law requiring all businesses to recycle electronic waste.
Question: ¿Cuándo entra en vigor la nueva normativa?
Worked solution: Listen for date-related keywords like "a partir del", "entrará en vigor", "el próximo". The audio states "a partir del 1 de enero de 2027". Answer: 1 de enero de 2027.
Oral Expression (Prueba 4)
Question 8: Monologue — describing a trend
Task: Talk for 3–4 minutes about the rise of online learning. Include causes, effects, and your opinion.
Worked solution — outline:
- Introduction: En los últimos años, el aprendizaje en línea ha crecido exponencialmente.
- Causes: Avances tecnológicos, pandemia, flexibilidad.
- Effects: Mayor acceso a la educación, pero también brecha digital.
- Opinion: Creo que es una herramienta complementaria, no un sustituto total.
B2 markers: Use "por consiguiente" (consequently), "no obstante" (nevertheless), and "en mi opinión" with subjunctive when hedging: "no creo que reemplace...".
Question 9: Dialogue — negotiating a solution
Task: You and a partner disagree on where to hold a team event. Reach an agreement.
Worked solution — phrases:
- Propose: "¿Qué tal si consideramos...?"
- Concede: "Entiendo tu punto, pero..."
- Compromise: "Podríamos hacer una votación o elegir un lugar intermedio."
Key: Show you can disagree politely and suggest alternatives. Avoid simple "sí/no" answers.
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Question 10: Photo description — speculate and infer
Task: Describe a photo of a crowded market and speculate about what's happening.
Worked solution — structure:
- Describe: En la imagen se ve un mercado al aire libre con muchas personas. Hay puestos de frutas y verduras.
- Infer: Parece que es fin de semana porque hay mucha gente. Quizás están celebrando una feria local.
- Speculate: Podría ser un mercado tradicional en México o Colombia, dado el tipo de productos.
B2 language: Use "parece que", "quizás", "podría ser", "es probable que + subjunctive".
