The SIELE (Servicio Internacional de Evaluación de la Lengua Española) is a modular, computer-based Spanish proficiency exam recognized across Latin America and Spain. Unlike DELE, SIELE results are valid for five years and can be taken in parts. Below are 10 sample questions—two per section—with step-by-step solutions that show you how to arrive at the correct answer, not just what it is.
Reading Comprehension (CL) – Task 1: Text and Multiple Choice
Question: Read the following notice from a community center in Madrid:
"Se informa a los vecinos que, debido a obras de mantenimiento en la fachada, el acceso al portal principal estará cerrado del 15 al 20 de marzo. Durante este período, utilicen la entrada trasera, que permanecerá abierta de 8:00 a 20:00 horas. Disculpen las molestias."
What is the main reason for the closure? A) A special event B) Renovation work C) A security issue D) A holiday
Solution: The phrase "obras de mantenimiento" means maintenance/renovation work. Option B is correct. Eliminate A, C, D because they are not mentioned.
Reading Comprehension (CL) – Task 2: Text and Sentence Insertion
Question: Where does the following sentence best fit in the paragraph?
"Sin embargo, este método requiere supervisión constante."
Paragraph:
- 1La agricultura hidropónica permite cultivar plantas sin suelo.
- 2[___] Se utilizan soluciones nutritivas en agua.
- 3Muchos agricultores la prefieren por su eficiencia.
- 4[___]
Solution: The sentence starts with "Sin embargo" (however), indicating a contrast. Sentence 3 talks about preference/efficiency. The contrast fits best after sentence 3, at position 4. Correct answer: after sentence 3.
Listening Comprehension (CA) – Task 1: Short Dialogue
Question: You hear a conversation between a student and a librarian:
Estudiante: "Buenos días, ¿hasta qué hora está abierta la biblioteca los sábados?" Bibliotecaria: "Normalmente cerramos a las 14:00, pero este sábado abrimos hasta las 18:00 por la semana de exámenes."
What time does the library close this Saturday? A) 14:00 B) 16:00 C) 18:00 D) 20:00
Solution: The librarian says "este sábado abrimos hasta las 18:00" (this Saturday we're open until 18:00). Option C is correct. The normal time (14:00) is a distractor.
Listening Comprehension (CA) – Task 2: Announcement
Question: You hear an airport announcement:
"Atención pasajeros del vuelo IB3456 con destino a Buenos Aires: la puerta de embarque ha cambiado. Diríjanse a la puerta 23, no a la puerta 15. Repito: puerta 23."
What is the new gate number? A) 15 B) 23 C) 34 D) 56
Solution: The announcement explicitly states "puerta 23" twice. The old gate (15) is mentioned only to clarify the change. Answer: B.
Writing (EL) – Task 1: Email Response (80–100 words)
Question: Write an email to a friend declining an invitation to a party. Mention:
- Thank them for the invitation
- Explain why you can't attend (a prior commitment)
- Suggest meeting another day
Sample Solution:
Hola Carlos, Muchas gracias por invitarme a tu fiesta de cumpleaños. Me encantaría ir, pero tengo un compromiso familiar ese día. ¿Qué tal si nos vemos el fin de semana siguiente para celebrar juntos? Podemos ir a cenar o tomar un café. ¡Felicidades! Un abrazo, María
Why it works: It covers all three points, uses natural tone, and stays within word count.
Writing (EL) – Task 2: Opinion Essay (130–150 words)
Question: "¿Es mejor vivir en una ciudad grande o en un pueblo pequeño?" Write your opinion with reasons.
Sample Structure:
- Introduction: State your position clearly.
- Body: Two reasons with examples (e.g., job opportunities vs. tranquility).
- Conclusion: Restate opinion.
Key tip: Use connectors like "por un lado... por otro lado", "sin embargo", "en conclusión".
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Speaking (EI) – Task 1: Personal Introduction (2–3 minutes)
Question: Introduce yourself. Talk about:
- Your name and where you're from
- Your work or studies
- Your hobbies
- Why you are learning Spanish
Sample Response Structure:
- Greeting: "Hola, me llamo..."
- Background: "Soy de... y trabajo como..."
- Hobbies: "En mi tiempo libre me gusta..."
- Motivation: "Aprendo español porque..."
Tip: Speak naturally, avoid memorized scripts. Use simple sentences.
Speaking (EI) – Task 2: Describe a Photo (2–3 minutes)
Question: Describe this photo: A family having dinner in a restaurant.
Sample Response:
En la foto veo una familia. Hay cuatro personas sentadas alrededor de una mesa. Los padres están sonriendo y los niños miran el menú. Al fondo hay una ventana grande. La escena es alegre.
Tip: Use present tense, describe people, objects, actions, and atmosphere. Don't guess—just describe.
Integrated Task: Read, Listen, Write (CLE)
Question: First read a short article about recycling in Spain, then listen to a related interview. Finally, write a summary (100–120 words) comparing the two sources.
Solution Approach:
- 1While reading, note key facts (e.g., recycling rates, policies).
- 2While listening, note opinions or additional data.
- 3In your writing, state: "El artículo menciona que... mientras que la entrevista añade que..."
- 4Conclude with a balanced observation.
Sample Summary:
El artículo destaca que España recicla el 40% de sus residuos urbanos. La entrevista, sin embargo, señala que la participación ciudadana es baja en zonas rurales. Ambas fuentes coinciden en que se necesitan más campañas de concienciación.
Integrated Task: Read, Listen, Speak (CLE)
Question: Read a blog post about remote work, listen to a podcast clip, then record a 2-minute response giving your opinion.
Solution Framework:
- Start: "Según el blog, el teletrabajo ha aumentado la productividad..."
- Contrast: "No obstante, el podcast menciona problemas de aislamiento..."
- Your opinion: "En mi opinión, ambas perspectivas son válidas porque..."
- End with a concluding sentence.
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Where to next?
- <a href="/siele/format">Understand the SIELE exam format and scoring</a>
- <a href="/siele/tips">Top 5 strategies to boost your SIELE score</a>
- <a href="/plans">Choose a mock-test plan that fits your timeline</a>