DALF C1 Writing: The Synthèse and the Essay Explained

The production écrite of the DALF C1 has two parts: the synthèse de documents (an exercise in objective summary) and an argumentative essai. These are the most distinctive and demanding tests of the C1 level, and they require targeted preparation — general essay-writing skill from school is not enough.

The synthèse de documents: rules and method

The C1 synthèse: you get 2-3 documents on a shared theme and must write a 220-word text (±10%) that objectively synthesizes the main points. Rules: (1) do NOT copy whole sentences from the documents. (2) do NOT give your opinion. (3) DO reorganize the ideas thematically (not chronologically). (4) DO use connectors to link the ideas. (5) DO refer back to the documents (selon le document 1, d'après l'article...).

The C1 essai argumentatif: structure and requirements

The C1 essai is a 250-word argumentative text where you take a clear position, build a rigorous argument, and anticipate the opposing view. The difference from B2 is sophistication: more precise vocabulary, more nuanced argumentation, and a more elaborate structure. You need to use the subjonctif correctly and show command of the concordance des temps — grammar English speakers often treat as optional decoration rather than a graded requirement.

Synthèse versus essai: knowing the difference

Synthèse: objective, no opinion, ideas reorganized from the documents, no copying of sentences. Essai: subjective, you defend your own thesis, the documents are only supporting material, and you can and should give your opinion. Confusing the two — for instance, sneaking your opinion into the synthèse — is one of the most heavily penalized errors at C1, and it's the mistake English-speaking candidates make most often because nothing in an English-language curriculum trains the synthèse's strict objectivity.

Practice exercises