DELF B1 Exam Structure: Full Guide to Timing and Scoring
Knowing the DELF B1 structure inside out is the first step toward effective preparation. Knowing exactly what to expect in each test, how much time you have and how each section is marked gives you a huge advantage on exam day.
The 4 DELF B1 Tests: Full Overview
(1) Compréhension de l'oral: 25 min, 25 pts. You listen to radio, conversations and interviews. (2) Compréhension des écrits: 45 min, 25 pts. You read articles, letters and informative documents. (3) Production écrite: 45 min, 25 pts. You write a text of 160-180 words (formal letter, opinion piece). (4) Production orale: 10 min preparation + 15 min exam, 25 pts. Guided interview + role play + expressing a point of view.
The B1 Spoken Production Test Explained in Detail
The B1 production orale has 3 parts and lasts about 15 minutes in total: (1) Entretien dirigé (2-3 min): you introduce yourself and answer the examiner's questions, with no preparation. (2) Exercice en interaction (3-4 min): a role play with the examiner in a simulated situation, with no preparation. (3) Expression d'un point de vue (5-7 min): you present a short document (article, trigger text) and give your opinion, followed by an exchange with the examiner. Only this third part is prepared: you get 10 minutes of preparation.
Marking Criteria for the B1 Spoken Test
The B1 spoken test is marked on: (1) Capacité à interagir (5 pts): appropriate reactions to the examiner's turns. (2) Capacité à décrire/raconter (5 pts): clarity and precision when describing or narrating. (3) Lexique (5 pts): range and appropriateness of vocabulary. (4) Morphosyntaxe (5 pts): grammatical accuracy. (5) Maîtrise phonologique (5 pts): understandable pronunciation and intonation.
Practice exercises
How much time do you have for the three written DELF B1 papers?
How many points is the DELF B1 written production worth?
How much preparation time do you have for the DELF B1 speaking production?
Exam tips
- Time yourself exactly in your mock exams: time pressure is real on exam day
- The B1 spoken test is marked on 5 criteria: knowing them helps you focus your improvement
- For the monologue, use the preparation time to build a short plan: introduction, arguments, conclusion
- In the exercice en interaction, don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you don't understand: it's part of the interaction
Prepara el DELF B1 con DelfOnline
Ejercicios interactivos, simulacros reales y preparación completa desde A1 hasta DALF C2.