Exam practice

DELF A1 writing practice: tell a friend about the weather

A DELF A1-style message task: tell a French friend what the weather is like where you are and what clothes to bring. Model answer and checklist included.

In short

For a DELF A1 message, write 40–50 words: a greeting, two or three simple facts with il fait…, il pleut, il y a du vent, one piece of advice (prends un manteau), and a friendly ending.

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A coat, scarf, umbrella and rain shoes ready for a cold-weather visit.
Emma advises Lucie to bring un manteau chaud and an umbrella. Illustration: Atelier
DELF A1 · Production écrite · exercice 2 (practice task)Not an official exam paper

Votre amie Lucie vient vous voir la semaine prochaine. Vous lui écrivez un message. Vous décrivez le temps qu'il fait dans votre ville et vous lui dites quels vêtements apporter. (40 mots minimum)

(40 mots minimum)

Your friend Lucie is coming to visit next week. Write her a message. Describe the weather in your town and tell her which clothes to bring. (40 words minimum)

Your answer

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Read a model answer

Salut Lucie,

Ici, à Édimbourg, il fait froid en ce moment : environ huit degrés. Il pleut souvent l'après-midi et il y a beaucoup de vent. Le matin, il y a parfois du soleil.

Prends un manteau chaud, une écharpe et des chaussures pour la pluie. N'oublie pas ton parapluie !

J'ai hâte de te voir. Bises,

Emma

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Before you finish

A self-review aid, not an exam mark. Ticks are not saved.

How do you describe the weather in French?

Weather in the present
FrenchEnglish
Il fait beau / mauvais.The weather is nice / bad.
Il fait chaud / froid.It's hot / cold.
Il pleut.It's raining.
Il neige.It's snowing.
Il y a du vent / du soleil / des nuages.It's windy / sunny / cloudy.
Il fait 20 degrés.It's 20 degrees.
  • Il est froid.Il fait froid.

    Weather uses faire: il fait froid. Il est froid describes a thing (the soup is cold).

  • Apportes un pull.Apporte un pull.

    The tu imperative of -er verbs has no -s.

  • Il y a pluie.Il pleut.

    Rain is a verb: il pleut.

Question 1No account needed
"It's windy."

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Il y a du vent.. Il y a du vent is the everyday form.

Question 2No account needed
Which ending fits a message to a friend?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Bises, Emma. Bises is the friendly sign-off; the others are formal.