How to prepare for DELF B1 writing
Understand the task, practise planning a response, and learn what to look for when you revise it.
Practise answering the task before polishing the wording. Learn the requirements, build a short plan, develop your reasons and leave time to revise.
Know what the task asks for
Start with the official task description before choosing a revision strategy. For DELF B1 tout public, the writing paper asks for one text of at least 160 words in 45 minutes. Consult France Éducation international’s candidate handbook for the requirements and its word-count guidance.
You need to respond to the actual situation and communicate a personal viewpoint. Before drafting, identify the audience, the requested text type and the points the prompt asks you to address. A memorised opening cannot replace that reading.
This guide offers a preparation method. It is not an official paper, marking scheme or prediction of an exam score.
Practise making a short plan
Practise reducing a prompt to a small plan before writing sentences. Note your position, two reasons and an example. Then ask whether those notes answer the particular question and suit the reader.
Your neighbourhood is considering opening its library on Sundays. Write a message for a local discussion forum giving your opinion and explaining your reasons.
- Position: support opening on Sundays.
- Reason: some residents work during the week.
- Example: families could visit together at the weekend.
- Qualification: suggest limited hours rather than an all-day opening.
The notes are a possible response, not a required opinion. A different position can work if you develop it clearly and answer the task. Practise changing the audience as well as the topic: a forum contribution and a letter may need different openings.
Develop a reason into a paragraph
Turn one reason into a paragraph before trying to finish a whole text. Make the connection visible: state the point, explain why it matters, and give a specific example. Use connectors because the ideas need them, rather than adding a memorised list.
À mon avis, la bibliothèque devrait ouvrir le dimanche matin. Beaucoup de personnes travaillent pendant la semaine et ont peu de temps pour y aller. Par exemple, une famille pourrait choisir des livres ensemble le dimanche. Une ouverture de quelques heures serait donc utile, sans ouvrir toute la journée.
The paragraph states a position, gives a reason, illustrates it and qualifies the proposal. It is deliberately shorter than a complete exam response.
When you revise it, ask whether each sentence does a different job. If two sentences repeat the same claim, use the space to clarify or illustrate the idea. Keep the language within what you can use accurately.
Rehearse, then review the response
After practising individual plans and paragraphs, attempt a full response within the official time. Reserve time for rereading. The split below is one suggested rehearsal schedule, not an official allocation.
- 8minutes
Read and plan
Identify the audience and task, then outline your position and supporting points.
- 30minutes
Write the response
Develop the points into connected paragraphs and keep the prompt in view.
- 7minutes
Reread and correct
Check that you answered the task, then review meaning, verb forms, agreement and word count.
Change the split if your practice shows you need longer to plan or revise. Use a qualified teacher’s feedback when available. A checklist can help you look again; it cannot replace a complete language assessment.
Original study suggestions and teaching examples. Official requirements: France Éducation international.