DELF

# DELF

The Diploma in French Studies (known in French as the Diplôme d'études en langue française) is a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French, administered by France's International Centre for French Studies (Centre international d'études pédagogiques, or CIEP) for the country's Ministry of Education. It is composed of four independent diplomas corresponding to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The "Proficient User" divisions are certified by the DALF.

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# Exam sections

Part One: Listening

In this section the candidate is presented with 3-4 short recordings, and asked to fill out some comprehension questions regarding the selection played. Each selection is played twice, and range from a maximum of 3 minutes in length at the A1 level to a maximum of 8 minutes in length at the B2 level.

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Part Two: Reading

This section tests the candidates' reading comprehension by presenting several short pieces of writing, followed by comprehension questions with simple filling (ticking, multiple choice, true/false) or justified written answer.

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Part Three: Writing

It is the written speech production and varies in subjects according to the level.

A1-The first part is a document to fill in asked personal information. The second part is a simple text with a content of the daily life.

A2-The first part is description of a brief event or an experience. The second part is a text of expression of invitation, congratulations, application, giving information, justification etc.

B1-Expression of the personal viewpoint in a given situation through an essay, a letter or an article.

B2-Personal viewpoint and argumentation in a justified application, reply to message etc.

The length of the texts is usually between 100 and 250 words but the exact limit varies with level.

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Part Four: Speaking

At the A1, A2, this section consists of a guided conversation where the candidate is prompted by the examiner, a short exchange of information on a defined subject, and finally a role-play between the examiner and the candidate.

At the B1 level it consists of a guided conversation, an interactive exercise, and discussion of a document designed to elicit a reaction from the candidate.

At the B2 level, the candidate is expected to state and defend an opinion, based on a short document designed to elicit a reaction.

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# Scoring

Although the difficulty varies, the scoring of the DELF is identical at each level. Sections are scored out of 25, for a total of 100 marks per test. In order to pass, a minimum of 5/25 must be achieved in each section, and a minimum of 50/100 overall.

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# Duration of answering time for each section

Exam / Listening / Reading / Writing / Speaking / Total
DELF A1 / 20 min / 30 min / 30 min / 5-7 min + 10 min prep / 80 min
DELF A2 / 25 min / 30 min / 45 min / 6-8 min + 10 min prep / 100 min
DELF B1 / 25 min / 35 min / 45 min / 15 min + 10 min prep / 105 min
DELF B2 / 30 min / 60 min / 60 min / 20 min + 30 min prep / 150 min


Credit ; wikipedia