DELF B2 Essay Guide: Methods and Examples (2024)

1. Understanding the DELF B2 Essay

The DELF B2 essay is a crucial component of the DELF B2 writing test, assessing your ability to communicate effectively in French at an advanced level. Here's what you need to know:

🎯 Objective: Demonstrate your ability to analyze a topic, structure your ideas, and express them clearly in French
📊 Length: Minimum 250 words (approximately 25-30 lines)
⏱️ Duration: 60 minutes
💯 Scoring: Out of 25 points, evaluating coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and adherence to instructions

Want to assess your current level? Try our DELF B2 writing exercise and get your score in less than 30 seconds!

Sample topic:

◾ Exercise

250 words minimum 25 points

De plus en plus de villes envisagent de rendre les transports en commun gratuits pour tous les résidents. Certains pensent que c'est une mesure nécessaire pour réduire la pollution et améliorer la mobilité urbaine, tandis que d'autres estiment que cela pourrait entraîner des problèmes financiers pour les municipalités. Quel est votre avis sur cette question ? Présentez votre point de vue de façon argumentée.

2. DELF B2 Essay Structure with Example

Here's an example of a DELF B2 essay responding to the topic above:

La gratuité des transports en commun est une idée qui gagne du terrain dans de nombreuses villes à travers le monde. Cette mesure, visant à encourager l'utilisation des transports publics, soulève des débats quant à son efficacité et sa viabilité économique. Bien qu'elle présente des avantages indéniables, notamment en termes de réduction de la pollution et d'amélioration de la mobilité urbaine, elle soulève également des questions importantes sur son financement et ses conséquences à long terme.

Les partisans de la gratuité des transports en commun avancent des arguments convaincants. Premièrement, cette mesure pourrait considérablement réduire l'utilisation des voitures particulières, entraînant une diminution de la pollution atmosphérique et des embouteillages. Par exemple, la ville de Tallinn en Estonie, qui a introduit la gratuité des transports en 2013, a constaté une réduction de 10% du trafic automobile en centre-ville. De plus, cette initiative favoriserait l'inclusion sociale en permettant aux personnes à faibles revenus de se déplacer plus facilement, améliorant ainsi leur accès à l'emploi et aux services essentiels.

Cependant, les opposants à cette mesure soulèvent des préoccupations légitimes. Le coût financier pour les municipalités est considérable et pourrait nécessiter une augmentation des impôts locaux ou une réduction d'autres services publics. De plus, sans une source de revenus directe, l'entretien et l'amélioration du réseau de transport pourraient être compromis à long terme. Il y a également un risque de surpopulation des transports aux heures de pointe, ce qui pourrait paradoxalement décourager certains usagers et réduire l'efficacité globale du système.

En conclusion, bien que la gratuité des transports en commun présente des avantages potentiels en termes de réduction de la pollution et d'amélioration de la mobilité urbaine, sa mise en œuvre soulève des défis financiers et logistiques importants. Une approche plus équilibrée pourrait consister à offrir des tarifs réduits ciblés plutôt qu'une gratuité totale, tout en investissant dans l'amélioration de la qualité et de l'efficacité des services de transport public. Cela permettrait de réaliser un compromis entre l'accessibilité, la durabilité environnementale et la viabilité économique à long terme.

Structure analysis:

Introduction: Presents the topic, the issue, and outlines the plan
Development - Part 1: Presents arguments in favor of free public transport
Development - Part 2: Addresses arguments against free public transport
Conclusion: Summarizes key points and proposes a balanced solution

3. Analysis of a DELF B2 Essay

Let's examine in detail the key elements that make our example essay strong. This analysis will help you understand how to effectively structure your own DELF B2 essay.

3.1 How to Craft a Compelling Introduction

■ Effective hook: Start with a sentence that captures attention and concisely presents the topic. Here, the author highlights the current relevance and growing importance of the subject.
■ Context: Provide a brief overview of the debate or situation. This sentence clearly outlines the two main aspects of the topic: the objective of the measure and the controversies it raises.
■ Main issue: Present the different aspects of the topic you'll address. Here, the author subtly announces the essay's structure by mentioning both the advantages and challenges.

Tip for a successful introduction: Ensure your introduction is concise while giving a clear overview of the topic. Avoid overly broad generalizations and get straight to the heart of the debate. Your last sentence should naturally lead into the development of your argumentation.

3.2 The Art of Developing a Convincing Argument

■ Introductory sentence: Begin your paragraph with a clear statement that presents the main argument. This sentence guides the reader and announces the content of the paragraph.
■ Development and example: Explain your argument in detail and support it with a concrete example. The use of numerical data strengthens the credibility of your argumentation.
■ Additional argument: Add a related point to reinforce your position. Here, the social aspect complements the environmental argument, showing a broader reflection on the subject.

Tip for an effective paragraph: Follow the "Statement - Explanation - Example" (SEE) structure. Start with a clear statement, develop it, then illustrate it with a concrete example. This makes your argumentation more convincing and easy to follow. Don't forget to use logical connectors to link your ideas smoothly.

3.3 Concluding with Impact and Openness

■ Summary: Briefly recap the main points of your argumentation. This sentence recalls the advantages and disadvantages discussed, showing a nuanced understanding of the topic.
■ Proposal: Offer a balanced perspective or solution. Here, the author suggests an alternative approach that takes into account the different aspects of the problem.
■ Opening: End with a broader reflection on the implications of the topic. This sentence demonstrates in-depth thinking by considering the multiple facets of the issue.

Keys to a successful conclusion: Your conclusion should do more than just summarize. Aim to offer a new perspective or a balanced solution that logically follows from your argumentation. Avoid introducing new arguments, but rather show how your reflection applies to a broader context. A good conclusion leaves the reader with food for thought.

Key takeaway: The strength of a DELF B2 essay lies in its ability to present a balanced and nuanced argument while remaining concise. Each part of your essay - introduction, development, and conclusion - must be carefully structured to maximize the impact of your arguments within the length constraints. Remember that the quality of your expression and the richness of your vocabulary are just as important as the content of your arguments.

4. Tips for Succeeding in Your DELF B2 Essay

4.1 Before the Exam

Practice regularly: Write essays on various topics while timing yourself.
Enrich your vocabulary: Learn idiomatic expressions and thematic vocabulary. Check out our DELF B2 Vocabulary Guide to boost your language skills and feel more confident in your writing. You can also take our DELF B2 Vocabulary Quiz to test your knowledge and learn new words.
Master logical connectors: They are essential for structuring your argumentation.
Read current affairs in French: This will help you have concrete examples for your arguments.

4.2 During the Exam

Carefully analyze the topic (5 minutes):
- Identify key words
- Determine the central issue
- Choose your position
Make a detailed plan (10 minutes):
- Structure your main ideas
- Note concrete examples for each argument
Write your essay (40 minutes):
- Follow your plan
- Use varied logical connectors
- Illustrate each argument with an example
Proofread and correct (5 minutes):
- Check grammar and spelling
- Make sure you've reached the minimum word count (250)

4.3 Tips for Improving Your Style

Use varied expressions to introduce your ideas:

"Il est indéniable que..." → To express certainty
"On pourrait objecter que..." → To introduce a counter-argument
"Force est de constater que..." → To emphasize an obvious fact
"Il convient de nuancer ce propos..." → To provide a different perspective

Use logical connectors to structure your argumentation:

To add	To contrast	To conclude
De plus	Cependant	En conclusion
Par ailleurs	Néanmoins	Pour conclure
En outre	En revanche	En définitive

4.4 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not answering the question asked: Ensure your essay directly addresses the topic
Lack of concrete examples: Each argument should be illustrated
Neglecting structure: Your essay must have a clear introduction, development, and conclusion
Using informal language: Maintain a formal level of language throughout the essay
Forgetting to count words: Make sure to reach the required minimum of 250 words

Final advice: The key to success is regular practice. Train yourself to write essays on different topics, timing yourself and asking for constructive feedback. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be on exam day.

Master DELF with SavoirX

Boost your preparation with SavoirX, your intelligent partner for DELF B2:

10 mock exams and 50+ targeted writing exercises
AI writing coach with instant feedback
100 monthly credits for detailed AI corrections
Complete library of topics and winning expressions

With SavoirX, prepare effectively and take the DELF B2 with confidence!

Start Practicing Now

Complete Guide to the DELF B2 Writing Test (2024)

DELF B2 Letter of Complaint - Comprehensive Guide (2024)

DELF B2 Request Letter - Comprehensive Guide (2024)