DELF B2 Writing: The Complete Method

DELF B2 writing (production écrite) is the paper where candidates gain or lose the most points. In one hour, you write an argumentative text of at least 250 words. The examiner does not only judge your French. They check that you understood the task, that you defend a clear position and that your text is well organised. This guide gives you the method, the marking grid, model sentences and the traps to avoid.

The writing paper at a glance

• Length of the paper: 1 hour, straight after the reading paper.
• Word count: at least 250 words. A very short text is heavily penalised.
• Score: out of 25 points, like the three other papers.
• Threshold: at least 5/25, otherwise the mark is eliminatory.
• Materials: no dictionary is allowed.

Writing is one of the group papers, taken on the same day as listening and reading. Keep some energy for this last hour, because tiredness increases mistakes.

Which texts will you have to write?

The task describes a situation and asks you to take a position. The type of text changes from one session to another, so you need to practise each of them.

The article or essay

You write for a newspaper, a magazine or a blog. The tone is neutral or formal. You need a title, an introduction that sets out the problem, then illustrated arguments. The reader should know your opinion by the end of the introduction.

The formal letter

You write to someone in charge: a mayor, a director, an editor. The letter follows strict conventions. Examiners expect a subject line, an opening formula, a closing formula and a signature. Forgetting them costs points on sociolinguistic register.

The forum contribution

You react to another person's opinion. The register stays correct but a little more direct. Quote the message you are answering, then develop your own view with examples.

How is DELF B2 writing marked?

Examiners use an official marking grid with five criteria. Each criterion receives 0, 1, 3 or 5 points, giving a total out of 25.

Criterion	What the examiner checks
Task completion	The text type, the position you defend and how well you follow the instructions.
Coherence and cohesion	The structure, the paragraphs and your use of linking words.
Sociolinguistic register	A register that suits the reader and the right set phrases.
Vocabulary	Range and precision of vocabulary, without repetition.
Grammar	Grammar, verb forms and sentence construction.

Remember one simple rule: an off-topic text loses points on every criterion. Read the task twice before you write the first line.

The 7-step method

An hour goes by quickly. This method keeps you on time and helps you produce a clear text.

1. Read the task (5 minutes). Underline the text type, the reader and the question. Note the required word count.
2. Choose your position (3 minutes). Decide whether you are for, against or nuanced. A clear position guides the whole text.
3. Find ideas (7 minutes). List three arguments with a concrete example for each. Plan a concession too.
4. Build the outline (5 minutes). Introduction, two or three argument paragraphs, then a conclusion.
5. Write (30 minutes). Write directly as a final copy. One paragraph equals one idea.
6. Count your words (2 minutes). Make sure you are over 250 words. Aim for 270 to 320.
7. Proofread (8 minutes). Check agreements, verbs, punctuation and linking words.

This timing leaves a safety margin. If you run short of time, drop an idea, never the proofreading.

Writing a strong introduction

The introduction creates the examiner's first impression. It has three parts: a hook, the problem and your position. Three or four sentences are enough.

Example for an article about remote work: « Depuis quelques années, le télétravail s'est imposé dans de nombreuses entreprises. Cette organisation offre une grande liberté, mais elle isole aussi les salariés. Faut-il pour autant la généraliser ? Nous verrons qu'elle présente de réels avantages, à condition d'en limiter les excès. »

Avoid starting with « Je vais parler de… ». It sounds too basic for level B2.

Building an argument paragraph

Each paragraph develops a single idea. Use this structure: an argument, an explanation, then an example.

• Argument: « Tout d'abord, le télétravail améliore la qualité de vie. »
• Explanation: « Les salariés évitent les trajets et gagnent du temps pour leur famille. »
• Example: « Ainsi, une personne qui habite à une heure de son bureau récupère dix heures par semaine. »

This structure makes your reasoning easy to follow and directly answers the coherence criterion of the grid.

Writing the conclusion

The conclusion sums up your position in one or two sentences. It can then open the debate with a question or a proposal. Never add a new argument in the conclusion.

Example: « En définitive, le télétravail représente un progrès réel s'il reste équilibré. Les entreprises devraient donc proposer deux jours de bureau par semaine pour préserver le lien entre collègues. »

Essential linking words

Linking words show the examiner that your reasoning moves forward. Vary them and place them at the start of paragraphs.

• To introduce: tout d'abord, en premier lieu, pour commencer.
• To add: de plus, en outre, par ailleurs.
• To contrast: cependant, en revanche, néanmoins.
• To concede: certes, il est vrai que, bien que.
• To illustrate: par exemple, ainsi, notamment.
• To conclude: en définitive, pour conclure, en somme.

Careful: « bien que » and « quoique » take the subjunctive. Examiners notice this structure immediately.

Formal letter phrases

• Opening: « Madame, Monsieur, » or « Monsieur le Maire, ».
• Subject line: « Objet : projet de piétonnisation du centre-ville ».
• First sentence: « Je me permets de vous écrire au sujet de… ».
• Request: « Je vous serais reconnaissant de bien vouloir… ».
• Closing formula: « Je vous prie d'agréer, Madame, Monsieur, l'expression de mes salutations distinguées. »

On exam day, do not sign with your real name. Use an invented name, as the instructions ask.

Vocabulary for arguing

Varied vocabulary earns points. Prepare expressions to give your opinion without repeating « je pense ».

• « À mon sens », « selon moi », « je suis convaincu que ».
• « Il est indéniable que », « force est de constater que ».
• « Cette mesure présente l'avantage de », « elle risque d'entraîner ».
• « Il conviendrait de », « il serait souhaitable que » followed by the subjunctive.

Mistakes that cost points

• Writing fewer than 250 words, or padding the text with empty sentences.
• Ignoring the required form, for example a letter with no closing formula.
• Staying neutral when the task asks you to take a position.
• Copying whole sentences from the task.
• Using informal language with an official reader.
• Skipping the proofreading and leaving agreement mistakes.

Sample outline for DELF B2 writing

Task: « Votre ville veut interdire les voitures dans le centre. Vous écrivez au maire pour donner votre avis. »

1. Introduction: introduce yourself and recall the town hall's project.
2. First argument: air quality and residents' health, with a figure as an example.
3. Second argument: a more pleasant centre for shops and pedestrians.
4. Concession: elderly people and delivery drivers must keep access.
5. Conclusion: support the project and suggest introducing it gradually.

This outline answers the task, defends a position and shows nuanced thinking. That is exactly what the grid rewards.

Structures that make a difference

At B2 level, the examiner expects complex and varied sentences. A few well-controlled structures are enough to show your level.

• Subjunctive: « Il est essentiel que chacun puisse donner son avis. »
• Conditional: « Cette mesure permettrait de réduire la pollution. »
• Gerund: « En limitant la circulation, la ville gagnerait en calme. »
• Emphasis: « Ce qui me semble le plus important, c'est la santé des enfants. »
• Compound relative pronouns: « C'est une solution à laquelle peu de gens pensent. »

Practise placing one or two of these structures in every training text. Over time they will come naturally on exam day.

Only use a structure you master. A simple, correct sentence is better than a complex, wrong one. This is a key tip for DELF B2 writing.

Managing your time on exam day

The writing paper comes after two hours of comprehension, so fatigue is real. Eat something light during the short break and keep a watch on your desk if the centre allows it. Check the time after your outline: if more than twenty minutes have passed, start writing immediately. Many candidates lose points in DELF B2 writing simply because they never reach the conclusion. A complete, slightly shorter text always scores better than a long text with no ending.

A 4-week training plan

Regular practice matters more than long sessions. Here is a simple plan you can adapt to your schedule.

• Week 1: learn the format, try a full paper without a timer and write down what you find difficult.
• Week 2: work on the method step by step, with two short writing sessions a day.
• Week 3: practise under real time limits, then review every mistake in a notebook.
• Week 4: take a full mock exam, revise your weak points and rest the day before the exam.

How to practise effectively

Writing improves through regular practice and feedback. Write one text a week under time limits, then have it marked with the official grid.

The writing studio times the paper, counts your words and scores you criterion by criterion. For an overview of the exam, read our DELF B2 exam guide and the page on DELF B2 speaking. The official France Education international website also publishes sample papers.

With this method, DELF B2 writing becomes a paper you control. Start with the free placement test to see where you stand.