Passed B2 DELF (Taken in June)
I passed my B1 DELF about 2.5 years ago and due to changes in France's citizenship requirements I had to pass the B2 DELF. Well I just got my results today! I did much better on the audio than expected because during the exam it was utterly demoralizing how little I could understand. The reading comprehension is a point earning section and I knew I only missed 1 or 2 questions based on not understanding enough words. I am a bit surprised I did so poorly on the written production but I also only practiced writing for this exam so I am not terribly surprised. I am shocked I did so well on the oral production.
I really didn't study at all for the B1, didn't review the exam format, and while I passed I got punched in the face during the exam. I wanted to turn things around for the B2, however, I have a family, work full-time, and my community is anglophone so I spent about 3 months studying the best I could.
Here are my top B2 Tips:
- Read the manual and understand the format. As many others have said, you have to study for the exam format. French School TV also had some good videos on the format. I also liked French-Exam.com
- Speak with native French speakers! I don't think I could have passed if I didn't have someone to interact with so I bit the bullet and did Italki before work twice a week for an hour for 3 months. I would highly recommend working with a tutor who is trained in the B2 DELF. However, because those individuals cost more money, I tried a couple tutors and ultimately found a cheaper tutor, explained the DELF B2, and had him review the manual. We would spend the hour chatting and then practicing the Production orale using a skeleton I developed. I really liked my tutor because he wasn't shy to correct my pronunciation and errors. By the time I had the exam, the Production orale was all muscle memory.
- I focused daily listening sessions on Journal en français facile and practiced reading comprehension by buying a subscription to Le Monde – Sélection Hebdomadaire.
Bonne chance !