DELF B1 Exam Structure and Tips for a High Score

4 sections, each worth /25 points

B1 Speaking has 3 small tasks, not one big one

• Entretien dirigé (no prep): introduce yourself and answer questions about your life, interests, and plans.
• Exercice en interaction (role-play, part of the shared 10-minute prep): handle a real-life situation — booking a hotel room, filing a complaint, requesting time off — with the examiner playing the other role.
• Expression d'un point de vue (also within the shared prep time): read a short document, then present and defend your own opinion in front of the examiner.

Where's the biggest difference from B2?

Many learners confuse B1 with B2 because both end Speaking with a "defend your opinion" component — but at B1, that's just 1 of 3 short tasks, and it's far less demanding than B2's standalone, extended "défendre un point de vue" exercise. See DELF, DALF, TCF Canada: Which Certificate Should You Take? to compare the certificates and pick the right goal for you.

Tips for each section

• Listening: practice with everyday recordings (airport announcements, local radio) rather than only academic material, since B1 leans heavily toward practical, everyday situations.
• Reading: underline specific details (dates, times, locations, prices) on the first read, since B1 questions usually ask for concrete facts rather than deep inference.
• Writing: stick to the familiar letter/diary structure (greeting — main content — closing) rather than forcing complex sentences — B1 is scored mainly on clarity and correct basic grammar.
• Speaking: practice the "exercice en interaction" separately by role-playing both sides of the real situation, since this is the task where B1 candidates most often freeze up when they have to react on the spot.