Introduction
Many students preparing for the DELF B2 oral exam ask the same question: What topics will appear in the exam? Of course, no one can predict the exact article you will receive. However, the exam follows very clear thematic trends. If you understand the major themes (macro themes) and learn how to connect them to specific real-world debates (micro topics), you can prepare much more efficiently.
In this guide, we will look at 7 predicted DELF B2 topics for 2026, explain how macro and micro themes work, and show you how to build arguments that can be reused across multiple subjects.
This strategy is exactly what strong DELF B2 candidates use during the exposé and debate.
Why Macro Themes Matter in the DELF B2 Exam
Most DELF B2 articles are built around a macro theme. These are broad societal debates such as:
Technology and artificial intelligence
Work and employment
Environment
Education
Modern social issues
However, the article you receive will rarely discuss the macro theme directly. Instead, it focuses on a micro topic, which is a specific example connected to the larger issue.
For example, a macro theme might be automation in the workplace. But the article could discuss something more specific like self-service checkout machines in supermarkets.
In a real 2025 DELF debate question, students had to discuss the use of automated checkout counters in retail stores. At first glance, this seems like a simple consumer topic. But the deeper issue was actually automation and its impact on employment.
Strong candidates immediately connected the micro topic to the macro theme and developed broader arguments about:
Job loss due to automation
Changes in the nature of work
Productivity versus social consequences
The role of technology in modern economies
This is exactly the skill examiners are looking for.
1. Artificial Intelligence and Society
Artificial intelligence is one of the biggest societal debates today, so it is very likely to appear in the DELF B2 exam in some form. However, the exam will rarely ask a simple question like “Is AI good or bad?”. Instead, the article will usually present a very specific situation related to AI.
As a DELF candidate, your task is to show the examiner that you understand the bigger debate behind the example. When you prepare this theme, think about how AI changes work, education, and everyday life. Then prepare a few balanced arguments that you can adapt during the exposé or debate.
Typical arguments students can prepare include:
Advantages:
AI increases productivity
AI helps people work more efficiently
AI can assist students with research
Disadvantages:
Overdependence on technology
Ethical issues and plagiarism in education
Risk of job replacement
2. Automation and the Future of Work
Work is one of the most frequent DELF B2 themes, and automation is increasingly part of that discussion. Articles often present a small everyday example, such as automated services, robots, or digital tools replacing human tasks.
When students see these topics, they should immediately think about the larger debate about the future of work. The goal in your presentation is not just to describe the technology, but to explain what it means for employees, companies, and society.
Here are some typical arguments you can prepare in advance:
Advantages:
Increased productivity
Faster services for customers
Reduced operational costs
Disadvantages:
Job losses in some sectors
Reduced human interaction
Economic inequality between skilled and unskilled workers
3. The 4-Day Work Week
Another debate that frequently appears in French media is the four-day work week. This topic is attractive for the DELF exam because it allows examiners to explore questions about productivity, wellbeing, and modern work culture.
When preparing this theme, try to think about both the employee perspective and the company perspective. Examiners appreciate when students show they can analyse an issue from multiple angles.
Arguments students could prepare include:
Advantages:
Better work-life balance
Reduced stress
Higher motivation among employees
Disadvantages:
Potential productivity loss
Difficult to implement in some industries
Possible salary adjustments
4. Environment and Fast Fashion
Environmental topics are extremely common in the DELF exam because they combine social behaviour, economic interests, and political decisions. Fast fashion is a particularly interesting example because it connects consumer habits with environmental responsibility.
When preparing this theme, students should think about how governments, companies, and consumers each play a role in environmental change.
Possible arguments you could develop include:
Advantages:
Reduces environmental damage
Encourages responsible consumption
Supports sustainable brands
Disadvantages:
Higher prices for consumers
Economic impact on the fashion industry
Potential job losses in certain sectors
5. Green Travel and Local Tourism
Tourism is another theme that appears regularly in the DELF exam, especially when connected to environmental concerns. Articles may focus on new travel habits such as local tourism or environmentally responsible travel choices.
For students, the key is to understand the tension between economic benefits and environmental protection. Tourism supports many economies, but it can also damage natural environments if it is not managed carefully.
Arguments to prepare might include:
Advantages:
Lower carbon emissions
Support for local economies
Preservation of natural environments
Disadvantages:
Reduced access to international travel
Economic impact on global tourism
Higher costs for sustainable travel options
6. Education in the Digital Age
Education is another major theme in DELF B2 exams, particularly as digital tools transform the way students learn. Articles often explore how technology changes classroom dynamics and learning methods.
When preparing this topic, students should consider both the opportunities created by technology and the challenges it introduces for teachers and learners.
Typical arguments students prepare include:
Advantages:
Technology improves access to information
Digital tools support flexible learning
Students develop technological skills
Disadvantages:
Distraction in classrooms
Reduced critical thinking
Overreliance on technology
7. Social Changes in Urban Life
Finally, many DELF B2 articles explore everyday social issues related to modern city life. These topics are often easier for students to discuss because they connect to daily experiences such as living in cities, community life, and wellbeing.
When preparing this theme, try to think about how cities are evolving and how governments attempt to improve quality of life for residents.
Arguments you might prepare include:
Advantages:
Improved quality of life
Stronger community connections
Health and environmental benefits
Disadvantages:
High implementation costs
Limited space in cities
Maintenance challenges
How to Build a Strong Argument Bank
The smartest way to prepare for the DELF B2 exam is not to memorize one topic.
Instead, prepare argument banks linked to macro themes.
For each macro theme, prepare:
3 advantages
3 disadvantages
2 examples
key vocabulary
This allows you to adapt quickly to almost any article.
For example, if you prepare arguments about technology and automation, you will automatically be ready for multiple micro topics such as:
self-service checkouts
AI tools
digital workplaces
This flexibility is what allows candidates to succeed during both the exposé and the debate.
How to Build a Strong Argument Bank
The smartest way to prepare for the DELF B2 exam is not to memorize one topic.
Instead, prepare argument banks linked to macro themes.
For each macro theme, prepare:
3 advantages
3 disadvantages
2 examples
key vocabulary
This allows you to adapt quickly to almost any article.
For example, if you prepare arguments about technology and automation, you will automatically be ready for multiple micro topics such as:
self-service checkouts
AI tools
digital workplaces
This flexibility is what allows candidates to succeed during both the exposé and the debate.
Final Advice for the DELF B2 Oral Exam
Remember that the examiner is not evaluating whether your opinion is right or wrong. What matters is your ability to explain ideas clearly and defend them logically in French.
When you receive the article, identify the micro topic, connect it to the macro theme, and use your prepared arguments to structure your presentation.
Students who master this technique find that the DELF B2 oral exam becomes much more predictable — and much less stressful.
