DELF B2 Production Orale Exercise : practice 2

The DELF B2 oral production (production orale) often challenges candidates with complex societal themes. The sample tasks from Edito B2—about excess salt in processed food and body objectification—are excellent examples of what to expect. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prepare for both parts of the speaking task (monologue and interaction), explain how to structure your argument, and give you vocabulary and phrases that help you speak with clarity and confidence.

 Understanding the Task Format

Part 1: Monologue Suivi (Followed Monologue)

• Duration: ~5–7 minutes

• Goal: Present a structured, argument-based opinion based on a short article

• What you must do:

  • Identify the issue or debate raised in the article

  • Present your opinion and support it with arguments and examples

  • Use connectors, formal expressions, and structure

Part 2: Interaction with the Examiner

• Duration: ~5–8 minutes

• Goal: Defend your views, react to opposing opinions, explain and clarify

Preparation Time Before Speaking: 30 minutes
Total Duration: 20 minutes

How to Approach the Monologue Task

Step 1: Identify the Core Issue (Problématique)

• Sujet 1: Les risques d’un “corps objet” – the danger of turning the body into an object

• Sujet 2: L’excès de sel et l’industrie agroalimentaire – balancing public health and economic interests

Step 2: Brainstorm Your Ideas

In your prep time, list:

• 3 key arguments

• 1 or 2 examples per argument

• Vocabulary or expressions you’ll need

Step 3: Structure Your Speech (3-Part Model)

1. Introduction

   • Thème du document

   • Problématique claire

   • Annonce du plan

2. Argumentation (2-3 arguments)

   • Argument + explication + exemple

   • Use of connectors (d’abord, ensuite, cependant, en effet…)

3. Conclusion

   • Résumé de votre position

   • Élargissement possible

Tutor Tip:

Use your notes to write short sentence starters or phrases, not full sentences. This keeps your delivery more natural.

Vocabulary & Functional Phrases by Topic

Sujet 1: Le corps objet (Body Objectification)

Thèmes: Psychologie, santé mentale, bien-être

Useful Expressions:

• Un corps objectifié = A body seen as an object

• La tyrannie du corps parfait = The tyranny of the perfect body

• Les soins corporels peuvent améliorer l’image de soi = Self-care improves body image

• La société impose des normes esthétiques strictes = Society imposes strict beauty standards

• L’obsession de l’apparence peut nuire à la santé mentale = Appearance obsession can harm mental health

Sample Connectors:

• Il est vrai que… cependant…

• Certains pensent que… mais selon moi…

• Cela peut entraîner… / Cela provoque…

 Sujet 2: Le sel et la santé (Salt, Industry, Health)

Thèmes: Économie, santé publique, nutrition

Key Vocabulary:

• L’excès de sel entraîne des maladies cardiovasculaires = Excess salt causes heart disease

• Les industriels ajoutent du sel pour améliorer le goût à bas prix = Salt enhances cheap food taste

• Les consommateurs ne sont pas toujours informés = Consumers aren’t always informed

• L’état doit protéger la santé publique = The state must protect public health

• Les lobbies agroalimentaires influencent les politiques = Food industry lobbies influence policy

Strong Phrases:

• Il est nécessaire que le gouvernement intervienne – It’s necessary for the government to act

• On pourrait envisager une taxe sur le sel – One could consider a salt tax

• Les chiffres sont alarmants : 25 000 décès par an – The statistics are alarming: 25,000 deaths/year

 Sample Sentence Starters for Argumentation

• Selon moi, il est essentiel de…

• On constate que…

• Une solution serait de…

• Il faut reconnaître que…

• Ce phénomène résulte de…

How to Succeed in the Interaction

• Prepare counter-arguments to defend your views

• Use polite disagreement:

  • Je comprends votre point de vue, cependant…

  • Je respecte votre opinion, mais permettez-moi de nuancer…

• Ask clarification:

  • Que voulez-vous dire par là ?

  • Pouvez-vous préciser votre idée ?

Practice Activity

1. Choose one article from the task

2. Prepare a 2-minute introduction, a 5-minute argumentation, and a 2-minute conclusion

3. Record yourself and listen back

4. Practice with a tutor or peer to simulate the interaction

 Final Tips

• Stick to your structure: intro → argument → conclusion

• Avoid reading; speak with natural intonation

• Use 2–3 high-quality expressions per argument

• Make eye contact and speak slowly

• Use connectors to keep speech flowing

For more Practice for your French exam, check out our Mock French Exam  and the following pages on our site:

DELF B2 Production Ecrite Exercise : practice 1

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