How to Prepare for the DELF B2 Production Écrite: A Step-by-Step Guide

Passing the DELF B2 exam opens up real academic and professional opportunities in the Francophone world. One section that can be especially challenging is the production écrite. This part of the test evaluates your ability to express your ideas clearly, structure arguments, and use appropriate grammar and vocabulary. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know to succeed in the writing section of the DELF B2—including examples and tips in both English and French.

What is the DELF B2 Production Écrite?

The production écrite of the DELF B2 lasts 60 minutes. During this time, you are expected to write a text of at least 250 words in response to a prompt. The format can be either:

• Une lettre formelle (a formal letter), often written in a personal or collective capacity

• Une contribution à un forum (a contribution to a public debate online)

Each task requires clear structure, logical development of ideas, and appropriate language register.

Step 1: Understand the Prompt (Comprendre la consigne)

You must identify:

• The type of text (forum post or formal letter)

• The theme or issue (typically related to French society or culture)

• Your position (are you for or against, in favor or opposed?)

Example: Sujet : Pensez-vous que les réseaux sociaux aient une influence positive sur la société ?

Here, you’ll need to take a clear position and support it.

Step 2: Structure Your Answer (Structurez votre réponse)

Use the classic structure:

• Introduction

  • Present the issue clearly.

  • State your opinion briefly.

• Développement (Body)

  • Paragraph 1: First argument + example

  • Paragraph 2: Second argument + example

  • Optional: Address an opposing view with a counter-argument

• Conclusion

  • Summarize your position

  • Optional: Suggest a solution or future perspective

French Tip: Use connectors like tout d’abord, ensuite, en revanche, cependant, pour conclure to structure your paragraphs.

Step 3: Meet the Linguistic Criteria

The examiners are looking for:

• Clear, grammatically correct sentences (use both simple and complex structures)

• Varied vocabulary (avoid repetition by using synonyms)

• Proper register (formal or neutral language depending on the task)

• Proper punctuation and layout

Example connectors and expressions:

• Je pense que / Je trouve que / Il me semble que…

• D’une part… d’autre part…

• En effet / C’est pourquoi / Ainsi…

Step 4: Practice With Sample Topics

Here are some practice prompts with brief response ideas:

Sujet 1: Faut-il rendre les transports publics gratuits ?

• Argument 1: Avantage écologique (moins de pollution)

• Argument 2: Accès pour tous (inclusivité sociale)

• Contre-argument: Coûts pour l’État

Sujet 2: La télétravail est-il l’avenir du travail ?

• Argument 1: Flexibilité et productivité

• Argument 2: Moins de trajets = plus de temps personnel

• Contre-argument: Isolement social

Try timing yourself with these prompts. Aim for 250-300 words. Use the format we discussed.

Step 5: Check and Revise Your Work (Relisez et corrigez)

Before you submit your writing, spend the last 5 minutes checking:

• Verb tenses and subject-verb agreement

• Logical flow between paragraphs

• Repetitive vocabulary

• If the required length is met (minimum 250 words)

Pro Tip: Always count your words. Practice using model answers and revise them with a tutor or native speaker.

Why Vocabulary Acquisition Matters

Vocabulary is a cornerstone of DELF B2 success. At this level, candidates are expected to demonstrate a rich and appropriate use of vocabulary. This doesn’t just mean knowing many words—it means using words that fit the topic, audience, and tone of the task.

For example, if you are writing about the environment, words like pollution, développement durable, gaz à effet de serre, or réchauffement climatique should naturally appear in your response. Examiners will reward you for using precise terminology over vague expressions.

Here’s what examiners look for:

• A wide range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic

• The use of synonyms to avoid repetition

• Correct spelling (even with more complex words)

• No overuse of generic terms like chose, problème, intéressant, or bon without context

Tip: Build topic-based vocabulary lists and review them often. Practice writing about common themes such as education, environment, health, technology, and culture.

Coherence and Cohesion: How to Make Your Writing Flow

Coherence means your ideas follow a logical order. Cohesion is how you link those ideas together.

To score well, your writing must:

• Follow a clear progression of ideas

• Use appropriate connectors and discourse markers

• Have separate paragraphs for each idea

Key linking words to learn and use include:

• Pour introduire : Premièrement, Tout d’abord, Il est important de noter que…

• Pour ajouter : De plus, Ensuite, En outre…

• Pour contraster : Cependant, En revanche, Néanmoins…

• Pour conclure : En conclusion, Pour résumer, Ainsi…

Avoid jumping from idea to idea. Think of your text as a guided path for your reader—each paragraph should connect smoothly to the next.