My experience (as a DELE exam tutor and examiner) has shown me that most candidates hinge on passing the DELE C1/C2 in the written exam. Well, now the written exam is part of the so-called ‘integrated skills,’ which makes a lot of sense since writing, reading, and listening are often intertwined in real life.
Today, we’ve gathered some tips for everyone taking the exam this year, especially for those who are already nervous about the upcoming DELE exam on July 18, to help them face this challenging test.
Description of the DELE C Written Test
Before we begin, let’s clarify the concepts we’ll be referring to throughout this article. Each test is divided into tasks. The written test for C1 is the third overall in the exam, and the second for C2. Let’s break it down:
1. DELE C1, Test 3: ‘Integrated skills: listening comprehension and written expression and interaction.’ Two tasks in a total of 80 minutes (including audio):
- Task 1: Summary and argumentation of an oral text (audio). Between 220-250 words.
- Task 2: There are two options, either write an informative/expository text (report, review, blog…) or a formal letter, either a request or complaint. Between 180-220 words.
You can find an exam example on the Instituto Cervantes website.
2. DELE C2, Test 2: ‘Integrated skills: listening comprehension and written expression and interaction.’ Three tasks in a total of 150 minutes (including audio).
- Task 1: Write an article synthesizing an oral text (audio) and two written texts on the same topic. Between 400-450 words.
- Task 2: Transform and correct a given text into one of a different type or register. Between 150-200 words.
- Task 3: Write an expository text (a report) or a formal letter based on some graphs. Between 200-250 words. Just like in C1, a sample exam and audio are available on the Instituto Cervantes website in the main menu.
DELE C1 and C2 Levels: Points in Common
What are the common points between both levels?
Listening (and reading) to write. In both levels, the first task involves combining listening, reading, and writing skills. For C1, it starts with an audio, and for C2, with an audio and two texts (informative and opinion), in order to synthesize the given material and write an expository and argumentative text. Therefore, the key is to prepare well before writing your article. We recommend taking notes from both the audio and the texts, so that by the end you can extract a maximum of three main ideas from each one.
- Remember that, especially in C1, it’s important not to present too many points, as the length is limited (250 words for C1, 450 for C2). In the C1 exam, the task is to write a summary and an argumentation separately, and our advice would be to dedicate equal length to each (125 words each).
- The graphics option. Regarding the second task in C1, the candidate has the option to choose between two types of texts. In the case of option 1, it involves writing an expository text (usually a report) based on some graphs. This is similar to task 3 in C2, though the length is slightly greater (250 words in C2, 220 in C1). The most important thing here is not to get confused by the graphs, and not to try to mention every percentage. Instead, focus on the common points and incorporate them into the required type of text. Normally, it’s essential to distinguish between evaluating the results and giving your opinion. Giving your opinion would NOT be appropriate in this type of text.
- The formal letter. A classic of the DELE, reinvented and expanded. In DELE C2, it can appear in any of the tasks, although in C1 it is always the second option. Since it’s a type of text with a fixed structure, it’s often the favorite option of candidates, but be careful not to just repeat learned formulas. Since it’s the most chosen option, you’ll need to add a touch of originality. There are various types of letters, but they can generally be categorized as letters of request or formal complaints.
Exclusive to DELE C2: Task 2
This is undoubtedly the major novelty of the redesigned DELE C2: task 2 of the written exam. It involves changing the format or register of a given text, and the type of text to write can range from an informational brochure to an email, an interview, a summary, etc. The length is shorter (around 150 words), and now more than ever, it’s crucial to carefully read what is being asked, as there are many possibilities. How should you approach this task? C2 requires you to go all out here. Writing a specific type of text from another obliges you to know the characteristics of both genres and, more than ever, to command the Spanish language as you see fit.
The key is to balance sticking to the original text and being a bit creative. The goal is to show that you control the language, not the other way around, so a bit of originality will be highly valued. Your mission will be to rewrite and correct, so it’s useful to refresh your grammar rules, and finally, to know the characteristics of the new text you need to write.
All the text types in the DELE C exam can be summarized as knowing how to synthesize, explain, and argue. And remember, grammar isn’t the most important thing. In addition, the correction evaluates coherence (structure, connectors, etc.) and the accuracy and breadth of your vocabulary.
DELE Teacher’s Tips
And one last piece of advice I give to my students in class: ‘Don’t overcomplicate things.’ Don’t try to show off by using grammar or vocabulary that goes beyond what’s expected, just to prove what you know. Simpler and more authentic is better. Above all, something clear and organized – that already accounts for 25% of success in the test!
And what about you? What are your tricks for facing the written test?
