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DELE News

12/05/12

DELE B2


The new exam model for level B2 will be implemented beginning with the August 2013 exam.

Category: General

DELE B2

The DELE B2 diploma certifies that candidates have reached an advanced level of Spanish and that they can communicate in the language, both orally and in writing, without having any major problems.

This diploma certifies that the speaker of the language has the ability to understand the main idea of complex texts, even those that deal with abstract topics, are written in different varieties of Spanish, or are of a technical nature (and especially texts on subjects that are not new to the candidate). It also certifies the ability to interact with all types of speakers, and with enough fluency and naturalness to ensure that communication is not a struggle for anyone that speaks with the diploma holder. Finally, the diploma guarantees that the candidate can produce clear and detailed texts on different topics and in formats which may include analysis, discussion or the defense of one's point of view.

The new exam model for level B2 will be implemented beginning with the August 2013 exam. Some of its main features are the following:

It is made up of four tests:

1. Reading comprehension. Time: 70 minutes. 4 tasks:
a. Section 1: Answer 6 multiple choice questions (3 options) about a complex informational text of around 450 words.
b. Section 2: Match four texts containing opinions, anecdotes or commentary with ten questions or statements.
c. Section 3: Complete a news article with six long sentences to be chosen from 8 options.
d. Identify grammatical structures by filling in blanks given in a literary or historic text.

2. Listening comprehension. Time: 40 minutes. 5 sections.
a. Section 1. Answer 6 multiple choice questions about 6 formal conversations.
b. Section 2. Identify and associate "who said what" in six questions based on a personal conversation between two people.
c. Section 3. Answer 6 multiple choice questions about an argumentative or expositive radio or television interview.
d. Section 4. Match six people with 9 statements after listening to 6 short monologues or brief conversations, narratives, etc.
e. Section 5. Answer six multiple choice questions after listening to a lecture or a speech.

3. Written expression and interaction. Time: 80 minutes. 2 sections:
a. Section 1: Write a formal or informal letter (150 to 180 words), following instructions and using an oral text (about 250 words) as a base.
b. Section 2: Write a formal text: opinion-based article, blog, magazine… based on two options from which you choose one. These options could be: a statistical graph or chart, a news article, a blog, a theatrical or literary review, etc.

4. Oral expression and interaction. Time: 15 minutes (plus fifteen extra minutes to prepare). 3 sections:
a. Section 1. After carefully observing two options given on a card that presents a problem with possible solutions, prepare a 4 – 5 minute monologue and establish a conversation about possible solutions to the conflict.
b. Section 2. You'll be shown two cards, from which you'll choose one, each with a photo and a description of a situation. Prepare a monologue presenting and describing the situation and discuss with the interviewer.
c. Section 3. Establish a brief informal conversation (3 or 4 minutes) with the interviewer based on one or two cards (you'll choose one) that contain information about current news items.

One important thing to point out in regards to this final test is that candidates will have fifteen minutes to prepare for sections 1 and 2. This means that they may prepare an outline or write down notes, but they will not be allowed to only read directly from a text.

Section 3 does not allow for previous preparation, which reminds candidates that the ability to improvise and to react quickly are valuable skills for this exam.