Exam structure
The DELF B1 oral test has three connected parts
The official assessment covers a guided interview, an interaction task and the expression of a point of view. The complete oral test lasts up to 15 minutes, with preparation time for the third part.
Entretien dirigé
2–3 minutes · no preparation
Introduce yourself and discuss your activities, interests, past experiences and future plans. Develop answers instead of stopping after one sentence.
Exercice en interaction
3–4 minutes · no preparation
Play a role in an everyday problem. Explain your position, react to objections, suggest solutions and close the exchange politely.
Expression d’un point de vue
5–7 minutes · 10 minutes preparation
Introduce the topic from a short document, state your opinion, justify it with examples and discuss it with the examiner.
Verify current requirements with France Éducation international, the official source for the DELF.
Practice material
Realistic questions for each part
Part 1: personal interview
- • Pouvez-vous vous présenter et parler de vos activités actuelles ?
- • Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire pendant votre temps libre ? Pourquoi ?
- • Parlez-moi d’un projet que vous aimeriez réaliser cette année.
Part 2: interaction
Vous avez acheté un article défectueux. Le vendeur refuse de vous rembourser. Expliquez le problème, répondez à ses objections et cherchez une solution acceptable.
Useful language: Je comprends, mais… / Ce que je vous propose, c’est… / Serait-il possible de… ?
Part 3: point of view
De plus en plus de personnes travaillent à distance. Est-ce une évolution positive pour les salariés et les entreprises ? Présentez votre opinion avec des raisons et des exemples.
Organise with: Tout d’abord… / Par exemple… / Cependant… / Pour conclure…
Speaking strategy
Use four moves to develop an answer
When you are unsure how much to say, use this sequence. It turns a short opinion into a clear B1 response without requiring complicated grammar.
- 1. Answer
State your position directly: À mon avis, le télétravail est utile.
- 2. Give a reason
Explain why: parce qu’il permet de gagner du temps.
- 3. Add an example
Make it concrete: par exemple, on évite deux heures de transport.
- 4. Add balance
Show nuance: cependant, il peut être difficile de travailler seul.
Evaluation
What examiners are listening for
The official grid considers whether you complete each task and how effectively you use French across the three parts. Practise communication, not memorised perfection.
Task completion
Answer the actual question, fulfil your role and keep the exchange moving.
Vocabulary
Use words suited to the subject and explain around a word you cannot remember.
Grammar
Control familiar sentence structures while attempting some more developed ideas.
Pronunciation
Remain understandable, articulate and use rhythm that supports your meaning.
Seven-day plan
Prepare by rotating skills, not memorising one script
Record two personal introductions and improve the detail in each answer.
Practise role plays: request, complain, persuade, negotiate and close politely.
Give three-minute opinions using reasons, examples, contrast and a conclusion.
Run one complete mock sequence without stopping to correct every mistake.