Common DELF B1 Speaking Mistakes That Cost You Points | Avoid These
You’ve studied grammar, you know the vocabulary, but you get to the oral exam and… you go blank or make basic mistakes due to nerves. Many students fail not because of a lack of French, but because of a lack of strategy.
Here we analyze the 4 most common mistakes that examiners penalize in levels B1 and B2, and how to correct them in time.
1. The “Chaotic Monologue” (Lack of structure)
In the expressing a point of view exercise (Part 3), the number one mistake is starting to speak without a plan. Jumping from one idea to another confuses the examiner.
Error: “I think the internet is good, but sometimes bad. My cousin uses it a lot. And it’s also cheap.”
Solution: Use logical connectors to structure your thought. Introduction → Argument 1 → Example → Argument 2 → Conclusion.
Correction: “D’une part, internet est un outil utile pour l’éducation. Par exemple, on peut trouver des cours en ligne. D’autre part, il y a des risques…“
2. Not answering the question (Hors-sujet)
Sometimes, wanting to use a set phrase we’ve memorized, we end up talking about a topic that has nothing to do with it. If the topic is “Teleworking” and you end up talking about “Pollution” without connecting it well, you will lose points on Coherence.
3. The dry “Yes/No” (Lack of development)
In the initial interview, answering with monosyllables is suicide. The examiner needs to hear you produce language to be able to evaluate you.
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Question: “Do you like to travel?”
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Bad: “Yes, a lot.” (Awkward silence)
Good: “Yes, I love traveling because it allows me to discover new cultures. Last year I went to…”
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4. “Frangloñol” and false friends
Inventing words by Frenchifying Spanish (or English) is tempting, but dangerous. Saying “Je suis constipé” to say you have a cold (when it means “constipated”) can cause comic, but incorrect situations.
How to practice to avoid this
The key is simulation. You have to put yourself in a real exam situation as many times as possible. By using OralPrep:
- We force you to structure your answer within the time limit.