DELF A1 Speaking Structure & Evaluation Criteria | OralPrep Guide
The DELF A1 Production Orale lasts 5 to 7 minutes plus 10 minutes of preparation (for Parts 2 and 3 only). It has 3 parts: Guided Interview (approx. 1 min), Exchange of Information (approx. 2 min), and Role-play Simulation (approx. 2 min). Evaluation focuses on being understood, basic vocabulary, simple grammar, and polite interaction (Bonjour, S’il vous plaît, Merci).
The DELF A1 Production Orale is the first step in French certification. It is a very guided exam designed for beginners. The atmosphere is usually friendly and the examiners are there to help you speak, not to trap you.
The total duration of the test is only 5 to 7 minutes, with 10 minutes for preparation (only for parts 2 and 3). Here we explain exactly what to expect.
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Structure of the Production Orale DELF A1
The test is divided into three parts:
1. Guided Interview (Entretien dirigé) - approx. 1 minute
This takes place without preparation. You enter the room, greet the examiner, and give your convocation. Then the examiner asks simple questions about you.
Example Question: “Comment vous appelez-vous ?”, “Quelle est votre nationalité ?”, “Qu’est-ce que vous aimez faire le week-end ?”
2. Exchange of Information (Échange d’informations) - approx. 2 minutes
You will have prepared this part for 10 minutes. You will draw 5 or 6 cards with words on them (and sometimes an image). Your task is to ask questions to the examiner based on these words.
- Example Card: “Dîner” (Dinner).
Expected Question: “À quelle heure vous dînez ?” (At what time do you have dinner?) or “Qu’est-ce que vous aimez manger pour le dîner ?”
Objective: Show you can form basic questions using “Où”, “Quand”, “Comment”, “Combien”.
3. Role-play / Simulation (Dialogue simulé) - approx. 2 minutes
Also prepared beforehand. You have to act out a simple daily life situation with the examiner. Usually a transaction involving goods or services.
Scenarios: Buying bread at a bakery, buying a train ticket, booking a hotel room, asking for a price in a shop.
Key phases: Greeting, asking for the product/service, asking the price, paying (simulation), saying goodbye.
Official Evaluation Criteria
For level A1, the expectations are adapted to beginners:
1. Phonetics: You do not need a perfect accent. You just need to be understood.
2. Vocabulary: Basic lexical repertoire (numbers, colors, family, simple objects).
3. Grammar (Morphosyntax): Ability to make simple sentences (Subject + Verb) and ask simple questions. Errors are expected and accepted.
4. Interaction: Politeness is crucial (“Bonjour”, “S’il vous plaît”, “Merci”, “Au revoir”).
Example Role-play (Part 3)
Scenario: At the bakery.
Candidate: “Bonjour Monsieur.”
Examiner: “Bonjour.”
Candidate: “Je voudrais une baguette et deux croissants, s’il vous plaît.”
Examiner: “Voilà. Ce sera tout ?”
Candidate: “Oui, c’est combien ?”
Examiner: “3 euros 50.”
Candidate: “Voilà. Merci, au revoir !”
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the DELF A1 speaking exam?
The total duration of the test is 5 to 7 minutes, plus 10 minutes of preparation time for parts 2 and 3 only.
What are the three parts of the DELF A1 Production Orale?
Part 1 is a Guided Interview (approximately 1 minute), Part 2 is an Exchange of Information (approximately 2 minutes), and Part 3 is a Role-play Simulation (approximately 2 minutes).
What topics are covered in the Guided Interview?
The examiner asks simple questions about your name, age, nationality, family, profession, and hobbies.
What is the main objective of the Exchange of Information part?
You must ask questions to the examiner based on 5 or 6 prepared cards using question words like Où, Quand, Comment, and Combien.
What are the main evaluation criteria for DELF A1?
Evaluation focuses on phonetics (being understood), basic vocabulary, simple grammar without requiring perfection, and politeness in interaction.