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DELF B2 Speaking Structure & Evaluation Criteria | OralPrep Guide

The DELF B2 Production Orale is the gateway to university in France. At this level, you are expected to be able to construct a structured argument and defend your opinion spontaneously.

The format is unique: you have 30 minutes of preparation and approximately 20 minutes of speaking (Monologue + Debate).

Struggling to find arguments?

OralPrep gives you topics like “Remote Work” or “Ecology” and helps you structure your “Plan” (Introduction, Arguments, Conclusion).

Practice B2 Argumentation

Structure of the Production Orale DELF B2

Unlike lower levels, there is only one exercise, but split into two phases:

1. The Preparation (30 minutes)

Before meeting the examiner, you draw two short documents (usually articles of about 150-200 words). You choose one. During these 30 minutes, you must:

  • Define a Problématique (the key question the text raises).
  • Create a Plan (Introduction, Development, Conclusion).
    • - Prepare your arguments and examples.

    2. The Monologue “Exposé” (5 to 7 minutes)

    You present your reflection to the examiner without interruption.

  • Introduction: Present the document, state the issue (problématique), and announce your plan (“Dans un premier temps… ensuite…”).

  • Development: Present your arguments clearly. Use connectors (“D’une part…”, “Par ailleurs…”, “En revanche…”).

  • Conclusion: Summarize your specific stance and open the debate.

    • 3. The Debate (Débat) (10 to 13 minutes)

    Once you finish, the examiner will ask you questions. They might play the “devil’s advocate” to test your ability to defend your point of view.

  • Goal: Maintain your position, or nuance it, but always justifying yourself.

  • Key skill: Reacting to counter-arguments (“Je comprends votre point de vue, mais…”, “Il est vrai que…, cependant…”).

    • Official Evaluation Criteria

    At level B2, fluency and grammar are important, but structure is key:

    1. Monologue Structure: Did you announce a plan? Is your thinking logical? Did you stick to the time limit?

    2. Capacity to Argue: Are your arguments relevant? Do you illustrate them with examples?

    3. Vocabulary: Broad vocabulary. Ability to vary synonyms to avoid repetition.

    4. Morphosyntax (Grammar): Good control of complex sentence structures (subjunctive, hypothetical clauses, relative pronouns). You can correct your own mistakes.

    Example: How to start your Introduction

    Topic: Smartphones in schools.

    “Le document que j’ai lu traite de l’interdiction des portables à l’école. L’auteur souligne que cela améliore la concentration. Cela nous amène à nous demander : L’école doit-elle être un sanctuaire déconnecté pour favoriser l’apprentissage ? (Problématique). Pour répondre, nous verrons d’abord les avantages pour l’attention des élèves, puis nous discuterons des limites de cette interdiction à l’ère numérique.” (Plan).

    Master the Debate

    Use OralPrep to simulate the debate part. The AI will challenge your arguments just like a real examiner.

    Start B2 Simulation