DELF B1 Speaking Test: Common Questions and How to Answer Them

DELF B1 Speaking Test: Common Questions and How to Answer Them

The DELF B1 speaking test can seem intimidating if you don’t know what to expect, but once you understand the structure and prepare with real examples, it becomes much easier. This guide will walk you through the 3 parts of the DELF B1 oral exam, show you common topics and questions, and give you practical tips on how to respond naturally and effectively.

Whether you’re preparing for the DELF B1 in France, Canada, or abroad, this article will help you feel confident and ready to impress your examiner.

Understanding the Structure of the DELF B1 Speaking Test

The oral production (production orale) lasts about 15 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation before your presentation. It’s divided into three main tasks:

1. Part 1: Guided Interview (Entretien dirigé) – about 2 minutes

2. Part 2: Interactive Exercise (Exercice en interaction) – about 3 minutes

3. Part 3: Expressing an Opinion (Monologue suivi) – about 5 minutes, plus 10 minutes of prep
   

Let’s look at each one in detail, with examples of questions and how to answer them.

Part 1: Guided Interview — Talk About Yourself

This is the warm-up. The examiner asks you simple, personal questions about your life, studies, work, or hobbies. The goal is to test your ability to talk spontaneously about familiar topics.

Common Questions:

• Parlez-moi de vous.

• Où habitez-vous ?

• Que faites-vous dans la vie ?

• Qu’aimez-vous faire pendant votre temps libre ?

• Avez-vous déjà voyagé en France ou dans un autre pays francophone ?
  

How to Answer:

Keep your answers short but natural, around 3–5 sentences each.
Example:

Je m’appelle Juliette, j’ai 26 ans et je viens de France. J’habite à Paris, où je travaille comme institutrice. Pendant mon temps libre, j’aime écouter de la musique et faire du sport.

Tips:

• Smile and show enthusiasm.

• Use linking words like et, mais, aussi, parce que, donc to sound more fluent.

• Prepare short personal stories — they make your answers sound authentic.

Part 2: Interactive Exercise — Role Play

Here, the examiner gives you a situation and you must interact naturally, like in real life. You’ll receive a card with instructions explaining the situation (for example, making a complaint, asking for information, or convincing someone).

Examples of Situations:

• You’re in a store and want to return a defective product.

• You’re booking a hotel room and asking for more information.

• You’re convincing a friend to go on vacation with you.
  

Example Dialogue:

Examiner: Bonjour, que puis-je faire pour vous ?
You: Bonjour, j’ai acheté ce pull hier, mais il a un trou. Est-ce possible de l’échanger ?

Examiner: Avez-vous le ticket de caisse ?
You: Oui, bien sûr. Je l’ai gardé.

Tips:

• Use polite expressions: Bonjour, s’il vous plaît, excusez-moi, merci beaucoup.

• React naturally — don’t memorize a script.

• Show initiative by adding details (J’ai acheté ce produit hier, mais je n’étais pas satisfait).

• Practice with a friend or teacher — this part is all about spontaneity.

Part 3: Expressing an Opinion — The Monologue

This is the most important part of the DELF B1 speaking test. You’ll receive a short text or document (for example, a newspaper article or an online post) and you’ll have 10 minutes to prepare your opinion about it.

Structure Your Answer Clearly:

Use this 3-step structure for a strong response:

1. Introduction: Present the topic in your own words.

   Le document parle de l’utilisation du vélo en ville.

2. Personal opinion: Give your point of view.

   À mon avis, c’est une excellente idée, car le vélo est écologique et économique.

3. Arguments and examples: Support your opinion with reasons.

   D’abord, cela réduit la pollution. Ensuite, c’est bon pour la santé. Par exemple, je vais souvent au travail à vélo.

Common Topics:

• Technology and social media

• Environment and daily habits

• Education and work

• Travel and culture

• Health and lifestyle

Useful Phrases:

• À mon avis… (In my opinion)

• Je pense que… (I think that)

• Je suis d’accord / Je ne suis pas d’accord…

• D’un côté… de l’autre côté…

• Pour conclure…
  

Tips for Success:

• Avoid reading your notes, speak naturally.

• Keep your tone clear and confident.

• Focus on clarity, not perfection. Mistakes are fine if your message is clear.

Final Advice for the DELF B1 Speaking Test

1. Practice speaking every day. Talk to yourself, record your answers, or find a language partner.

2. Time yourself. Practice answering in the right length (around 2 minutes per question in part 3).

3. Use connectors. Words like d’abord, ensuite, cependant, enfin help structure your ideas.

4. Work on pronunciation. Clear speech matters more than complex vocabulary.

5. Simulate the real exam. Practice full mock tests under timed conditions.

🏁 Conclusion

The DELF B1 speaking test is your chance to show that you can communicate in real French. The key is not perfection, but fluency, structure, and confidence.

Learn the format, practice common questions, and use natural connectors to organize your thoughts. Remember, the examiners aren’t looking for perfect grammar; they want to see that you can speak and react naturally in French.

With regular practice and clear strategies, you’ll be ready to impress — and earn that DELF B1 certificate with pride.