Listening is an essential part of language learning and assessment, and it is an important part of the DELF exams, which are internationally recognized French language proficiency tests. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the listening section of the DELF exams and how it is structured in the different levels: A1, A2, B1, and B2.
The DELF exams are divided into four levels, which correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The A1 and A2 levels are designed for beginner and intermediate learners, while the B1 and B2 levels are for more advanced learners. Each level is divided into two parts: written and oral. The listening section is part of the written exam, and it tests the candidate’s ability to understand spoken French.
Listening in the DELF A1
In the A1 level, the listening section consists of three or four recordings. The recordings are short (less than 3 minutes long) and simple, and the questions are straightforward, asking the candidate to identify specific information from the recordings or to complete sentences with the appropriate word or phrase. The aim of this section is to test the candidate’s basic understanding of spoken French in everyday situations and their ability to identify the main ideas in a recording.
Listening in the DELF A2
In the A2 level, the listening section consists of three or four recordings. The recordings are slightly longer and more complex than in the A1 level, and the questions are varied, including multiple-choice, matching, and true/false questions. The aim of this section is to test the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret everyday spoken texts in more detail, including the tone, style, and purpose of the recordings.
Listening in the DELF B1
In the B1 level, the listening section consists of three recordings. The recordings are longer and more challenging than in the lower levels, and the questions are often open-ended, requiring the candidate to make inferences and draw conclusions based on the recordings. The aim of this section is to test the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret spoken texts in depth, including the underlying themes and ideas.
Listening in the DELF B2
In the B2 level, the listening section consists of two recordings typically of an interview, news bulletin, presentation, lecture, speech, documentary, radio or television programme (played twice). The aim of this section is to test the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret spoken texts critically and to evaluate the arguments and viewpoints presented in the recordings.
The listening section of the DELF exams is an important part of the assessment process, and it is designed to test the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret spoken texts in French at different levels of proficiency. By preparing for and performing well on this section, candidates can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in listening comprehension, which is essential for effective communication in French.