DELF B1 Writing: how to write the essay
Antoine L.
Native French Teacher, Paris
8 min read
The DELF B1 writing task looks intimidating and is actually the most controllable part of the exam. You write one essay, on a familiar topic, using a structure you can prepare in advance. Nail the plan and the connectors and you secure most of the marks before grammar even enters the picture. Here's exactly how.
What the task actually is
You get one prompt asking your opinion on an everyday theme — technology, the environment, life in your country, city living. You write 160–180 words in about 45 minutes, and it's marked out of 25.
Where the marks come from
This is the insight that changes everything: more than half the marks are for content and coherence, not grammar. The grid rewards being on topic and the right length, presenting facts clearly, expressing an opinion, and — crucially — linking your ideas. Grammar and vocabulary matter, but a simple, well-organised essay beats a "clever" one that rambles.
The four-paragraph structure that always works
- Introduction (2–3 lines). Rephrase the question and state your position. De nos jours… / La question de… se pose souvent.
- Argument 1 + example. One clear idea, then a precise example. Tout d'abord… Par exemple,…
- Argument 2 + example. A second idea, ideally a nuance or the other side. Cependant… / En revanche,…
- Conclusion (2 lines). Restate your opinion — don't add new ideas. Pour conclure, je pense que…
A short model answer
Prompt: In your opinion, has the internet changed daily life for the better?
De nos jours, Internet fait partie de notre vie quotidienne. À mon avis, ce changement est plutôt positif, même s'il a aussi des inconvénients.
Tout d'abord, Internet nous rend la vie plus facile. Par exemple, je peux parler avec ma famille qui habite loin, chercher un travail ou étudier une langue depuis chez moi.
Cependant, ce progrès a un côté négatif. Les gens passent trop de temps devant leurs écrans et se parlent moins qu'avant. Par exemple, dans le métro, tout le monde regarde son téléphone.
Pour conclure, je pense qu'Internet a rendu la vie plus pratique, mais qu'il faut apprendre à mieux l'utiliser.
It's simple French — and that's the point. It's on topic, the right length, clearly organised, one positive and one negative as many prompts ask, with visible linking words. That alone secures the content and coherence marks.
Your connector bank
- Add an idea: tout d'abord · premièrement · ensuite · de plus
- Give an example: par exemple · c'est le cas de · comme
- Contrast: cependant · pourtant · en revanche · au contraire
- Cause / consequence: parce que · car · c'est pourquoi · donc
- Give an opinion: à mon avis · selon moi · je pense que · je trouve que
- Conclude: pour conclure · en conclusion · finalement
Your self-check before you hand it in
- 160–180 words? (count them)
- Did I answer the whole prompt — including any second part?
- At least four linking words?
- At least one concrete example per argument?
- Verbs checked — present, passé composé, and agreements (elle est arrivée)?
Best practice: write your essay by hand in 45 minutes, then re-read it once for meaning and once only for verb endings and agreements. Those two passes catch most B1 mistakes.
Get the decoded grid and graded models
The DELF B1 Masterclass Writing Pack breaks the scoring grid into plain English and gives you annotated model answers for the official prompts — so you can see exactly what earns each point. Part of the full course, taught in English.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is the DELF B1 essay?
160 to 180 words. Under 160 is penalised; far over wastes time and adds mistakes.
How long do you get?
About 45 minutes for one essay. Plan briefly, write, then leave a few minutes to check verbs and agreements.
What matters most?
Content and coherence — more than half the marks. On topic, right length, well organised and full of linking words beats "clever" but messy.