DELF A2 guide for teens

Alliance Française Vancouver is the official center for the DELF exam in Vancouver. To help our students succeed in their DELF exams, we have created a series of articles that provide tips to think about and work on as part of the DELF A2 preparation for teenagers from Grade 8 to 12.

This article covers the DELF A2 level, specifically for teenagers. There is also a test for children called DELF Prim which will be covered in another post.

You will also be able to download a DELF A2 sample guide with exercises to practice.

The DELF A2 Junior, or DELF for teens, is divided into two sections: collective session and individual evaluation.

The collective evaluation is divided into three parts, and the individual examination is held by 2 examiners.

To obtain your DELF A2 diploma, you must have a minimum of 50 points over 100.

Suggestions for oral comprehension

Read the instructions and questions carefully before the first audio play.
During the first audio play, retain all important information that will help answer the questions. (The subject of the conversation, the people that are speaking, the dates, the use of «tu» or «vous»).
The questions will appear in the order of the audio's storyline.
If you do not understand a word, try to understand what the overall document is about.
During the first audio play, if you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and try to answer the rest of the questions.
During the second audio play, verify your answers and complete those missing.

Advice to consider for the written comprehension

Carefully read the instructions and the document before starting to answer. Start by whichever exercise you feel will be easier.
Highlight or underline the most important information (the type of document, who wrote it, when was it written and why).
The questions will follow the order of the article.
For the True/False questions, copy the phrase of the document that justifies your answer.
Use a blank page to wrote your ideas.
If you do not understand a word, try to understand the overall context of the document.

The written production

Pay attention to your handwriting: the answers must be clear.
Read attentively the instructions, identify the theme and what you need to do. Think of the type of document that you must write.
Use a draft paper to write down your ideas.
Write simple and short sentences with the words that you know.
Use words as «et» and «alors» to link your ideas.
Re-read what you wrote and verify the spelling and grammar.
Count the number of words and write them on the bottom of your exam.

On the first exercise :

Write your observations. Use the possessive or negative adjectives and the verbs that express feelings ( détester, aimer, adorer)
Conjugate verbs to passé composé to recount the event or experience that happened, and the imparfait to talk about the description of the past.

On the second exercise :

Identify the type of document that you must write (post card, email) and the recipient.
Use the correct forms to address a person (« cher/chère », « Madame/Monsieur ») as well as the politness forms (« merci », « à bientôt »).

For the oral expression, consider

If you don’t know a word in French, try to find a word that means the same thing or explain it in another way.
If you don’t understand what the examinator is saying, ask him to repeat or to speak slowly. For example : « Excusez-moi, je ne comprends pas » / « Est-ce que vous pouvez répéter / « Est-ce que vous pouvez parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît ? »

For first part, the guided interview :

The evaluator will ask you questions about your daily lide: your identity, your family, your hobbies, interests, etc. He may ask about a past experience or project. The evaluator may also ask other questions to know more information.

For the second part, the follow-up monologue:

You will choose a subject out of two options. After that, you will have 5 minutes to prepare. You must answer all questions regarding the subject: Present the person, an event, the activity, etc. The evaluator will ask you questions to complete your presentation.
Write your ideas in a draft paper, in simple words.

For the third part, the simulated dialogue

The evaluator will play a role. You will choose which subject you prefer, among the two choices that will be offered to you. You must ask for information and make proposals to organise an event, or to solve a situation. Furthermore, you will have 5 minutes to prepare your arguments.
To come up with ideas of what to say, you must take into consideration your role, the evaluator's role and what you must do.

Use the polite greetings and formulations, according to the situation: « Bonjour / salut », « Merci » et « Au revoir/ salut ».
Use « tu » is the evaluator is playing the role of a friend or « vous » if it is a person you do not know.

These are some general tips to consider for your DELF Junior A2 exam; however, practicing by doing simulation exams is highly beneficial to ensure a positive outcome in your DELF exam. You can also improve your DELF outcome by joining our intensive French summer classes!

You can download a DELF Junior A2 sample preparation exam here:

Did you know that in British Columbia you can use your DELF certificate to get external credits from Grade 10 to 12? Find out more on our blog article DELF Junior: How to get external credits for schools.

Work towards succeeding your DELF exams by registering in one of our French classes for teens!

Want to present your DELF exam in Vancouver? Register today for one of our upcoming tests!

DELF A2 preparation guide for teens