Last updated on June 22nd, 2026 at 10:51 pm
The writing part of the DELF B1, the production écrite, is worth 25% of your total mark. You get 45 minutes to write about 180 words on a general theme, in the form of an essay, a letter, an article or something similar. You can find where to sit the exam and how to register on the official DELF page.
Here is how the writing task is marked, two real sample topics so you know what to expect, and five practical tips to score well.
The short version
- 45 minutes, 160 to 180 words, worth 25% of the DELF B1.
- Examiners mark how well you follow the instructions, present ideas, and use vocabulary and grammar.
- Plan first, pick a clear structure, and match the format you are asked for.
- Play it safe: a simple sentence written correctly beats a complex one full of mistakes.
- Save a few minutes at the end to hunt for the mistakes you usually make.
The DELF B1 writing exam at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Time | 45 minutes |
| Length | 160 to 180 words |
| Weight | 25% of the total DELF B1 mark |
| Task types | Essay, letter, article or similar, on a general theme |
How your writing is marked
The examiner scores your text against a set of criteria. Knowing them tells you exactly where the marks come from.
| What is assessed | What examiners want to see |
|---|---|
| Following the instructions | You answer the actual question and respect the word count. |
| Describing facts | You report events and situations clearly and accurately. |
| Expressing ideas | You give your opinions, feelings and reactions in a clear way. |
| Coherence | Your ideas and your structure follow a logical order. |
| Vocabulary range | Enough words for general topics, plus ways to work around the ones you are missing. |
| Vocabulary accuracy | Everyday words used correctly, even if more complex ideas are still harder. |
| Spelling and punctuation | Clean enough, with paragraphs, that the reader follows you easily. |
| Grammar and sentences | A mix of simple and more complex structures, the right tenses, and correct agreements. |
Sample writing topics
Here are two topics in the real exam format. Try writing one in 45 minutes to see where you stand.
Sujet n°1 – Essai
À votre avis, quels ont été les changements les plus importants des vingt dernières années dans votre pays ? Quels sont ceux qui ont été positifs ou ceux qui ont été négatifs selon vous ?
Vous écrirez un texte construit et cohérent sur ce sujet (160 à 180 mots).
Sujet n°2 – Réponse à un mail
Vous recevez ce mail de Louisa, une amie française :
Salut, mon entreprise me propose de quitter Brest pour aller travailler à New York. C’est une bonne nouvelle, mais comment je vais faire dans une si grande ville alors que j’adore la nature ! Il y a aussi les problèmes de la langue, du logement, des amis… Je me sens un peu perdue. Tu en penses quoi ? À très vite ! Louisa
Vous répondez à Louisa. Vous lui donnez votre opinion en lui donnant des exemples d’expériences diverses. (160 mots minimum)
Five tips to score well
- Plan before you write. Read the topic, jot down every idea on scrap paper, then sort them.
- Build a clear structure. Decide your introduction, body and conclusion before the first sentence.
- Match the format. If the task asks for a letter, use the openings and closings a letter needs.
- Play it safe. The exam is not the moment for risks. Use sentence patterns you know well. A simple sentence written correctly beats a complex one full of mistakes.
- Reread for your usual mistakes. Check plural s, that every sentence has a verb, agreements, and the slips you know you tend to make.
Reread tip: In the last five minutes, hunt only for the mistakes you make most often, like a missing plural s, a sentence with no verb, or a wrong agreement. Fixing your known weak spots is the fastest way to gain marks.
How to prepare for the DELF B1 writing
The writing and speaking parts are the hardest to prepare alone. For listening and reading, a good practice book often does the job. For writing, you need feedback on what you actually produce. A native French teacher can help you:
- reach a solid B1 level before the exam, so you are confident with the tenses, structures and vocabulary you need;
- rehearse real sample topics so you know exactly what is expected and improve as you practise;
- get personal advice on the points that will earn, or cost, you marks.
You can do all of this one-on-one in online lessons over Zoom, and start with a free trial and evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the DELF B1 writing exam and how many words do I write?
You have 45 minutes and write about 160 to 180 words. The writing part counts for 25% of your total DELF B1 mark.
How is the DELF B1 production écrite marked?
Examiners score whether you follow the instructions and word count, present facts and ideas clearly, and stay coherent, plus your vocabulary range and accuracy, spelling, and grammar, including sentence variety, tenses and agreements.
What kinds of texts come up in the DELF B1 writing exam?
General-theme tasks such as an essay, a letter or an article. A common format is giving your opinion on a topic, or replying to a message from a friend with advice and examples.
Should I write simple or complex sentences in the DELF B1?
Favour what you control. A simple sentence written correctly scores better than a complex one full of mistakes. Show some variety where you can, but do not take risks that lead to errors.
How can I improve my DELF B1 writing score?
Write timed sample topics, then get feedback on real mistakes. The writing part is hard to fix alone, so working with a native teacher who corrects your texts and targets your weak points is the fastest way to improve.
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