DALF C1 test preparation

Following our series of guides for DALF exams, in this article we are going to discuss how to prepare for the DALF C1 exam. As an official centre for DELF and DALF exams in Vancouver, we have the experience and know-how on how to succeed in your DALF C1 test.

At the end of the article, you’ll be able to download a DALF C1 preparation guide so you can practice at home.

First, the overall DALF C1, like all other levels, is divided into a group section and an individual part. The group section lasts 4 hours, and the individual session lasts 1 hour 30 minutes (1 hour of preparation and 30 minutes of examination).

The collective part covers oral comprehension, written comprehension, and written expression.

The individual test consists of a presentation in form of a monologue and an interactive exchange with the evaluator.

Advice for oral comprehension:

Read the instructions before listening to each document and try to memorize them.
PLEASE NOTE: In the first exercise, you get two opportunities to listen to the audio recording, but you will only have ONE opportunity to listen for the second exercise.
During the first audio play, write down some notes on the type of document, the theme, the general idea, keywords, etc.
Pay attention to the positions and opinions of the interlocutors.
If you don’t understand a word, try to understand the overall context of the situation.
The questions follow the order of the documents. The first question is regarding the document in general.

For the written comprehension:

For each exercise, read each question first and then read the text.
The questions follow the order of the documents, the first question is related to the overall document.
While you read the document, underline the information that will help you answer the questions. Try to remember the theme, the idea, and the main keywords.

Suggestions for the written expression:

During the written expression, you must write from 200 to 240 words for the first part and a minimum of 250 words for the second part.

Read the instructions carefully and the initial document before starting.
Remember: the theme, type of document, keywords, and the overall idea.
Use a draft paper to write down your ideas and a plan.
The text you write must be coherent: it should have an introduction, body and ending.
Think of supporting your ideas with examples.
Take a few minutes to verify your spelling and grammar.
Write down the number of words at the end of the text.

For the oral expression:

The DALF C1 oral expression examination consists of two parts where you must be able to justify your point of view.

For part 1, the guided monologue: defending your point of view on a debate

First, you must pick 2 subjects. Select the one you prefer and prepare your arguments for 1 hour. You must be clear with the subject/topic of the document and reformulate the problem with important elements. After that, you must debate your point of view using examples.

For part 2, the interactive exercise: debate

During this part, the evaluator will ask me questions based on your written essay. You must defend your point of view and debate it.

Advice on the oral expression:

Greet the evaluators once you arrive and when you leave.
Make eye-to-eye contact when you speak with the evaluator.
If you don’t understand what the evaluator is saying, ask him to repeat or speak slowly.
Articulate properly when you speak.
Try connecting your ideas with transitional words and developing your speech in an organized way.

During the preparation time :

Carefully read the initial document and highlight the keywords.
Use a paper draft to write down your ideas, do not write long phrases.
Make a plan.
Try anticipating what the evaluators will ask.

These are some general tips to consider for your DALF C1 preparation; however, practicing by reviewing and doing some exercises will help ensure a positive outcome in your DALF C1 exam.

You can also download a DALF Tout Public C1 preparation guide by filling out this form:

Need extra preparation? Consider one of our French classes to learn the content that will lead to the exam and prepare for the DALF exam.
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