DELF B2: 3 Essay Structures to Succeed in the Speaking and Writing Exams
Preparing for the DELF B2 exam requires more than knowing French grammar and vocabulary. You also need to know how to organise your ideas, build convincing arguments and express your point of view clearly.
Whether you are preparing for the speaking or writing exam, having a clear structure will help you feel more confident and make your arguments easier to follow.
There are three useful ways to organise your ideas:
Le plan dialectique – presenting different points of view.
Le plan analytique – analysing a problem and suggesting solutions.
Le plan thématique – exploring different aspects of a subject.
Let's look at how each structure works, when to use it and how to put it into practice.
1. Le plan dialectique: presenting different points of view
The plan dialectique is useful when a topic invites discussion or debate. It allows you to consider different opinions before expressing a balanced personal position.
It is particularly suitable for questions such as:
Faut-il interdire les voitures dans les centres-villes ?
Les réseaux sociaux ont-ils un impact positif sur les jeunes ?
Le télétravail est-il une bonne solution pour les salariés ?
The structure generally follows three stages:
Part 1: Present arguments supporting the idea.
Part 2: Present arguments opposing it or highlighting its limitations.
Part 3: Offer a balanced conclusion or explain your own position.
Example structure
Introduction
Introduce the topic and present the question you are going to discuss.
Useful expressions:
De nos jours, la question de… suscite de nombreux débats.
Certaines personnes pensent que…, tandis que d'autres estiment que…
Nous pouvons donc nous demander si…
Part 1 – Arguments in favour
Present the advantages or positive aspects of the subject.
Useful expressions:
Tout d'abord…
En effet…
De plus…
Il ne faut pas oublier que…
Part 2 – Arguments against
Present the disadvantages, limitations or opposing points of view.
Useful expressions:
Cependant…
En revanche…
Il convient également de souligner que…
Malgré ces avantages…
Part 3 – Your personal position
Explain how you weigh up the different arguments.
Useful expressions:
À mon avis…
Il me semble que…
Il serait préférable de…
Tout dépend finalement de…
Conclusion
Summarise your position and answer the initial question.
Useful expressions:
En conclusion…
Pour toutes ces raisons…
Il semble donc essentiel de trouver un équilibre entre…
When should you use this structure?
Choose the plan dialectique when the topic clearly presents two opposing positions or asks you to discuss whether something is good or bad.
It is also useful when you want to demonstrate that you can consider several perspectives rather than giving a simplistic answer.
2. Le plan analytique: analysing a problem and proposing solutions
The plan analytique is particularly useful when the subject focuses on a problem, a social issue or a situation that requires explanation.
Instead of simply discussing advantages and disadvantages, you examine the issue in greater depth.
The structure generally follows three stages:
Part 1: Describe the problem or situation.
Part 2: Explain its causes and consequences.
Part 3: Suggest possible solutions.
Example topics
Comment lutter contre le gaspillage alimentaire ?
Pourquoi les jeunes lisent-ils de moins en moins ?
Comment améliorer la qualité de vie dans les grandes villes ?
Example structure
Introduction
Introduce the issue and explain why it matters.
Useful expressions:
Aujourd'hui, le problème de… occupe une place importante dans notre société.
Cette situation soulève plusieurs questions.
Il est donc nécessaire d'en comprendre les causes et d'envisager des solutions.
Part 1 – Presenting the problem
Explain the situation and give relevant examples.
Useful expressions:
Tout d'abord, il faut constater que…
Ce phénomène touche particulièrement…
On observe notamment que…
Part 2 – Causes and consequences
Explain why the problem exists and what effects it has.
Useful expressions:
Cette situation s'explique notamment par…
L'une des principales causes est…
Cela peut entraîner…
Par conséquent…
À long terme…
Part 3 – Possible solutions
Suggest realistic measures and explain how they could help.
Useful expressions:
Pour remédier à cette situation, il faudrait…
Les pouvoirs publics pourraient…
Il serait également important de sensibiliser…
Une autre solution consisterait à…
Conclusion
Summarise the main points and emphasise the importance of taking action.
Useful expressions:
En conclusion, ce problème nécessite une véritable réflexion collective.
Il est essentiel que chacun prenne ses responsabilités.
Des mesures concrètes doivent être mises en place afin de…
When should you use this structure?
Choose the plan analytique when the topic asks you to explain a situation, identify its causes or consequences, or suggest ways to improve it.
It is especially effective for subjects involving education, the environment, work, technology and social issues.
3. Le plan thématique: exploring different aspects of a subject
The plan thématique is useful when a topic is broad and can be explored through several complementary ideas.
Unlike the dialectical structure, it does not necessarily involve opposing arguments. You organise your discussion around different aspects of the same subject.
Example topics
Quelle place le sport occupe-t-il dans notre société ?
Pourquoi est-il important d'apprendre des langues étrangères ?
Quels sont les avantages de la vie à la campagne ?
For example, if the topic is about learning foreign languages, you could organise your ideas around:
Personal benefits.
Professional opportunities.
Cultural and social advantages.
Example structure
Introduction
Introduce the subject and announce the different aspects you will discuss.
Useful expressions:
L'apprentissage des langues étrangères présente de nombreux avantages.
Cette question peut être abordée sous plusieurs angles.
Nous allons examiner les principaux aspects de cette question.
Part 1 – First aspect
Develop your first argument.
Useful expressions:
Tout d'abord…
En premier lieu…
Un premier avantage concerne…
Part 2 – Second aspect
Introduce another dimension of the topic.
Useful expressions:
Par ailleurs…
Un autre aspect important est…
Il faut également prendre en compte…
Part 3 – Third aspect
Explore a final idea that adds depth to your discussion.
Useful expressions:
Enfin…
De plus…
Il ne faut pas négliger…
Conclusion
Bring the different ideas together and express your overall opinion.
Useful expressions:
Pour conclure…
Comme nous avons pu le voir…
Ces différents éléments montrent que…
When should you use this structure?
Choose the plan thématique when the subject is broad and invites you to explore several dimensions without necessarily comparing opposing opinions.
It is a good way to organise your presentation when you have several distinct arguments that contribute to the same overall point.
4. Do these structures work for both the DELF B2 speaking and writing exams?
Yes! The three structures can help you organise your ideas in both parts of the exam.
However, you need to adapt the way you use them depending on the exercise.
For the speaking exam (production orale)
In the speaking exam, you need to present your ideas clearly and develop an organised argument.
A typical presentation can include:
An introduction to the topic.
A clear statement of the issue.
Two or three developed arguments.
Examples to illustrate your ideas.
A conclusion expressing your position.
For example, if the topic is « Faut-il limiter l'utilisation des voitures en ville ? », you could use a dialectical structure:
Tout d'abord, limiter la circulation permettrait de réduire la pollution atmosphérique.
Cependant, certaines personnes dépendent de leur voiture pour aller travailler.
Il serait donc préférable de développer les transports en commun avant de prendre des mesures trop strictes.
Remember that the speaking exam also includes an interaction with the examiner. You must be ready to justify your ideas, clarify your position and respond to questions.
For the writing exam (production écrite)
In the writing exam, a clear structure is equally important.
You need to organise your text into paragraphs, develop your arguments and use appropriate linking expressions.
For example, you could use the analytical structure to answer a topic about food waste:
Introduction: Le gaspillage alimentaire représente aujourd'hui un problème majeur.
Causes: Cette situation s'explique notamment par la surconsommation et le manque de sensibilisation.
Solutions: Pour lutter contre ce phénomène, il faudrait encourager les consommateurs à mieux planifier leurs achats.
Conclusion: Il est donc essentiel que les citoyens, les entreprises et les pouvoirs publics agissent ensemble.
Pay attention to the instructions: the expected format may be a formal letter, an article or another type of written contribution. Adapt your tone and presentation accordingly.
5. Useful French linking words for the DELF B2
Whatever structure you choose, linking words help make your arguments easier to follow.
Here are some useful expressions to learn and practise
Introducing an idea
Tout d'abord, en premier lieu, avant tout
Adding an argument
De plus, par ailleurs, en outre
Giving an example
Par exemple, notamment, comme le montre…
Explaining a cause
En raison de, puisque, étant donné que
Expressing a consequence
Par conséquent, ainsi, c'est pourquoi
Contrasting ideas
Cependant, néanmoins, en revanche
Expressing a personal opinion
À mon avis, selon moi, il me semble que
Concluding
En conclusion, pour conclure, en définitive
A word of advice: don't try to use as many linking words as possible. Choose expressions that fit naturally into your sentences. A clear argument is more valuable than a paragraph full of complicated connectors.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
Knowing the different structures is useful, but you also need to avoid some common mistakes.
1. Choosing a structure that does not fit the topic
Don't automatically use the same plan for every subject. First, identify what the question is asking you to do.
2. Listing arguments without developing them
At B2 level, simply stating an opinion is not enough. Explain your ideas and support them with examples.
For instance, instead of writing:
Les transports en commun sont importants.
Develop your argument:
Les transports en commun jouent un rôle essentiel dans la réduction de la pollution, car ils permettent de limiter le nombre de voitures en circulation.
3. Using memorised expressions without adapting them
Useful phrases can help you structure your answer, but they should not replace your own reasoning. Make sure every sentence is relevant to the topic.
4. Giving too many arguments
It is generally better to develop two or three strong arguments than to mention six ideas without explaining them.
5. Forgetting to express your own position
Your personal opinion should be clear, particularly when the task asks you to take a position. Don't leave the examiner wondering what you actually think.
7. Three practical tips to improve your DELF B2 performance
Before your next speaking or writing practice, keep these three principles in mind.
Tip 1: Analyse the topic before choosing your plan.
Identify the key words and determine what the task expects: discuss, explain, compare, defend an opinion or suggest solutions.
Tip 2: Prepare your arguments before writing or speaking.
Take a few minutes to organise your ideas. Choose your main arguments and think of at least one example for each.
Tip 3: Practise adapting your structure to different topics.
Don't memorise one complete presentation. Practise using the same structures with different subjects so that you can adapt naturally on exam day.
8. Prepare for the DELF B2 with Frenchy Conversation
Understanding the different argument structures is an excellent first step. But to succeed in the DELF B2 exam, you also need to practise expressing your ideas in French, developing convincing arguments and responding confidently to questions.
At Frenchy Conversation, you can prepare for the DELF B2 with online French lessons tailored to your level and objectives.
During your lessons, you can:
Practise the DELF B2 speaking exam with realistic topics.
Learn how to structure and develop your arguments.
Improve your vocabulary and use of linking expressions.
Work on your pronunciation and fluency.
Receive personalised feedback to identify and correct your mistakes.
Whether you need to improve your speaking skills, your writing or both, regular practice with a teacher can help you make progress and approach the exam with greater confidence.
Ready to prepare for your DELF B2 exam?
Discover online French lessons with Frenchy Conversation and start working towards your goal!
Frequently Asked Questions about DELF B2 essay structures
Which plan is best for the DELF B2 exam?
There is no single best plan. The right structure depends on the subject and the instructions. Use the plan dialectique to discuss opposing viewpoints, the plan analytique to examine a problem and its solutions, and the plan thématique to explore different aspects of a topic.
Can I use the same plan for the speaking and writing exams?
Yes. The three structures can be used for both the speaking and writing exams. However, you need to adapt your language, organisation and level of detail to the task.
How many arguments should I include in a DELF B2 presentation?
There is no fixed number. In general, two or three well-developed arguments are more effective than a long list of ideas without explanations or examples.
Should I memorise French phrases for the DELF B2?
Learning useful expressions is a good idea. However, you should use them naturally and adapt them to the topic. The goal is to communicate clearly and develop your own arguments, not to repeat a memorised text.
How can I improve my argumentative skills in French?
Practise regularly with different topics. Try to explain your opinions, justify your ideas and give relevant examples. Working with a French teacher can also help you identify weaknesses and improve your argumentation.
