Most Frequent DELF B1 Topics (with Tips to Succeed in Written and Oral Exams)

The DELF B1 exam is a key step in learning French. It is often required for administrative procedures, studies, or to demonstrate independent language skills in daily and professional life.

If you are preparing for this exam, it is essential to know the most frequent topics, and to understand how to prepare effectively, especially for the written and oral exams, which are often the most challenging for candidates.

1️⃣ Understanding the DELF B1 Exams

The DELF B1 evaluates your ability to:

• Understand simple but authentic information

• Express an opinion

• Describe experiences

• Interact in everyday situations

The exam includes:

• Listening comprehension

• Reading comprehension

• Written production

• Oral production (presentation + simulation + exposé)

👉 Candidates often fail not because of lack of vocabulary, but due to lack of method and targeted practice, especially in the oral section.

2️⃣ Most Frequent Written Exam Topics

At the written B1 exam, you are asked to produce a simple, clear, and structured text (email, letter, short essay).

✍️ Common themes:

• Daily life (housing, work, studies)

• Hobbies and free time

• Social relationships

• Everyday problems (delays, complaints, organization)

• Personal or professional projects

⚠️ Common mistakes:

• Text too short or poorly structured

• Confusing formal and informal registers

• Incorrect verb tenses

• Missing introduction or conclusion

👉 Working with a teacher helps you:

• Learn a clear, reusable structure

• Quickly correct recurring mistakes

• Gain points easily through better text organization

3️⃣ Most Frequent Oral Exam Topics

The oral exam is often the most challenging part, as it requires speaking spontaneously within a limited time.

It is composed of three main components:

🗣️ A) Presentation

You start by introducing yourself or presenting a short personal topic. This helps the examiner understand your basic communication skills.

Tips:

• Speak clearly and confidently

• Use simple sentences if necessary

• Practice with a teacher to gain confidence

🗣️ B) Simulation

You must react to a real-life situation, such as:

• Asking for information

• Expressing a problem

• Suggesting a solution

• Accepting or refusing something

Common scenarios:

• Housing or neighbor issues

• Organizing an event

• Filing a complaint or asking for help

• Discussion with colleagues or friends

⚠️ Common problem: candidates know what to say but hesitate or don't know how to keep the conversation going.

👉 Simulation with a teacher is essential, because:

• It reproduces the exam format

• You practice reacting naturally

• It builds confidence and fluency

🗣️ C) Exposé (Monologue)

You need to give a short talk on a topic, then answer follow-up questions from the examiner.

Very frequent topics:

• Hobbies and daily habits

• Work or studies

• Travel

• Language learning

• Life in your country or in France

⚠️ Common difficulties:

• Lack of ideas

• Disorganized speech

• Repetitive or overly simple sentences

• Stress blocking speaking

👉 With a teacher, you learn:

• How to structure your exposé (introduction – main ideas – conclusion)

• Useful phrases for smooth speech

• How to speak clearly and coherently, even at an intermediate level

4️⃣ Why Preparing for DELF B1 with a Teacher Makes the Difference

Preparing alone is possible but riskier, especially for the oral exam.

A teacher helps you:

• Understand exactly what examiners expect

• Target your weak points

• Simulate oral exams under real conditions

• Progress faster and with more confidence

✅ Especially useful for: interaction, presentation, and structured written production

5️⃣ Personalized DELF B1 Preparation Courses

I offer French courses tailored to DELF B1 preparation, including:

• Focused work on written and oral exams

• Exam simulations (presentation + simulation + exposé)

• Personalized guidance according to your goals

📍 In-person courses in Boulogne-Billancourt
💻 Online courses available for maximum flexibility

👉 Want to prepare for DELF B1 efficiently and confidently?
👉 Contact me to start your preparation today.