DELE Exam: C1 Level
Let’s continue with our review of the different DELE exams. Today:
C1 level.
You can also check
Instituto Cervantes’ website. On it, you can find all the information you need about these
exams including dates, exam centres or how to register.
Below you can find a summary of the structure of the exam and some
strategies to be successful.
Which are the characteristics of the exam?
It is divided into 4 different tests.
The reading and use of the language test has 5 tasks with 40 items in total (6-6-6-8-14) and the duration is of 90 minutes. Some of these tasks may include more than one text. These texts are authentic but adapted to the level and their total extension is between 2725 and 3375 words.
The listening and use of the language test has 4 tasks with 30
items (6-8-6-10). In this case, the test takes 50 minutes. Each
recording is played twice and the student has time before and after each
recording to read the questions and answer them. The texts are
authentic, adapted if necessary, and their total extension is between
2700 and 3300 words.
The third test has two skills integrated: listening and writing.
It consists of two tasks, one based on interaction and one on expression
and with a total duration of 80 minutes. The student has to write
different texts with a total extension between 440 and 500 words. In
terms of the mark given, the first task is more important than the
second one (60-40). In the first tasks, the students has to write an
expositive text about the key ideas of the recording the students has
previously listened to. In the second task, the students has to choose
between two options. The first option is to write a report, a magazine
article or something similar; the second option is to write a claim
letter, a scholarship application…
The fourth test also integrates two different skills:
reading and speaking. It has 3 tasks, one of expression and two
of interaction. This test lasts for about 20 minutes and the student has
20 minutes to prepare for the first two tasks. For the third task, there
is no preparation beforehand. The first task consists of a monologue
about a text given; the second task is based on a conversation and a
debate about the topic given in the previous task. The last one if a
formal conversation about a series of images.
Getting prepared for the exam.
There are many manuals about DELE exams. We recommend practising the
following strategies for each test.
A key issue is to manage your time. If you have extra time after
finishing a listening task, read the questions and the answers for the
next one. Listening to the radio or watching TV can be a good training
for this! During the listening, pay attention to details like names,
accents or the tone used by each speaker.
For the tests that focus on
comprehension (listening and reading), it is very useful to pay
attention to the linkers used and reading twice the written text. Do not
worry if you do not understand every word, the key point is to
understand the general meaning of the text. You will find some
colloquial expressions and personal opinions; you must know how to
interpret everyone’s message.
For the writing test, it is important to manage your time and
remember that you have 80 minutes to complete both tasks. We recommend
having some minutes at the end to review both before handing in. Use
different linkers and organise clearly your text. It is also a good idea
to review the punctuation, written accents and the excessive use of
capital letters.
For the speaking test, it is important to have fluent
conversation and not answering just with monosyllables. Don’t be afraid
of interacting with the interviewers and asking them questions, instead
of just answering theirs. Organise clearly your discourse using
linkers.
Exams: real examples.
Here you have some C1 exam real examples we use to work with our
students. Now you can also get ready and practice:
- Oral Part of Exam DELE C1 (2021 self-created model)
Related posts:
We also leave you information about DELE exam preparation courses.
Artículo en español: Examen DELE C1
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