DELF B2, how to write an argumentative essay?

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You are learning French and want to take the DELF B2 exam?
French via skype helps you prepare for the DELF B2 writing part, guaranteeing you 100% success!

At the DELF B2 level, students become proficient in several key areas of the French language.
The B2 level, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), signifies an upper-intermediate level of proficiency.

Here’s a breakdown of what students can typically do at this level:

Communication Skills

  • Spontaneous Interaction: Students can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Detailed Expression: They can produce clear, detailed speaking on a wide range of subjects and explain a point of view on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
  • Effective Argumentation: They can present and support their opinions, explain their point of view, and negotiate effectively.

Comprehension Skills

  • Understanding Complex Texts: They can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization.
  • Grasping Implicit Meaning: Students are capable of understanding the implicit meaning in a variety of texts and spoken communication, which includes idiomatic expressions and nuanced language.

Writing Skills

  • Coherent Essays: They can write clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects, synthesizing and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources.
  • Formal and Informal Writing: They can adapt their writing style to different formats, including essays, reports, letters, and emails, both formal and informal.

Listening Skills

  • Comprehending Extended Speech: They can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar.
  • Media Understanding: They can understand most TV news and current affairs programs, as well as the majority of films in standard dialect.

Reading Skills

  • Reading with Independence: They can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
  • Literature Appreciation: They can understand contemporary literary prose and identify differences in style.

Overall, achieving the DELF B2 level means that students have a strong command of the French language, capable of handling a wide range of real-life situations and expressing themselves with a significant degree of independence and sophistication.
This level is often sufficient for studying in French-speaking universities and for working in a French-speaking environment.
Please note that to immigrate or become citizens in France, you must now demonstrate B2 proficiency as part of your language requirements.

In this post we will put the focus on how to prepare for the argumentative essay, one of the topic of the writing test.

DELF B2, how to write an argumentative essay?

Writing an argumentative essay can seem quite daunting especially for those who have left school for a while.
At French via Skype we have helped dozens of people around the world to successfully prepare for the DELF and DALF, we share our experience with you!
Writing an argumentative essay for the DELF B2 exam involves presenting a clear, well-structured argument on a given topic, supporting your point of view with logical reasoning and relevant examples.

Here’s a guide to help you craft a strong argumentative essay:

Structure of an Argumentative Essay at DELF B2

  1. Introduction
    • Start with a compelling statement, question, or fact to grab the reader’s attention.
    • Briefly provide background information on the topic.
    • Clearly state your position or the main argument you will support in the essay.
  2. Body Paragraphs
    • Paragraph 1: First Supporting Argumentsome text
      • Introduce the first reason that supports your thesis.
      • Provide an explanation or justification for your argument.
      • Include relevant examples, facts, or quotes to strengthen your argument.
      • Summarize the point and link it to the thesis.
    • Paragraph 2: Second Supporting Argumentsome text
      • Introduce the second reason that supports your thesis.
      • Provide an explanation or justification for your argument.
      • Include relevant examples, facts, or quotes to strengthen your argument.
      • Summarize the point and link it to the thesis.
    • Paragraph 3: Counterargument and Rebuttalsome text
      • Present a potential opposing viewpoint.
      • Refute the counterargument by explaining why it is less valid or relevant.
      • Provide examples or evidence to support your rebuttal.
  3. Conclusion
    • Reiterate your thesis statement in different words.
    • Briefly summarize the main arguments presented in the body.
    • End with a strong closing statement, such as a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question.

Example of an Argumentative essay at DELF B2

Here is an example of an argumentative essay that you can rely on, because producing an argumentative essay at level B2 is a bit like a recipe that you must follow regardless of the topic you receive.

Topic: Should the use of plastic bags be banned? / Faut-il interdire l’utilisation de sacs en plastique ?

Introduction:

L'utilisation des sacs en plastique est un sujet de débat mondial. En effet, de nombreux pays ont déjà pris des mesures pour réduire leur utilisation, mais cette question reste controversée. Faut-il interdire l'utilisation des sacs en plastique? À mon avis, une interdiction totale est nécessaire pour protéger notre environnement.

Body Paragraph 1: Environmental Impact

Tout d'abord, les sacs en plastique ont un impact environnemental catastrophique car ils mettent des centaines d'années à se décomposer, polluant les océans et menaçant la faune marine. Par exemple, une étude de l'ONU a révélé que plus de 100 000 animaux marins meurent chaque année à cause des plastiques dans les océans. En interdisant les sacs en plastique, nous réduirions considérablement cette pollution et protégerions la biodiversité.

Body Paragraph 2: Human Health

De plus, les sacs en plastique représentent un danger pour la santé humaine. Lorsqu'ils se décomposent, ils libèrent des microplastiques qui contaminent l'eau et les aliments. Des recherches récentes ont montré que les microplastiques sont présents dans 83 % des échantillons d'eau du robinet dans le monde entier. Si nous éliminions complètement les sacs en plastique, nous protégerions l'exposition humaine de ces substances nocives.

Body Paragraph 3: Counterargument and Rebuttal

Bien que certains puissent soutenir que les sacs en plastique sont pratiques et économiques, il existe des alternatives réutilisables et biodégradables qui sont tout aussi pratiques. Par exemple, il est possible les sacs en tissu soient utilisés plusieurs fois et d’ailleurs ils sont facilement disponibles. Les coûts initiaux peuvent être légèrement plus élevés, mais à long terme, ils seront plus rentables et écologiques.

Conclusion:

En conclusion, il me semble que l'interdiction des sacs en plastique est une mesure nécessaire pour protéger notre environnement ainsi que notre santé. Les avantages environnementaux et sanitaires l'emportent largement sur les inconvénients perçus. Alors, il est temps que nous agissions et que nous adoptions des alternatives plus durables pour un avenir meilleur.

Our tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay at DELF B2

  1. Clear Thesis: Ensure your thesis statement is specific and clearly presents your position.
  2. Logical Flow: Arrange your arguments logically, making sure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
  3. Strong Evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, statistics, and quotes.
  4. Address Counterarguments: Present and refute counterarguments to strengthen your position.
  5. Formal Language: Use formal language and avoid slang or colloquial expressions.
  6. Proofreading: Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and coherence.

By following this structure and tips, you can effectively write a compelling argumentative essay for the DELF B2 exam, showcasing your ability to present and defend a position in French.

Prepare for the DELF B2 exam with our French tutor

At French via Skype, our French tutor is a native French with international experience with more than 20 years' experience teaching French in Europe and has had the opportunity to accompany many students across the world in order to best support them in their learning of French.
Certified in FLE (French as a Foreign Language), our French tutor has great expertise in the different levels of French required for the different DELF and DALF exams (for adults and children) and will be able to guide you throughout your learning of the language in order to that your level meets the specific expectations of the DELF and DALF exams, knowing exactly what difficulties candidates may have when preparing for exams of this type and guaranteeing you 100% success!

DELF B2 courses with French via Skype, how does it work?

Our private DELF B2 courses are delivered online via Skype, Zoom or Teams or on the platform of your choice covering all aspects of the French language in order to best support you in your objectives.

Our online DELF B2 courses are accessible to people who already have an A2/B1 level. If you do not have an A2 or B1 level, we can help you reach the minimum level required to start preparing for the exam.

Our DELF B2 tuition is personalized, tailored to your specific needs and pace allowing you to achieve your goals more effectively than in a group or classroom setting.

  • We will design a personalized study plan for you, based on your specific needs and your language level.
  • We offer an effective preparation with tailored learning materials (full range of B2 grammar and vocabulary, ressources and assessments).
  • Our French lessons target key areas such as listening, reading, writing and speaking and meticulously work on each DELF B2 grammar point such as French connectors or the subjunctive to ensure that each area meets the requirements required for the French B2 exams.
  • For homework, we will assign you work to practice grammar if necessary, develop your vocabulary and prepare written and oral comprehension, written and oral production tasks. The homework will then be prepared and reviewed.
  • We offer you great planning flexibility. Our DELF French tutor is available all year, during the holidays and after work hours.

At French via Skype, we are happy to support DELF B2 students to guarantee their success at the exam.

Some testimonials from students who have prepared for the DELF B2 exam with us are below.

“ Achieving a pass grade on the DELF B2 examination was a prerequisite for my doctoral program. Having spent half a decade studying French in a North American high school, I was confident that self-study would suffice. However, the reality was more challenging than anticipated, and I found myself floundering on my first attempt with a disappointing score in the 40s. That's when I enlisted the help of Laure. With her in-depth expertise and professional demeanor, she swiftly discerned my weak points and devised an astute, targeted plan to help me overcome them. Her assignments were also well curated to improve my skills and rigorous enough to have me studying 7 hours a week to keep up. Although I hesitated initially at the cost, her lessons showed me that it was well worth it. In just eleven sessions, Laure remarkably helped me boost my score by approximately 30 points, culminating in a pass mark of 71.5 at my second attempt. My primary obstacle was my speaking ability, a skill I hadn't had the chance to hone in years. I also struggled with key grammatical structures vital for the exam. Laure didn't merely teach me how to succeed in the DELF exam, but she also substantially elevated my overall French language proficiency. Should I dare to take on the DELF C1 exam, I would unquestionably reach out to Laure without a second thought. For anyone endeavoring to excel in a French language examination or aspiring to enhance their French speaking abilities, Laure can definitely help."

Yuri Han, PhD student
(DELF B2) Seoul, South Korea

" Laure has been an absolutely incredible teacher, and I’ve passed my B2 with 92%! That is a fantastic improvement on my mark in the B1, done prior to our lessons. I get a huge amount of practice in all areas in the lesson, and we did plenty of mock exams of all types. After the session I promptly receive a list of vocab I couldn’t remember or didn’t know, words I mispronounced and really good homework focused on issues that came up in the lesson or things I have asked to work on. I’m continuing with lessons even after the exam, which really speaks volumes about how much I enjoy them, and I’m so delighted to now be able to tackle novels I previously had to give up on. I’ve really seen a huge improvement in my French, and crucially also in my confidence with the language. With plenty of encouragement and a huge amount of skill, Laure has helped me exceed my expectations! "

Katherine Rybacki, Researcher
(DELF B2) Geneva, Switzerland

At French via Skype, we specialize in preparation for the DELF B2 exam, you can certify your French language level well-equipped and with complete confidence.

If you would like to discuss your needs with us, we will be pleased to develop a teaching plan for you.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if you would like to sign up for lessons.

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