How to Write a DELF B2 Argumentative Essay — Structure, Model Answers and Key Mistakes

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The argumentative essay is one of the most demanding tasks in the DELF B2 writing section — and one of the most rewarding to master. This guide focuses exclusively on this format: how to structure it, how to build each paragraph, and what a high-scoring answer actually looks like.

If you are looking for a general overview of the DELF B2 writing test — all formats, scoring criteria, and preparation tips — see our dedicated guide: DELF B2 writing test — tips, sample answer and scoring guide.

Since 1 January 2026, B2 level is also required for French citizenship applications — making this exam more relevant than ever for many learners.

If you are looking for personalised preparation with a certified DELF examiner, discover our DELF B2 online courses.

What Is the DELF B2 Argumentative Essay — and How Is It Different from Other Writing Tasks?

At DELF B2 level, candidates may be asked to write in several different formats: a formal letter to an editor, a forum contribution, a newspaper article, or an argumentative essay. Each format has its own conventions — and choosing the wrong one is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.

The argumentative essay specifically asks you to:

Take a clear position on a debated issue
Defend that position with structured, developed arguments
Acknowledge and refute the opposing viewpoint
Conclude with a nuanced, reasoned closing statement

Unlike a formal letter — which is addressed to a specific person and requires greeting and closing formulas — the argumentative essay has no specific addressee. Its register is formal but impersonal. Unlike a forum contribution, it does not use a conversational tone. It is the most academic of the DELF B2 writing formats, and it rewards structured, logical thinking above all.

The three things every DELF B2 examiner looks for in an argumentative essay: a clear, consistently defended position — at least one counterargument, acknowledged and refuted — and concrete examples, not vague generalisations.

The Structure of a DELF B2 Argumentative Essay

A well-structured DELF B2 argumentative essay follows a four-part plan. This is not a rigid formula — it is the framework the examiner uses to assess your coherence score, which is worth 5 out of 25 points.

Introduction (3–4 sentences)

Open with a general statement or question that frames the topic without simply repeating the prompt. State your position clearly in the final sentence. Avoid vague openings like "Dans cet essai, je vais parler de..." — get straight to the point.

Useful opening phrases:

De nos jours, la question de [sujet] suscite de nombreux débats...
Face à [problème], on peut se demander si...
Il est indéniable que [sujet] occupe une place croissante dans nos vies...
La question de [sujet] divise l'opinion publique...

First body paragraph — your main argument

Present your strongest supporting point, develop it fully, and back it up with a concrete example, a statistic, or a real-world reference. End with a connector that links logically to your next paragraph.

Second body paragraph — a second argument or a counterargument

You can either develop a second supporting argument, or move straight to the counterargument here. Both approaches work at DELF B2 level — what matters is that the counterargument appears somewhere in your text before the conclusion. If you have time, a second argument followed by a counterargument gives your essay more depth.

Counterargument and rebuttal

This is the paragraph where most candidates lose the most points — either by skipping it entirely, or by presenting it so weakly that the rebuttal is unconvincing. Acknowledge the opposing view fairly, then refute it with a specific argument. A well-handled counterargument makes your overall position more credible, not less.

Conclusion (3–4 sentences)

Restate your position in different words — do not copy your introduction. Add a broader perspective: a call to action, a prediction, or a question that opens the debate further. Never introduce a new argument in the conclusion.

How to Structure Each Body Paragraph — A 3-Step Method

The most reliable way to write clear, high-scoring body paragraphs at DELF B2 is to follow a simple 3-step structure for each one. It gives the examiner a logical architecture to follow from the very first sentence — and directly rewards your coherence score.

Step 1 — State your point (Topic Sentence)

Open each paragraph with one clear sentence that states the main idea. This is your claim — the point the rest of the paragraph will prove.

Example: « Tout d'abord, le télétravail permet une meilleure conciliation entre vie professionnelle et vie personnelle. »

Step 2 — Develop and illustrate (Evidence)

Explain your point and support it with a concrete example, a statistic, or a reference to a real situation. This is where the examiner judges whether your argument has real substance — or is just an assertion.

Example: « En effet, de nombreux salariés témoignent d'une réduction significative de leur stress depuis qu'ils travaillent depuis chez eux. Une étude récente a montré que 74 % des télétravailleurs se déclarent plus productifs qu'au bureau. »

Step 3 — Link to your next idea (Connector)

Close the paragraph with a connector that links logically to what follows. This shows the examiner that your text has a clear direction — not just a list of separate points.

Example: « Cependant, si le télétravail offre ces avantages indéniables, il convient également de s'interroger sur ses effets sur le lien social. »

One technique that immediately signals B2 level: instead of repeating the same noun, refer back to your previous idea with a summary noun — cet avantage, ce problème, cette tendance, cette mesure. This creates cohesion and shows the linguistic precision examiners look for.

DELF B2 Argumentative Essay — Model Answer 1, Annotated Line by Line

This is a complete model answer with detailed annotations. Each annotation explains not just what the text does — but precisely why it scores points. Use it as a template you can apply to any argumentative topic.

Topic: Faut-il interdire l'utilisation des sacs en plastique ? (Should the use of plastic bags be banned?)

L'utilisation des sacs en plastique est au cœur d'un débat mondial depuis plusieurs décennies. De nombreux pays ont déjà pris des mesures pour en réduire l'usage, mais la question d'une interdiction totale reste controversée. Faut-il aller jusqu'à l'interdire complètement ? À mon avis, une telle interdiction est non seulement nécessaire, mais urgente.

✦ Introduction: Opens with a broad framing statement — not a repetition of the prompt. The rhetorical question signals structured thinking. The final sentence states a clear, unambiguous position. Note "non seulement... mais" — a complex structure that immediately signals B2 level.

Tout d'abord, les sacs en plastique représentent une menace grave pour l'environnement. En effet, leur dégradation prend entre 100 et 500 ans, pendant lesquels ils polluent les sols et les océans. Une étude de l'ONU a révélé que plus de 100 000 animaux marins meurent chaque année en raison de l'ingestion de plastiques. Interdire les sacs en plastique permettrait donc de réduire considérablement cette pollution et de protéger la biodiversité marine.

✦ First paragraph: Tout d'abord opens the argument clearly. The statistic (100 000 animaux marins) is specific and verifiable — vague claims like "beaucoup d'animaux souffrent" score far less. The paragraph closes with a logical consequence (donc), linking evidence directly to the claim.

De plus, les sacs en plastique constituent un danger pour la santé humaine. Lorsqu'ils se fragmentent, ils libèrent des microplastiques qui contaminent l'eau et la chaîne alimentaire. Des recherches récentes ont montré que ces particules sont présentes dans 83 % des échantillons d'eau du robinet analysés dans le monde. Si nous éliminions les sacs en plastique, nous réduirions l'exposition de la population à ces substances potentiellement nocives.

✦ Second argument: A new angle — human health rather than the environment — shows the candidate can build multiple, independent lines of reasoning. The conditional structure (Si nous éliminions... nous réduirions) directly signals B2 grammar to the examiner, and earns points under the language criterion.

Certains avancent cependant que les sacs en plastique sont pratiques et peu coûteux, et qu'une interdiction pénaliserait les consommateurs aux revenus modestes. Cet argument mérite d'être pris au sérieux. Toutefois, des alternatives accessibles et réutilisables existent désormais — les sacs en tissu ou en papier sont disponibles à des prix comparables. À long terme, leur utilisation répétée les rend même plus économiques que les sacs jetables.

✦ Counterargument — the most important paragraph in the essay: "Cet argument mérite d'être pris au sérieux" shows the candidate engaging fairly with the opposing view before refuting it. This is exactly what distinguishes a B2-level text from a B1 one. The rebuttal is concrete (alternatives exist, lower long-term cost) — not dismissive.

En conclusion, l'interdiction des sacs en plastique me semble être une mesure nécessaire et réaliste. Les bénéfices environnementaux et sanitaires qu'elle apporterait l'emportent largement sur les inconvénients pratiques. Il est temps que les gouvernements agissent avec détermination — notre santé et celle de la planète en dépendent.

✦ Conclusion: Restates the position without copying the introduction word for word. Ends with a call to action — a strong rhetorical close that is appropriate at B2 level and adds weight to the argument without introducing a new idea.

Before and After — What a B1-Level Paragraph Looks Like (and How to Rewrite It at B2)

This exercise is one of the most useful things you can do before the DELF B2 exam. Read both versions carefully and identify exactly what makes the difference.

Weak version — B1 level:

« Les réseaux sociaux sont mauvais pour les jeunes. Beaucoup de jeunes passent trop de temps sur leur téléphone. C'est un problème. Il faut faire quelque chose. »

What is wrong here? The ideas are not wrong — but they are entirely undeveloped. There is no concrete example, no statistic, no complex grammatical structure. Connectors are absent. The conclusion ("il faut faire quelque chose") is vague and says nothing. This paragraph would score 2–3 out of 8 on the argumentation criterion.

Rewritten at B2 level:

« Tout d'abord, l'usage excessif des réseaux sociaux représente un risque réel pour la santé mentale des adolescents. En effet, plusieurs études ont établi un lien entre le temps passé sur ces plateformes et l'augmentation des cas d'anxiété et de dépression chez les jeunes. Une enquête menée en 2023 a révélé que les adolescents qui utilisent les réseaux sociaux plus de trois heures par jour présentent un risque deux fois plus élevé de troubles du sommeil. Cependant, si ce risque est réel, il convient de distinguer un usage problématique d'une utilisation raisonnée et encadrée. »

What changed? A specific statistic replaces the vague "beaucoup". The connector en effet introduces the development. The phrase "un risque deux fois plus élevé" signals B2 vocabulary. The closing sentence (Cependant...) introduces nuance and links naturally to the next paragraph. This version would score 6–7 out of 8.

DELF B2 Argumentative Essay — Model Answer 2: Free Public Transport

Here is a second complete model essay on a different topic. Study how it handles the counterargument and uses real-world evidence.

Topic: De plus en plus de villes envisagent de rendre les transports en commun gratuits pour tous les résidents. Certains estiment que c'est une mesure nécessaire pour réduire la pollution. D'autres pensent que cela pourrait entraîner des difficultés financières. Quel est votre avis ?

De nos jours, la mobilité urbaine est au cœur des préoccupations environnementales et sociales. Face à l'urgence climatique et à la congestion croissante des grandes villes, certaines municipalités envisagent une mesure radicale : rendre les transports en commun entièrement gratuits. Cette proposition soulève des questions importantes sur sa viabilité économique. À mon avis, les bénéfices à long terme de cette politique l'emportent nettement sur ses contraintes financières.

Tout d'abord, la gratuité des transports en commun représente un levier puissant pour réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre. En incitant les citadins à délaisser leur voiture personnelle, cette mesure permettrait de diminuer considérablement la pollution atmosphérique et la congestion routière. De surcroît, elle bénéficierait en priorité aux personnes aux revenus les plus modestes. À titre d'exemple, la ville de Dunkerque, en France, a rendu ses transports gratuits dès 2018 et a observé une hausse de 85 % de la fréquentation, ainsi qu'une réduction notable du trafic automobile. Cet avantage environnemental et social est indéniable.

Bien que certains avancent que le coût de la gratuité serait prohibitif, des modèles de financement alternatifs existent et ont fait leurs preuves. Certaines villes ont choisi de compenser la perte des recettes billettiques en augmentant légèrement la taxe sur les entreprises locales, qui bénéficient elles aussi d'une main-d'œuvre plus mobile. Il en résulte que la gratuité n'est pas nécessairement synonyme de déficit, à condition d'anticiper les sources de financement.

En définitive, si la gratuité des transports en commun représente un défi financier réel, ses bénéfices environnementaux et sociaux à long terme sont indéniables. Il est du devoir des décideurs locaux d'explorer des modèles de financement innovants pour rendre cette mesure viable. L'avenir de nos villes ne peut se concevoir sans une mobilité accessible à tous.

Word count: ~300 words. Note the real-world example (Dunkerque, 2018), the complex connector bien que + subjonctif in the counterargument, and a conclusion that opens a broader perspective rather than simply restating the introduction.

The Six Most Common Mistakes in a DELF B2 Argumentative Essay

These are the errors that cost candidates the most points — identified consistently by DELF examiners.

1. Skipping the counterargument

The most expensive mistake. Examiners expect you to acknowledge the opposing view and refute it, even when the prompt does not explicitly ask for it. A one-sided text — however well-written — cannot score in the top range on the argumentation criterion.

2. Using vague generalisations instead of concrete examples

"Beaucoup de personnes pensent que..." is not an argument. Replace it with a specific study, a country, a statistic, or a named example. Even an approximate figure ("près de la moitié des Français") is more convincing than a vague claim.

3. Ideas without development

Writing three sentences per paragraph and moving on is not B2-level argumentation. Each idea must be stated, explained, illustrated, and linked. Examiners reward depth, not breadth.

4. B1-level connectors throughout

Using only mais, et, parce que, donc sends a clear B1 signal. At B2, use at least one connector from each function: contrast (cependant, néanmoins, en revanche), addition (de plus, par ailleurs, en outre), consequence (par conséquent, il en résulte que). For a full list by function, see our guide to French connectors for the DELF B2.

5. Restating the prompt in the introduction

"Dans cet essai, je vais parler de..." is a weak opening. The examiner has read the prompt — they want your response to it, not a paraphrase.

6. A new argument in the conclusion

The conclusion summarises and opens a perspective. It never introduces an argument that should have been developed in the body.

For errors specific to the oral exam, see our guide to common mistakes in the DELF B2 oral exam.

Essential Connectors for Argumentative Essays at DELF B2

Use this checklist before your exam. Aim to include at least one connector from each category in your essay.

Contrast / concession: cependant — néanmoins — en revanche — toutefois — bien que + subjonctif — malgré
Addition: de plus — par ailleurs — en outre — qui plus est — de surcroît
Cause: en effet — car — puisque — étant donné que — dans la mesure où
Consequence: par conséquent — c'est pourquoi — il en résulte que — ainsi — si bien que
Illustration: à titre d'exemple — notamment — c'est le cas de — comme en témoigne
Conclusion: en définitive — en somme — il convient donc de — pour conclure

For a complete guide to connectors across all DELF B2 writing formats, see our dedicated article: French connectors for the DELF B2.

For the grammar structures you need to use these connectors accurately — including the subjunctive after bien que and pour que — see our DELF B2 grammar guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — DELF B2 Argumentative Essay

How many words does a DELF B2 argumentative essay need?

Between 250 and 300 words. Falling below 230 words will result in a points deduction. Slightly exceeding 300 is generally acceptable, but staying within the range shows good control.

Do I always need to include a counterargument in a DELF B2 essay?

Yes — even when the prompt does not explicitly ask for one. At B2 level, the examiner expects nuance. A text that presents only one side of the argument, however well written, cannot reach the top score on the argumentation criterion (worth 8 out of 25 points).

How should I structure each paragraph in a DELF B2 argumentative essay?

Each body paragraph should follow a 3-step structure: open with a clear topic sentence stating your point, develop it with a concrete example or statistic, then close with a connector that links logically to the next paragraph. This is the most reliable way to produce coherent, examiner-friendly paragraphs at B2 level.

Is the argumentative essay the only writing format at DELF B2?

No. The DELF B2 writing section may ask you to write a formal letter, a forum contribution, a newspaper article, or an argumentative essay. The format is indicated in the prompt. For a full overview of all formats and what each requires, see our guide to the DELF B2 writing test.

What topics come up in DELF B2 argumentative essays?

Topics are drawn from contemporary social, cultural, and professional life: technology and society, the environment, work and education, health, urban issues, and cultural identity. You will always be given a source text — you will never need to invent facts or statistics. For a full list of common speaking topics (which overlap significantly with writing topics), see our guide to DELF B2 speaking topics.

How is the DELF B2 argumentative essay scored?

The writing section is marked out of 25 points across four criteria: task completion (5 pts), argumentation — the highest-weighted criterion (8 pts), coherence and cohesion (5 pts), and language and grammar (7 pts). The argumentation criterion rewards well-developed arguments, concrete examples, and a handled counterargument. For the full scoring rubric, see our DELF B2 writing test guide.

Is the DELF B2 required for French citizenship?

Since 1 January 2026, B2 level is required for French citizenship applications. The DELF B2 is one of the accepted proofs of language proficiency. For more information, see our dedicated guide: DELF B2 for French citizenship.

How is the DELF B2 different from the DELF B1?

At B1 level, writing tasks are shorter and less nuanced — candidates express personal opinions without being expected to handle counterarguments or complex structures. At B2, the examiner expects depth, nuance, and a range of grammar that goes well beyond the basics. For a full comparison, see our article on the differences between DELF B1 and B2.

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