DELF B2, how to write an argumentative essay?

Bonjour!

You are learning French and want to take the DELF B2 exam?
This guide focuses on one of the most important tasks in the DELF B2 writing test: the argumentative essay.

At French via Skype, we have helped students across the world prepare for the DELF and DALF — and we share our experience with you here.

B2 is the upper-intermediate level on the CEFR scale — the level at which candidates can express and defend a nuanced point of view in writing, understand complex texts, and interact spontaneously with native speakers. It is also, from 1 January 2026, the level required for French citizenship applications.

For a full breakdown of what this level involves, see our dedicated guide: what does B2 level of French mean?

If you are looking for personalised preparation, discover our DELF B2 online courses.

Structure of an Argumentative Essay at DELF B2

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.

Useful opening phrases (phrases d'accroche) :

De nos jours, la question de [sujet] suscite de nombreux débats...
Dans nos sociétés modernes, [sujet] est devenu un enjeu majeur...
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. D'un côté... de l'autre...

Body Paragraphs

Paragraph 1 — First Supporting Argument

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.
Summarise the point and link it to the thesis.

Paragraph 2 — Second Supporting Argument

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.
Summarise the point and link it to the thesis.

Paragraph 3 — Counterargument and Rebuttal

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.

Conclusion

Reiterate your thesis statement in different words.
Briefly summarise the main arguments presented in the body.
End with a strong closing statement — a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question.

How to Structure Each Paragraph — The PDC Method

One of the most effective techniques for writing a strong argumentative essay at DELF B2 is the PDC method — used in French academic writing to structure each body paragraph clearly and logically.

P — Présentation de l'idée (Topic Sentence)
State the main idea of the paragraph in one clear sentence. This is your claim — the point you will prove.
Example: « Tout d'abord, le télétravail permet une meilleure conciliation entre vie professionnelle et vie personnelle. »

D — Développement (Development + Example)
Explain and develop your idea. Support it with a concrete example, a statistic, or a reference to a real situation.
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. »

C — Conclusion / Connexion (Link to Next Idea)
Close the paragraph with a brief summary and a connector that links logically to the next paragraph.
Example: « Cependant, si le télétravail offre ces avantages indéniables, il convient également de s'interroger sur ses effets sur le lien social. »

💡 Tip — Use shell nouns to create flow: Instead of repeating the same words, refer back to your previous idea with a summary noun — cet avantage, ce problème, cette tendance, cette mesure. This signals to the examiner that you are writing at a genuinely B2 level.

Example of an Argumentative Essay at DELF B2

Here is a model essay you can rely on — producing an argumentative essay at B2 level is a bit like following a recipe that you apply 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 la population de l'exposition à 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, les sacs en tissu peuvent être utilisés plusieurs fois et 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. Il est donc temps d'agir et d'adopter des alternatives plus durables pour un avenir meilleur.

The Most Common Mistakes in a DELF B2 Argumentative Essay

Based on what examiners consistently flag, here are the mistakes that cost candidates the most points:

1. Not reading the prompt carefully enough. Many candidates miss one of the required points — for example, forgetting to propose a solution when the instructions explicitly asked for one. Always underline the key instructions before writing a single word.

2. Writing a list, not an argument. Presenting three ideas in separate paragraphs without linking them is not B2-level argumentation. Each paragraph needs a clear topic sentence, development, a concrete example, and a logical link to the next idea.

3. Ignoring the opposing viewpoint. At B2 level, examiners expect nuance. A one-sided text — even a well-written one — will lose points. Always acknowledge the other side and refute it.

4. Using simple connectors only. Mais, et, parce que — these are A2/B1 connectors. At B2, you are expected to use cependant, en revanche, par conséquent, néanmoins, bien que + subjunctive. See our dedicated guide to French connectors for the full list.

5. Writing too little. Falling below 230 words is an automatic deduction. Count your words and aim for 260–280.

6. Not adapting the register. A formal letter to an editor requires a different tone than a forum contribution. Mixing registers signals a lack of linguistic control.

French Connectors by Function — Essential for the DELF B2

Using the right French connectors in the right place is one of the fastest ways to improve your score. Here is the essential list, organised by function:

Contrast / concession: cependant — en revanche — toutefois — bien que + subjonctif — malgré — néanmoins — or

Cause: en effet — puisque — car — étant donné que — dans la mesure où

Consequence: par conséquent — c'est pourquoi — ainsi — si bien que — il en résulte que

Addition: de plus — par ailleurs — en outre — qui plus est

Purpose: afin de + infinitif — pour que + subjonctif — dans le but de

Conclusion: en somme — pour conclure — il convient donc de — en définitive

A Second DELF B2 Essay Topic — Practice with a Suggested Plan

Practising with a variety of topics is essential. Here is a second typical DELF B2 prompt, with a suggested essay plan to help you get started.

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 et améliorer la mobilité urbaine. D'autres pensent que cela pourrait entraîner des difficultés financières pour les municipalités. Quel est votre avis ? Écrivez un essai argumenté. »

Suggested essay plan:

Introduction: De nos jours, la mobilité urbaine est au cœur des préoccupations environnementales. Face à l'urgence climatique, certaines villes envisagent de supprimer le prix des transports en commun. Cette mesure soulève cependant des questions importantes sur sa viabilité économique. À mon avis...

Paragraph 1 — Environmental and social benefits: Tout d'abord, la gratuité des transports en commun encouragerait les citadins à délaisser leur voiture, réduisant ainsi les émissions de CO2 et la congestion urbaine. De plus, cette mesure bénéficierait en priorité aux personnes aux revenus les plus modestes, renforçant ainsi l'équité sociale.

Paragraph 2 — Economic challenges: Cependant, cette mesure représente un coût considérable pour les collectivités locales. En effet, le financement des réseaux de transport repose en partie sur les recettes des billets — les supprimer exigerait soit une augmentation des taxes locales, soit une réduction d'autres services publics.

Paragraph 3 — Counterargument and rebuttal: Bien que certains avancent que le coût serait prohibitif, des exemples concrets montrent que cette politique est viable. La ville de Dunkerque, en France, a mis en place la gratuité totale des transports dès 2018, avec des résultats positifs en termes de fréquentation et de réduction du trafic automobile.

Conclusion: En somme, si la gratuité des transports en commun représente un défi financier, ses bénéfices environnementaux et sociaux sont indéniables. Il appartient donc aux décideurs locaux de trouver des solutions de financement innovantes pour rendre cette mesure durable.

Our Tips for Writing an Argumentative Essay at DELF B2

Clear thesis: Ensure your thesis statement is specific and clearly presents your position.
Logical flow: Arrange your arguments logically, making sure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next.
Strong evidence: Support your arguments with relevant examples, statistics, and quotes.
Address counterarguments: Present and refute counterarguments to strengthen your position.
Formal language: Use formal language and avoid slang or colloquial expressions. For a full review of the grammar structures expected, see our DELF B2 grammar guide.
Proofreading: Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and coherence.

By following this structure and these 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. For a broader overview of the entire writing test, see our guide to the DELF B2 writing test.

Prepare for the DELF B2 Exam with a Certified DELF Examiner

At French via Skype, our tutor is a native French speaker, certified DELF examiner, and certified in FLE (French as a Foreign Language), with over 20 years of international teaching experience across Europe. She has guided students of all ages and levels through the DELF and DALF, and knows precisely what the exam jury is looking for.

Our online DELF B2 courses are fully personalised and delivered one-to-one via Zoom, Teams, or the platform of your choice. They are accessible to candidates who already have an A2 or B1 level in French. If you are not yet at that level, we can help you reach it.

Every course includes:

A personalised study plan based on your specific needs and language level
Effective preparation with tailored learning materials — a full range of B2 grammar, vocabulary, resources, and assessments
Targeted work on each DELF B2 skill: listening, reading, writing, and speaking
Grammar work on key B2 points: French connectors, the subjunctive, and advanced structures
Homework with detailed corrections — grammar practice, vocabulary development, written and oral production tasks
Flexible scheduling — available all year, during holidays, and after working hours

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At French via Skype, we specialise in preparation for the DELF B2 exam. If you would like to discuss your needs and receive a personalised study plan, do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to help you prepare with confidence and achieve the score you need.

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