DALF C1 Examen Preparation

Understanding DALF C1 Expectations

At C1 level, synthesizing press and scientific articles is the key written and oral skill. Its mastery (in addition to linguistic and socio-cultural skills) will enable you to take the DALF C1 in the best possible conditions. That’s why we are proud of our DALF C1 Preparation. We want you to succeed at university and in your professional career!

Keep in mind: DALF C1 is not a synonym for fluent French. It means you have the ability to produce intellectual reflection in French.

FEI offers you two mock exams. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and how much work you’ll have to do.

Course Content & Methodology

According to the exam structure, we offer two main courses: comprehension and argumentation/synthesis, focusing on production. We do not provide “ready-to-think” material. We accompany you to develop your own reflection in French (and other languages!), by talking to your intelligence.

Mastering Comprehension Skills

For comprehension, in addition to helping you understand authentic audio documents, we will use pronunciation to help you accelerate your mastery of listening comprehension. As for reading comprehension, the aim is to familiarize students with the reading and rapid comprehension of the texts used, as well as the strategy to adopt on the day of the exam.

Mastering Production Skills

Oral Production Strategies

Oral production is the only individual test. Lasting 90 minutes (60 for preparation, 30 for presentation), it is designed to validate your ability to present and defend a reflection by synthesizing two documents and by using the specific French essay framework. You will also have to understand and answer questions examiners will ask you.

In order to succeed, a detailed methodological approach, based on an analysis of your productions, will help you understand what examiners expect of you.

Written Production Techniques

You have two and a half hours, so two exercises, to propose two good productions. Double the time compared to DELF B2! The task will be to synthesize a few documents (exercise 1) and use them for the argumentative essay. You will have to show the development of your argumentation skills.

Beyond the Exam: Culture & Autonomy

General Culture & Knowledge

It is an important part of your success in the DALF exam, especially the DALF C1. Indeed, the documents are based on national current affairs, on a variety of themes such as education, health, ecology, work… So you need to know the main points, which will help you in the production tests.

Guided Personal Work

In connection with the weekly mock assessment (every Friday), you will have to produce personal work to develop the knowledge needed to obtain the DALF C1. As we have seen, DALF is also about showing an interest in social issues. We are also here to help you in this work, so ask us!

Digital resources to help you continue your work on reading and listening comprehension will be available in the group’s Google Classroom.

Mock Exams & Assessment

At the end of each week, we will offer you a mock DALF C1, designed and assessed according to the criteria set by France Éducation International. This test will help you get used to the exam format. You will receive individual feedback, with one target: succeed in your work.

French Language Current Affairs

To be prepared, you’ll need to be able to talk about and take an active interest in French current affairs, for example on the francetvinfo.fr website (which has the advantage of being free), to understand societal debates.