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Are you an advanced French speaker, capable of interpreting essays and delivering presentations in French? Then why not get a C1 diploma under your belt to prove it?
To do so, many people take the DALF C1 exam.
If you're planning to take the exam, you need to know how to study for it!
In this DALF C1 exam study guide, we'll break down what the four sections involve and what you need to do to pass. Plus, we'll share some exam tips to ensure you do your best. Let's get started!
Reading
In the reading exam, you'll answer questions about a text up to 2000 words long. It could be either journalistic or literary in style.
How to prepare for DALF C1 reading
To prepare for this exam, you need to get used to reading long passages of text. Focus on journalistic and literary texts, just like the French C1 exam will. Try reading:
- French articles on news websites
- Works of fiction at a C1 level
When you read these passages, take the time to research unfamiliar words and phrases.
Our Bilingual Reader tool is another great place to get started! When you hover over a phrase you don't know, it shows you both the translation and links to lessons that help with the subject.
Reading exam tips
For the most accurate understanding, we suggest you read the text, then read the questions, and finally read the text again.
When answering the questions, you don't need to write anything long or complex. Demonstrating an accurate understanding of the text in a sentence or two is enough.
Also, watch out for multi-part questions and wordplay. These can trip up examinees, so read the questions carefully.
Writing
You may be able to choose which subject your writing exam source material covers: Literature and social science, or natural science. Once you've chosen, you'll be provided with several texts on the subject.
First, you need to analyse their main points in a 220-240 word essay. Second, you'll write a 250+ word essay presenting and defending your opinions on the subject.
How to prepare for DALF C1 writing
To produce so much written French in 2 hours 30 minutes, you need to practice writing French regularly. More than that, you need to know how well-written your work is so you can improve. Here are two ways to do that:
- Upload French essays to forums like Hi-Native for native speakers to proofread
- Use our advanced C1 writing exercises that correct you as you go
Both of these methods will help you practice and improve your writing.
Writing exam tips
We have three key tips to help you ace the writing exam:
- Read the texts carefully so you don't misinterpret them
- Choose the right tone for the style of essay you're writing
- Plan your essay structure with an outline before you begin
Speaking
After 1 hour of prep time, the speaking exam requires you to deliver a presentation. This will usually be based on texts covering a subject of your choice, either literary and social science or natural science.
Then you will discuss the presentation and topic with the examiners.
How to prepare for DALF C1 speaking
As it tests C1 French speakers, this exam goes beyond simple conversation. You need to present and discuss a topical subject.
To make sure you do your best, practice with native speakers. Deliberately discuss subjects you're less familiar with to expand your vocabulary. And if you don't know many in person, try looking online.
For more speaking practice tips, check out these articles:
- Practice speaking French, whether or not you're in France
- Online speaking practice
- Solo speaking practice
Speaking exam tips
Read the documents thoroughly. Look for ways you can expand upon the points, not just restate them.
Your presentation can agree or disagree with the sentiments. Either way, use short quotations from the texts and examples from current events to support your point of view.
Listening
In the listening exam, you'll first listen to a short recording. Your comprehension will then be tested with a multiple-choice questionnaire.
After that, you'll listen to a longer recording, which will be played twice. Your comprehension will be tested with both multiple-choice and essay-style questions.
How to prepare for DALF C1 listening
Use both passive and active listening to prepare for the exam.
Passive listening involves listening to French media in the background. You could leave the radio or TV shows on while you do other things so you get used to how native speakers construct their sentences.
Active listening involves using listening exercises to test your understanding. We have two types of French listening exercises to help you practice and improve:
- Transcription exercises where you write what you hear
- Listening exercises where you follow along with written text
Use these to get used to listening to C1-level audio, and improve your understanding.
Listening exam tips
On the day, keep an eye on the questions while the audio is playing. This can help you catch the right details.
When answering the essay questions, remember that an accurate answer is what's being tested, not your writing ability. So don't stress overmuch about writing in perfect French.
Gear up for the DALF C1 exam with Kwiziq French!
Once you've pushed your French skills to a DALF C1 exam standard, what comes next? Then you need to sign up! Check out our DALF article to find the prices and dates of exams near you.
After some practice, you may even feel that French C2 is within your reach! See our article on the DALF C2 exam to see how much of a jump it is from one level to the other.
Whichever exam you take, use our free lessons, exercises, and kwizzes to help you ace it. Sign up for a free Kwiziq French account today to get started!
Related info: Official French Tests & Diplomas | French Test Prep
