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Are you fluent in French? Would you like an international accreditation to prove it?
Then you may be considering the DALF C2 exam. It's the highest standard of proficiency awarded by the French Ministry of Education.
Even if you feel fluent, you may be nervous about how your skills will translate to an exam format. What if you're not used to the style of questions, so your skill doesn't come across as well as it should?
That's why we created this DALF C2 exam study guide! Learn here how to prepare for each part of the exam so you can truly show off your skills.
Reading and writing
In 3 hours 30 minutes, you'll produce a 2000-word essay based on several provided texts. This tests your comprehension of the texts as well as your writing ability. You can usually choose between texts on two subjects: humanities and social studies or natural science.
How to prepare for DALF C2 reading and writing
Regularly reading French texts improves your speed and comprehension. It also teaches you new ways of crafting your own writing.
By now, you're probably very familiar with reading news articles and other literature in French. Expand your range by delving into more complex texts, such as academic journals and scientific articles. As always, make it a point to learn any words you're unfamiliar with.
As for writing practice, try uploading your own essays onto forum such as Hi-Native. There you can ask native speakers to proofread and correct your work. This will also help you get used to writing long passages of French text.
Reading and writing exam tips
Once you've read the texts, start by checking that you've understood them accurately. Read them more than once to make sure you catch the nuances and any implied meaning.
Then, to produce a well-rounded essay, create an outline. Jot down a plan of the points you want to cover, so your writing follows a good structure.
Finally, proofread your work. Look for technical errors such as spelling and grammar. Then look for ways you could improve the meaning of the text, such as looking for holes in your argument.
Listening and speaking
Over approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, you'll listen to a 15-minute recording twice. You'll then write up the contents of the recording, orally present your own opinions, and debate the subject with the examiners. This exam tests listening comprehension, speech delivery, and how well you can converse.
How to prepare for DALF C2 listening and speaking
The best way to practice both speaking and listening is through conversation. Practice talking to people in person or online from a range of French-speaking countries and of various ages.
Rather than sticking to daily conversation, debate topical subjects. Ask people to correct even your smallest mistakes. For more speaking tips, check out these articles:
- Practice speaking French, whether or not you're in France
- Online speaking practice
- Solo speaking practice
As for practicing listening on your own, use our French listening exercises to hone your comprehension. Kwiziq has both transcription and read-along exercises on many subjects related to Francophone culture.
Listening and speaking exam tips
When listening to the recording, pay attention to particular details:
- What's the source of the recording?
- Who is speaking?
- What are the main ideas?
When preparing your oral presentation, find ways to expand on the ideas you heard, not just repeat them. Find arguments you can make about the topic or ways to relate it to other events or subjects.
Time to get your diploma!
Now you know how to study for the DALF C2 exam, it's time to apply! Our comprehensive DALF article has up-to-date information about all of the exam's dates, prices, and a link to register.
Once you have, don't neglect your studies. Read, write, speak, and listen to C2 French as much as possible. And don't forget to go through all of our French C1 learning tools to make sure there are no gaps in your foundational knowledge.
Access these resources by creating your FREE Kwiziq French account today!
Related info: Official French Tests & Diplomas | French Test Prep
