Do’s and Don’ts when preparing DELE exams

Learn Spanish, 17/05/2016

If you are eager to learn Spanish, you might already have some idea about the DELE exams. Here you go: this is the most important certification you can achieve in order to prove your Spanish knowledge.

Getting your DELE exam means your Spanish level is internationally recognized. Therefore, you shall need a DELE certificate either for studying in a Spanish University or for working in a company where Spanish languages is required.

If you are interested in preparing for this official exam, you should take into account the following do’s and don’ts so you can successfully take it.

1. Get informed about the structure of the exam
DELE test is made up of 5 parts andyou must get a pass qualification in each one of them. These parts are:
• Reading Comprehension: candidates must answer question based on a specific text. Depending on the language level, this part lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.
• Writing: candidates must write different types of texts according to thechosen diploma. It takes between 50 and 60 minutes to do it.
• Listening: candidates will hear several recordings and then they will have to answer questions based on these audio tracks.
• Grammar and vocabulary: this part involvesa range of exercises (fill in the gaps, multiple choice questions, etc.) so it allows the examiners to test student’s grammar and vocabulary skill.
• Speaking: each candidate will hold a discussionwith the examiner during a maximum 15 minutes.

2. Practice continuously, it doesn’t matter when and where
If you come to Spain, there are plenty of opportunities for you to practice your Spanish. If you want to improve your reading skill, any library will offer you a broad selection of books covering all language levels and subjects. Media will also help a lot: you’ll expand your vocabulary and improve your fluency reading newspapers and listening to the radio or watchingTV. Museums, stores, markets and restaurants are also good choices if you want to practice what you’ve learnt in class.

3. Test your knowledge
Practice DELE tests before the real exam. This way, you’ll be able to record you progress, prioritize the work on some skills or improve some others. You can find samples of DELE exams at the Instituto Cervantes website

Choose a good DELE preparation center
If you want to take your DELE exam at BCN Spanish Language, we will offer you a highly qualitative DELE preparation coursewith qualified native and long experienced teachers. Furthermore, we let you knowBCN Spanish Language is a member of FEDELE Barcelona Examination Center, which means exams can be taken for the following levels: DELE B1, DELE B2 and DELE C1. The exams are scheduled by Instituto Cervantes.

4. Don’t Take your Spanish level for granted
Before signing up for a DELE exam, you should know your level of Spanish. Perhaps you read in Spanish better than write or you are able to start a discussionbut you still have great difficulty with understanding what the other person talks to you. The only way to know this is by doing a Spanish level test.

5. Don’t forget about the grammar
Many students are afraid of Spanish grammar when takinga DELE exam. The truth is that Spanish grammar has many rules and exceptions and it is important to memorize a lot of them in order to get a good Spanish command. A quick and effective way to get rid of this fear is to get enrolled in an intensive Spanish grammar course so you’ll learn how to manage these rules, verbs, pronouns, etc., in real situations.

6. Don’t let the time panic you
You must learn how to manageyour time for each part of a DELE exam. First, pay attention to the time for solving each part of your test. Then, check your clock just before you start. Use almost all the time assigned for each part of the exam. Leave a few minutes at the end so you can have a last glance on your paper for error-proofing.

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