The questions are on the French Argumentative Essay DELF B2 test. Take it under real conditions before reading the answer key.
Quick answer: A French argumentative essay (l'essai argumenté) defends one clear position in about 250 words. This scoring guide gives the expected answers and the points for the 8 questions of the French B2 test on French argumentative essay DELF B2, from connector functions to write an argument, with the equivalent answers to accept.
Level: French B2 (CEFR upper intermediate) · Standards: CEFR B2, Writing
Question 1 Connector functions (2 points)
(a) addition (b) contrast (c) cause (d) consequence.
Scoring: 0.5 point per correct answer.
Question 2 Fill the paragraph (2 points)
(1) Cependant (2) Par exemple.
Scoring: 1 point per blank.
Question 3 Concession and subjunctive (2 points)
(a) Bien que le métro soit rapide, il est souvent bondé. (b) Quoique le quartier soit calme, il est mal desservi.
Scoring: 1 point per sentence (0.5 for the connector, 0.5 for the subjunctive).
Question 4 Reading comprehension (4 points)
(a) People now get news on their phones instead of the morning paper. (b) Speed. (c) Fake news, because few people check before sharing. (d) Teach young people to compare sources.
Scoring: 1 point per answer.
Question 5 Correct the sentence (2 points)
(a) Bien que la ville soit petite… (b) Cependant, le prix reste élevé. (or Mais le prix…)
Scoring: 1 point per correction.
Question 6 Translate into French (2 points)
Il est vrai que les voitures sont utiles. Cependant, elles polluent l’air.
Scoring: 1 point per sentence; minor accent errors cost 0.5.
Question 7 Order the introduction (2 points)
b – c – a: opening, question, thesis.
Scoring: 2 points for the full order, 1 point if only two are placed correctly.
Question 8 Write an argument (4 points)
Model: Je soutiens que la semaine de quatre jours est bénéfique. D’abord, elle réduit la fatigue ; en effet, un salarié qui se repose davantage travaille mieux. Par exemple, une entreprise de Nantes a constaté moins d’arrêts maladie. Certes, certains métiers ne peuvent pas s’y adapter. Cependant, une organisation par équipes permet de résoudre ce problème.
Scoring: position and logic 1; connectors 1; example and concession 1; grammar and spelling 1.