DELE A2 written expression: tasks, criteria and sample emails
The DELE A2 written expression and interaction test lasts 45 minutes and has two tasks: responding to a text with a note, message, postcard, email or short letter (60 to 70 words), and writing a short composition based on one of two options (70 to 80 words). Two independent raters score the test, and their scores are averaged. In each task, language use accounts for 66 % and task completion for 34 %.
The two tasks
- Task 1 (60 to 70 words): you read a short text (a letter, note, message, invitation or email) and write a response with information about your surroundings, habits, interests, work or studies.
- Task 2 (70 to 80 words): you choose between two options. Option A is a text about an everyday topic from your personal life. Option B is a biographical or narrative text based on photos or information.
How it is scored
Two independent raters score the test, and the final score is the average of their scores. Each task is worth half of the score for this test. In each task, language use accounts for 66 % and task completion for 34 %. Task completion means answering all the points in the instructions and following the required text type and length. Writing one part very well but forgetting another lowers your score.
Tips
- Read the instructions twice and mark the points you need to cover. Answer all of them.
- Use short sentences with vocabulary you know. At this level, communicating clearly is valued, not using complicated structures.
- Include an appropriate greeting and closing for the type of text.
- Pay attention to accent marks (sábado, número, música, tú) and agreement (una bebida, not un bebida).
- Set aside the last few minutes to read your work again. Count the words: stay within the required length.
Examples
These examples are original material from A2 Nacionalidad (they are not official exam tasks). Each one includes the instructions and an A2-level model text. Read them, write your own version and compare it.
1. Información para empadronarse
Exam prompt: Escribe un correo a la oficina del padrón de tu ayuntamiento. Preséntate, pregunta qué documentos necesitas y pide información sobre la cita y el horario. (50–70 words)
Model text:
2. Un problema con la tarjeta bancaria
Exam prompt: Escribe un mensaje a una empleada de tu banco. Explica qué problema tienes con tu tarjeta, pregunta si está en la oficina y pide una cita para activar la banca por internet. (60–80 words)
Model text:
3. Una carta en Correos
Exam prompt: Escribe una nota a la persona que vive contigo. Explica qué ha pasado con una carta certificada, indica dónde y con qué documentos puede recogerla, y pide que te avise después. (60–80 words)
Model text:
4. Información para la matrícula
Exam prompt: Escribe un correo a la secretaría de una academia de español. Pregunta qué documentos necesitas para la matrícula, cuánto cuesta el curso y cuál es el horario de tarde. (50–70 words)
Model text:
5. No he podido ir a clase
Exam prompt: Escribe una nota a tu profesora porque ayer no fuiste a clase. Explica el motivo, pregunta qué tareas tienes que hacer y di cuándo vas a volver al curso. (60–80 words)
Model text:
6. Cambio de horario del curso
Exam prompt: Escribe un mensaje a una compañera de tu curso de informática. Informa del nuevo horario, explica por qué vas a llegar tarde y pregunta qué tarea tenéis que llevar. (60–80 words)
Model text:
7. Una fiesta de cumpleaños en familia
Exam prompt: Escribe un correo a una amiga para invitarla a una fiesta familiar. Incluye qué celebras y cuándo, quién puede venir y qué tiene que traer. (50–70 words)
Model text:
8. Deporte con la familia
Exam prompt: Escribe un mensaje a tu primo para hacer deporte juntos. Explica qué deporte vais a hacer, cuándo y dónde habéis quedado y qué debe llevar. (60–80 words)
Model text:
Frequently asked questions
How many words do you have to write in the DELE A2?
Between 130 and 150 in total: 60 to 70 words in task 1 and 70 to 80 in task 2.
What types of texts are required?
In task 1, a note, postcard, message, email or short letter in response to a text. In task 2, a short composition about an everyday topic or a biographical or narrative text.
Who marks the written test?
Two independent raters, and the final score is the average of their scores.
Which is more important, grammar or following the instructions?
Language use accounts for 66 % and task completion for 34 %. Both matter: you do not need to write perfectly, but you must answer all the points.
Official sources
Information reviewed on .