DELE writing: how to structure every task, level by level.

In 25 years of DELE prep, writing is the section I see fail the most otherwise-ready candidates — not because their Spanish is weak, but because their text arrives at the examiner's desk disorganized, under the word count, or missing part of what the prompt actually asked.

This is fixable faster than almost anything else in DELE prep. Structure is learnable in a way that vocabulary and instinct for register take longer to build. Here is exactly what each level's writing task expects.

What the DELE writing section actually scores

Four criteria, roughly equal weight:

• Task completion. Did you address every element the prompt asked for? Prompts often have 3–4 specific points to cover — missing one costs points regardless of how well the rest is written.
• Coherence and cohesion. Does the text flow logically, with ideas connected by appropriate linking words, rather than reading as a list of disconnected sentences?
• Range and control of language. Vocabulary and grammar appropriate to the level — not necessarily complex, but controlled and varied enough to avoid repetition.
• Appropriacy. Correct register for the task — an informal email to a friend should not sound like a formal report, and vice versa.

Notice that "perfect grammar" isn't its own category — it's folded into "range and control." A well-structured text with a few grammar slips consistently scores higher than a grammatically flawless text that ignores part of the prompt or reads as a disconnected list.

A2 writing: structure and template

Typical task: An informal note, postcard or short email (60–70 words) — inviting someone, describing a recent event, or making simple plans.

Template:

1. Greeting (¡Hola, [nombre]!)
2. Opening line connecting to why you're writing
3. 2–3 short sentences covering the specific points the prompt asks for
4. Simple closing (Un abrazo, Saludos)

At A2, simplicity is an advantage — short, correct sentences score better than ambitious ones with errors. Cover every point the prompt asks, even briefly.

B1 writing: structure and template

Typical task: An informal letter or email (100–150 words) — describing an experience, making a request, or responding to a situation with some explanation or opinion.

Template:

1. Greeting
2. Opening: reason for writing / context
3. Body paragraph 1: main information or event, in some detail
4. Body paragraph 2: opinion, request, or additional point the prompt requires
5. Closing line + sign-off

B1 is where past tenses (preterite vs imperfect) typically appear — narrating a past event correctly is a common scoring point, so review this specifically if your writing practice reveals confusion here.

B2 writing: structure and template

Typical task: Two texts totaling roughly 150–220 words — often one informal (email, message) and one more formal or argumentative (opinion piece, formal letter, structured response with advantages/disadvantages).

Template for the argumentative/formal text:

1. Introduction: state the topic and your position or purpose clearly
2. Body paragraph 1: main point, with a supporting example or reason
3. Body paragraph 2: second point, or an opposing view you then address
4. Conclusion: brief summary or restated position

B2 examiners specifically look for the ability to present a viewpoint with advantages and disadvantages — a text that only states an opinion without at least acknowledging another angle tends to score lower on range and coherence than one that briefly does both.

C1 writing: structure and template

Typical task: A more complex report, formal essay or structured response (200–250 words per text), often based on given information (a chart, a set of statements, a scenario) that must be synthesized, not just reacted to.

Template:

1. Introduction: frame the topic and, if relevant, reference the source material given
2. Body paragraph 1: first major point, developed with specific detail
3. Body paragraph 2: second major point or counterpoint, developed similarly
4. Body paragraph 3 (if space allows): nuance, exception, or synthesis of the two
5. Conclusion: a genuine synthesis, not just a restatement

At C1, formal register control matters more than at any lower level — administrative, academic or journalistic tone, depending on the task, sustained consistently through the whole text. This is the level where candidates who write fluently but casually in daily life often need the most deliberate register practice.

Connectors that do the most work

A short, well-chosen set of connectors, used correctly, does more for your coherence score than a long list used awkwardly:

Pick 6 to 8 of these, practice them until they feel natural, and use them deliberately in every practice text. Examiners notice organized structure quickly, and connectors are the most visible signal of it.

Time management during the writing section

A practical time split for a typical writing section (adjust to your level's actual time allowance):

• 2–3 minutes: Read the prompt twice, identify every specific point it asks for, jot a one-line outline.
• Most of the remaining time: Write directly, following your outline and the level's template structure.
• Last 3–5 minutes: Review specifically for: did you address every point in the prompt, are your connectors doing real work, and are there any obvious grammar slips you can catch on a second read.

Skipping the final review is one of the most common avoidable point losses — a rereading catches errors that are invisible while composing. For the broader picture of what a full DELE writing prep plan looks like alongside the other sections, see 5 DELE mistakes that cost candidates the exam.

Frequently asked questions

What is the word count for DELE writing tasks?

It varies by level: roughly 60–70 words at A2, 100–150 at B1, 150–220 across two texts at B2, and 200–250 per text at C1. Writing significantly under the minimum loses points for task completion; writing far over the maximum wastes time you need for review.

Is the DELE writing section scored on grammar alone?

No. Examiners score task completion (did you address everything the prompt asked), coherence and cohesion (does the text flow logically, with connectors), range and control of language (vocabulary and grammar), and appropriacy (correct register for the task). A grammatically perfect text that ignores part of the prompt still loses points.

How do I practice DELE writing without a teacher?

Practice past exam prompts under timed conditions, using the structure templates for your level, and read your text back against the prompt to confirm you addressed every part. Self-practice helps with structure and timing, but catching your own grammar and register errors is difficult — feedback from a teacher familiar with DELE criteria is what closes that specific gap.

Should I write a draft first or write directly in the DELE writing section?

A short outline (2-3 minutes: main points, order, key connectors) is worth the time at every level. A full separate draft usually isn't, given the time limits — better to plan briefly, write directly, then use remaining time to review for errors and missing task elements.

What are the most useful Spanish connectors for DELE writing?

For adding ideas: además, asimismo. For contrast: sin embargo, no obstante, aunque. For cause: ya que, debido a. For consequence: por lo tanto, por eso. For sequence: en primer lugar, finalmente. Using a handful of these correctly and naturally does more for your score than using many awkwardly. See the DELE preparation page for how writing practice fits into a full prep plan.

Also in Notes

Speaking What nobody tells you about the DELE speaking exam Logistics DELE exam day: the complete checklist Mistakes 5 DELE mistakes that cost candidates the exam Service DELE exam preparation classes in Lima (A1–C2)