Preparing for the d.e.l.e (b2 specifically)
How do I prepare for the DELE, and What specific things am I guaranteed to see on the exam. I'm Coming up with a list, or study guide for all the things I probably should have down before the test. For example. ser vs estar por vs para preterite vs imperfect subjunctive vs indicative definite and indefinite article placement Must know vocabulary
What to study, and where to study it (online) would be great, especially free resources!
2 Answers
I'm not keen on giving resources but my advice should help.
- Pronunciation is not a demanding requirement as long as the ideas are coherent and with cohesion.
- A wide range of vocabulary is always a plus. Specially when it comes to Spanish! Many far-fetched words dominate.
- Stick to conjugating the verbs all the time. This is basic, and for a B2 student, this is important.
- Hard practice on the subjunctive mood in Spanish (all forms). This mood is really hard to master for learners, so it will take a lot of dedication to succeed.
- Hard practice on the pronoun se. This pronoun is widely used and has many uses. Study them all and devote to learning this.
- Contrasting forms like ser or estar are a really hard task. Mostly, it's better to learn its usage as a part of phrases. Sometimes you get to have the proper rules to make disctinctions, but most of the time it's better to learn it by heart.
Hope this helps.
Do you have a teacher to guide you or are you self studying? I have been to language schools in Spain and Mexico for short courses which I have treated partly as holiday. Many language schools offer courses timed to prepare you for the DELE exam.
I go to group lessons in the UK and we use C1 and B2 material. There are lots of sites on the net ending in ele with suitable resources eg Marcoele, ticele profe ele etc.
Here is the cervantes site with guidance and past papers. They also have lots of resources on site: cervantes
Here is the site of a language school I have used:
and here are some blogs with good resources
You have already been given good advice. Check all the disciplines and put work on your weakest skills. If you are not good at listening find short videos to listen to. Ver Taal uses news broadcasts from rtve and includes tests. Listen a number of times and resist looking at transcripts or subtitles too soon. I enjoy listening to music as a painless way to improve vocabulary and get used to the rhythm of the language.
I don't know how good your Spanish is nor how long you have before the test. Pronunciation in Spanish is logical but spend time making sure you know the sounds and remember where to put the stress. I know our teacher is keen that we do not get sloppy and pronounce hablo the same as habló.
Try and learn phrases. I still sometimes get caught out on indirect and direct objects - yes I know it is inexcusable! You need the basics including conjugations to trip off your pen or tongue without thought.
To improve our vocabulary we were encouraged to think of a noun then work out the adverb/verb and adjective. You will note patterns.
I have previously posted recommendations of podcasts, music etc just google for things you need.
Finally a retired American Professor has an excellent site for revision:
near the end is a section called mind your P & Qs it is all those little bits you keep forgetting.
It looks to me that you need to get a minimum mark in each section so make sure you improve your weak areas.
So far as music I found si yo fuera rico very helpful for imperfect subjunctive.
