If your children are young learners of Spanish, you may be wondering if they should obtain a DELE certification. Here are a few reasons why:
- Recognition and validation of Spanish proficiency: The DELE certification is recognized worldwide as a standard measure of Spanish proficiency. Obtaining a DELE certification can validate your level of Spanish and serve as proof of the language skills.
- Enhancement of academic and professional opportunities: Having a DELE certification can open up doors to academic and professional opportunities. It can increase the chances of getting accepted into a university or landing a job that requires Spanish proficiency.
- Motivation to continue learning Spanish: Preparing for and taking the DELE exam can be a challenging but rewarding experience. It can motivate you to continue learning Spanish and improve your language skills even further.
- Preparation for future language exams: If you want your children to take other language exams in the future, such as the SAT subject test in Spanish or the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam, preparing for the DELE can serve as good practice and preparation.
Exam Structure and Format
The DELE Spanish certification exams for young learners consist of three parts: Listening comprehension, Writing expression and interaction, and Oral expression and interaction.
The listening comprehension test lasts for 20 minutes and assesses the ability to understand spoken Spanish. The test includes a variety of audio recordings, such as conversations, monologues, and announcements. Students will be asked to answer multiple-choice questions based on what you hear.
The writing expression and interaction test lasts for 25 minutes and assesses the ability to write in Spanish. Students will be given a prompt and asked to write a short text, such as an email or a letter, based on the prompt.
Students will also be asked to complete a task that involves interacting with someone in writing, such as filling out a form or writing a message on a social media platform.
The oral expression and interaction test lasts for 10 minutes and includes a preparation time of 10 minutes. During the preparation time, students will be given a prompt and asked to prepare a short speech. Then they will be asked to deliver the speech and participate in a conversation with the examiner.
The conversation will cover a variety of topics related to the speech and other general topics.
There are two different DELE exams specifically for young learners - the A1 exam and the A2/B1 exam. The A1 exam is for students who have a basic understanding of Spanish, while the A2/B1 exam is for students who have a more advanced understanding of the language.
Preparation Strategies
Preparing for the DELE Spanish certification exams for young learners can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the exams:
1. Understand the Exam Format
Before you start preparing for the DELE exams, it's important to understand the exam format. The exams consist of four tests: reading comprehension, listening comprehension, written expression and interaction, and oral expression and interaction. Each test has its own time limit and format, so it's important to familiarize yourself with them before the exam day.
A1 LEVEL
- Reading comprehension test (45 min)
- Listening comprehension test (20 min)
- Writing expression and interaction test (25 min)
- Oral expression and interaction test (10 min + 10 min preparation time)
A2/B1 LEVEL
- Reading comprehension test (50 min)
- Listening comprehension test (30 min)
- Writing expression and interaction test (50 min)
- Oral expression and interaction test (12 min + 12 min preparation time)
2. Practice with Sample Papers
One of the best ways to prepare for the DELE exams is to practice with sample papers. Instituto Cervantes provides sample examination papers and audio materials for all levels, which are available in PDF and audio formats. Practicing with sample papers will help you get a sense of the exam format and the types of questions you can expect.
Sample DELE A1 exam for young learners (PDF in Spanish)
Sample DELE A2/B1 exam for young learners (PDF in Spanish)
3. Take Online Preparation Courses
Online preparation courses for DELE exams are designed to help you understand the structure of the exams, develop the necessary skills to pass them, and provide you with feedback on your progress. These courses are available for 90 days, and you can access them from anywhere with an internet connection.
4. Read and Listen to Spanish Language Materials
Reading and listening to Spanish language materials is an excellent way to improve your comprehension skills. You can read Spanish books, newspapers, and magazines or listen to Spanish podcasts, music, and radio programs. This will help you get used to the language and improve your vocabulary.
5. Practice Speaking Spanish
One of the most challenging parts of the DELE exams is the oral expression and interaction test. To prepare for this test, it's important to practice speaking Spanish as much as possible. You can practice with a language exchange partner or take Spanish conversation classes.
Exam Registration Process
To register for the DELE Spanish certification exams for young learners, you need to follow the Instituto Cervantes' general conditions and requirements. All students interested in taking the exam must comply with these conditions to register.
Firstly, you need to select the type of exam you want to take. Once you have decided on the exam you want to take, you need to find the exam dates that are available. The Instituto Cervantes offers exam dates throughout the year, so you can choose the one that best suits your schedule. The registration period for each exam date is usually a few months before the exam date, so make sure you register in time.
To register for the exam, you need to fill out an online registration form on the Instituto Cervantes website. You will need to provide your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details. You will also need to upload a passport-sized photo and a copy of your ID or passport.
Once you have completed the registration form and paid the exam fee, you will receive a confirmation email with your exam date, time, and location. Make sure you read the email carefully and take note of all the important information.
Scoring and Evaluation
The DELE Spanish certification exams for young learners are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 100 points. To pass, you must score at least 30 points in each of the four parts of the exam. The final grade is the average of the four scores.
The evaluation criteria for each part of the exam are as follows:
LEVEL A1/B1
- Reading Comprehension: 25 points
- Writing Expression and Interaction Test: 25 points
- Listening Comprehension: 25 points
- Speaking Test: 25 points
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