Welcome, dear DELE students and Spanish learners! Today we’re diving into one of the most interesting (and challenging) parts of the DELE B2 exam — the writing test, specifically Task 2, Option 2: the opinion article.
If you’ve ever dreamed of writing like a Spanish journalist — or at least like a blogger with strong opinions — this is your moment. Let’s explore what examiners expect, how to organize your ideas, and how to manage your time effectively.
What Is the DELE B2 Opinion Article?
In Task 2 of the DELE B2 writing exam, you’ll have two options:
- Option 1: a graph or chart, where you write a more objective, data-based text.
- Option 2: a news article or short text, where you must write an opinion article.
If you choose Option 2, you’ll have to react to the news, express your opinion, and justify it clearly. This option allows for more creativity and argumentation, while still requiring a solid command of grammar and structure.
Timing: How to Manage Your 80 Minutes
You’ll have 80 minutes in total to complete both writing tasks. Here’s how to plan your time wisely:
- 10 minutes – Listening to the audio for Task 1
- 5 minutes – Reviewing both tasks at the end
- ≈65 minutes left for writing
Divide those 65 minutes roughly like this:
- 30–35 minutes for Task 2 (the opinion article)
- The rest for Task 1
Think of it like dividing a pizza — it seems big at first, but time disappears fast. Plan carefully so you don’t spend too much time on one section.
Word Count: 150–180 Words
The word limit is between 150 and 180 words.
Write too little, and you’ll lose points for lack of content. Write too much, and you’ll risk running out of time or making more mistakes. Aim for precision — like perfectly al dente pasta.
The Task: Becoming a Mini Columnist
In this exercise, you’ll act as a columnist writing for a blog, magazine, or local publication.
You’ll receive a short news article about a general topic — for example, environment, education, or technology — and you’ll need to express your opinion on it.
Example instruction (based on official models from Instituto Cervantes):
Write an opinion article for your university’s blog about the importance of recycling in big cities.
What You Should Review Before the Exam
Before the big day, make sure you’re comfortable with the skills and grammar required for this task.
1. Read Opinion Articles
Look for examples in Spanish newspapers or blogs to understand how these texts are structured and what tone they use.
2. Grammar Focus
- Review indicative and subjunctive tenses — especially for expressing opinions and evaluations.
- Master expressions like es importante que, me parece bien que, no creo que….
- Practice connectors — they are the “sauce” that keeps your text from being dry. Without them, your article will feel like spaghetti without sauce.
3. Functions You’ll Need
You must be able to:
- Express opinions
- Argue and justify ideas
- Evaluate or compare
Basically, you’re doing in Spanish what you do with your friends when you’re trying to convince them to watch your movie instead of theirs.
Structure of the DELE B2 Opinion Article
Writing a strong opinion article is like building a good sandwich — you need two solid slices of bread (introduction and conclusion) and a strong filling (your arguments).
1. Introduction
Present the topic and your position. Be clear about your main opinion from the start.
Example:
En la actualidad, el uso de los teléfonos móviles en clase genera un debate constante entre profesores y alumnos.
2. Body Paragraphs
Develop your arguments logically.
Explain your reasons, provide examples, and — if you can — include a counterargument to show balance.
Example:
Aunque algunos piensan que los móviles distraen, también pueden ser una herramienta educativa si se usan correctamente.
3. Conclusion
Summarize your position and end with a reflection or recommendation.
Example:
En conclusión, el uso de los móviles en clase no es un problema en sí, sino una cuestión de responsabilidad y educación.
For more detailed examples of structures, connectors, and model texts, visit deleexam.com or check my book Método DELE B2: Prueba Escrita, available on Amazon.
Writing Strategy: Plan, Draft, and Write
Think of your writing process in three simple steps:
- Outline (Esquema)
Make a quick outline before you start. It doesn’t have to be detailed — just enough to organize your ideas. - Draft (Borrador)
Decide whether you have time for a full draft or just a partial one.- If you write quickly, do a complete draft and then copy it neatly.
- If you write slowly, skip the draft and write directly on the exam sheet.
- Final Version (Versión definitiva)
Review your grammar, connectors, and word count before submitting.
Practical Tips for Exam Day
- Eat and rest before the test.
The writing section comes after a short break — use it to recharge and focus. - Be punctual.
Arriving late increases stress and reduces preparation time. - Practice timing at home.
Simulate the full writing exam under real conditions. - Read the instructions carefully.
Don’t write about teleworking when the task asks about fast food (though somehow they might be related!). - Use the right register.
Remember: you’re writing a formal opinion piece, not a WhatsApp message. - Practice consistently.
Writing well takes time. Start practicing at least one month before the exam. - Revise like a detective.
Hunt for errors as if they were Pokémon — you have to catch them all!
Read your article as if someone else had written it. This helps you spot mistakes your brain “auto-corrects.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to express your opinion clearly.
- Using overly informal vocabulary.
- Writing fewer than 150 or more than 180 words.
- Repeating the same connectors (también, además, también, también…).
- Ignoring punctuation and accent marks.
Final Thoughts
The DELE B2 opinion article is your chance to show your ability to argue, persuade, and write fluently in Spanish. With practice, clear structure, and good connectors, you can transform this task into one of your strongest areas.
You can listen to the full explanation in Spanish of this topic in my podcast episode: deleexam.com/podcast/106-articulo-opinion-dele-b2.
And if you’d like to prepare in a small online group or take individual DELE lessons, you can contact me at carmenmadridonline@gmail.com — I’ll be happy to help you reach your goals.
by Carmen Madrid, accredited DELE examiner and Spanish teacher