In Task 2 of the DELE A2 writing test you choose between two options and write a text of 70 to 80 words. Option 1 gives you instructions with several points and no photos; option 2 gives you four photos with short captions and usually three points. In both cases you must include every point. In this article I explain, as a DELE examiner, what the task looks like and walk you through a commented example of option 2, the one with photos.

If you prefer to watch it, here's the video (in Spanish):

What DELE A2 writing Task 2 looks like

The written expression and interaction test is Prueba 3 of the DELE A2 and has two tasks. In Task 2 you must choose one of two options. You can't do both.

  • Option 1: no photos. You get instructions and a list of points, usually more than in option 2, because there are no images to give you ideas.
  • Option 2: four photos, each with a caption that gives context, and usually three points.

In both options you have to include every single point. If you skip one, you lose marks, even if the text is well written.

How many words for Task 2

The instructions ask for 70 to 80 words. It's fine to be slightly under or over, but don't stray far from that range. If you write too little, you're probably not covering all the points. If you write too much, it shows you can't summarise, and you risk making more mistakes.

A commented example of option 2

These are the instructions from the example in the video: “Lucía y Olga son dos amigas que hace mucho tiempo que no se ven. Aquí tiene algunas fotos de cuando se conocieron, cómo eran antes y cómo son ahora.” The photos show the two friends in 1980, then in 1995 having lunch together, and now: Lucía with her family and Olga in a doctor's coat.

The points ask you to explain how they met, what their life was like before, what their lives are like now and why they no longer see each other. Each point matches one or two photos, so the images give you half the text.

Here is a model answer (adapted from the example in the video):

Lucía y Olga fueron amigas durante muchos años, pero ahora, desafortunadamente, hace mucho tiempo que no se ven.

Primero, se conocieron en 1980 en la escuela primaria. Entonces tenían cinco años y se llevaban muy bien.

Después, en 1995, estudiaban carreras distintas: Lucía, Magisterio, y Olga, Medicina. Pero siempre encontraban un momento para comer juntas.

Por último, en la actualidad no se ven con frecuencia porque Lucía tiene una familia y Olga tiene mucho trabajo y poco tiempo.

Why this text works

1. It's organised in short paragraphs

Instead of one big block, there are four short paragraphs. Each one answers a point and relies on a photo. That makes it much easier for the examiner to check that you've completed the task.

2. It uses simple, versatile connectors

Primero, entonces, después, pero and por último work in almost any A2 text. I recommend using at least three connectors, in both Task 1 and Task 2.

3. It combines the past tenses well

  • Preterite (indefinido) for one-off, completed events: se conocieron, fueron amigas.
  • Imperfect (imperfecto) for descriptions and past routines: tenían cinco años, se llevaban muy bien, estudiaban, siempre encontraban un momento.
  • Present for the current situation: no se ven, tiene una familia.

In this task you'll almost always need the past and the present, and sometimes the future too.

4. Grammar details that add up

  • Durante for a length of time: fueron amigas durante muchos años. You could also say por muchos años, but if por and para confuse you, durante is the safe choice. Here's how to choose between por and para.
  • Hace + length of time and desde + starting point: hace mucho tiempo que no se ven, no se ven desde 2020.
  • Age takes tener, not ser: tenían cinco años.
  • Llevarse bien con alguien means to get on well with someone.
  • Small numbers are better in words (cinco); years in figures (1980).
  • A concrete example always helps: por ejemplo, para comer.

Tips for DELE A2 writing Task 2

  • Read all the points before you start and tick them off as you include them.
  • If you choose option 2, use the information in the photos: you don't have to invent as much.
  • Write one paragraph per point or per photo.
  • Use at least three connectors.
  • Count your words and stay close to 70 to 80.
  • Save a few minutes at the end to check agreement and verb tenses.

For common mistakes, read 6 frequent mistakes in the DELE A2 writing test.

FAQ about DELE A2 writing Task 2

Can I do both options in Task 2?

No. You have to choose one: option 1 or option 2.

Which option is easier?

It depends on you. Option 2 has photos that give you ideas and context, so many students find it more comfortable. Option 1 has more points but gives you more freedom.

What happens if I don't include every point?

You lose marks for task completion, even if your Spanish is correct. That's why ticking them off one by one matters so much.

Which tenses do I need?

Almost always the past and the present. Use the preterite for one-off events and the imperfect for descriptions and routines. These useful structures for the writing test give you a ready-made skeleton.

Can I pass the DELE A2 if my writing test goes badly?

Yes, because writing is compensated by reading comprehension within the same block. I explain it here: how to pass the DELE A2.

Summary

  • In Task 2 you choose one option: option 1 (points, no photos) or option 2 (four photos and points).
  • Write 70 to 80 words and include every point.
  • Organise the text in short paragraphs and use at least three connectors.
  • Combine the preterite, the imperfect and the present depending on what you're telling.

Resources to prepare the DELE A2 writing test

To practise this task with plenty of examples, I have a book with 60 model writing tasks, twenty for Task 1 and forty for the two options of Task 2, all solved and commented: A por el DELE A2. Prepara la Prueba Escrita.

And if you want to prepare every part of the exam with guidance, with more than 40 lessons and direct access to me for your questions, there's the online course: a2.aporeldele.com.

If you'd like free resources and reminders before each exam session, join the newsletter: recursos.aporeldele.com/boletin.

¡A por el DELE! 🇪🇸