The DELE B1 reading paper (Comprensión de lectura) has 5 tasks and 30 questions, and lasts 70 minutes. Each task has 6 questions and they are all worth the same. The key to passing isn't reading faster: it's knowing exactly what each task asks for, sharing out your time (about 12 minutes per task) and finishing in 60 minutes so you can use the last 10 to read the listening questions.

In this guide I walk you through the five tasks one by one, with the strategy I suggest for each and the most common mistakes.

What does the DELE B1 reading paper look like?

  • Task 1: match 6 people with short ads or notices. There are 10 texts: one is used in the example and 3 are left over.
  • Task 2: an informative text of 400 to 450 words with 6 multiple-choice questions (a, b, c).
  • Task 3: three short texts (100-120 words each) by three people, and 6 statements you have to match with one of them.
  • Task 4: a text of 400 to 450 words with 6 gaps and 8 fragments to place; 2 are left over.
  • Task 5: a short text, usually a letter or email, with 6 gaps and three options for each. It's grammar in context.

Every correct answer is worth the same and wrong answers don't lose points. A blank answer scores 0, just like a wrong one, so always mark an option.

When is the reading paper, and what do I fill it in with?

Reading is the first paper of the day. You get a single booklet with reading and listening, which are taken back to back with no break. The listening starts once the 70 minutes of reading are up. Then there is a break, followed by the writing paper.

You mark your answers on a separate answer sheet in pencil (a no. 2 pencil), with an eraser to correct, because it's marked by a machine that only detects graphite, not ink. Pens are only used in the writing paper. My advice: answer in the booklet first and copy each task's answers onto the sheet as soon as you finish it. That way you review as you go and don't risk everything at the end.

How should I split the 70 minutes?

You have 70 minutes, but ideally you should finish reading in 60: about 12 minutes per task. The 10 minutes you save are gold, because you can use them to read and underline the listening questions, which are in the same booklet. The hard part of listening is hearing, thinking and answering at the same time; if you have already read the questions, it all goes much better.

Two more tips on order:

  • You can leave the task you find hardest until last (for many people it's Task 4). That way you don't lose motivation or time early on.
  • But don't leave a task half-done to jump to another and come back later: you lose focus. If you start a task, finish it.

Don't waste time reading the instructions or the example either: they are always the same. Walk into the exam already knowing what to do in each task.

Task 1: how do I match the people with the ads?

Six people explain what they are looking for or need, all on the same theme. You have to match each one with one of the ads. Each person goes with only one ad, and three ads don't go with anyone.

My method:

  1. Cross out the example ad so you don't read it.
  2. Read the ads first and underline what makes each one different. You can sum each one up in two or three words or a small symbol next to it.
  3. Read the first person and underline what they want, when, how and whether they set any condition.
  4. Go through all the ads with your notes and choose the one that meets everything they ask for.
  5. Repeat with each person, always checking all the ads again, including the ones you have already used, in case you got one wrong earlier.

Bear in mind that the person and their ad almost never use the same words: they use synonyms or similar expressions. And often a person seems to fit two ads, but only one meets all their conditions.

Timing: about 5 minutes to read and underline the ads, 6 to match the people (one minute each) and 1 to check and copy onto the answer sheet.

Task 2: how do I answer the questions on the long text?

An informative text of 400 to 450 words (often a biography or an article about something that happened) and six questions with three options.

My method: read the questions and their options first and underline the key words. Then read the text paragraph by paragraph and answer as you find each answer. The questions follow the order of the text and there is usually one answer per paragraph: if you already have 1 and 3, the answer to 2 is somewhere in between.

Watch out for distractors. The correct option says the same as the text, but in other words. The wrong ones often copy words from the text but change who did it, when, or the meaning of the verb. When you choose an option, also check why the other two don't work. And remember: an answer that is only half right is wrong.

Timing: about 3 minutes to read the questions, 7 to read the text and answer, and 2 to check and copy onto the sheet.

Task 3: how do I match the statements with the three texts?

Three people describe an experience on the same theme (work, studies, home, a trip…), so you'll see lots of past tenses. You have six statements and each one belongs to just one person.

My method: read the six statements first and underline what matters. Then read the first text, go back to the statements and mark the ones that fit that person. Do the same with the second and third texts.

Useful clues: each person has at least one statement, and it's rare for one person to have more than three. Often all three texts mention something similar, but only one answers the statement exactly. Look for the sentence that proves it; if you can't find it, it's not that person.

Timing: about 2 minutes for the statements, 8 for the three texts and 2 to check and copy onto the sheet.

Task 4: how do I put the fragments back into the text?

A text of 400 to 450 words with six gaps and eight fragments; two don't go anywhere. It's usually the task people find hardest, but it follows a clear logic.

My method:

  1. Read the eight fragments first and underline the grammar clues: pronouns (este, ella, lo, su…), verb endings that tell you who the subject is, connectors and discourse markers. Also notice whether the fragment starts with a capital letter or not.
  2. Write the main idea next to each fragment.
  3. Go gap by gap, reading what comes before and what comes after. The fragment has to fit both, not just the sentence before.
  4. Don't rule out a fragment just because you've already used it: if it was in the wrong place, you'll get two answers wrong. If you're torn between two, write both letters for now.
  5. At the end, read the whole text to check it makes sense. On the answer sheet, mark only one letter per gap.

For more on this, here is how to do the DELE fragments task.

Timing: about 4 minutes for the fragments, 6 to complete the text and 2 for the final read and the answer sheet.

Task 5: how do I fill the gaps in the letter?

A short text, usually a letter or email, with six gaps and three options for each. This task tests grammar: understanding the text helps, but what decides it is which form is correct.

My method: read the text first without looking at the options and think about what you would put in each gap. Often your first idea is the answer, and this stops the options from throwing you off. Then go gap by gap and choose. At the end, reread the whole text with your answers.

What to revise for this task: verbs with prepositions, indicative or subjunctive, contrasting past tenses, infinitive, gerund and past participle, direct and indirect object pronouns, possessives, question words and connectors.

Timing: about 2 minutes to read the text, 8 for the gaps and 2 to check and copy onto the sheet.

Which mistakes should I avoid?

  • Reading the instructions and the example in the exam. It's wasted time.
  • Choosing an option because it repeats words from the text or “sounds logical”. Choose the one the text actually supports.
  • Leaving questions blank. Wrong answers don't lose points.
  • Copying all your answers onto the sheet at the very end and running out of time.
  • Using a pen on the answer sheet. It has to be pencil.
  • Not practising against the clock. If each task takes you 20 minutes at home, you won't finish on the day.

To work on speed, this article can help: how to read faster and more effectively in the DELE.

Frequently asked questions about the DELE B1 reading paper

How many questions are there in the DELE B1 reading paper?

Thirty, six in each of the five tasks.

How long does it last?

70 minutes. I recommend finishing in 60 and using the remaining 10 to read the listening questions.

What score do I need to pass reading?

There is no minimum for reading alone. Reading and writing make up Group 1, and you need at least 30 out of 50 points across the two. Each paper is worth 25, so if one goes less well, the other can make up for it. The two groups, however, don't compensate for each other.

Do wrong answers lose points?

No. A wrong answer is worth the same as a blank one. Always answer.

Can I use a dictionary?

No. You can only use the exam materials, your pencil and an eraser.

Which task is the hardest?

It depends on the person, but Task 4 is the one people most often get stuck on. That's why I recommend leaving it until last and not going over its 12 minutes.

In short

  • 5 tasks, 30 questions, 70 minutes. All the tasks are worth the same.
  • About 12 minutes per task: finish in 60 and use the remaining 10 to read the listening questions.
  • Leave the hardest task until last, but never leave one half-done.
  • T1: ads first. T2 and T3: questions or statements first. T4: fragments first. T5: the text first, without looking at the options.
  • The right answer uses synonyms; be wary of words copied from the text.
  • Answer sheet in pencil, task by task, with nothing left blank.

If you want to prepare reading and the rest of the exam with a clear method, my DELE B1 course gives you strategies for each paper, commented examples, a community, a Q&A chat and group calls. If you'd rather practise on paper, there is my book on Amazon, with 4 up-to-date practice tests that simulate the exam. Not sure you're at B1? Take the level test. And if you'd like free resources and reminders before each exam session, sign up for the newsletter.

¡A por el DELE! 🇪🇸