On the DELE writing test answer sheet you must write with a black or blue pen that can't be erased: pencils, erasable pens and correction fluid or tape are not allowed. If you make a mistake, don't scribble over it: draw one clean horizontal line through the word, put it in brackets and write the correction next to it. And use capital letters only where they belong: writing everything in capitals can cost you marks. I explain it in detail as an examiner.

I also explain it in this video (in Spanish):

What can you write with in the DELE writing test?

On the writing test answer sheet you can only use a black or blue pen that can't be erased. Everything else is out:

  • Pencil: not allowed in the writing test.
  • Erasable pens: not allowed either.
  • Correction fluid or tape (Tipp-Ex, white tape or similar): not permitted.

It's different on the reading and listening answer sheets of the paper-based exam: there you mark your answers in pencil because they're marked by a machine that only detects graphite, not ink. In any case, always follow the instructions given at your exam centre.

I've made a mistake: how do I fix it?

What not to do

Don't scribble over it, making a blot on the word to hide it. It makes the text messy and harder for the examiner to read.

What to do

  • Draw one horizontal line through the word or sentence you want to remove, as neatly as possible.
  • Put that part in brackets to make it clear it shouldn't be marked.
  • Write the correction right after it, to the right.

What if I notice the mistake later?

You have two options:

  • Write the correction above the crossed-out word.
  • Add an asterisk or a number and write the correction in a footnote at the bottom of the page.

Can I write everything in capital letters?

I don't recommend it. Use capitals only where they're needed: at the start of a text, after a full stop and for proper names of people, cities, countries and so on.

If you write everything in capitals, the examiner can't tell whether you know the rules, and every time a word should start with a capital and it can't be distinguished, it may count as a mistake. If you really can't write lowercase letters, capitals are better than nothing, but ideally practise before the exam.

Watch out for the opposite too: some words take a capital in other languages but not in Spanish, like days of the week, months or nationalities. It's explained here: words you think take a capital but don't in Spanish.

Tips for a clean writing test

  • Make a draft and organise your ideas before copying the text onto the answer sheet. I explain how here: how to organise your ideas before writing in the DELE.
  • Bring several black or blue non-erasable pens to the exam.
  • Write clearly and leave space between paragraphs.
  • Save a few minutes to review and correct with a clean line and brackets.

To find out which mistakes cost you most, read the 5 mistakes that cost you most in the DELE writing test.

FAQ about the DELE answer sheet

Can I use a pencil in the DELE writing test?

No. In the writing test you must use a black or blue pen that can't be erased.

Can I use Tipp-Ex or correction fluid?

No. No kind of correction product is allowed on the answer sheet.

How do I cross out a word in the DELE?

With a clean horizontal line through it, putting it in brackets and writing the correction next to it, above it or in a footnote with an asterisk.

Do I lose marks for crossing things out?

Correcting a mistake neatly isn't a problem. What hurts you is a text full of blots that's hard to read.

What about reading and listening?

In the paper-based exam, those answers go in pencil on their own answer sheet, because they're marked by a machine that only detects graphite, not ink.

Summary

  • Writing test: black or blue non-erasable pen only.
  • No pencils, erasable pens or correction fluid.
  • If you make a mistake: a horizontal line, brackets and the correction next to it, above it or in a footnote.
  • Capital letters only where they belong.

Resources to prepare for the DELE

If you want to prepare the exam task by task, with my tips as an examiner and direct access to me for your questions, you'll find all my courses here: DELE preparation courses.

For free resources and reminders before each exam session, join the newsletter: recursos.aporeldele.com/boletin.

¡A por el DELE! 🇪🇸