Reading Comprehension DELE B2: Task Strategies

The reading comprehension test of the DELE B2 lasts 70 minutes and consists of 4 tasks. It is the first test of the exam and is part of Group 1 along with written expression. Here we explain each task with specific strategies to maximize your score.

Overview of the Test

You have 70 minutes to complete 4 tasks with a total of 36 items. This means approximately 17 minutes per task. The key is not to get stuck on a question: mark your best option and move on.

Task 1: Long Text with Multiple Choice Questions

What do they ask you?

Read an informative or argumentative text (600-700 words) and answer 6 multiple choice questions (a, b, c).

Strategies

• Read the questions first (not the options) to know what to look for in the text
• The questions follow the order of the text: the answer to question 1 is before that of question 2
• Look for paraphrases: the correct answer never uses the same words as the text, but rather synonyms or reformulations
• Eliminate trap options: they often use words from the text but with a different meaning

Task 2: Match Texts with Statements

What do they ask you?

Read 4 short texts (from different people expressing opinions on a topic) and match 10 statements with the corresponding text. Some texts may be associated with more than one statement.

Strategies

• Read the 4 texts first and note the main idea of each
• Identify each person's stance: in favor, against, neutral, with nuances?
• Look for meaning matches, not exact words
• If you doubt between two texts, reread the statement looking for the nuance that differentiates them

Task 3: Place Fragments in a Text

What do they ask you?

Read a text from which 6 fragments have been extracted and place them in their correct position. There is one extra fragment that acts as a distractor.

Strategies

• Pay attention to grammatical clues: pronouns, connectors, and agreements indicate which fragment fits
• Follow the thread of meaning: each fragment continues the previous idea and introduces the next one
• Start with the gaps you are sure about and leave the doubtful ones for last
• Reread the complete text with your answers to check that it flows coherently

Task 4: Gaps with Multiple Choice

What do they ask you?

Complete a text with 14 gaps choosing between three options (a, b, c) for each. Your command of vocabulary, grammar, and connectors is evaluated.

Strategies

• Read the complete sentence before choosing: the context defines the correct option
• Pay attention to grammar: prepositions, verb tenses, subjunctive, and agreement
• Watch for collocations: many options depend on which word usually accompanies another
• Do not leave gaps blank: there is no penalty for errors, so always mark your best option

Time Management

Allocate the 70 minutes according to the difficulty of each task, not equally. Tasks 1 and 2 usually require more reading; tasks 3 and 4 rely more on specific clues. Reserve the last 5 minutes to review and transfer your answers.

Reading comprehension improves by reading in Spanish daily. Combine practice with official models and consult our guide on how to pass the DELE B2 in 3 months for a complete plan.